Home Destinations A complete guide to the best day trips from Athens

A complete guide to the best day trips from Athens

by Parastoo Sahebi
7 minutes read

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The historic city of Athens, the capital of fabulous Greece is undoubtedly one of the most amazing travel destinations in the world. With breathtaking ancient sights, pleasant weather, and incredibly delicious cuisine, this city is probably in every traveler’s bucket list already. This variety of attractions brings a wide choice for tourists on the ways they can spend their time in the city, visiting the local landmarks is an option, while there are captivating day trips from Athens on the other hand.

As a city with a high number of visitors, the crowded streets are sometimes inevitable. People visit the sights, taking photos, or having their meals may let you down a little. In these kinds of occasions, the best decision is to leave the city for a day and let the magic of attractions around Athens enchant you.

The ancient and well known Delphi, which was the Center of the ancient Greek world, Thermopylae, the battleground of a major war between Persians and Spartans, and the fabulous natural wonder of Evia, the Greek Maldives are just some of the day trips from Athens you can choose.

In this article, we will have an introduction to the top day trips from Athens and the attractions you can visit during these trips.

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Delphi

If you are interested in history, archaeology, and mythology, Delphi is a must-see for you. Home to the magnificent navel of the ancient world, the Oracle, and the majestic Temple of Apollo, Delphi is one of the best destinations you can choose.

While in Delphi, you can see the main complex, which includes the Delphi Theater. You can enjoy the fabulous views of the mountains from the Theater. You will surely find out why Delphi is thought to be mystical in ancient Greek mythology.

Temple of Apollo is the next attraction of the complex, and you will then see the amazing Oracle. Try your best to know some of the tales about it before you reach there.

As a part of your plan, the Delphi Museum is a nice place to visit. With numerous artifacts and some always ongoing exhibitions, it has some brilliant aspects of the Greek culture to show. The Sphinx of Naxos is one of the best objects to see in the museum.

As a nice ending to one of the nicest day trips from Athens, your Delphi visit can have a stop in the Temple of Athena Pronaia. As it is very photogenic, make sure you take enough photos with this circular temple before you are back in Athens.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2578″ img_size=”800*500″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Thermopylae and Marathon

In Thermopylae, you have the opportunity to visit two famous battlegrounds of historic battles between the two biggest ancient civilizations of the world. The two great wars between the alliance of the Greek city-states and the Persian army took place, ten years apart.

The battle of Marathon was in 490 B.C. while the battle of Thermopylae occurred in 480 B.C., in both battles Greek army achieved a decisive win.
A trip to this beautiful are will let you live the history. Take the opportunity and visit the battlefields, where thousands of ancient warriors were fighting in the biggest wars of their era. There are also some historic monuments. You can see the tomb of Marathon, Monument of King Leonidas, and some museums such as the Museum of Marathon Race and Archaeological Museum of Marathon.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2579″ img_size=”800*500″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Evia

The amazing Maldives of Greece is a destination every visitor must pay a visit to. Although this fantastic pearl is close to Athens, yet it is one of the most incredibly unknown attractions for tourists.

On the other hand, Evia is one of the most favorite destinations for Greeks. Sparkling Aegean beaches and amazing coves on its coast, the beautiful mountains, rivers, streams, and forests all made this amazing island a fabulous work of nature. Although it is being introduced here among the destinations for one-day trips from Athens, you can spend days and weeks on the island, and even lose the track of time.

Evia Island is so rich in the natural beauty that you will almost forget it is a historic gem as well. There are several ancient sites on the island you can enjoy visiting.

There is also the most popular spa in Greece, located in the northwest of the Edipsos. Hot water gushing from rocks and healing centers are there to provide services for all those who are a fan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2580″ img_size=”800*500″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Epidaurus

As one of the most popular historical attractions in Greece, you should make some room to visit the fabulous Epidaurus. This area is so eye-catching that every visitor will be astonished when visiting it.

In Epidaurus, you have the opportunity to see one of the most stunning masterpieces of ancient Greece.  The ancient Theater of Epidaurus which represents a unique artistic aspect of Greek culture, designed by the Argos architect, Polycleitus the Younger.

Since 1955 The Theater of Epidaurus is host to a popular festival. Athens and Epidaurus Festival is held annually to familiarize the audience with the thoughts and culture of the ancient Greek, as well as to celebrate the works of playwrights of that era.

The construction, however, is a masterpiece of art and architecture. With the scenery made by it and the nature surrounding it, your trip is surely filled with the brilliant atmosphere of Epidaurus.

Epidaurus is also home to a sanctuary, which is an eminent example of Hellenic architecture. The 4th-century wonder is so amazing that you will need some time to spend within its ruins.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2581″ img_size=”800*500″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Cape Sounio

Home to the fabulous temple of the ancient god of the sea, Poseidon, Cape Sounio is a pleasant combination of myth and history. It is one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens. Surrounded on three sides by the sea, the remains of the Temple of great Poseidon are still one of the most majestic ruins in the whole of Greece.

This is the exact place where the unfortunate King Aegeus has drowned himself in the sea, and the Aegean Sea later had been named after him.

The temple, decorated with sculptures made of marble is the most popular part of the site, while the natural scenery all around it can be named as one of the most fabulous sights within Europe. The Aegean Sea and the hills all around the scenery, combined with the setting sun on the horizon creates a view you can never forget.

You can have some fun by swimming in the small beaches around the area as well as having delicious Greek cuisine. The seafood you may find in Cape Sounio is amazing.

 

Reference: agreekadventure.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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