Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
8 Must-do day trips from Greece: Ancient history, islands, and natural wonders
Looking for escapes from Athens? We've got you covered with eight must-do day trips, including Delphi and island gems, plus key travel tips.
Athens offers a fulfilling Greek travel experience, with picturesque islands, ancient historical sites and temples. It’s also ideally situated for discovering other historically significant towns and the Greek islands. Remarkable archaeological sites, charming island towns, and beautiful coastal landscapes are easily accessible via bus, train, car, or ferry ride. Explore with us the eight best day trips from Athens, where we also share helpful tips – like staying connected with an eSIM for Greece – for stress-free travel.
Connect to the fastest networks
International eSIMs, local networks. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Holafly.
Dive deep into Greece’s ancient history: Day trips to archaeological sites
Several archaeological sites are easy to reach, making them great day trips from Athens. On a short day trip, you can explore monumental temples, legendary cities, and culturally significant sanctuaries, offering a glimpse into Greece’s ancient heritage. Let’s dive into three of our favourite sites:
1. Delphi
Journey time: Around 3 hours by car or bus
The amazing sanctuary of Delphi, once the center of the ancient world, is a must-see excursion from Athens. Explore the iconic Temple of Apollo, the impressive Treasury of the Athenians, and the ancient stadium. Be sure to visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum for a deeper understanding of the site’s history. The historical significance and stunning mountain setting make Delphi one of the most unforgettable things to do near Athens.
How to get from Athens to Delphi
The drive to Delphi takes approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic. Public buses depart regularly from the Liosion Bus Station and also take around 3 hours. Organized tours offer a convenient way to experience the site, often including transportation from your accommodation and a knowledgeable guide. For a scenic mini road trip with the opportunities for photo stops, renting a car is a great option.
2. Mycenae and Epidaurus
Journey time: Roughly 1.5-2 hours by car or bus
A day trip from Athens to Mycenae, the ancient home of Agamemnon, and the well-preserved theater of Epidaurus offers a glimpse into the roots of Western civilization. Wander through the Lion Gate at Mycenae and check out the incredible acoustics of the ancient theater in Epidaurus – a truly unique experience. If you’re a history buff, these sites are an absolute must.
How to get from Athens to Mycenae and Epidaurus
The drive to Mycenae or Epidaurus takes around 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic. Public buses to both locations are available from Athens’ Kifissos KTEL Bus Station. The bus journey to either Mycenae or Epidaurus takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. To visit both independently, travelers can utilize the KTEL Argolidas bus timetables to plan their routes and connections. Consider an organized tour that conveniently combines visits to both locations for a more convenient experience.
3. Sounion and the temple of Poseidon
Journey time: About 1-1.5 hours by car or bus
Just a short day trip from Athens, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion provides a great mix of ancient history and coastal panoramas. Explore the Temple of Poseidon, which overlooks the Aegean Sea, and enjoy a scenic drive along the beautiful Athenian Riviera. The sunset views from this location are particularly spectacular, making it a cherished Athens day trip.
How to get from Athens to Sounion and the temple of Poseidon
Reaching Sounion by car is usually a straightforward drive of around 1-1.5 hours. Public buses depart regularly from the KTEL Attikis station. Many locals and visitors also opt for organized tours, especially those that offer sunset tours.
Escape to the islands: Day trips to the Saronic Gulf islands
Trade the mainland history for a taste of island life with these easy island day trips from Athens to the Saronic Gulf islands, each with their own unique charm and appeal.
4. Aegina
Journey time: Approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour by ferry
Aegina, the closest island neighbor to Athens, boasts ancient history, delicious pistachios, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Discover the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia, wander through Aegina Town, and sample the locally grown pistachios. The island’s close proximity makes it a convenient Greek island day trip from Athens.
How to get from Athens to Aegina
Frequent ferries and swift hydrofoils make the crossing from Piraeus port quick and easy. Booking your tickets in advance is always a good idea, especially during the busier summer months.
5. Hydra
Journey time: Roughly 1.5-2 hours by ferry
Experience the peaceful, car-free and picturesque harbor town of Hydra – a truly distinctive island day trip from Athens. Enjoy calm strolls through the narrow streets and hop on a water taxi to discover secluded, beautiful beaches. The island’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture make for a memorable and relaxing escape from Athens.
How to get from Athens to Hydra
Regular ferries and hydrofoils from Blue Star Ferries, Alpha Lines, and Magic Sea Ferries depart from Piraeus port (Gate E8) to Hydra. Tickets are available online or at the port. The journey takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours, with frequent daily departures in peak season.
6. Poros
Journey time: About 1-1.5 hours by ferry
Poros, with its pine-covered hills and the narrow strait separating it from the Peloponnese mainland, offers romantic views and a serene escape for a relaxed Greek island day trip from Athens. Make your way up to the clock tower for panoramic views and explore the waterfront of Poros Town.
How to get from Athens to Poros
The trip from Piraeus port (usually departing from Gate E8) to Poros is made straightforward by frequent ferries and hydrofoils from companies like Hellenic Seaways and Alpha Lines. Enjoy the scenic journey, which lasts approximately 1-2.5 hours depending on the type of vessel. Tickets are readily available online or at the port.
Beyond the city: Day trips to coastal and natural wonders
For a change from the city sites, the region around Athens also offers unique coastal and natural attractions, perfect for diverse day trips from Athens.
7. Lake Vouliagmeni
Journey time: Approximately 30-45 minutes by car or public transport
Swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, a unique thermal spa lake offering a truly relaxing Athens day trip just a stone’s throw from the city. Enjoy a year-round swim in the lake’s therapeutic waters and take advantage of the available spa facilities. Its close proximity makes it an incredibly convenient escape for some well-deserved relaxation.
How to get from Athens to Lake Vouliagmeni
A quick 20-30 minute taxi ride offers a convenient way to reach the lake. For a more affordable option, public buses are efficient; take bus line 122 from Elliniko Metro or bus line A3 from Syntagma Square, with a journey time of about 40-60 minutes.
8. Marathon
Journey time: About 45 minutes-1 hour by car or bus
Visit the historical site of the legendary Battle of Marathon and unwind on the beautiful sandy beaches that line this coastal region, offering a blend of history and relaxation for a fulfilling day trip from Athens. Visit the Marathon Tomb and explore the Archaeological Museum of Marathon to learn about its significance. Afterwards, enjoy the beautiful beaches.
How to get from Athens to Marathon
Public buses operated by KTEL Attikis depart regularly from the KTEL Attikis station (located at Leoforos Mesogeion 294, Chalandri) for Marathon. You can reach the KTEL Attikis station by taking the Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) to the Doukissis Plakentias station, and then transferring to a local bus or taxi for the short ride to the terminal. The bus journey typically takes around 45-60 minutes.
Practical tips for day trips from Athens
Planning ahead ensures a smooth experience during your day trips from Athens. Here are some practical tips on transportation, timing, costs, using your phone in Greece, and what to bring on your day trips.
Transportation: Consider the ease and convenience of organized tours, especially for more distant destinations like Mycenae and Epidaurus. For budget-conscious travel, the public transport network is efficient. For mainland destinations, long-distance KTEL buses depart primarily from Kifissos KTEL Bus Station (Terminal A), reachable by bus line 051 from Omonia or the Blue Metro Line to Eleonas. For islands like Hydra and Poros, ferries and hydrofoils depart regularly from Piraeus Port (mainly Gate E8), accessible via the Green Metro Line. Schedules for KTEL buses can be found at the Kifissos terminal or sometimes online (e.g., KTEL Argolidas), while ferry schedules are best checked on the websites of companies like Blue Star Ferries or Hellenic Seaways.
Timings: Be mindful of potential traffic congestion in and around Athens, particularly during morning (roughly 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM) and evening (roughly 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) rush hours, which can affect travel to bus and ferry terminals. Be aware of the attractions’ site operating hours when planning schedules if you’re taking public transport. For example, the Temple of Poseidon’s opening hours are usually 9:30 AM to sunset, with sunset times varying throughout the year. The archaeological site of Epidaurus typically opens around 8:00 AM and can close as late as 8:00 PM during the peak summer months (April to October), with shorter hours during the winter season..
Costs: Factor in transportation costs: local bus/metro tickets (approximately $1.28 for a 90-minute “Athina Ticket” to reach transport hubs), KTEL bus tickets (vary by destination), and ferry/hydrofoil fares (check online for specific routes and companies). Don’t forget entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums (often around $10.70 – $21.40 per site). If renting a car, budget for fuel. Also, allocate funds for local food and souvenirs you might find during your day trips.
Packing: When thinking about what to pack for day trips in Greece, comfortable walking shoes are a must! Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle, and pack some snacks for the journey.
Booking ahead: It’s wise to book organized tours and ferry tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the high season, to secure your spot and potentially save time. Internet access is essential for navigation and information. Ensure your phone is ready for use in Athens and other parts of the region by purchasing an eSIM in Greece to make calls using mobile data via apps like WhatsApp.
Effortless connectivity for your day trips from Athens
Explore the countless amazing day trips from Athens, like Delphi, Aegina, and Sounion, without heavy data roaming charges and without losing touch with your loved ones. When you buy an eSIM for Greece, it provides you with reliable internet so you can navigate, find information, and stay connected with family and friends.
Holafly offers:
- Unlimited data at up to 5G speeds
- Easy setup in a matter of minutes
- 24/7 support
The Greece eSIM starts at $6.90 for one day, and reaches as low as $1.55/day for unlimited data.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out during your Greek adventure. Use local networks at local rates.
Plans that may interest you
I’m a communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the social justice sector. Eight years ago, I started working as a freelance content writer and strategist. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a mix of social enterprises, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate clients. I have lived and worked in Australia, Austria, Mexico, and Indonesia. I love crafting content that resonates across cultures and tells a meaningful story.
