Welcome to Athens, a city rich in history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Athens is not only renowned for its magnificent landmarks such as the Acropolis but also for its proximity to some of the most beautiful and picturesque destinations in Greece. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, then you’re in for a treat because Athens has some of the best day trip options that offer stunning landscapes, historical sites, and delicious cuisine. In this post, we’ve curated a selection of the best day trips from Athens that are sure to take your breath away, so pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

The 5 Best Day Trips in Athens

1. Athens Full Day Private Tour
2. Ancient Delphi Private Day Trip Through Greek Mythology With a Local
3. Honeymoon Sunset Temple of Poseidon Half Day Private Tour
4. Day Trip to Thermopylae from Athens
5. Fantastic Private Day Trip to Peloponnese

The 5 Best Day Trips in Athens

1. Athens Full Day Private Tour

Explore the best of Athens in a private full-day tour with hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel. Travel in a comfortable private vehicle with a driver who has deep knowledge of the city’s history. The tour will take you through the ruins of Acropolis, where you can stroll through the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of the Athena Nike, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum, and the Parthenon. You will also get to admire the stunning views from Lycabettus Hill and explore the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. The service includes skip-the-line access, pre-purchased tickets for all the sites, and entrance fees. A licensed tour guide can be arranged upon request, depending on availability, for an additional cost of 300 €. Airport pickup and drop-off is also available for an additional cost. With this private tour, you can make the most of your visit to Athens while experiencing top-notch service.

2. Ancient Delphi Private Day Trip Through Greek Mythology With a Local

If you’re a mythology enthusiast looking for a chance to delve deeper into Greek legends, this private day trip to Ancient Delphi could be perfect for you. Led by a local host with a passion for the country’s myths and legends, you’ll be taken on a scenic route to the mountainside site, with stops along the way to fuel up on a typical Greek breakfast of sweet and savory pies. Once you’ve arrived at the Delphi UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll explore the ancient paths, learning about the gods, prophetesses, and heroes celebrated in Greek mythology. Highlights of the tour include visiting the Temple of Apollo, a sanctuary of the archer god of prophecy, and hearing some of the most fascinating legends of ancient Greece as you walk the same soil they celebrate. With lunch and entrance tickets included, this private experience provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich world of Greek mythology. Your host will pick you up at your accommodation or central meeting point in Athens, making the experience stress-free and memorable.

3. Honeymoon Sunset Temple of Poseidon Half Day Private Tour

Celebrate your love on a private day trip to one of Greece’s most romantic sites, the clifftop Temple of Poseidon, which is perched above the crashing surf of Cape Sounion. This half-day tour takes you in comfort and privacy along the Athenian Riviera, passing through the exclusive suburbs and resort towns of the Saronic Gulf. The well-timed itinerary lets you catch a legendary sunset from the cape, and there’s even time to stop for a seaside dinner before returning to your Athens hotel. This tour is ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Your professional driver, with deep knowledge of history, will pick you up from your hotel, AirBnb or port, and you’ll enjoy transportation by private vehicle. Entrance fees for over 6-year-olds and older are included in the tour.

4. Day Trip to Thermopylae from Athens

Looking for an exciting day trip from Athens to discover more about Greek history? Look no further than a visit to Thermopylae, the site of one of the most famous battles in ancient history.

Your trip includes a private transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, along with bottled water and professional drivers who have extensive knowledge of Greek history. While your drivers won’t be able to accompany you inside the sites, you’ll be provided with tickets to the archaeological sites and you’ll have the option to hire a licensed tour guide to accompany you on the tour.

Your pickup points include accommodations in Athens and Athens Suburbs. Pickup/drop off is also available for accommodations located outside Athens and Piraeus port area and Cruise Terminal. Pickup is also available from Athens airport, where you’ll be met by your driver who will hold a sign with your name on it.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the site of the famous Battle of Thermopylae, which took place in 480 B.C. Your admission is free to the site, and you’ll have 30 minutes to take in the amazing historical landmarks.

Afterwards, you can visit the Thermopylae Museum (admission ticket not included) to learn more about the battle and the history of the region.

Your tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available upon request. Come and discover the history of Thermopylae with us!

5. Fantastic Private Day Trip to Peloponnese

Spend a day away from Athens and discover the ancient sights of Peloponnese on a full-day private tour. With private round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit historic sites such as Mycenae, Nafplio, and the Palamidi Fortress. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste traditional Greek foods along the way. This personalized experience offers a break from the hustle and bustle of Athens, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rich history of the Peloponnese region. Pickup is available from your accommodation or a central meeting point in Athens. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Athens

Introduction

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is a must-visit destination for travelers who are interested in history, art, and culture. Known for its ancient landmarks, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere, Athens attracts millions of tourists every year. However, before you go, there are some things that you should know to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Athens.

What is the best time to visit Athens?

The best time to visit Athens is from March to May or from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner than in peak tourist season. However, if you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind the crowds, the summer months (June to August) are also a popular time to visit.

Do I need a visa to travel to Athens?

If you’re a citizen of the EU or the United States, you don’t need a visa to travel to Athens for up to 90 days. However, if you’re from another country, check with the Greek embassy or consulate in your country to see whether you need a visa.

How do I get to Athens?

Athens is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” is the main airport in Athens, and there are direct flights from many cities around the world. You can also travel to Athens by bus, train, or car from other parts of Greece and Europe.

Where should I stay in Athens?

There are many neighborhoods to choose from in Athens, each offering a unique experience. If you want to be close to the historical sites, Plaka is a good option. If you prefer a more modern and upscale area, Glyfada is a popular choice. For a bohemian vibe, Exarcheia is a good option. The city center and upscale Kolonaki are also popular. Make sure to research the areas and read reviews before booking your accommodation.

How do I get around Athens?

Athens has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro, and trams, which are affordable and efficient. Taxis are also available, although they can be more expensive than public transportation. Walking is also an option in some areas, such as the historical center of Athens.

What are the must-see attractions in Athens?

Athens is home to many must-see attractions, but here are some of the top ones:

1. Acropolis

The Acropolis is the most famous landmark in Athens and a symbol of ancient Greek civilization. It’s home to the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaia. The site is open to visitors every day, and you can purchase tickets at the entrance or online.

2. National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, with a vast collection of ancient Greek art and artifacts. The museum is open every day, except for Monday.

3. Plaka

Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens, known for its narrow streets, traditional houses, and charming atmosphere. It’s a popular area for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

4. Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens and home to the Greek Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Syntagma Metro Station. It’s a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

What is the food like in Athens?

Greek cuisine is world-famous, and Athens is no exception. Some of the must-try dishes in Athens include moussaka, souvlaki, Greek salad, spanakopita, and tzatziki. There are also many traditional taverns and street food options to choose from.

Is Athens safe?

Athens is a safe city, but like any big city, it has its share of crime and scams. The most common types of crime are pickpocketing and theft, so make sure to keep your valuables safe and be aware of your surroundings. It’s also a good idea to avoid unlit areas at night and stay in well-lit and crowded areas.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Athens

As one of the oldest cities in the world with a history that dates back more than 3000 years, Athens is filled with fascinating places to explore, rich culture, delicious food, and friendly locals. If you’re planning a trip to Athens, here are some tips on how to spend your time as a tourist.

1. Visit the Acropolis

First on your list should be the Acropolis, one of the most famous landmarks in all of Greece. The Acropolis has been known as the “Sacred Rock” of Athens for more than two thousand years and is home to numerous buildings filled with rich history and architecture.The most impressive building in the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. A visit to the Acropolis will offer you breathtaking views of the city of Athens and an opportunity to learn about ancient Greek history.

2. Explore the National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is one of the world’s largest and most important museums of ancient Greek art. It is home to some of the most valuable artifacts and antiquities in Greece, including notable finds such as Cycladic figurines, Mycenaean bronze statues, and ancient pottery from various centuries.The museum showcases over 11,000 pieces of ancient Greek art from prehistoric times up to the end of antiquity. Visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring and learning about the rich history of Greece.

3. Discover the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Located southeast of the Acropolis, the temple of Olympian Zeus is another must-visit attraction in Athens. This impressive temple was once the largest temple in Greece and was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology.Although most of the temple’s original structures are now in ruins, it remains an awe-striking site that showcases an architectural feat of ancient engineering. The temple was built by large quarried flints, which was still under construction even after 700 years.

4. Take a stroll in Plaka

Plaka is Athens’ historic district and is located just beneath the Acropolis. This quaint district has a village-like atmosphere and is filled with picturesque streets, artisan shops, local restaurants, and cafes.Visitors can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the charming ambience of the district while engaging in some retail therapy or grabbing a cup of coffee.

5. Enjoy Greek cuisine

No visit to Athens would be complete without indulging in the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine. Like most Mediterranean diets, the Greek diet is known for being healthy, with an emphasis on fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood.Make sure you try some of the local specialties, such as moussaka, saganaki, souvlaki, or Greek salad, and top it off with some traditional Greek desserts such as baklava and galaktoboureko.

6. Visit the Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora is a must-visit site for history buffs. It was once the heart of the city and a vibrant hub of government, commerce, and social activity. The site housed the seat of democratic government in Athens, as well as various temples, markets, and public spaces.A visit to the Ancient Agora provides a unique view of Athens’ history and the opportunity to experience what life was like in ancient Athens.

7. Attend a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient open-air theater located in the hillside below the Acropolis. This venue has been used for performances since it was built in 161 AD, and it has played host to some of the world’s most famous musicians and performers.The theater’s beautifully restored façade and seating area provide an unforgettable setting to enjoy a performance of traditional Greek music, opera, or theater, with the stunning backdrop of the illuminated Acropolis.In conclusion, Athens has something to offer everyone from history and art lovers to foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. By following this guide, you can make sure to get the most out of your trip to this vibrant city.