Day Trips From Athens: Discover the Most Magical Destinations Near the Capital
Are you planning your trip to the Greek capital and searching for the best nearby destinations for day trips from Athens? You’ll be happy to know that numerous beautiful towns and islands close to Athens will make you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle, revealing the essence of Greece. So, we have compiled a list of the best day trips from Athens that will enchant every type of traveler. Let’s discover them!
Aegina
This island is alluring and boasts a unique retro charm, making it one of the best islands for day trips from Athens. Despite being close to the Greek capital (just over an hour away), Aegina offers many things to see and do. Wander the picturesque main town, dive deeper into the island’s history in the Archaeological Museum, and learn everything about its traditions in the Folklore Museum.
If you love archaeology, you should also visit the imposing ancient temple of Aphaia, which will captivate you with its unique beauty. Apart from being beautiful, this temple is also intriguing, as it forms an imaginary equilateral triangle with the Temple of Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio. For the ultimate sightseeing experience, we recommend staying in a hotel in Athens and going on trips to Aegina and Sounio. This way, you will discover three of Greece’s most important ancient temples while on vacation!
Trikala Korinthias
If you prefer mountain destinations, then Trikala Korinthias is your best bet! A patchwork of untouched landscapes, unparalleled views, and a scenic atmosphere, this village is great for thrill-seeking getaways or romantic day trips from Athens. It consists of three parts: Ano (Upper) Trikala, Kato (Lower) Trikala, and Mesea (Middle) Trikala, each of which has a unique beauty and offers many opportunities for exploration!
One of the best things about Trikala Korinthias is that it has managed to keep its authentic character and unspoiled charm despite touristic development. This means you can still immerse yourself in the authenticity of this traditional village. A great way to do so is to stay in one of its stone-made inns that draw you into another era. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Saint Vlasios Monastery, Dasios Lake, Mikri and Megali Ziria, and Flambouritsa Valley!
Livadia
Among the most beautiful towns on the Greek mainland, Livadia is one of those places that have managed to stay untouched by mass tourism and keep their authentic charm. Additionally, thanks to its proximity to the Greek capital (less than two hours away), Livadia is one of the top destinations for day trips from Athens!
Standing out for its traditional character, legendary taverns, and natural beauty, Livadia enchants visitors willing to explore it! One of the best spots in the town is arguably Kria Springs, formed by the Erkyna River. If you want to truly immerse yourself in Livadia’s natural beauty, we recommend first exploring the gorge located behind the springs and then relaxing at the café situated right above them to take in the scenery. Other things you should do while in Livadia include trying its souvlaki, visiting the Byzantine Castle of Livadia, and taking a stroll through the market!
Galaxidi
Galaxidi, one of the country’s lesser-known coastal villages, is a top destination for day trips from Athens, as it lies just two and a half hours from the Greek capital. Standing out for its retro charm, picturesque port, and traditional taverns, this postcard-perfect village will charm you with its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful architecture. One of the best things to do is meander through the streets of Galaxidi; you will come across some stone-made villas that will fascinate you -especially if you love retro architecture.
Besides admiring the village’s architecture, you should also visit Agios Nikolaos church, Agia Paraskevi church, Mamas Square, and Ksirolakas, take a stroll at the Hill of the School of Tourism Professions, and explore the fascinating exhibits of the Nautical Museum. After exploring the village and taking in the scenery, sit at one of the traditional seaside taverns to savor dishes that highlight local ingredients. It’s the best way to end your day trip!
Poros
Although tiny, Poros is an island brimming with beautiful places to visit and things to do! Thanks to its proximity to the Greek capital, this Saronic island is one of the best islands for day trips from Athens. But this is not the only reason you should visit Poros; its cute little taverns, beautiful beaches, neoclassical buildings, and picturesque port, where yachts from all over the world moor, are extra reasons why this island is so appealing to travelers!
From the moment you disembark from the ferry, you will realize that the time in Poros slows down, allowing you to adjust to the rhythms of the island. To immerse yourself in the magic of Poros, you should visit its beaches, stroll along the narrow streets of its main town, savor the panoramic sea view from the clock of Poros, which stands on a hill above the town, and try the local delicacies at seaside taverns. The beauty of this little Greek island will blow you away!
Whether you prefer islands or mainland towns, there are so many top destinations for day trips from Athens to choose from. But why limit yourself to just one destination when you can organize several getaways during your stay in the Greek capital?
