Athens is a great base for day trips, whether you want ancient sites, sea and islands, or a taste of the mountains. Here are the best ones, with an honest note on which are worth the time.
Cape Sounion: sunset by the sea
The Temple of Poseidon stands on a cliff about 70 km south of the city, and sunset here is spectacular. It is an easy half-day, and you can pair it with a swim and a seafood dinner on the coast.
- Distance
- ~70 km
- Time
- Half day
- Best time
- Sunset
- Combine
- Seafood dinner
- Transport
- Tour or bus
- Crowds
- Peak at sunset
Island cruises
A day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina is a relaxed way to see the Saronic Gulf, with time for swimming and wandering. Hydra, with no cars, is the charming highlight.
The Peloponnese: Nafplio and Epidaurus
Nafplio is a pretty seaside town, and the ancient theatre at Epidaurus has remarkable acoustics. Mycenae, with the Lion Gate, adds the Bronze Age. A day tour covers these three, but it is a lot of driving.
A closer look at Delphi
Delphi was considered the centre of the world by the ancient Greeks. Pilgrims came to consult the oracle, who spoke on behalf of Apollo. The site climbs a steep hillside, with the Sacred Way leading past treasuries to the Temple of Apollo, and above that the theatre and the stadium. The museum has the bronze Charioteer, one of the greatest surviving ancient statues.
Allow three hours for the site and museum, and wear good shoes. The surrounding mountains make a beautiful setting, and nearby Arachova is a charming village for lunch. Most day tours leave early and return in the evening.
Which trip for which traveller
Do not try to do too many things. A day trip is long enough, and an overnight is better for more distant sites. In summer, start early and avoid the middle of the day for outdoor ruins.
- History lovers: Delphi, or Mycenae and Epidaurus.
- Beach seekers: a cruise to Hydra, Poros and Aegina.
- Sunset fans: Cape Sounion.
- Foodies: a Peloponnese wine and olive oil tour.
- Hikers and photographers: Meteora, on an overnight trip.
Practical tips for Greek day trips
Public transport to Delphi and Meteora is slow, so a tour or a hire car is usually better. If you hire a car, drive carefully on mountain roads, and carry a map. Tours include entry in some cases and exclude it in others, so read what is included.
Carry cash, since small cafés and some sites do not accept cards. Take sun protection and water, and check opening days. Plan some free time in Athens too, with our Acropolis guide and the Athens guide.
What about Meteora?
Watch out: Meteora, the monasteries on rock pillars, is about 4 to 5 hours each way from Athens, so a day trip is very long. Take the train and stay a night, or join a two-day tour.
See the Acropolis guide for the city sights, plan sunsets on Santorini, or browse the Athens guide.
Ready to go?
Find Athens day trips
Athens: your questions answered
What is the best day trip from Athens?
Delphi for history, or an island cruise for relaxation.
Can I do Meteora in a day?
It is possible but very long. Staying overnight is better.
Is Cape Sounion worth it?
Yes, especially at sunset.
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