To say they are quite famous here is a massive understatement! Its main pull is the upmarket harbor with several boutique shops and small hotels, plus a good selection of places to eat and drink. guidora Little did I know, pistachio trees have been cultivated on Aegina Island since the 1860s! Youll explore Poros for ~50 minutes before heading back to the boat for your final island of the day. Nevertheless, its a pleasant seaside town worth visiting if only for a relaxing break from a hectic city-sightseeing itinerary and for a taste of Greek small-town life. All Rights Reserved. Why worry about driving, transportation, or logistics when you dont have to? Book 2 day tour to both Delphi and Meteora here. You can get to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounio by bus fairly easily from Athens, which will give you the flexibility to travel at your own pace. Youll also get to try some of the local red wines, like Agiorgitiko, as well as international varieties grown in Greece, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. > By far a favorite day trip of mine! 
We recommend booking this day tour to save the hassle of getting back and forth from Athens. If its rainy or youd simply like to learn more, there are also two history museums the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and the Museum of Delphic Festivals to learn. You can DIY your trip or make it easier on yourself by booking this wonderful 2-day tour, which includes accommodation, all tours, and some meals. For four centuries in the second millennium BC, this kingdom was the most powerful in Greece, holding sway over the Argolid and influencing other Mycenaean cities. It also includes a local guide who can tell you all about the history of the places youre seeing (better than any guidebook or travel blog can, I promise!) , Read Next: The Perfect 2-Day Athens Itinerary for the First Time Visitor. For other common trails, see "Activities" on the park website, or contact EOS in Athens for current advice (the site is not well maintained). Although much of the islands architecture has been replaced with new apartment blocks, the blue-framed, whitewashed house belonging to the famous Greek poet Angelos Sikelinos nestled by the sea is indicative of its past, and a great place to watch the sunset. aegina From pebbly beaches one at the fishing village of Souvala in the north of the island with thermal hot springs that help rheumatic and dermatological problems to the 500 B.C. athens trips greece sounion meteora delphi sailing islands cape Its famous for not allowing any motorized vehicles on the island except the fire and refuse trucks. These poems were, until the 19th century, regarded as no more than gripping and beautiful legends. Despite being the smallest of the three, Poros is a volcanic little island filled with great beauty and lush, green vegetation. This forested island has a ton of wildlife and is perfect for a tranquil, midday siesta. Athens alfresco: street life in the Greek capital, A perfect day in Athens' port: a guide to Piraeus. Mid trip, a hearty Greek lunch will be provided, so make sure to eat your weight in grape leaves and traditional Greek cake (I sure did). Quite impressive if you ask me. Savatiano, a white variety thats native to Greece, is the most famous wine in the wine region near Athens and is produced in high numbers there. Its walls climb in zig-zags up a hill and measure almost 2 kilometers in length! Journey time is 15 minutes. Please and thank you!
Though not strictly in the Saronic chain of islands, it is still possible to spend a day here. Spetses is a perfect place for downtime, to come and relax and just be. Instead, follow along someone elses itinerary and just drink it all up and soak in that fresh Aegean air. If youre short on time, there is a One Day Cruise that allows you to take in three Greek islands Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in one day, and the price includes lunch on board plus Greek music.
The eclectic shopping scene in Athens has something for every taste, from flea markets to fashion boutiques to high-end homeware shops. Who am I kidding, how could anyone get tired of island hopping in Greece?! The second edition of Lonely Planets bestseller presents an all-new ranking of the greatest places to visit on Earth. How to get to Halkida:Halkida is an hours drive from Athens via the main motorway to Thessaloniki. The idyllic clifftop village on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, overlooking the endless olive groves that surround the sanctuary, is buzzing with taverns and souvenir shops catering to day trippers. Its often overlooked as a destination as it has a heavy shipbuilding industrial past, not a glitzy appeal but it shouldnt be. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5. How to get to Nafplio:Take the intercity bus from Athens Kifissos station to Nafplio. greece Ummyeah, basically nothing. Youre in luck; keep on reading for some fantastic additions to any Athens itinerary! Both will take you to the main sites in the Argolis area, but the first tour actually comes with an actual archaeologist as your guide, who can tell you all of the cool stories and theories surrounding these ruins. Please and thank you! Its imperative to feel comfortable and safe while traveling. As you enter the Port of Skala, the small blue-domed church of Agioi Anargyroi sits at the harbors edge ready to welcome you its the first thing youll notice about Agistri.
Little did I know, pistachio trees have been cultivated on Aegina Island since the 1860s! Cape Sounio is also known for epic sunsets (which, not gonna lie, is what sold me on adding the cape to my never-ending bucket list!). Without a visit to the ancient areas of Corinth, its hard to understand the fascinating story of this place. Fans of walking and hiking will enjoy the inland paths through archaeological ruins such as the Stone Lion, which, according to mythology, was sent down by the jealous gods to ravage the beauty of the island.
No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. athens trips greece delphi sounion meteora sailing islands cape Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, Im Jess. 2022 Lonely Planet. Athens is a city famous for its ancient and classical offeringsbut now it's home to the most important contemporary art museum in Greece. If youre considering a visit to any island thats recommended for hiking, note that spring and fall are better times for your visit, and hikes on these islands can be quite strenuous. travelawaits giannikos stratos Learn about the logistics here! width=750 height=500>, Plus, many of these day trips from Athens will be much quieter and less touristy than the city itself, giving you a chance to escape the crowds and observe a more authentic version of local Greek life. The tour will end at a locally-owned seafood tavern, While you can DIY this trip, there are also many agencies that offer day tours from Athens to Corinth. For a sophisticated Greek island day trip, Hydra is definitely the one you should choose. Mt Parnitha, about 25km north of Athens, comprises a number of smaller peaks, the highest of which is Karavola (4636ft/1413m), tall enough to get snow in winter. This delicious tour takes you to a few local wineries near Athens, and includes lunch in a delicious seaside tavern. A world-class city, Athensis crammed with attractions and entertainment that can fill weeks of any visitors time. There are many nature walks to be had, and youre bound to stumble across ancient antiquities, from the signposted monument of Kolones a circular 4th-century stone funeral monument to small stones with no indication of what they could be. I wont go too far in depth about Aegina, (since its covered it in the other section), but basically, its home to one of the most famous temples in Greece: Youll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Athens. You can also continue on bus 724 to the Parnitha Funitel, which takes visitors to the top of the mountain. Copyright 2022, A Passion and A Passport. about the history and traditions of the area. Located about two hours from Athens in the mountains of Central Greece lies Delphi, one of the most important historical areas in all of Greece (yup). Then, youll head to the former capital of Greece, Nafplio, where youll get to see the blend of Venetian, Greek, Ottoman, and Byzantine architecture and history. While the city itself has tons of restaurants and shops, your visit will truly feel special because of the ancient history that surrounds you! Greece is home to several unique red and white wine varieties, with names Ive never heard anywhere else! Lastly, we look at the Greek island of Kea. aegina Once you get to Cape Sounio, its all sun and sand! On the tour I recommended before, the guide will take you to a dedicated swimming spot where you can watch the sunset (swoooooon x 23436234). Numerous small museums, art galleries and boutique hotels, together with the ever-present yachts docked in the harbor, contribute to its classy aura and more than make up for the lack of beaches. matadornetwork Doric Temple of Aphaia Athena which, along with the Parthenon of Athens and Temple of Apollo at Delphi, makes up part of the Holy Triangle of Antiquity, to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Nektarios, one of the largest in the Balkan region, much awaits you when you come to the Saronic island of Aegina. Theres a reason why Aegina is on the itinerary of many sailing day trips from Athens (psst its gorgeous). Total trip time is about onehour one-way. Follow in their footsteps by visiting the Temple of Apollo, the Peribolos of Apollo, the ancient theater and other highlights.
Here, you can hang out by the water or explore the town, where youll find cobblestoned streets and adorable shops and Greek tavernas. (straight from Athens), but you can also get to Delphi by bus or car if youd rather DIY your own trip.
There are many caves and much wildlife, including red deer. Since youll be drinking alllll the wines and enjoying your life to the fullest (it is Greece afterall! And if youre looking for some ancient monasteries to explore, Meteorascalling your name. You might also like:How to spend a perfect day in AthensAthens alfresco: street life in the Greek capitalA perfect day in Athens' port: a guide to Piraeus, This article was first published July 2, 2019 and updated December 15, 2021. egina poros Here's where to sample it in Athens. Imagine the lavish cities of the ancient Greek civilization and youve got Corinth, one of the most rewarding Athens day trips for history and culture lovers! Always seek local advice before setting out.
Theres a reason why Aegina is on the itinerary of many sailing day trips from Athens (psst its gorgeous). ), I strongly recommend booking that tour. Here, you can find the famous Temple of Aphaia, which was an early rendition of the Parthenon. Book half day sunset tour to Cape Sounio hereor check out the additional options below: Filed Under: europe Tagged With: athens, greece, Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved. > how to make the most of it! width=750 height=500>. If its rainy or youd simply like to learn more, there are also two history museums the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and the Museum of Delphic Festivals to learn even more about the history and traditions of the area. ), definitely check out a sailing trip or two from Athens. , Corinth, or the famed Temple of Poseidon (all excellent choices). During a trip to Cape Sounio, you can lounge by the beach and frolic in the water, and also make a stop at the famed Temple of Poseidon, which is one of the most well-known temples in all of Greece. The aesthetically pleasing neoclassical style buildings of the town are an attraction in themselves, as is the Clock Tower sitting atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the town and surrounding Saronic Gulf. But if youre not that into history, Delphi has plenty of other things you can do The surroundings are full of charming, adorable towns to explore! The easiest way to explore is on the path (about a 45-minute walk) through Tatoi, the 15-sq-mile grounds (40 sq kms) of the former summer palace (closed); follow Tatoi Rd out of Varibobi and look for a small trail sign on the right. Most of Keas beaches are sandy, small, and secluded, so you wont have to worry about overcrowding. This idyllic island full of picturesque red tiled houses and narrow stone-paved streets is one Ill gladly revisit on my next trip to Greece. The capital is Ioulida, a place that bans cars, and the Medieval castle standing guard over the quaint village makes for an interesting visit. Book tour hereor check out the additional options below: Quite possibly one of the most famous sites in Greece (and one of the most popular day trips from Athens), Meteora is an area home to isolated, ancient monasteries that sit atop the most eerie rock formations ever vertical columns that seem to spring out of nowhere!
The Perfect 2-Day Athens Itinerary for the First Time Visitor, My (super-informative) Day Trip to Delphi, Sailing to the Saronic Islands from Athens. If you DIY this trip, you may have a harder time finding a spot to swim, but there are plenty of seaside restaurants where you can take in the sunset views! I wont go too far in depth about Aegina, (since its covered it in the other section), but basically, its home to one of the most famous temples in Greece: the Temple of Aphaia. Plenty of elegant boutique hotels, tasteful shops and small restaurants hidden in narrow alleys make Nafplio a hugely popular destination for a day hop or a longer stay. A stadium high on the hill, an ancient theater and Tholos (a circular temple, probably the most photographed landmark of the site) together with a small but significant museum, keep attracting the modern-day crowds. We recommend booking, to save the hassle of getting back and forth from Athens. Aeginas smaller neighbor, Agistri is only 10 minutes from its big sister, and despite the fact its only 5 square miles and has just over 1,100 permanent residents spread out across its four villages, Agistri makes a perfect quiet island day trip. There are also plenty of good, clean beaches nearby, as well as countless seaside restaurants where youll enjoy extremely fresh seafood, with far more variety than youll see in Athens. Theres no need to book in advance as departures are frequent. Home to legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece, the streets of Ancient Corinth were once trodden by the likes of Pausanias, Roman traveler, and St Paul, who taught the gospel of Christ here. Read Next: My (super-informative) Day Trip to Delphi. You can head back to Athens early or end your day at Epidaurus, which is a massive, ancient theater near Nafplio. The park is criss-crossed by hiking trails, with two large, full-featured hiking lodges. The excellent on-site museum puts everything into context. Book yourself a tour to. Built on the channel that separates the island of Evia from the mainland, and famous for the six-hourly change in the direction of the waters flow, Halkida cant claim the title of tourist magnet by any means. Poross harbor is what will draw your eye initially to the island as you sail in. Pro Tip: To get to Kea/Tzia, you take a one-hour ferry from the Port of Lavrion, located just over an hour from the center of Athens. Despite its small size (19 square miles), Poros offers several small sandy beaches to relax on, but if history is your thing, youll appreciate the smattering of churches across the island, many with ancient frescos and relics, the most visited being the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigis which also served as an orphanage to children born of men fighting the Greek Revolution of 1821. Headed to Greece and looking for the best day trips from Athens?! Northeast of Athens, Marathon is the site of one of the greatest battles in history and the place where the modern Athens Marathon commences, following the steps of Pheidippides, the legendary ancient courier who first ran the glorious route. Reach these beaches either by car or by taking the inter-island bus service. I hope youre not tired of exploring the Greek islands, because this is one of the best Athens day trips for a full day of island hopping! After you eat, you can sunbathe or snorkel in the waters nearby! During my recent trip to Greece, I visited Delphi on a. as well), so thats something to keep in mind as well if youve got 2 days to spare in Athens. Skala also has a clean, organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, making it a popular spot to hop off the ferry and spend the day relaxing before taking the evening ferry back to Athens. Take a bike tour around some of the beaches on the island (then relax later on). Luckily, day trips from Athens bring you to do exactly that: tasting delicious Greek wines along the Aegean Sea. Greece is home to several unique red and white wine varieties, with names Ive never heard anywhere else! It's popular for mountain biking as well. Not only do you get to explore three beautiful islands off the coast of Athens for a whole day, but youll get ample time to spend reading, relaxing, and whatever you may please on the way. Here, youll find some of Greeces most jaw-dropping archaeological sites, like the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of Athens, and the Theater of Delphi (all pretty remarkable if you ask me). Instead, follow along someone elses itinerary and just drink it all up and soak in that fresh Aegean air. Also called Tzia, the island is a Cycladic one with houses and churches and traditional farmhouses in earthy tones, not the blue and white of the other Cycladic islands.
But a number of other outstanding destinations are located within easy reach whether you travel by boat, public transport or with your own wheels. Its the local equivalent of Big Ben and a good place to take sunset pictures. World Heritagelisted Mycenae is synonymous with the names Homer and Schliemann. The harbors been rebuilt to resemble the architecture of its heyday in the 1800s when it was ruled by the Venetians, and you dont need to have a vast knowledge of architecture to appreciate the uniqueness of the houses and mansions here. Before exploring the archaeological site, head into the Ancient Mycenae Museum for context. Buy tickets online. Psst I like to join organized trips in order to leave the driving to someone else, especially when traveling solo. If youre DIY-ing your trip, you can go hiking as well, provided you have enough time for that (hint, you probably wont with just one day from Athens). There are plenty of historic and natural gems to explore on Aegina, and since its the longest stop, you should be able to hit the most iconic spots. From here, buses depart to Ancient Corinth (20 minutes). Famed American novelist Henry Miller was moved upon seeing Poros when he visited in 1939, stating, Coming into Poros gives the illusion of the deep dream. The fish market in Salamina, the islands chief city, is an interesting place to witness local life, whereas the local Archaeological Museum housed in a beautiful building that was the old elementary school showcases Salaminas historical past. matadornetwork Its absolutely worth a visit if youre in the area, even if you just snap a photo of this majestic fortress. Sounds like a relatively perfect day from Athens to me!
Check out the additional options below: I hope youre not tired of exploring the Greek islands, because this is one of the best Athens day trips for a full day of island hopping! Learn the difference between Kolonaki and Koukaki, Psyrri and Gazi, in this tour of central Athens most visited districts. Outside the picturesque Aegina Town, the Temple of Aphaia, which is among the countrys top ancient sites, and the villages of Agia Marina and Perdika are also worth a visit. The region also has some agreeable sandy beaches and numerous local wineries, many open to the public. , which includes accommodation, all tours, and some meals. takes you to a few local wineries near Athens, and includes lunch in a delicious seaside tavern. The ruins hold many remains of temples, homes, and government buildings, but quite possibly the most important is the Temple of Apollo, which still has a handful of standing columns. 17+ Incredible Things to do in Oia, Santorini: Iconic Blue Domes and Lots More! Your last and longest stop will be at Aegina, where youll have a whole 3 hours to wander around on foot. I know, they sound like amazing, faraway lands from some kind of storybook, but these are actual places that you can visit on a day trip to the Argolis area!
I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. The Saronic Islands lie in the Aegean Sea, known as the Saronic Gulf, between Athens and the northeast coast of the Peloponnese. These day tours from Athens are the perfect way to extend any Greece trip, and will surely add to your obsession with the country (it did for me). Greece has also re-opened its 200 or so outdoor archaeological sites as the lockdown restrictions slowly begin to ease. For this reason, an overnight stay is well worth it on this beautiful, verdant island. Aegina is one of the most important and famous islands for Greek ruins and history (oh so much history everywhere in this country!). Located at the entrance to the Peloponnese Peninsula, youll find ancient marvels located next to the shine and sparkle of modern-day Corinth. In either place, you can stop at a locally-owned Greek taverna to sample traditional Greek dishes that will make your mouth water with joy. Of course, the monasteries are amazing, but its really the combination of the strange landscape and the man-made structures on top of it that make Meteora so special. The forest was badly burned in 2007 but has rebounded well. However, if youd rather have your transportation organized or go with a local driver/guide, you can, book this half-day sunset tour from Athens. mysimpletravelsite To say they are quite famous here is a massive understatement!
Its one of the most interesting landmarks, and located ~4 kilometers east of the city. Its not so popular for its beaches, but there are plenty of good swimming platforms and rocks to swim from. Suddenly the land converges on all sides and the boat is squeezed into a narrow strait from which there is no egress. One could maintain that not much has changed since then. athens trips greece meteora delphi sounion sailing islands cape , you can try white wines like Assyrtiko, Malagousia, and Savatiano. In addition to maintaining her own website, Life Beyond Borders, she is also a guidebook updater for Rough Guides -- updating editions of Rough Guides to Greece and the Greek Islands, as well as Portugal. From ancient ruins to island beaches, these day trips from Athens are well worth considering. ), I strongly recommend booking that tour. With its elegant restored mansions dating to the Venetian era, Spetses has a distinctly vintage feel to it. The picturesque island of Aegina gets packed with Athenians on summer weekends leoks / Shutterstock, The 9 best day trips from Athens for beaches, ruins and culture. (Who am I kidding, how could anyone get tired of island hopping in Greece?!) We start with Salamis, the nearest island to Athens at just 12 miles away from the small Port of Perama, very near the main Athenian Port of Piraeus. If youre interested in visiting both Delphi and Meteora (highly, highly recommended), you can combine the two into one 2-day tour instead of going back and forth on separate day tours from Athens (now thatd just be silly). Due to its relaxed vibe and the fact its so aesthetically pleasing, Hydra has attracted many artists, both Greek and international the most famous being the late Leonard Cohen who bought a home there and penned Bird on a Wire.. How to get to Delphi:Take the KTEL intercity bus from Athens Liosion station to Delphi. athens trips greece meteora delphi sounion sailing islands cape Since youll have to move around quite a bit to fit everything in one day, I recommend taking a tour like. Its also accessible by intercity bus from Athens terminal station or by train from Athens central station. Total trip time is around onehour and 45 minutes. It also includes a local guide who can tell you all about the history of the places youre seeing (better than any guidebook or travel blog can, I promise! Both will take you to the main sites in the Argolis area, but the first tour actually comes with an actual archaeologist as your guide, who can tell you all of the cool stories and theories surrounding these ruins.
