Day Trips from Athens. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Aegina Island

Ferries and Flying Dolphins from Piraeus provide frequent service. Ferries take approximately 75 minutes, while Flying Dolphins (high-speed hydrofoils) take about TWO-THIRDS of an hour.

Visit the ancient Temple of Aphaia, a well-preserved Doric temple. Explore the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, a significant pilgrimage site. Enjoy the island's famous pistachio groves and taste local pistachio products. Relax at coasts such as Marathonas.

Travel Considerations

Easily done independently. Ferries run frequently throughout the day.
Many companies offer organized "3-island a voyages" that include Aegina, Hydra, and Poros.
Full day (6-8 hours).
Enjoy beach relaxation after sightseeing.

More Excursions

Explore more fascinating places from Piraeus.

Hydra Island

Flying Dolphins from Piraeus (1-1.5 hours). Hydra is a car-free island, adding to its unique charm.

Island Charm

Wander through the picturesque harbor, where donkeys move items.
Explore charming stone architecture, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Enjoy strolls along the coastal paths.

Poros Island

Ferries plus Flying Dolphins from Piraeus (1-1.5 hours).

Green Island Views

Climb to the Clock Tower for stunning views.
Visit the fragrant Lemon Forest on the mainland side.
Enjoy the leisurely pace and waterfront cafes.

Agistri & Athens

Agistri Island

Ferries and Flying Dolphins from Piraeus (50 minutes - 1.5 hours).
A smaller, more relaxed island close to Aegina. Known for its clear waters, pine forests.
Popular for swimming, cycling, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Easy to visit independently for a relaxing beach day.

Athens City Center

Metro Line 1 (Green Line) offers a direct connection from Piraeus (15-20 minutes).
Acropolis & Parthenon, Ancient Agora, the historic Plaka district.
Explore independently using the Metro. Hop-on-hop-off buses provide convenient transport.
Full day or multiple days, depending on your interests.

Cape Sounion Temple of Poseidon

No direct public transport from Piraeus.
Take an intercity KTEL bus from central Athens.
Arrange a taxi or join an Organized tour from Athens or Piraeus.
Half-day to full-day trip.

Features a stunning ancient temple perched on a cliff.
Dedicated to Poseidon. Famous for breathtaking sunset views.
Guided tours are popular for their convenience.
Public transport back can be limited for sunset visits.

Planning Day Trips

A Guidebook focusing on Athens and its day trips can support detailed planning and practical information for these day trips.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the urban setting, the region displays beautiful natural spots.

Parks & Reserves

While Piraeus is urban, the nearby Athens Riviera offers coastal natural beauty. For dedicated nature reserves, travel further into the Attica region.

Scenic Landscapes

The coastal drive along the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounion has beautiful coastal views, with rocky coves and clear waters.

Beaches & Lakes

Athens Riviera Beaches are accessible from Piraeus via tram or bus (e.g., Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza).

Lake Vouliagmeni

A unique natural thermal lake with a beautiful setting, accessible via public transportation from Piraeus/Athens.

Thermal Waters

Its brackish waters stem from underground springs.
Waters remain warm year-round.
Offers a relaxing swimming experience.

Regional Natural Wonders

The broader Attica region and nearby areas hold diverse natural beauty.

Discovery

Attica Region: Coastal drives, small parks.
Saronic Gulf: Island beaches, clear waters.
Peloponnese: Mountains, forests, caves.

Natural Diversity

Attica Region:Coastal drives, small parks

Saronic Gulf:Island beaches, clear waters

Peloponnese:Mountains, forests, caves

Thermal Springs:Healing waters, unique lakes

Marine Protected Areas:Diving and snorkeling

Birdwatching Sites:Wetlands and migratory paths

Respect the Environment

Support eco-friendly practices.
Stay on marked trails.
Dispose of waste properly.
Conserve water.
Protect wildlife.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical sites and historic villages beyond the city limits.

Eleusis Elefsina

An ancient site of the Eleusinian Mysteries, an UNESCO World Heritage site, located west of Athens.

Historical Insight

Accessible by suburban train (Proastiakos) or local bus from Athens.
A glimpse into one of the most important religious cults of ancient Greece.
Allow half-day for travel and visit.

Daphni Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Byzantine monastery with stunning mosaics, located west of Athens.

Byzantine Beauty

Accessible by bus or taxi.
A significant example of Byzantine art and architecture.
Combine with Eleusis for a full day.

Rural Villages

The Peloponnese region, easily accessible from Athens, offers numerous traditional villages, olive groves, and agricultural landscapes.

Authentic Greece

Consider a multi-day trip for immersion into rural Greek life.
Explore local markets plus heritage crafts.
Savor authentic regional cuisine.

Further Sites

Other historical sites nearby include the Byzantine Monastery of Kaisariani and the Sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron.

Historical Context

These locations present varied historical periods.
Each site offers an unique perspective on Greek civilization.
Check access and opening times before your visit.

Cultural Gems Beyond Piraeus

Ancient Wonders

Athens' Acropolis and Agora present unparalleled insights into classical civilization.

Byzantine Era

Monasteries like Daphni showcase stunning mosaics and religious art.

Modern Heritage

Explore neoclassical architecture and local markets for a contemporary feel.

Engage with Heritage

When visiting cultural sites, observe local customs and photography rules. Your engagement supports the preservation of these treasures.

Multi-Day Extensions

Piraeus's location makes it a logical starting point for longer explorations of Greece.

Short Extensions

1

Island Hopping

Add 1-3 days to explore more Saronic Islands, perhaps spending overnight on Aegina or Poros. Overnight ferries to Cycladic the islands feature another option.

2

Peloponnese Exploration

A 2-3 day trip to the Peloponnese covers ancient sites like Mycenae (ancient citadel), Epidaurus (ancient theater), and Olympia (Olympic Games birthplace). Combine with Nafplio.

3

Central Greece

Consider a trip to Delphi (ancient oracle) or Meteora (monasteries on rock pillars) for a blend of history and dramatic scenery.

Next Destinations

Greek Islands: Explore iconic Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini), historical Dodecanese, or Crete for varied island activities.
Transportation Connections: Well-connected from Piraeus (islands) or Athens (mainland) by ferry, bus, or train.
Plan transportation for efficiency and scenic routes.
Routes for longer regional travel combine ferry with bus or train.
Continental Greece: Discover Northern Greece (Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki) or Central Greece (Meteora, Delphi).
Coastal towns: Explore charming coastal towns like Nafplio or Kalamata.

Additional Adventures

Mountain villages: Escape to traditional mountain villages for hiking and local culture.
Historical Circuits: Tour ancient sites along well-trodden routes.
Unique Landscapes: Discover diverse natural beauty across the mainland.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with local traditions in different regions.
Activities By season: Find winter sports in hilly areas or summer sea activities.
Ferry hopping: Use Piraeus as a gateway to numerous island chains.

Planning Resources

Ferry Schedules

Check direct ferry routes from Piraeus to various islands and mainland ports.

Bus & Train Info

Utilize KTEL buses for mainland travel. The Greek railway network connects major cities.

Tour Operators

For complex itineraries or specific interests, local tour operators create tailored trips.

Continue Your Greek Adventure

Greece has vast opportunities for exploration beyond Piraeus. Extend your journey to discover diverse landscapes and abundant heritage.

Day Trips from Athens