9 of the best day trips from Athens

A world-class city, Athens is crammed with attractions and entertainment that can fill weeks of any visitor's time.

But a number of other outstanding destinations are located within easy reach of the Greek capital – whether you travel by public transportation, by boat or with your own wheels. From ancient ruins to island beaches, these day trips from Athens are well worth the journey.

1. Visit the picturesque former capital, Nafplio

Travel time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, is one of the prettiest towns in the country, with splendid Venetian and neoclassical architecture and fortresses like the hilltop Palamidi (a famous 999-step climb) or Bourtzi (a small fortified islet in the harbor). Plenty of elegant boutique hotels, tasteful shops and small restaurants hidden in narrow alleys make Nafplio a hugely popular destination for a day hop or a longer stay.

Further south is the posh resort of Porto Heli, where Greek and international jet-setters own luxurious villas and mansions. The region also has some agreeable sandy beaches and numerous local wineries, many open to the public.

How to get to Nafplio from Athens: By car, the journey is around one hour and 45 minutes. The intercity bus from Athens Kifissos station to Nafplio takes two hours and 10 minutes.

2. Aegina is the perfect Greek island getaway

Travel time: 40 minutes / 1 hour 15 minutes

A trip to Aegina is the quickest way to find yourself on an island if you're staying in Athens. The Saronic Gulf island boasts a perfect combination of important ancient ruins, attractive sandy beaches, charming neoclassical architecture and local delicacies like the internationally renowned local pistachio variety.

Outside the picturesque Aegina Town, the Temple of Aphaia, which is among the country's top ancient sites, and the villages of Agia Marina and Perdika are also worth a visit. The huge Orthodox church of Agios Nektarios is a popular pilgrimage destination among both Greek and foreign visitors. Avoid the summer weekends if you can, as the island gets packed with Athenians escaping the city heat.

How to get to Aegina from Athens: Take the ferry (one hour and 15 minutes) or the hydrofoil (40 minutes) from the harbor of Piraeus. Departures are frequent, and there's no need to book in advance.

3. Soak up the mythology at Delphi

Travel time: 3 hours

It might be on the long side for a day trip, but spending time in beautiful Delphi is worth the journey. Myths, history and spectacular mountains combine here – in Greek mythology, the two eagles released by Zeus met there, determining the Navel (or center) of the World. The Sanctuary of Apollo, built in the 7th century BCE, was a revered ancient oracle and home to Pythia, the priestess who mumbled her notoriously ambiguous answers on important or everyday matters to visitors from every walk of life.

A stadium high on the hill, an ancient theater and Tholos (a circular temple, probably the most photographed landmark of the site), together with a small but significant museum, keep attracting modern-day crowds. The idyllic clifftop village on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, overlooking the endless olive groves that surround the sanctuary, is buzzing with taverns and souvenir shops catering to day trippers.

How to get to Delphi from Athens: Take the KTEL intercity bus from Athens Liosion station to Delphi. Travel time is around three hours.

4. Walk in the footsteps of ancients in Corinthia

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Within the modern village of Corinthia loom the extensive yet compact ruins of this ancient (mostly Roman) city. Home to legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece, the streets of Ancient Corinth were once trodden by the likes of Pausanias, Roman travelers, and St Paul, who taught the gospel of Christ here.

Follow in their footsteps by visiting the Temple of Apollo, the Peribolos of Apollo, the ancient theater and other highlights. The excellent on-site museum puts everything into context.

How to get to Ancient Corinth from Athens: Intercity buses depart hourly from Athens Kifissos station, arriving at the Korinthos bus station in Corinth City, taking about one hour. From here, buses go to Ancient Corinth (20 minutes).

5. Hit the hiking trails of Mt Parnitha National Park

Travel time: 1 hour

Mt Parnitha, about 25km (15.5 miles) north of Athens, comprises a number of smaller peaks, the highest of which is Karavola (1413m/4636ft), tall enough to get snow in winter. There are many caves and much wildlife, including red deer, and the park is crisscrossed by hiking trails, with two large, full-featured hiking lodges. The area is popular for mountain biking as well.

The easiest way to explore is on the path (about a 45-minute walk) through Tatoi, the 40-sq-km (15-sq-mile) grounds of the former summer palace (closed); follow Tatoi Rd out of Varibobi and look for a small trail sign on the right.

How to get to Mt Parnitha National Park from Athens: Take the Metro's Green Line (Line 1) north to Nea Ionia, then take bus 724 to Thrakomakedónes. You can also continue on bus 724 to the Parnitha Funitel, which takes visitors to the top of the mountain.

6. Imagine the sound of Homer at the World Heritage-listed Mycenae

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

On a hilltop backed by powerful mountains stand the somber and mighty ruins of Ancient Mycenae, home of the legendary Agamemnon. For four centuries in the 2nd millennium BCE, this kingdom was the most powerful in Greece, holding sway over the Argolid and influencing other Mycenaean cities.

World Heritage–listed Mycenae is synonymous with the names Homer and Schliemann. In the 9th century BCE, Homer told in his epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, of "well-built Mycenae, rich in gold." These poems were, until the 19th century, regarded as no more than gripping and beautiful legends. But in the 1870s, the amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann (1822–90), despite derision from professionals, struck gold, first at Troy and then at Mycenae.

Before exploring the archaeological site, head into the Ancient Mycenae Museum for context.

How to get to Ancient Mycenae from Athens: Daily KTEL intercity buses depart from Athens to Fichti, the nearest town to Ancient Mycenae, on the Nafplio route.

7. Wander the car-free island of Hydra

Travel time: Almost 2 hours

Gorgeous Hydra is a rocky island with a rich history and spectacular, well-preserved stone mansions that once belonged to great naval families and captains of the Greek Revolution. The town is built on the hillside around a stunning harbor; it has a tranquil allure like no other Greek island, as it's completely car-free. Numerous small museums, art galleries and boutique hotels, together with the ever-present yachts docked in the harbor, contribute to its classy aura and more than make up for the lack of beaches.

How to get to Hydra from Athens: Hydrofoils from the harbor of Piraeus take from one hour and 40 minutes to two hours. Buy tickets online in advance.

8. Escape to the seaside restaurants of Halkida

Travel time: 30 minutes

Built on the channel that separates the island of Evia from the mainland, and famous for the six-hourly change in the direction of the water's flow, Halkida can't claim the title of tourist magnet by any means. Nevertheless, it's a pleasant seaside town worth visiting to enjoy a relaxing break from a hectic city-sightseeing itinerary and for a taste of Greek small-town life. There are also plenty of good, clean beaches nearby, as well as countless seaside restaurants where you'll enjoy extremely fresh seafood, with far more variety than you'll see in Athens.

How to get to Halkida from Athens: Halkida is an hour's drive from Athens via the main motorway to Thessaloniki. It's also accessible by intercity bus from Athens terminal station or by train from Athens' central station.

9. Watch the sunset at Cape Sounion

Travel time: 2 hours (Cape Sounion), 45 minutes (Marathon)

You can easily spend a whole day at either of these close-by destinations, but if your schedule is tight, they both make perfect half-day trips. Cape Sounion, at the southernmost tip of Attica, is where the splendid Temple of Poseidon is located – this is one of the best spots around Athens to savor a gorgeous sunset. It can be combined with lunch or dinner at one of the many fish taverns in the nearby working-class town of Lavrio.

Northeast of Athens, Marathon is the site of one of the greatest battles in history and the place where the modern Athens Marathon commences, following the steps of Pheidippides, the legendary ancient courier who first ran the glorious route. The archaeological museum, the tomb of Athenians fallen in the battle, and the lake with its dam are the main attractions of the area.

How to get to Cape Sounion or Marathon from Athens: Cape Sounion is a two-hour bus ride from Athens, and Marathon is a 45-minute drive. Consider taking a taxi if you'd prefer not to drive yourself.