Athens is one of my favorite cities in the world, but sometimes you just need a break from city streets and endless souvlaki options. That’s where day trips come in. Greece is ridiculously spoiled with history, ruins, islands, and coastline views all within reach, and lucky for you, I’ve actually done every single trip on this list. So when I say these are worth your time, I really mean it.

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Athens, Greece, this list is the real deal. I’ve done them all, and only the truly unforgettable ones made the cut. Some will have you standing where ancient oracles once whispered to kings, others will have you sipping wine in seaside towns, and a few involve hopping on ferries to islands that feel like mini vacations of their own.

I’m offering up a mix of history packed land tours and even some island escapes. Consider this your cheat sheet to making the most of Athens without actually moving there (though, honestly, I’ve thought about it more than once).

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Land Tours (History, Ruins, Mountains)

As a certified history nerd myself, this is the part that made me fall head over sandals in love with Greece. Athens alone is a walking museum, but some of the most jaw dropping ruins, temples, and myths come alive just a few hours outside the capital.

If you’re planning day trips from Athens, Greece, these land tours are where history buffs and mythology stans hit the jackpot. I’ve included crumbling theaters that might’ve inspired Socrates to throw shade, sacred sites where kings begged oracles for answers, and monasteries on top of mountains that feel more epic than anything you sat through in high school world history.

Delphi

Why Go:

Delphi was the first day trip I ever did in Greece, way back in 2021, and it’s still burned into my memory. I’d been obsessed with the place ever since a college art history class introduced me to the bronze Charioteer of Delphi (yes, I’m the kind of nerd who spirals into a research rabbit hole after one lecture).

Finally standing there, surrounded by mountains and ruins that people trekked to over 2,000 years ago for the wisdom of the Oracle, felt surreal. If you’re even remotely interested in ancient Greece, this should be the number one pick on your list of day trips from Athens, Greece.

History:

Delphi was the religious sanctuary of ancient Greece, dedicated to Apollo and home to the legendary Oracle of Delphi. Pilgrims traveled from across the Greek world to ask the priestess Pythia for advice before wars, new colonies, and other major moves. The site also hosted the Pythian Games, second only to the Olympics.

Mythology says Zeus marked Delphi as the “navel of the world” after two eagles he sent from opposite ends of the earth met there. Over the centuries, it flourished as a pan-Hellenic sanctuary, declined with the rise of Christianity, and was buried under a village until archaeologists uncovered it in the 1800s.

Highlights:

• The Temple of Apollo: Where ancient pilgrims asked the Oracle for advice (the answers were always vague enough to apply to literally anything).
• The Ancient Theater: It has mountain views that are so stunning, it almost distracted me from making it back to the bus on time.
• The Delphi Archaeological Museum: Home to the legendary Charioteer statue that sent me down this whole rabbit hole in the first place, plus tons of other fascinating artifacts from the ancient site.

Pro Tip:

Delphi is about 2.5 hours from Athens, so plan for a full day and wear solid walking shoes. You’ll be trekking up and down uneven stone paths. Bring water, sunscreen, and a little patience if you’re going in summer because the sun slaps.

Also, book a guided tour if you can. Having someone explain the myths and history while you’re standing onsite adds a whole other layer of appreciation.

Mycenae

Why Go:

I actually ended up at Mycenae by surprise, courtesy of my ex (who was a tour guide, historian, and archaeologist… the trifecta). I had zero expectations of visiting, but was surprised when my ex took me on a date here. We had bonded over a shared fascination of ancient Greece, so we loaded up in his little blue car and made our way to the ancient walls.

The second I saw those massive Cyclopean walls, I was floored. Standing inside the Tomb of Agamemnon (even though historians argue it probably belonged to someone else, since Agamemnon wasn’t even real) I couldn’t stop thinking how this is three thousand years old, and people once believed giants built this place. Which I would believe honestly, those bricks alone are absolute units.

Out of all the day trips from Athens, Greece, Mycenae was the one that left me staring like I’d just walked into a Homeric fever dream.

History/Mythology:

Mycenae was a dominant force of the Bronze Age, ruling the Greek world from around 1600 to 1100 BC. According to myth, Perseus (the Medusa slayer) founded the city, then called in Cyclopes to build its giant walls… because how else do you move 120 ton stones uphill?

Later, Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, supposedly led the Greeks to war against Troy from this city. The line between history and legend is blurry here, but archaeologists have uncovered palaces, tholos tombs, and golden artifacts so rich Homer wasn’t exaggerating when he called the city “rich in gold”.

When the civilization collapsed around 1200 BC, Mycenae slipped into ruin and eventually into legend, inspiring epic poetry, mythology, and generations of wide eyed travelers.

Highlights:

• Lion Gate: The iconic entrance, complete with stone lions guarding the citadel. Although someone cut off and stole their heads at some point in time. Lame.
• Cyclopean Walls: Towering fortifications so huge even the ancient Greeks said, “Yeah, giants did that.”
• Treasury of Atreus (aka Tomb of Agamemnon): A tholos tomb that feels straight out of myth, even if the occupant wasn’t exactly Agamemnon himself.
• The Megaron: Once the throne room, now ruins you can still walk through while imagining feasts and political drama unfolding here.

Pro Tip:

Bring good shoes and water. This site involves some climbing and uneven stone paths. Tours often bundle Mycenae with Epidaurus and Nafplio, so pace yourself (it’s a full day).

And if you’re even slightly into mythology, prep by brushing up on the Iliad. Suddenly, those ruins feel like the real life stage for one of the most famous stories ever told. Out of all the day trips from Athens, Greece, this one is where myth, archaeology, and “wait, how did they even build this?” all collide.

Epidaurus

Why Go:

Epidaurus is one of those day trips from Athens, Greece that actually makes your jaw drop. I went with my ex (the archaeologist tour guide, my life was basically one long history field trip back then), and we tested the famous acoustics for ourselves.

I stood at the very top row while someone talked down at the stage, and I could hear every word. It’s like ancient surround sound without the modern technology. To this day, they still hold performances here, and the fact that a 2,300 year old theater is more functional than half the venues I’ve been to in the States is… humbling.

History:

Built in the 4th century BCE by Polykleitos the Younger, the theater of Epidaurus was part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine. People didn’t just come here for plays, though; they came for healing. Drama and music were considered therapeutic, so performances were woven into the sanctuary’s role as a place of health and spiritual renewal.

With space for about 13,000 spectators, its design was so ahead of its time that even modern acoustical engineers have studied it to figure out why it works so perfectly (it’s the corrugated stone seats filtering background noise fyi). Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Epidaurus is still considered one of the most impressive surviving theaters in the ancient world.

Fun fact: One of my favorite stories tied to Epidaurus comes straight from Plato’s dialogue Ion. In it, Socrates runs into Ion, a rhapsode (professional word for ‘Homer expert’) who’s just returned from a poetry contest at the festival of Asclepius in Epidaurus. Ion had won first prize for reciting Homer and is glowing with pride.

Socrates, being Socrates, doesn’t just say “congrats, bro.” Instead, he starts grilling Ion on why he’s only good at Homer and suddenly clueless when it comes to other poets. Is it skill, or is he just channeling some divine force? Ion eventually admits that he “zones out” with other poets but lights up when it’s Homer, which gives Socrates his opening… Ion isn’t a true expert, just divinely inspired (aka possessed in the most flattering way possible).

Socrates manages to turn what should’ve been a casual pat on the back into a full philosophical roast session. Peak Socratic energy, turning a poetry win into a life lesson, all sparked by a festival in Epidaurus’ Sanctuary of Asclepius.

Highlights:

• Standing on the Orchestra floor and testing the acoustics yourself (say something dramatic, you’ll feel like a star).
• Climbing to the top tiers and taking in the view of the surrounding Peloponnesian hills.
• Exploring the small onsite museum, which houses statues, pottery, and other finds from the sanctuary.
• If you’re lucky enough to be in Greece during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, you can actually watch a performance where ancient Greeks once sat.

Pro Tip:

Bring water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes. It gets hot under that Peloponnesian sun. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, go early in the morning before the tour buses unload. Epidaurus is usually paired with Mycenae on most organized tours, so expect a long day, but trust me, it’s one of the day trips from Athens, Greece that you’ll never forget.

Nafplio

Why Go:

Not every stop on day trips from Athens, Greece has to be about ruins and mythology. Sometimes you just need a gorgeous little coastal town with a Venetian aesthetic and bougainvillea spilling over balconies.

I first ended up here after a long day of site-hopping with my ex (yes, the archaeologist one surprise), and we wrapped it up with a sunset dinner on the waterfront. The only thing I regret? Not dragging myself up the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress. But to be fair, after tromping around Mycenae and Epidaurus all day, my Indiana Jones energy reserves were depleted.

History:

Nafplio is gorgeous and historic. Myth says it was founded by Nafplios, the son of Poseidon, and its residents once joined the Argonautic expedition and fought in the Trojan War. Through the centuries, Venetians, Ottomans, and Byzantines all left their stamp, from castles to mosques to fountains.

Later, during Greece’s fight for independence, Nafplio became the first capital of modern Greece (1823–1834). It’s also where Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first head of state, was assassinated outside Agios Spyridonas Church. So, yeah, this little seaside escape has witnessed everything from myths to politics.

Highlights:

• Palamidi Fortress: Climb those famous 999 steps (or just admire it from below like I did) for sweeping views of the gulf.
• Bourtzi Castle: That tiny Venetian fortress perched on an islet in the bay, easily the most photographed spot in town.
• Old Town: Cobbled alleys, neoclassical mansions, and plenty of spots to grab a coffee or gelato.
• Syntagma Square: The beating heart of the city with historic buildings and lively cafés.

Pro Tip:

Wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning on tackling Palamidi, those steps are no joke. If you’re more into romance than cardio, time your visit for sunset and snag a table on the waterfront. Nafplio also pairs perfectly with Mycenae and Epidaurus, so many tours include all three in one day.

Ancient Corinth

Why Go:

Ancient Corinth wasn’t even on my radar until my very first trip to Greece, which is wild considering how important it is historically. My Greek ex (tour guide perks, I guess) brought me here and it blew me away. It’s a “simple” site compared to Delphi or Mycenae, but the layers of history are incredible. Standing in front of the Temple of Apollo, I had one of those surreal “oh this is thousands of years old” moments that made me remember just how small we really are in the scope of time.

History:

Corinth has been a powerhouse since the Neolithic era, and later became one of the most influential cities in ancient Greece. It was a center of trade, known for innovations in art and architecture, and later became the Roman capital of Greece in 44 BCE under Julius Caesar.

The city is also biblically famous thanks to Paul the Apostle, who lived and preached here, writing letters that became part of the New Testament in this very city. Mythology runs deep too… Pegasus supposedly struck the Fountain of Peirene with his hoof here, and heroes like Bellerophon and Perseus are tied to the city’s legends as well.

Highlights:

• Temple of Apollo: Probably the most iconic ruin on the site. Seven massive Doric columns still stand, and they make you wonder what the temple looked like in its prime.
• Archaeological Museum: An open air museum with ancient artifacts dug up from Corinth, including statues, mosaics, and everyday objects that connect you to life here thousands of years ago.
• The Fountain of Peirene: Linked to Pegasus in myth and beautifully reconstructed by the Romans. Even though it’s partially closed for preservation, the history here is still next level.

Pro Tip:

Ancient Corinth makes a fantastic addition to your list of day trips from Athens, Greece. It’s about an hour drive, which is nothing really in road trip time. Bring good walking shoes because the ruins are spread out, and pack water if you’re visiting in summer because shade is limited.

Oh, and don’t skip the museum. It ties everything together. This is one of those day trips from Athens, Greece that’s less flashy than Delphi or Epidaurus but equally rewarding if you’re a history nerd at heart.

Cape Sounion (Temple of Poseidon)

Why Go:

This one was peak romance for me and my Greek ex when we went on a date to this ancient temple perched on a cliff at sunset. Forget candlelit dinners, our thing was sprinting through as many ancient ruins as possible while holding hands.

Cape Sounion is about an hour outside Athens and the Temple of Poseidon sits dramatically over the Aegean. When I saw it at golden hour, I immediately thought about how that sunset rivals Santorini without the elbow jabbing crowds. If you’re making a list of day trips from Athens, Greece, this one deserves to be towards the top.

History:

The temple dates back to the 5th century BCE and was built to honor Poseidon, the god of the sea, after he lost to Athena over dominion over Athens. Fitting, since sailors would look to this cliffside landmark for protection and safe passage.

According to myth, this is also where King Aegeus threw himself into the sea after mistakenly thinking his son Theseus had died fighting the Minotaur. Quite dramatic if you ask me, but that’s why the sea below was named the Aegean Sea in his memory.

Not to mention, Lord Byron allegedly carved his name into one of the columns in the 1800s. (Don’t get any ideas, though; you’ll get arrested if you try that shit now).

Highlights:

• The Temple of Poseidon: Sixteen Doric columns still stand tall, giving you that goosebump inducing “ancient world” feel.
• Clifftop Views: Panoramas of the Aegean Sea that are so dramatic you’ll want to start narrating your life like a BBC documentary.
• Golden Hour: Sunset here rivals Santorini, but with fewer elbows in your ribs.
• Archaeological Layers: Remains of an older temple destroyed by the Persians are still visible on this site.
• Mythology in Action: This is where King Aegeus leapt to his death, giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
• Literary Graffiti: Lord Byron carved his name into one of the columns.

Pro Tip:

If you’re not on a guided tour, plan your timing carefully. Sunset is the big ticket moment, so arrive a little early to snag the best viewing spot. Bring a jacket, even summer evenings can get breezy on the cliffs.

If you’ve got extra time before or after, there’s also a nearby beach and a lively seaside bar where you can grab a drink and keep the views going. Out of all the day trips from Athens, Greece, this one combines history, mythology, and “wow” factor in one easy package.

Meteora

Why Go:

Out of all the day trips from Athens, Greece, Meteora is the one that made me feel like I’d stepped into another dimension. Those giant stone pillars with monasteries balanced on top don’t even look real until you’re standing in front of them. I remember just staring up in absolute awe. I still can’t believe monks built these holy places with just ropes, ladders, and sheer willpower in the 11th century. It’s truly a mix of mind blowing geology and spiritual history that reminds you how tiny you actually are.

History:

Meteora’s story starts about 60 million years ago, when this whole region was under the sea. As the water receded, erosion sculpted those massive sandstone towers that look like something out of a fantasy novel over the next couple million years.

Fast forward to the 11th century, monks moved in, climbing up with ropes and nets to build monasteries closer to heaven (literally). By the 15th century, Meteora had become one of the most important centers of monastic life in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Today, only six monasteries are still active, but the landscape and the history are just as powerful as ever.

Highlights:

• The Monasteries: Six functioning monasteries still welcome visitors. The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest, and Agios Stefanos is a working nunnery.
• The Views: Climb to the viewpoints and watch the valley stretch forever; it’s like looking out over a prehistoric world.
• Geological Marvel: Those rock pillars were once an ancient seabed, and the thought of standing on what used to be underwater is wild.
• Frescoes & Icons: Inside the monasteries, you’ll find beautiful Byzantine art that’s frozen in time.

Pro Tip:

Meteora is one of the longest day trips from Athens, Greece. You’re lookin at a 4–5 hour ride each way. So pack snacks, water, and comfortable shoes if you decide on this day trip. Dress modestly if you plan to go inside the monasteries (shoulders and knees must be covered). If you’re short on time, it’s still worth going with a tour; the ride through the Greek countryside is half the appeal.

Nemea

Why Go:

I’ll be honest, I had never heard of Nemea until I randomly ended up there with my former boyfriend. What started as just another “ruins day” turned into one of my favorite surprises. Imagine my shock when I found out my own alma mater, UC Berkeley, pretty much adopted this site.

Archeology professor Stephen Miller from Berkeley dedicated decades of his life to restoring Nemea. So when you walk around, you’re literally seeing the results of his team’s work. Oh, and did I mention you can end your history tour with local wine? Not all day trips from Athens, Greece, end with a vineyard, but this one does.

History:

Nemea was once home to the ancient Nemean Games, a smaller sibling of the Olympics held every two years in honor of Zeus. Athletes competed in events like running, wrestling, and chariot racing right here in the ancient stadium, parts of which you can still walk through today.

According to mythology, this is also where Hercules killed the famous Nemean Lion, aka the reason he’s usually pictured wearing a lion skin cape. Fast forward to the modern era, Berkeley archaeologists stepped in when only three columns of the Temple of Zeus were still standing. Thanks to decades of excavation and restoration, nine columns now rise proudly from the site. Today, the site hosts the annual Nemean Games in June in honor of Miller and his extensive work on the site.

Highlights:

• Temple of Zeus: Partially reconstructed, with nine standing columns that give you a sense of the temple’s scale.
• The Stadium: Still intact, and yes, they still host Nemean Games here. You can even run through the same tunnel ancient athletes used to enter.
• UC Berkeley Connection: Walking through the site, you’ll see plaques and info panels crediting Miller and his team. It’s a rare case of California meets classical Greece.
• Wine Country Bonus: The surrounding valley is filled with vineyards producing some of Greece’s best reds. Ruins + wine = peak cultural balance.

Pro Tip:

Combine this stop with Mycenae or Epidaurus if you’re short on time. It’s easy to pair them into a single day. The site itself doesn’t take long to explore, but wear sturdy shoes if you plan to wander the stadium.

And don’t skip the wineries; it’s the most satisfying way to end one of the lesser known but absolutely worthwhile day trips from Athens, Greece.

Hydra

Why Go

Hydra was my first taste of how close Athens is to island life. One hour on the ferry from Piraeus and suddenly you’re in a place with zero cars, cobblestone alleys, and donkeys chilling by the waterfront like it’s no big deal. It feels like stepping into a postcard, except the postcard probably wouldn’t include me sweating while chasing a water taxi. Hydra is easily one of the best day trips from Athens, Greece, if you want an island feel without the hassle of a long ferry ride.

Highlights

• No Cars, Only Donkeys: Forget taxis. Here, donkeys are the real MVPs of transport.
• Water Taxis to Beaches: Hop on one and you’ll be at hidden coves faster than you can say “another Aperol, please.”
• Film Fame: Hydra got its Hollywood moment when Sophia Loren filmed Boy on a Dolphin here. (I dive deeper into this and other Greek film locations in my blog Movies to Watch Before Going to Greece).
• Charm Factor: Whitewashed buildings, weaving shops, bougainvillea covered balconies, and a harbor that’s begging to be photographed.

Pro Tip

Hydra makes for an easy one day escape, but pack light since you’ll be walking everywhere. The ferry is quick and simple from Piraeus, so it’s one of the most beginner friendly day trips from Athens, Greece. And if you’re feeling boujee, time your visit for golden hour; watching the sun dip behind the harbor is truly something else.

Aegina

Why Go:

Aegina was one of my solo day trips from Athens, Greece, and honestly, it really surprised me (in a good way). The ferry from Piraeus couldn’t have been easier, and once I got there, renting a scooter made the whole island feel instantly accessible. Between buzzing around the local villages, snacking on pistachios straight from local stands, and ending the day with lunch on Agia Marina Beach, it was the perfect mix of history and low key island fun.

Highlights:

• Pistachio Heaven: The island is famous for its pistachios, and you’ll see stands everywhere selling them roasted, honeyed, or turned into gelato (don’t skip this).
• Temple of Aphaia: Dating back to 500 BC, this Doric temple is the crown jewel of the island. It forms the “sacred triangle” with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. On a clear day, you can literally see the Acropolis.
• Saint Nektarios Monastery: One of the largest monasteries in the Balkans, it’s both peaceful and huge in scale.
• Neoclassical Aegina Town: Once the temporary capital of Greece, the port area is lined with old mansions and cute cafés perfect for people watching (I can attest).

Pro Tip:

Pack your sweet tooth and maybe an extra tote bag, because you will want to bring pistachios home. The island is small enough to cover in a day, especially if you rent a scooter, and ferries run often enough that you can easily make it back to Athens for dinner. If you’re looking to dip your toes into Greek island life without committing to a long ferry ride, Aegina is one of the easiest day trips from Athens, Greece you can take.

Poros

Why Go

Poros was one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” day trips from Athens, Greece for me. I only had about an hour here on my way to Hydra. But wow, it’s adorable. Pine covered hills, neoclassical houses stacked up along the port, and that iconic clock tower keeping watch over it all. Even with a short stop, you feel the energy right away.. slow paced, charming, and just a little romantic.

Highlights

• Poros Town: A hillside of whitewashed houses and red roofs that looks like it was designed specifically to break Instagram’s algorithm.
• Clock Tower Views: The landmark of Poros, and the best vantage point for snapping the harbor and the Peloponnesian coast.
• Beaches + Pine Forests: The island’s famous for its pine trees that run all the way to the water. Mikro Neorio and Love Bay are popular if you’re up for a swim.
• Temple of Poseidon Ruins: Just outside town, tying Poros into the ancient “sacred triangle” with Aegina’s Temple of Aphaia.

Pro Tip

Poros is small and easy to pair with Hydra or Aegina, which makes it one of the simplest day trips from Athens, Greece, if you’re short on time. If you can swing it, linger longer than I did. Grab lunch by the water, rent a bike to explore the pine forests, or take a water taxi to the beaches. This little island deserves much more than a fly by.

Final Thoughts

I’ve officially done all of these day trips from Athens, Greece, and honestly, every single one gave me a fresh perspective on the country. One day you’re standing where Socrates roasted a poet (classic Socrates), and the next you’re watching the sun set over the Aegean from Poseidon’s temple like you’re in your own Greek tragedy.. minus the tragic part.

Athens really makes the perfect home base for this kind of exploring. The city itself is incredible, but these trips expand the experience and let you see just how diverse Greece really is. You can dip into history, hop to an island, sip wine in Nemea, or climb into a monastery in the sky, all without packing up and moving hotels every night.

If you’re planning your first big Greece adventure, I’d also recommend checking out my blog My Honest Guide to Visiting Greece for the First Time to get a feel for what to expect, and my post on the Best Area to Stay in Athens, Greece to figure out the right neighborhood for your trip style. Pair those with this list, and you’re pretty much set.

Now I want to hear from you! Which of these day trips from Athens are you adding to your bucket list? Or, if you’ve already been, which one totally blew your mind?