Athens is incredible, but Greece’s real magic often lies beyond the capital. Within a few hours, you can explore ancient oracle sites, clifftop monasteries, idyllic islands, and medieval villages.
Here are the best day trips from Athens — organized by how far you’re willing to travel.
Quick Overview#
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Sounion | 70 km | 1 hour | Sunset, temple |
| Delphi | 180 km | 2.5 hours | History, culture |
| Meteora | 350 km | 4 hours | Monasteries, views |
| Hydra | 65 km (ferry) | 2 hours | Island escape |
| Aegina | 27 km (ferry) | 1 hour | Quick island trip |
| Nafplio | 140 km | 2 hours | Charming town |
| Mycenae | 120 km | 1.5 hours | Ancient ruins |
| Epidaurus | 130 km | 2 hours | Ancient theater |
Within 2 Hours of Athens#
1. Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon#
The most accessible day trip from Athens — and one of the most stunning, especially at sunset.
Why go: The Temple of Poseidon perched on cliffs above the Aegean. The sunset here is legendary.
Getting there:
- Tour: 4-5 hours, ~€50-60, includes transport and guide
- Bus: KTEL bus from Mavromateon terminal, ~€6.50 each way
- Car: 1 hour via coastal road (scenic) or highway (faster)
Best time: Afternoon departure for sunset (check sunset times)
Cape Sounion Sunset Tour from Athens
Visit the Temple of Poseidon at sunset with pick-up from central Athens. Watch the sun sink into the Aegean from one of Greece’s most dramatic viewpoints. Half-day tour, perfect for evenings.
2. Aegina Island#
The closest island to Athens — perfect for a quick escape without committing to a full day.
Why go: Island vibes, pistachios (Aegina’s famous for them), Temple of Aphaia, seafood lunch
Getting there:
- Ferry: 1 hour from Piraeus (regular ferry) or 40 min (hydrofoil)
- Price: €8-15 each way depending on speed
- Tours: Combined Aegina + other islands available
Best for: Those wanting a beach day without a long trip
3. Nafplio#
Greece’s most romantic town — a Venetian gem with cobblestone streets, fortresses, and seaside charm.
Why go: Beautiful old town, Palamidi Fortress (999 steps!), great restaurants, no mass tourism
Getting there:
- Tour: Full day ~€70-90, often combined with Mycenae/Epidaurus
- Bus: KTEL bus, ~2 hours, €15 each way
- Car: 1.5-2 hours via highway
Best for: Romantic couples, photography lovers, escaping the Athens heat
4. Mycenae & Ancient Argolis#
Step into Bronze Age Greece at one of civilization’s oldest cities.
Why go: Lion Gate, Treasury of Atreus, the ruins of Agamemnon’s palace — these are 3,400+ years old
Getting there:
- Tour: Often combined with Nafplio and/or Epidaurus, full day €70-100
- Car: 1.5 hours, allows flexibility to combine sites
Best for: History enthusiasts, fans of Greek mythology
5. Epidaurus Ancient Theater#
The world’s best-preserved ancient theater with legendary acoustics — you can hear a pin drop from any seat.
Why go: Test the acoustics yourself, beautiful setting, often combined with swimming at nearby beaches
Getting there:
- Tour: Usually combined with Mycenae or Nafplio
- Car: 2 hours, scenic drive through the Argolic Gulf
Summer special: Greek dramas are performed here June-August. Check Athens & Epidaurus Festival schedule.
2-4 Hours from Athens#
6. Delphi (The Must-Do)#
The ancient Greeks considered Delphi the center of the world. Once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Why go: Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, stadium, incredible mountain setting, museum with the Charioteer
Getting there:
- Tour: Full day €80-100, includes transport, guide, and sometimes lunch
- Bus: KTEL bus, 3 hours, ~€17 each way
- Car: 2.5 hours via highway
Time needed: 4-5 hours at the site minimum
Delphi Full-Day Tour from Athens
Visit the Oracle of Delphi with an expert archaeologist guide. Explore the Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, and world-class museum. Lunch included at a traditional taverna in Arachova village.
7. Hydra Island#
The chicest of the Greek islands — car-free, donkey-powered, and timelessly beautiful.
Why go: No cars or motorbikes (only donkeys and boats), beautiful harbor, artist community, upscale vibe
Getting there:
- Hydrofoil: 1.5-2 hours from Piraeus, €30-35 each way
- Day cruise: Combined Hydra-Poros-Aegina tours available (~€110)
Best for: Those wanting a car-free island experience, Instagram moments
8. Three Islands Cruise (Aegina, Poros, Hydra)#
See three islands in one day with a organized cruise.
What’s included:
- Ferry transport between islands
- 1-2 hours on each island
- Usually lunch on board
- Optional guided tours at each stop
Getting there:
- Cruises depart from Piraeus or Trokadero marina
- Full day (7 AM - 8 PM typically)
- Prices: €95-130
Athens: Saronic Islands Day Cruise with Lunch
Visit Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in one day. Includes buffet lunch, live music on board, and free time on each island. Optional tours and swimming stops available.
9. Corinth Canal & Ancient Corinth#
Two experiences in one: modern engineering marvel plus ancient city.
Why go: Walk above the narrow Corinth Canal (great photos), then explore the ruins where St. Paul preached
Getting there:
- Tour: Often combined with Mycenae or Nafplio
- Car: 1 hour to canal, then 15 min to ancient site
Best for: Those heading to the Peloponnese who want a stop
Further Day Trips (4+ Hours)#
10. Meteora (The Spectacular One)#
Monasteries built on impossible rock pillars. The most dramatic landscape in Greece.
Why go: Six cliff-top monasteries, surreal rock formations, spiritual atmosphere, photos like nowhere else
Getting there:
- Tour: Long day (12-14 hours), €80-120, worth it for convenience
- Train: 4 hours to Kalambaka, explore on your own
- Car: 4 hours, allows overnight stay (recommended)
Reality check: This is a long day trip — 8+ hours of driving. Consider an overnight stay in Kalambaka to fully experience it.
Meteora Full-Day Trip from Athens
Visit two monasteries perched on dramatic rock pillars. Full-day tour includes comfortable transport, expert guide, and free time for photos. Long day but unforgettable experience.
11. Olympia#
Birthplace of the Olympic Games — one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites.
Why go: Ancient stadium, Temple of Zeus, museum with Hermes of Praxiteles, run in the original Olympic track
Getting there:
- Tour: Very long day trip (12+ hours), less common
- Car: 3.5-4 hours each way
- Recommendation: Make it an overnight trip
12. Monemvasia#
A medieval castle town hidden behind a massive rock — Greece’s Gibraltar.
Why go: Byzantine churches, cobbled paths, car-free old town, romantic atmosphere
Getting there:
- 3.5-4 hours by car
- Too far for a comfortable day trip — overnight recommended
- Combine with Mystras for a Peloponnese road trip
Day Trips Without a Car#
By Organized Tour (Easiest)#
- Delphi, Meteora, Cape Sounion, Nafplio/Mycenae/Epidaurus circuits
- Hotel pickup, guide, everything handled
- Best for: Solo travelers, those short on time
By KTEL Bus#
- Delphi, Nafplio, Corinth — all served by reliable buses
- Cheaper but requires more planning
- Best for: Budget travelers, independent types
By Ferry#
- Aegina, Hydra, Poros — easy to DIY
- Frequent service from Piraeus
- Best for: Island lovers, flexible schedules
Choosing Your Day Trip#
You Have Only One Day Outside Athens#
Choose: Delphi or Cape Sounion (sunset)
Delphi offers the most significant historical experience. Sounion is shorter and works perfectly if you only have an afternoon.
You Want an Island Escape#
Choose: Hydra (upscale) or Aegina (quick and easy)
For variety, the Three Islands cruise covers more ground.
You’re Into Ancient History#
Choose: Delphi or Mycenae-Epidaurus combo
Delphi is more dramatic; Mycenae is older and connects to Greek mythology.
You Want Mind-Blowing Photos#
Choose: Meteora (if you can handle the drive) or Hydra (easier)
Meteora is once-in-a-lifetime scenery. Hydra is effortlessly photogenic.
You’re Traveling by Public Transport#
Choose: Cape Sounion, Aegina, or Delphi
All have straightforward bus/ferry connections without needing a car.
Day Trip Tips#
Start early — Most tours depart 7-8 AM. The early start is worth it.
Book ahead in summer — Popular tours sell out, especially Meteora and Delphi.
Bring layers — Mountain sites like Delphi and Meteora are cooler than Athens.
Wear comfortable shoes — All archaeological sites involve uneven ground.
Consider overnights — Meteora, Olympia, and Nafplio deserve more than a rushed day trip.
Download offline maps — If driving or doing DIY trips.
The Bottom Line#
First-timers with limited time: Book a Delphi tour — it’s the quintessential Greek experience outside Athens.
Island lovers: Hop on a ferry to Hydra for a car-free escape.
Sunset seekers: Cape Sounion for an easy half-day trip with unforgettable views.
Adventure seekers: Meteora is worth the long day for landscape that exists nowhere else on Earth.
Want more Athens activities? Check out our Acropolis tour guide and sunset cruise options.
