Day trips from Athens: the four worth taking
TLDR
- •Cape Sounion and its Temple of Poseidon, timed for the sunset
- •Delphi is a long day, and worth every hour of it
- •Hydra is the island day: no cars, a horseshoe harbour, a swim
- •Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio make the best day in the Peloponnese
- •Meteora is too far for a day; give it a night
The best day trip from Athens is Delphi, and the best half day is Cape Sounion at sunset. Hydra is the island day, and the ancient sites of the Peloponnese, at Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio, make the fullest day of all. Meteora is beautiful and too far: give it a night.
Cape Sounion, for the sunset
The Temple of Poseidon stands on the headland at the tip of Attica, white against the sea. The drive down the coast is part of the pleasure, and the reason to go is the end of the day, when the temple turns gold and the sun drops behind the islands. A half day; leave after lunch.
Delphi, for a long day
The sanctuary of Apollo, on a mountainside above an olive valley that runs down to the sea, and the place the ancient world came to ask the oracle. It is a long day there and back, and it is the most beautiful ancient site in Greece. Go early, before the coaches, and give the museum an hour.
Hydra, for an island day
An island with no cars, a horseshoe harbour of stone mansions, and donkeys instead of taxis. Reached by fast boat, it is the easiest island to do in a day. Walk out of town along the coast path, swim off the rocks, and eat lunch by the water.
Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio
The great citadel of the Bronze Age, the theatre at Epidaurus whose acoustics still carry a whisper to the back row, and Nafplio, the elegant first capital of modern Greece, on the sea. The fullest day of the four, and the one that makes people want to come back for the rest of the Peloponnese, down to the Mani.
Better as a night than a day
Meteora, the monasteries on their pillars of rock, is a very long way from Athens. A day trip spends almost all of it on the road. Take the train or drive and stay a night, and see the rocks at both ends of the day.
One day, one place
The mistake on every day out of Athens is the same as anywhere: three sites in one day, each at the hottest hour. Choose one, go early, and give it the day.
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Day trips from Athens
Mykonos Private Island Tour In Half Day
Explore Mykonos island with this 2to 4hrs private island tour. Discover hidden gems beyond the tourist hotspots and delve into the island's rich history. We will make several stops for photos and have some free time at Ano Mera Village. Pick up and drop off can be at your preferable place.
Corinth Canal Cruise, Ancient Corinth & Acrocorinth Private tour
Dear travellers welcome to Athens! Escape the bustle of Athens and discover Corinth, a land where myth and history meet, just one hour away. Begin at the awe-inspiring Corinth Canal, where the Aegean and Ionian seas unite through one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. For those who choose the canal cruise option, sailing between its towering cliffs is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Continue to Ancient Corinth, once a powerful city where temples, fountains, and marketplaces thrived, and where Apostle Paul spent 18 months spreading his teachings. Rising above, the Acrocorinth fortress invites you to explore a legendary stronghold tied to Pegasus, Medea, and timeless Greek myths! Along the way, admire the countryside, coastline, and mountains of the Peloponnese, and enjoy a traditional lunch in the peaceful village of Ancient Corinth. This tour combines legend, history, and stunning landscapes into an unforgettable day.
Private Day Trip to Santorini from Athens: Sightseeing Highlights
Discover the world-famous white-washed houses perched on the epic cliffs, on this full day private tour to Santorini from Athens. Take a flight across the Aegean Sea to this volcanic gem, and enjoy a 6-hour private tour of the majority of the island in a deluxe, air-conditioned van, with an optional wine tasting of four sips (upon booking selection). Your knowledgeable local driver/guide will pick you up from Santorini airport and share his knowledge of Santorini's culture, wine, traditions, and curiosities.
2 Day Private Tour Of Delphi, Thermopylae & Meteora From Athens
Experience the wonders of Greece on this unique tour! Our journey begins at Delphi, one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Marvel at the ancient ruins and immerse yourself in the rich history of this sacred place. Next, we travel to the historic site of Thermopylae. Pay tribute to King Leonidas of Sparta and his 300 warriors as we visit the captivating monument dedicated to their heroic stand. Our final stop is the breathtaking Meteora. Known as one of the most beautiful regions in mainland Greece, Meteora's hanging monasteries are truly a sight to behold. Witness the stunning play of light on the rocks, creating ever-changing moods. On sunny mornings, the red roof tiles of the monasteries glisten against the weathered gray rocks, while the late afternoon sun casts a golden glow over the landscape. Join us for an unforgettable adventure through these iconic landmarks of Greece.
5-Day Best of Peloponnese Private Tour: Nafplio/Olympia/Mycenae/Epidaurus/more
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Athens. Choose this PRIVATE tour and experience the most essential region of Greece; the Mythical Peloponnese. They call it the Top Emerging Destination in Greece, but for the tourists; not the locals! ☼ Explore Peloponnese's Unesco sites of Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, Mystras castle town, Messene (option), Monemvasia, Ancient Olympia, the unique Mani peninsula, the Diros Caves, the Cave of Lakes and the Odontotos Rack Railway! ☼ You'll be enjoying and experiencing places, people, and real Greek life that you would never have done if you based yourselves in Athens and attempted single-day tours. ☼ We have planned an experience! Not a tour for tourists! ☼ Expect top-class, unique accommodation. If in doubt, contact us or ... just read the reviews. Food & drink will be an important aspect of your experience! Be prepared for complimentary extras and unexpected stops if you are an outgoing type of person!
Delphi & Meteora Two (2) days Tour
Embark on a captivating 2-day journey through Greece's ancient history, starting from Athens, that combines the mystical Delphi Oracle with the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries. Why Hellenic Private Tours? Flexible tours and services tailored to your needs. Professional, certified drivers fluent in English. Well maintained, latest model Mercedes vehicles (sedans, minivans & minibuses), licensed andcertified for tourist use by the state authorities. Exceptional client feedback from around the world. Dedicated customer service team available for prompt assistance. Extensive network of licensed, experienced tour guides available upon request.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day trip from Athens?
Delphi, for a full day: the sanctuary of Apollo above an olive valley, and the finest ancient site in Greece. Cape Sounion at sunset is the best half day.
Can you visit Hydra in a day from Athens?
Yes, by fast boat. It is the easiest island to see in a day, with no cars, a beautiful harbour and swimming off the rocks.
Is Meteora a good day trip from Athens?
It is possible but most of the day is spent travelling. Stay a night near the monasteries to see them early and late.
Can you see Mycenae and Nafplio in a day from Athens?
Yes, often with Epidaurus as well. It is a full day, and the best introduction to the Peloponnese.
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