Most visitors to Athens spend 2-3 days in the city itself, then wonder what to do next. The answer is almost always: get out of Athens. The Attic peninsula, the Saronic Gulf islands, and the northeastern Peloponnese are packed with destinations that make excellent day trips -- some world-famous, others barely known outside Greece.

This guide covers every worthwhile day trip from Athens, with honest assessments of travel time, what to expect, and who each trip suits best.

Archaeological & Historical Sites

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Distance: 70 km (1-1.5 hours) | Best for: Sunset, photography, romance

The Temple of Poseidon stands on a cliff 60 metres above the Aegean, with views across the sea to the islands. It's the most dramatically positioned ancient temple in Greece. The drive along the Athens Riviera coast is part of the experience. Go in late afternoon and stay for sunset.

Who it suits: Everyone. First-timers, history lovers, couples, photographers.

Delphi

Distance: 180 km (2.5 hours) | Best for: Ancient history, mountain scenery

The ancient Greeks considered Delphi the centre of the world. The sanctuary of Apollo climbs a mountainside with views over an olive-filled valley to the sea. The archaeological museum is one of Greece's best. A long but rewarding day trip, or better as an overnight with a stop in Arachova.

Who it suits: History enthusiasts, anyone doing Greece's greatest hits.

Mycenae and Nafplio

Distance: 120 km to Mycenae (1.5-2 hours) | Best for: Bronze Age history, charming towns

The citadel of Agamemnon -- Lion Gate, tholos tombs, Cyclopean walls -- followed by lunch in Nafplio, the most beautiful small town in the Peloponnese. This combination is the best full-day trip from Athens if you want both ancient ruins and a pleasant town to explore.

Who it suits: History lovers, couples, anyone wanting a taste of the Peloponnese.

Epidaurus

Distance: 130 km (2 hours) | Best for: Ancient theatre, acoustics

The ancient theatre at Epidaurus is the best-preserved in Greece, famous for its extraordinary acoustics -- a coin dropped at centre stage can be heard in the back row. The wider sanctuary of Asklepios (god of healing) is also worth exploring. Combine with Nafplio, 30 minutes away.

Who it suits: Theatre lovers, history enthusiasts, anyone visiting the Argolid.

Ancient Corinth

Distance: 80 km (1 hour) | Best for: Roman history, the Corinth Canal

The ruins of ancient Corinth sit below the imposing fortress of Acrocorinth. The site is heavily Roman rather than Classical Greek, with an excellent museum. Stop at the Corinth Canal on the way -- a dramatic 6km cut through solid rock. An easy half-day trip.

Who it suits: History buffs, anyone driving to/from the Peloponnese.

Eleusis

Distance: 22 km (30-40 minutes) | Best for: Mystery cults, off-beat history

Site of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most important secret religious rites of the ancient world. The setting amid industrial Elefsina is jarring but somehow appropriate. The new museum (opened 2023/2024) is excellent. A short, rewarding trip for anyone interested in the stranger corners of ancient religion.

Who it suits: History enthusiasts, those who've already done the main sites.

Brauron (Vravrona)

Distance: 38 km (40 minutes) | Best for: Women's history, quiet ruins

An important sanctuary of Artemis where young Athenian girls performed coming-of-age rituals. Small, peaceful, and rarely visited. The museum's votive offerings give a rare glimpse into women's lives in ancient Athens.

Who it suits: Niche history interests, anyone wanting a quiet archaeological experience.

Marathon

Distance: 42 km (45 minutes) | Best for: Military history, running enthusiasts

The battlefield where 10,000 Athenians defeated the Persian army in 490 BC. The burial mound of the Athenian dead is the centrepiece. Combine with Schinias Beach for a history-and-beach day.

Who it suits: Military history enthusiasts, marathon runners on pilgrimage.

Islands

Hydra

Distance: 1.5-2 hours by ferry from Piraeus | Best for: Car-free charm, art, walking

No cars, no motorcycles -- just donkeys, water taxis, and your feet. Hydra's harbour is one of the most photogenic in Greece. Walk the coastal paths, swim from rocks, eat at harbourside tavernas. The most popular island day trip from Athens for good reason.

Who it suits: Everyone. Especially couples, photographers, walkers.

Aegina

Distance: 40 minutes by ferry | Best for: Quick island escape, Temple of Aphaia

The closest island worth visiting from Athens. The Temple of Aphaia is one of the best-preserved in Greece, set on a pine-covered hilltop with sea views. Aegina town has a fish market, pistachios (the island's specialty), and waterfront cafes.

Who it suits: Anyone with limited time who wants an island experience.

Poros

Distance: 1 hour by hydrofoil | Best for: Relaxed island atmosphere

A gentle, pretty island separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow channel. The clock tower viewpoint, lemon groves, and seaside tavernas make for a laid-back day. Less dramatic than Hydra, more relaxed.

Who it suits: Families, anyone wanting a quiet island day.

Agistri

Distance: 55 minutes by ferry | Best for: Beach day, pine forests

A tiny island near Aegina with some of the clearest water in the Saronic Gulf. Pine trees come down to the beach, the pace is slow, and it feels more remote than its proximity to Athens suggests. Best in late spring or early autumn.

Who it suits: Beach lovers, those seeking quiet and simplicity.

Spetses

Distance: 2.5 hours by hydrofoil | Best for: Elegant island architecture, cycling

The furthest Saronic island reachable as a day trip (just). Horse-drawn carriages, neoclassical mansions, pine-backed beaches. More upscale than the other Saronic islands. Better as an overnight, but doable in a day if you take the early ferry.

Who it suits: Architecture lovers, cyclists, those wanting something more refined.

Three-Island Cruise (Hydra, Poros, Aegina)

Best for: Seeing multiple islands in one day with no planning

Organised cruises visiting all three islands with lunch included. You get about an hour on each island -- enough for a quick look, not enough for proper exploration. Convenient but superficial. Better to visit one island properly, but works if time is very limited.

Who it suits: First-timers with one day available for islands.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

Athens Riviera

Distance: 15-40 km | Best for: Beach day, seaside dining

The stretch of coast from Glyfada to Sounion. Organised beaches, seaside restaurants, and swimming within 30-45 minutes of central Athens. Not a wilderness beach experience -- this is urban coastline -- but convenient and enjoyable.

Who it suits: Anyone wanting a beach day without a big commitment.

Schinias Beach

Distance: 42 km (45 minutes) | Best for: Natural beach, windsurfing

The best natural beach near Athens. A long, pine-backed strand in a protected national park. Shallow water, good for families. Watersports available. Combine with Marathon battlefield.

Who it suits: Beach lovers, families, windsurfers.

Lake Vouliagmeni

Distance: 25 km (30 minutes) | Best for: Thermal swimming, relaxation

A small, stunning thermal lake fed by underground springs. Year-round warm water (24C), mineral-rich, surrounded by cliffs. Entry fee includes loungers. More spa experience than beach day. Works in any season.

Who it suits: Anyone wanting easy relaxation near Athens. Good for couples, solo visitors.

Mount Parnitha

Distance: 35 km (45 minutes) | Best for: Serious hiking, nature, cool escape

The highest mountain near Athens (1,413m), with dense fir forests, wildlife, and a national park. The cable car takes you to 1,000m. Full-day hiking, mountain refuges, and genuinely wild terrain. 10C cooler than the city in summer.

Who it suits: Hikers, nature lovers, anyone escaping the heat.

Mount Hymettus

Distance: 10-15 km (20 minutes) | Best for: City views, sunset walks, quick nature escape

The mountain on Athens' doorstep. Start hiking from the Kaisariani Monastery (11th-century Byzantine, worth visiting in its own right). Open, scrubby terrain with panoramic views of Athens and the sea. Famous for wild thyme and Hymettus honey.

Who it suits: Walkers wanting a quick nature fix. Sunset enthusiasts.

Mount Penteli

Distance: 20 km (25 minutes) | Best for: Forest walks, ancient marble quarries

The mountain that supplied the marble for the Parthenon. Forested trails, a 17th-century monastery, and ancient quarry faces with 2,500-year-old tool marks. A unique combination of nature and history.

Who it suits: Hikers interested in history, photographers, families.

Tatoi Palace and Forest

Distance: 25 km (30 minutes) | Best for: Forest walks, modern Greek history

The abandoned summer residence of the Greek royal family, set in old-growth forest at the foot of Parnitha. The decaying palace and overgrown gardens create an atmospheric, melancholy walk. The royal cemetery is in a clearing among pines.

Who it suits: History enthusiasts, photographers, dog walkers, anyone wanting a shaded walk.

Canyoning

Distance: 40-120 km | Best for: Adventure, adrenaline

Rappelling down waterfalls, sliding through gorges, jumping into natural pools. Several canyons within 1-2 hours of Athens. Guided trips provide all equipment and instruction. No experience needed for beginner trips. Best in spring when rivers are flowing.

Who it suits: Adventure seekers, active travellers, anyone wanting something different.

Food, Wine & Culture

Athens Food Tours

Distance: Within Athens | Best for: Greek food culture, markets, street food

Guided walking tours through Athens' food neighbourhoods -- the Central Market, Psyrri, Monastiraki, Exarchia. Taste local cheeses, cured meats, pastries, olive oil, and wine. The best way to understand Greek food beyond the tourist restaurants.

Who it suits: Food lovers, solo travellers wanting company, anyone new to Greek cuisine.

Nemea Wine Region

Distance: 120 km (1.5 hours) | Best for: Wine tasting, vineyard visits

Greece's most important red wine region, home to Agiorgitiko -- a versatile red grape producing everything from light roses to full-bodied reds. Several wineries welcome visitors. The ancient site of Nemea (Temple of Zeus, stadium) adds a historical dimension.

Who it suits: Wine enthusiasts, foodies, history lovers wanting a different Peloponnese experience.

Wine Tasting Near Athens

Distance: 20-60 km | Best for: Accessible wine experiences

Wineries in the Attica region (Mesogaia plain) offer tastings much closer to Athens than Nemea. Smaller operations, Savatiano and Malagousia grapes. Works as a half-day trip.

Who it suits: Wine-curious visitors with limited time.

Further Afield

Meteora

Distance: 360 km (4-4.5 hours) | Best for: Monasteries on rock pillars, dramatic scenery

Monasteries perched on impossible sandstone towers -- one of Greece's most extraordinary sights. It's a very long day trip (4+ hours each way) and really deserves an overnight stay. But if one day is all you have, organised day trips run from Athens with early morning departure.

Who it suits: Anyone visiting Greece who has time. One of the country's must-sees.

Monemvasia

Distance: 300 km (3.5 hours) | Best for: Medieval town, dramatic setting

A fortified medieval town hidden behind a massive rock, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Stunning architecture, sea views, and a sense of discovery. Too far for a comfortable day trip -- plan an overnight stay. Worth it.

Who it suits: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, romantics.

Arachova and Mount Parnassus

Distance: 160 km (2 hours) | Best for: Mountain village, skiing (winter), hiking (spring-autumn)

A handsome stone village at 950m on the slopes of Parnassus. In winter, it's the base for Greece's main ski centre. In other seasons, it's a base for mountain hiking. Good food, mountain atmosphere. Often combined with Delphi (10 minutes away).

Who it suits: Mountain lovers, skiers, anyone visiting Delphi.

Practical Planning

By Season

Spring (April-May): The best all-round season. Everything is accessible, temperatures are perfect, landscapes are green.

Summer (June-August): Focus on islands, beaches, and water. Avoid exposed archaeological sites at midday.

Autumn (September-October): Second-best season. Good for everything, especially wine country and hiking.

Winter (December-February): Food tours, towns, Arachova for skiing, thermal springs. Some mountain roads may close.

For detailed seasonal recommendations, see our full seasonal guide.

With Kids

The best family day trips are: Aegina (easy ferry, beaches, temple), Athens Riviera (beaches), Lake Vouliagmeni (safe swimming), Schinias Beach (shallow water, pine shade), and the Saronic Islands cruise (keeps kids entertained).

On a Budget

The cheapest day trips are the ones that don't require a tour or ferry: Mount Hymettus (free, 20 minutes away), Mount Penteli (free), Tatoi Palace (free), Eleusis (4 EUR entry), and Cape Sounion by KTEL bus (6-7 EUR each way).

Without a Car

Islands (ferry from Piraeus), Delphi (KTEL bus), Cape Sounion (KTEL bus), Hymettus (city bus), and organised tours (Meteora, Mycenae/Nafplio, Delphi) all work without a car.

Athens offers over 30 excellent day trips spanning ancient ruins, islands, mountains, beaches, and food experiences. Most are within 1-2 hours of the city. The hardest part is choosing.