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Great Day Trips from Athens |
Marathon:A walk through history
There are some places that leave their imprint behind. No matter how many years go by, they continue to radiate a certain brilliance. Marathon is such a place.
Wine Country
When in Athens, take a tour of the modern winemaking facilities and sip varieties that are making headlines worldwide.
Where: The municipalities of Megara, Spata, Paiania, Koropi, Markopoulo, Pallini, Pikermi, Anavyssos, Kalyvia, Kouvaras, Stamata, Oinoi and Inofita
Why: The climate of Attica is ideal for winemaking and the modernization of the facilities has led to new varieties that have gained wide respect amongst wine connoisseurs, surpassing the retsina stereotype image of the past.
Approximate travel time from Athens: 1 hour by car
Delphi
Where: 220 km (135 miles) from Athens
Why: This magical area is famous for its archaeological sites such as the ancient Oracle of Pithia and the Temple of Apollo where leaders of the ancient world sought spiritual guidance. Both sites are built on a hill that offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. The newly built Archaeological Museum of Ancient Delphi is exquisite and contains findings from the site. Nearby are the seaside resorts of Itea and Galaxidi.
How to get there: By car or bus
Arachova
Where: 157 km (100 miles) from Athens, 10km (6 miles) east of Delphi, clings to Mount Parnassos some 950m (3,116 ft.) above sea level.
Why: Arachova is a small mountain town built upon the slopes of Mount Parnassos. Visit in the winter for a cosy weekend at one of the most breathtaking sea and mountain vistas in Greece. Visit in the summer for the inspiring mountain fresh air and the Mediterranean waters brushing the shores of the coastal regions Itea and Galaxidi.
How to get there: By car, bus
Parnassos
When in Athens, take to the breathtaking mountain villages of Parnassos in Central Greece, the most popular of which is Arachova, and the nearby archaeological site of Delphi and coastal regions, Itea and Galaxidi.
Where: 220 km (140 miles) from Athens
Why: For a weekend of skiing the 20 runs at the Parnassos Ski Center and partaking in the apres-ski social scene.
How to get there: By car, by bus
Approximate travel time from Athens: 5 hours
Ancient Olympia
Where: Prefecture of Elia in southern Peloponnese 320 km (200 miles) south of Athens
Ancient Corinth, Corinth Canal, Loutraki
Where: 90 km (55 miles) west of Athens
Why: To visit the extensive remains, dating mostly from the Roman period, dominated by the imposing ruins of the Archaic Temple of Apollo at Ancient Corinth. To visit the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow land bridge which connects the Peloponnese peninsula with the mainland of Greece. To try your luck at the coastline casinos of nearby Loutraki.
How to get there: By car, bus, train
By car: From Athens, head south towards the Corinth Canal
Epidavros, Mycenae, Tiryns
Where: 145 km (90 miles) southwest of Athens
Nafplion
Where: 145 km (90 miles) southwest of Athens
Why: The first capital of modern Greece, Nafplion, has one of the most pleasant ports and marble paved promenades in Greece. The Venetian fortress above and the mini-castle on the tiny island in the harbor are elements that have made Nafplion one of the most charming cities in the Peloponnese. It is also your ideal home base for day trips to the ancient sites at Argos, Nemea, Mycenae, Tiryns, Epidavros, and Ancient Corinth.
How to get there: By car, bus or train
Halkida, Evia
Where: 88 km (55 miles) from Athens
Why: For the drive over the swing bridge, crossing over the narrow Evripos Straits and subsequent view of the tidal current below (which Aristotle tried hard to explain in ancient times) and for the fresh fish tavernas and ouzomezedopoleia.
How to get there: By car, bus or train
Approximate travel time from Athens: 1.5 hours
Spetses
Where: 85 km (53 nautical miles) southwest of Piraeus
Why: Horse-drawn carriages through Venetian influenced architecture, cosmopolitan nightlife and a favorite among Athenian aristocracy.
How to get there: By high-speed hydrofoil from Piraeus. Connections are available from neighboring islands Hydra and Poros.
By car: Drive to Costa (3 hours) in the Peloponnese and take the 15-minute ferry ride over.
For more information: Port of Piraeus +302104147800
Poros
Where: 50 km (31 nautical miles) southwest of Piraeus
Why: One of the closest of the Greek islands to Athens it offers a quick tranquil escape. It is overgrown with pine trees, lemon groves, olive trees and houses of neoclassical architecture. Close to the Peloponnese, Poros is an ideal base for visiting Epidavros, ancient Troezen (modern Trizina), Nafplion, Mycenae, and Tiryns.
How to get there: By high-speed hydrofoil from Piraeus. Connections are available from neighboring islands Hydra, Aegina, Agistri and Spetses.
Hydra
Where: 65 km (40 nautical miles) south of Piraeus
Why: Forget noisy cars and motorcycles. Think water taxis, donkeys and hiking. The approach to one of the most picturesque ports in Greece is sure to remain in your minds forever. Artists, writers and actors of international renown frequent this sophisticated and cosmopolitan Greek island. Maybe it's the brilliantly colored flowers that graciously spill over the white washed 18th and 19th century mansions, or the myriad of art galleries and cliffside beaches.
Aegina
Where: 27 km (17 nautical miles) southwest of Piraeus
Why: Picturesque houses, winding alleys, horse-drawn carriages, fertile plains, olive trees, aquamarine waters and an abundance of fragrant wildflowers in the spring.
How to get there: By high-speed hydrofoil from Piraeus. Connections are available from neighboring islands Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses.
For information: Port of Piraeus +302104147800
Approximate travel time from Athens: 40 minutes by hydrofoil
Agistri
Where: 32 km (20 nautical miles) south of Piraeus (5 miles from Aegina)
Why: For its pristine, unspoiled and uncrowded island beauty and nature walks
For information: Port of Piraeus +302104147800
How to get there: by high-speed hydrofoil from Piraeus. Connections are available from neighboring Aegina.
Approximate travel time from Athens: 1 hour by hydrofoil
