Easy Day Trips and Island Escapes
When most people think of the Attica region, Athens and the iconic Acropolis are the first things that come to mind. But the region of Attica is much more than its famous capital—it’s a diverse area that blends ancient history, coastal beauty, and vibrant local life.
Historic Day Trips Around Attica
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
About a 70 km drive along the coast (around an hour and a half) takes you to Cape Sounion. Here, the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon sit on a cliff, looking out over the deep blue Aegean Sea. The sunset views are amazing — the ancient marble glows in the golden light while you hear the waves crashing below. It’s a simple but special spot where you can enjoy both history and nature, and think about Greece’s long connection to the sea.
Marathon: History and Nature Close to Athens
Just 40 km (about a 45-minute drive) northeast of Athens, Marathon is a quiet town with a big place in history. This is where the famous Battle of Marathon happened—a key moment in ancient times. Today, you can walk the same plains where it took place and visit the nearby museum to learn more. Not far from there, Marathon Lake is a calm spot with walking paths and picnic areas. If you’re in the mood for the sea, the nearby beaches are great for a relaxing swim after a day of exploring.
Eleusis: Secrets of the Ancient Mysteries
Just 20 km (about 30 minutes) west of Athens, Eleusis was once one of the most important religious sites in ancient Greece. It was home to the Eleusinian Mysteries—secret ceremonies that drew people from all over the ancient world. Today, you can explore the archaeological site and museum to get a glimpse into that mysterious past. The town itself has a relaxed vibe, with a lively waterfront and seafood tavernas where you can enjoy a good meal by the sea. It’s a mix of old and new that’s easy to enjoy.
Saronic Gulf Islands
Aegina: Pistachios, Temples, and Sandy Beaches
Aegina is a favorite island getaway, just a short ferry ride from Athens. It’s known for its pistachios, but there’s more to love—like the Temple of Aphaia, an impressive ancient site that some say rivals the Parthenon. You can relax at Marathonas Beach, where the sand is soft and the water’s perfect for swimming. In the main town, you’ll find plenty of cafés, shops, and seaside tavernas. Getting there is simple: drive about 25 minutes to the port of Piraeus, then hop on a ferry—about 40 minutes on the regular one or just 15 minutes on the fast boat.
Hydra: The Island of Timeless Elegance
Hydra is a peaceful island where cars aren’t allowed, so people get around by walking, riding donkeys, or taking water taxis. The stone houses and narrow cobblestone streets give it an old-world feel, and it’s a great place to explore on foot. You’ll find little art galleries, cozy cafés, and seafood tavernas right by the water. To get there, drive about 25 minutes to the port of Piraeus, then take a ferry—about 1.5 hours on the regular one or around an hour on the fast boat.
Dokos: A Quiet Island for Sailors and Hikers
Dokos is a small, mostly uninhabited island near Hydra that’s popular with sailors and those looking for solitude. It has no hotels or real tourist infrastructure, but you’ll find hiking trails, ancient ruins, and incredible views. It’s best visited by private boat or water taxi from Hydra. If you’re looking for complete peace and quiet—or a unique stop on a sailing trip—Dokos is the place.
Poros: Lush Pines and Crystal Waters
Poros is a peaceful island with lots of pine trees, clear water, and a relaxing vibe. The main town by the harbor is full of charm, with colorful buildings, small shops, and tavernas right by the sea. It’s a great place to swim, take a walk, or just enjoy a slow afternoon with good food. You can also explore the island’s small villages or take a hike through the pine-covered hills. To get there, it’s about a 25-minute drive to Piraeus port, then a ferry ride that takes around one hour on the regular boat or 45 minutes on the fast one.
Agistri: The Small Island with Big Beauty
Agistri may be small, but it’s full of natural beauty—clear blue water, quiet coves, and lots of greenery. It’s a popular spot for a peaceful day trip, especially if you want to swim and relax without going far from Athens. To get there, drive about 25 minutes to the port of Piraeus, then take a ferry—around 55 minutes on the regular boat or 35 minutes if you go with the fast one. Once you arrive, it’s easy to explore the island on foot or by bike, and there are a few laid-back tavernas where you can grab a bite right by the water.
Salamis: Close to Athens, Rich in History
Salamis is the closest Saronic island to Athens and mostly known for its historical significance—the famous Battle of Salamis between the Greeks and Persians took place just offshore. While it’s not as touristy as other islands, it has quiet beaches, local tavernas, and a more residential feel. It’s ideal for a peaceful escape with a bit of history. You can reach Salamis via a short ferry ride from the port of Perama, just west of Piraeus, which takes about 15 minutes.
Relaxed Ports and Island Gems
Rafina: A Gateway To The Cyclades
Just 30 km (about 40 minutes) east of Athens, Rafina offers a more laid-back, authentic port experience compared to nearby Piraeus. Here you’ll find cozy cafés, bustling fish markets, and a lively but less touristy vibe. It’s also a practical starting point for exploring the Cyclades, with ferries departing to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and, in the warmer months, Ios and Santorini. Whether you’re heading for the beaches of Mykonos or the villages of Andros, Rafina makes island-hopping easy and relaxed.
Lavrio: A Charming Harbor Town
About an hour southeast of Athens, Lavrio is a small port town that’s all about easygoing charm and good food. You can walk along the harbor, watch the fishing boats come in, and grab a seat at one of the seaside tavernas for some freshly grilled fish and a glass of local wine. It’s a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the simple things and take a break from the crowds.
Kea (Tzia): A Quiet Escape
Reachable by ferry from Lavrio—just a one-hour drive from Athens, followed by a one-hour ferry ride—Kea is an often-overlooked gem in the Cyclades. Known for its hiking trails winding through ancient ruins and traditional villages, Kea invites visitors to slow down and enjoy nature and history together. Its quiet beaches and friendly tavernas make it perfect for a peaceful retreat.
An Invitation to Explore Beyond Athens
Attica is more than just Athens—it’s the starting point for exploring amazing places nearby. You’ll find ancient temples on cliffs, friendly villages where everyone welcomes you with a smile, and peaceful islands where time feels slower. Whether you’re watching the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon, trying fresh pistachios on Aegina, or strolling through the narrow streets of Hydra, there’s so much to see and do.