The best day trips from Athens — Cape Sounio at sunset, the island hop to Hydra and Aegina, the mountain ruins of Delphi. Honest picks on which ones earn the early start.
Book a TripDelphi & Arachova★ 4.6Head to Delphi, the 'centre of the ancient world,' where Greeks came to consult the oracle: dramatic mountain ruins with knockout views, often paired with the pretty stone village of Arachova. Directions
Book a TripMeteora★ 4.8Monasteries perched impossibly on top of giant rock pillars: Meteora is one of the most jaw-dropping places in Greece. Directions
Book a TripMycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio★ 4.5The greatest hits of the Peloponnese in one day: the Bronze-Age citadel of Mycenae, the perfectly-preserved theatre of Epidaurus, and the gorgeous seaside town of Nafplio. Directions
Book a TripHydra, Poros & Aegina★ 4.1A one-day cruise to three Saronic islands: car-free Hydra, pine-covered Poros and pistachio-famous Aegina, with swim stops and lunch on board. Directions
Book a TripAegina & Agistri★ 4.9A more relaxed island-hopping cruise to Aegina and little Agistri, with crystal-clear swim stops and meals included. Directions
Book a TripLake VouliagmeniFloat in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Lake Vouliagmeni and stop by the Temple of Poseidon: a laid-back spa-and-coast day just south of the city. Directions
Book a TripSantorini & MykonosTwo of Greece's most famous islands in one trip: the caldera views and sunsets of Santorini, the whitewashed lanes and beach scene of Mykonos. Directions
Book a TripCape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon★ Tip: Time it for sunset, but go on an organised tour or with a car: the public KTEL bus from Athens (~2h) is cheap but doesn't line up well with the sunset return. The drive along the Athens Riviera coast is gorgeous in its own right. Directions
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