If you love day trips from Athens for a quick change of scene, these destinations are perfect for you. Four suggestions for every taste and mood.
Looking for an easy autumn escape? Here are four ideas for day trips near Athens that will lift your mood. A nature escape on the shores of a lake, an archaeological stroll or a one-day express to an island for ouzo and meze by the waves? The choice is yours.
Lake Doxa, Corinthia: For nature lovers
It could be a lake in the Alps, but it's in Greece and specifically in Mountainous Corinthia. Near the village of Feneos, at 900 m elevation, the artificial Lake Doxa is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Peloponnese. Nothing suggests you're just two hours from Athens. In the center of the lake stretches a narrow peninsula, where you'll find the picturesque chapel of Agios Fanourios, while higher up, on a slope about 2 km away, stands the historic 15th-century Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneou amid beautiful nature. There, you'll taste the monks' famous rose-petal spoon sweet and enjoy the unique view of the lake from the covered wooden balcony. The wider Doxa and Feneos area is ideal for a nature escape with stops in stone-built mountain villages and plenty of outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking, 4×4, etc.). You can visit the main village of Goura with its old stone-built houses and beautiful square, as well as the villages of Feneos, Kalyvia (Ancient Feneos), Steno and Panorama.
Delphi: For an archaeological stroll
Without the summer heat and tourist crowds, now's the perfect time to visit one of Greece's most important archaeological sites. For Delphi allow about two and a half hours by car from Athens. It's worth it, though. The enchanting archaeological site lies in a landscape of unique beauty on the foothills of Mount Parnassos and is an ideal choice for those who want to take a journey through time and history. There's a unique serenity and energy to this place. The ancient Greeks believed it was the center of the world. This was home to the most important panhellenic oracle of ancient Greece where the Pythia conveyed Apollo's prophecies to visiting pilgrims. After visiting the archaeological site and the museum, take a stroll in the modern town of Delphi, sit down for a meal at one of the tavernas and enjoy the wonderful view that reaches as far as Itea and Galaxidi. Depending on your time, you can add stops in Arachova and Galaxidi to your plan, and also visit the nearby village of Chrisso.
Chalkida: For ouzo
A stone's throw from Athens, Chalkida is always a lovely idea for a quick escape that includes relaxed seaside strolls and wonderful food. The city has plenty of hidden charms and interesting options for everyone. At the entrance to Chalkida you're welcomed by the new impressive cable-stayed (suspension) bridge. The old movable bridge, Evripos Bridge, is the spot where you can watch the magical spectacle of the 'crazy waters'. The heart of Chalkida beats along the seaside promenade. The waterfront that starts from the Old Bridge and reaches the impressive Red House is full of life. Everyone meets on the seafront road for strolls, coffee and ouzo. Restaurants serving fresh fish and select meze, as well as great bars for the evening, await you here. Don't miss going up to Karababa Castle, on the wooded hill above the city, to enjoy the view over the Euboean.
Aegina: For a day trip with island vibes
The island next door, just 35 minutes by hydrofoil from Piraeus, is one of the most classic and favorite choices for express getaways. With a romantic atmosphere that transports you to another era, picturesque fishing villages, important sights, archaeological monuments and a pine-forested interior ideal for hiking and strolls, Aegina is wonderful in autumn too. Strolls along the harbor promenade with stops for ouzo meze and pistachio ice cream, excursions into the pine-forested interior toward Agia Marina, walks in Palaiochora, the island's medieval capital, a visit to the Temple of Aphaia (the view from this point is magical), and relaxing with coffee and food in the traditional fishing village of Perdika will fill your itinerary.
