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2 days in Athens: Your ultimate itinerary to Greece's Capital
Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, marvelling in the contrast of archaic ruins with mythological undertones and the bustling, modern city life in just 2 days.
1. Meteora
One of the most spectacular places to visit on a day trip from Athens is Meteora, one of the most impressive yet overlooked destinations in the country. The rock formations are absolutely incredible and look like they came straight from outer space, which is actually what the Greeks in the area thought back in the day! These jaw-dropping formations were thought to be sent by aliens, or that they actually were aliens before there was much knowledge about the science. It goes without saying that Meteora is an out-of-this-world day trip from Athens!
While the natural scene of the giant cliffs is impressive enough, what makes Meteora even more of a crazy place is that on top of these rock formations, monasteries were built. To really drive home just how impressive this is, it is important to know some of the histories of these monasteries! During their creation, some monks lived on top of the rocks, and others at the bottom. A long, long rope was attached to a bucket of sorts, and monks would be transported up and down, supplies and building materials as well would travel this way. Building the monasteries was extremely impressive, and the hard work paid off, as it is now some of the most wonderful monasteries you can visit, and most are still active to this day!
There are a few different options for taking a day trip to Meteora. You can take the train, it takes about 4 hours to arrive in the town of Kalambaka, which is a short way away from the monasteries. It seems long, but it is plenty doable! Many tour groups offer one-day tours to Meteora, and this is the most convenient way to see Meteora in just a day because everything is already planned out for you, and you won’t run into any hiccups along the way. This tour takes you inside a few of the monasteries and includes your train tickets as well as a guided tour! If you have more time, or you are extremely interested in getting to know Meteora more, there are even 2-day trips that leave from Athens and follow similar itineraries and routes, but of course, in more depth than the one-day ones. This 2-day tour allows you to visit all 6 monasteries and includes a hotel in the price of the booking!
Where to stay in Meteora:
Comfortable, modern rooms with beautiful views of the mountains and Meteora.
Mid-Range - Tskeli Boutique Hotel Meteora
Lodge-like accommodation is encompassed by the nature of Meteora.
Luxury - Meteora Hotel at Kastraki
Wonderful poolside views of Meteora and a delicious traditional Greek restaurant
2. Nafplio
The journey from Athens to this seaside city is around 2 hours and 15 minutes by bus, and just 30 minutes faster by car, taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Nafplio is located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, a local region of Greece, and the town is well-known among Greeks who flock here during holidays as being one of the most romantic cities in the country, and rightfully so. Colourful Venetian architecture makes for a beautiful picturesque town, and of course being situated along the coast certainly helps make for an attractive destination.
The popular seaside town is great for a day trip because it isn’t too big, so you won’t feel overwhelmed exploring all of the sites in just one day. For a more chilled-out day, you can wander between the streets and shops, enjoy traditional Greek cuisine (Nafplio has some of the best…Make sure to order a watermelon juice!), and sunbathe in the Peloponnese sun on the lovely Karathona Beach, a beautiful, popular spot great for socialising, relaxing, and swimming!
If you’re hoping to uncover more of the historical side of Nafplio, make sure to visit both the Fortress of Palamidi and Bourtzi. These were both defensive structures built by the Venetians during their occupation of Nafplio. They both require a bit of effort to get to! The Fortress of Palamidi is 999 steps to the top, but trust us when we say it is a nicer journey than it sounds, as the whole walk up is lined with fantastic views over the town. Bourtzi is still an effort to get to, but not as much, you just have to hop on a ferry or a boat that takes you to the island and you can explore the iconic Nafplio symbol that had many different purposes, from being a defensive structure to being a prison during Ottoman control of Greece.
Where to stay in Nafplio
Just a short walk away from the city centre is this cute and modern accommodation
Housed in a traditional building with friendly hospitality and authentic rooms.
This boutique hotel features elegant rooms just 500 metres from the beach.
3. Hydra, Poros, Aegina
One of the most well-known tours leaving from Athens are the boats that take you to the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. You can visit these islands separately as well with regular ferries, but tour groups leave daily from the Piraeus port in Athens. Jumping on one of the tours that heads to all three islands is a great day trip, because it allows you to get a taste of 3 different islands that are all unique and interesting to visit! That being said if you don’t like the idea of the hop-on hop-off cruise ship and prefer a leisurely day at one of the islands, we recommend Hydra because there is so much to see on the island, but any of the three make for a good day trip.
Hydra is an adorable island with some of the best shops in Greece (we almost missed our ferry back admiring all the stunning jewellery shops!) The streets are donkeys-only, no cars, so be prepared to see some donkeys taking travellers to their hotels through the winding streets. The car-free island does draw in the crowds but manages to keep its authentic feel.
The second stop on tour is Poros. Just 200 metres away from the Peloponnese coast, the Saronic island offers beautiful views of the mainland. The island is hilly and lush, with a picturesque waterfront, also lined with beautiful shops and restaurants. Poros feels less crowded than Hydra and a bit more residential.
The final stop on the tour before returning to the port of Piraeus is Aegina. Aegina is home to one of the biggest churches in Greece, St. Nicholas Church, which is one of the most breathtaking examples of an Orthodox church. Many tour groups will offer an additional add on to visit the church, and since it's a bit out of the way, we recommend taking this option if you want to see the church, as trying to arrange taxis to and from the port during your stop on the island can get a little complicated. If you only do one thing during your time in Aegina, it has to be buying pistachios. We know, it sounds crazy that that is the main attraction of the island, but they are some of the best pistachios in the world, and the gourmet shops have some of the most delicious renditions from pistachio butter to chocolate bars. As someone who isn’t a massive fan of nuts, I was blown away by the pistachios on the island and I can no longer eat pistachios without reminiscing about these incredible ones! The best Kalamata olives I ever ate also were from a farm in Aegina, at a small gastronomic shop, so it's safe to say the island has some great soil!
Since this tour is such a popular one amongst visitors in Athens, we recommend booking it in advance. This day cruise from Athens follows the same itinerary, and is a great way to check out the 3 islands! https://www.getyourguide.com/athens-l91/one-day-cruise-three-islands1000-memories-t75201/
Where to stay in Hydra:
This typical Greek house is cute, colourful, with gorgeous landscaping.
Gorgeous, chic rooms offering panoramic views over the rest of Hydra.
Luxury - Hydroussa Hotel Hydra
Stay in a charming, renovated mansion that has been the setting of many Holywood films due to its incredible architecture.
Where to stay in Poros:
Embrace the culture and stay like a local in this quaint, traditional Greek house.
You don’t need to spend a lot to get the resort feel at Nikis village!
Luxury - Sea-side 3 BEDROOM - BEACH HOUSE
Relax in your own private, spacious beach house along the sea
Where to stay in Aegina:
This adorable white-washed hotel is right on the beach
Beautiful studios and apartments run by the hospitable staff.
Luxury - Motor Yacht 45’, 3 Cabins, 2 WC
Stay on a yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean sea for an unforgettable experience.
4. Athens Riviera
The Athens Riviera is one of the most overlooked day trips, and it is unfortunate because it is one of the easiest ones! All of the highlights can easily be reached from the Athens city centre by buses or taxis, and make for a quick and easy getaway from the city life, without having to plan to book any tours or drivers. The Athens Riviera is also a great option for even just a half day trip, as it takes less than 30 minutes to get to. This is ideal if you are only interested in a few of the places or don’t feel that you have enough time to get out of the city for the full day. If you want a beachside dinner, you can head to one of the luxurious hotels that offer some of the most innovative, delicious food in Athens. Many famous of the city’s restaurants are actually located outside of the city, along the Riviera. The quick journey for a romantic dinner is worth it!
A personal favourite of the Athenian Riviera is Lake Vouliagmeni. The beaches in the Athenian Riviera are really beautiful and fun, but if you only have time to visit one spot in the Riviera, it has to be this lake. The lake is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. The water is green and swimmable, and there are comfy daybeds and chairs that you can use, with a full menu of nice food and drinks. When you get there, you might be a little confused when you see people sitting with just their feet in the water for long periods of time and not going extremely deep. This is because the lake is the natural habitat to Garra rufa, also known as doctor’s fish. Does it sound familiar? If you’re wondering where you heard about them before, it's because it's the breed of the infamous fish that are kept in spas (which you will see a lot of in Greece) to eat the dead skin off your feet. Yes, insanity, right? Well, that is what we thought at first, but the more you watch people submerge themselves in the fish, the more intrigued you get. After a few cocktails, we gained the courage to try it out ourselves! It was definitely weird and takes a bit to get used to, but you definitely feel a difference, and who doesn’t love a free spa treatment… right?
If you’re looking for more of a beach day than a lake day, and want to swim without the risk of fish sucking your dead skin off, there are plenty of nice beaches along the Riviera that make for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Athens. The Riviera is quite built up, so every beach pretty much is home to some establishment, whether it's a beach club, tavernas on the ocean, beach bars, or hotels, you’ll never be too far from anything you may need! Some of our favourite spots on the Riviera include Varkiza, which gives off a resort vibe, serving up the most tropical of cocktails, Astir Beach, a luxurious getaway upgraded with comfortable daybeds, critically-acclaimed restaurants, and you can even visit some ruins, and Althea Beach, which is a lot less built-up than the other 2, and more of a one-with-nature experience, equally as stunning and more relaxed.
If you’re already visiting the Athens Riviera, you can opt to visit the impressive ruin of the Temple of Poseidon. The 5th-century BCE structure is incredible and offers great ocean views as well. However, a personal opinion is that there are just as impressive if not more impressive ruins that can be explored for days on end right in the heart of Athens. The Temple of Poseidon is worth a visit no doubt, and will leave a lasting impression, but for a worthwhile day trip, we recommend combining it with a visit to the lake or the beaches!
5. Mykonos
A day trip to Mykonos is not something that most people consider when in Athens, as Mykonos seems quite far and a lot of people think it won’t be enough time, but the fast ferry actually only takes 2 hours and 35 minutes! If you’re short on time in Greece, this is an excellent chance to get a taste of the Cycladic Islands and explore the white-washed towns that you’ve seen on every postcard. The most convenient way to see Mykonos in one day is with a day trip that includes your ferry tickets, hotel pick up and drop off, and transportation around the island of Mykonos for a hassle-free visit!
Embark on a beautiful seaside ferry that will take you across the Aegean. If you haven’t been on a Greek ferry that goes further than an hour’s distance, get ready for an experience in itself! The boats are usually humongous and have multiple seating levels. My Greek mom was impressed with the spanakopita on board at the café, a traditional spinach pie made out of filo dough. Food options, cafés, and bars make for a relaxing trip, and you can even admire the ocean from the deck and feel the breeze in your hair for a bit if you want to get some fresh air!
Once you’re in Mykonos, you’ll get a great combination of time spent with the tour group exploring the whitewashed town of Mykonos. You’ll also get to visit the Little Venice of Mykonos, which includes stunning stone pathways and iconic buildings along the coast. After that, you’ll see the windmills, which are some of the most notable features on the island and have a long and interesting history. Afterwards, you’ll walk to the famous Matoyianni neighbourhood, which is known for its designer boutiques and luxurious shopping. After this 60-minute informative walking tour through the island, you’ll get a few hours to enjoy for yourself, which you can spend further exploring the town, grabbing a meal, or swimming in the Aegean.
Interested in more Mykonos and the Cyclades? See our island-hopping itinerary for more inspiration.
Where to stay in Mykonos:
Adorable rooms that fit the Mykonos theme, with social events and a nice rooftop.
Stay in the traditional village of Ano Mera, equipped with a swimming pool and fitness centre.
Stunning and newly renovated, and in the perfect location to explore the island.
6. Delphi
Delphi is located about 2 and a half hours from Athens by car, making it a convenient and beautiful spot for a day trip. The famous Oracle of Delphi is where the UNESCO World Heritage site gets its name, and the most famous spot to visit in Delphi is the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo is extremely well-preserved and its ruins are thought of to be some of the best throughout the country. Besides just the temple, you’ll also get to visit magnificent ruins of the site's theatre and a stadium. There is also a museum on-site that houses artefacts from the ancient city of Delphi, and provides a lot of insight onto the history of the Oracle of Delphi.
One of the most stunning parts of Delphi however, is its natural beauty. While impressive ruins can be found all throughout Greece, there is something spectacular about visiting the ruins surrounded by such pristine nature, imagining the history and where it took place. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the natural landscape is lush, with olive groves surrounding, and a traditional village nearby boasts beautiful, picturesque Greek architecture. If you choose to travel to Delphi on your own, there are even hiking trails you can set off on to explore the nature of the area further.
If you want an expert to take you to the ancient ruins and deeply explain the wonderful history of the region, check out Delphi on a guided tour leaving from Athens . The guided tour will ensure you entry to all the sites, easy transfer to and from Delphi, and of course, all the expert knowledge on the ancient site.
7. Agistri
If you’re looking for an even quieter island than Hydra, Poros, and Aegina to venture off to and explore, Agistri is a wonderful option. The small island is only 30 minutes by ferry from Piraeus, so you can easily spend a day, or even half a day at the small island. Once you get off at the port, there will be a bus that you can ride into the town. There is only one bus that goes around the whole island, so you can really get a good feel of the island just by getting on the public transport bus and visiting the different beaches. When we were there in summer, however, the bus left every hour, and so we had to keep an eye out to make sure that we didn’t miss it!
Chalikiada, Aponisos, and Megalochori are the most popular beaches on the island, but keep in mind that Chalikiada has a very steep hike down and you should bring sneakers to the island if you’re looking to visit this beach. Aponisos is flat and easy to access and is quite beautiful, with a beach bar and a great swimming area! You may even run into a peacock or two if you explore the grounds a bit more.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even combine this day trip with a stop in Aegina, spending half a day on each island. Aegina is extremely close, maybe 10 minutes maximum, from Agistri, so it is very easy to hop on a ferry between the two islands and get a feel for both in just a day!
Where to stay in Agistri:
Tasteful rooms overlooking the Saronic Gulf for an affordable price.
Perfectly located at Skala beach, with sea, pool, and mountain views.
Luxury - Aktaion Beach Boutique Hotel & Spa
This stunning beachfront hotel has a beautiful pool and sunroof.
