Five getaways to get into the summer spirit in the best possible way.
The best way to welcome summer is a short escape by the sea. Just a few hours away by car or by ferry from Athens, there are destinations that suit every taste and are perfect for mini summer getaways. For those of you who want to travel only for a weekend or a few days at this time, we have prepared a list of five destinations that are ideal for escapes in the first month of summer.
Kythnos
Kythnos is an ideal destination for carefree weekends by the sea, very close to Athens. You need just two hours from Lavrio and three hours from the port of Piraeus to find yourself on this Cycladic island with its own distinctive character. The Chora of Kythnos, with its restaurants, bars, and shops, is ideal for afternoon and nighttime wanderings. In Merichas, the island’s port, and in Loutra with its thermal springs, you will enjoy your swim and dining right by the waves.
On Kythnos you will find beautiful villages, such as Dryopida with its traditional houses and old churches. The island boasts around 100 beaches for every taste, mostly undeveloped. Kolona is the most famous beach of Kythnos and one of the loveliest in the Cyclades. The strip of sand that links the coast of Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas creates two beautiful, sheltered beaches on either side. The area of Kanala, the greenest spot on the island, where the monastery of Panagia Kanala is located, as well as Ammoudaki, are worth a visit. Also swim at the beaches of Antonides, Flampouria, and Agios Dimitrios.
Hydra
It takes about 1.5 hours from the port of Piraeus to set eyes on the picturesque scenery of Hydra. The Saronic island with its aristocratic aura lends itself to a short escape throughout all the summer months. Discover its cosmopolitan air,stroll the cobbled alleys with the captains’ houses and the well-preserved mansions, and enjoy the blooming bougainvilleas above the wooden doors. An island without cars, a beloved refuge for artists and for those who love art, Hydra has a way of making you stop time and unwind. On the island, besides the sights, there is always something to see, as cultural life is vibrant. A constant highlight is the Historical Archive-Museum of Hydra, on the eastern side of the harbor, which houses heirlooms, Hydriote costumes, and the historic gallery with works by great painters.
If you want to go for a swim on foot, Hydronetta and Spilia await you to dive from their rocks. If you are up for a longer walk, follow the coastal path that links the harbor with Kamini and Vlychos with sea views, or the road to Mandraki with crystal-clear waters. Otherwise you can take the boat or a sea taxi. A little farther you will also encounter Bisti, the small pebble beach, and Agios Nikolaos with the chapel of the same name.
Gythio
Gythio, one of the loveliest places in the Peloponnese, 40 km south of Sparta, truly feels like an island. This seaside town is considered the gateway to Laconian Mani, its name, according to Pausanias, meaning Land of the Gods. Built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Akoumaro, Gythio enchants every traveler at first sight. The colorful neoclassical houses mirrored in the sea, the picturesque harbor, the lush islet of Kranai and the surrounding sandy shores will impress you. It is a tranquil corner of Mani, ideal for relaxing and tasting local flavors. The heart of the town beats on the waterfront, where the impressive neoclassical Town Hall designed by Ernst Ziller in 1890 dominates, while behind it you will see yet another of his buildings, the famed Girls’ School.
You can reach the small islet of Kranai by car, as it is a spot for beautiful photos and strolls with views of the town of Gythio. There you will see the traditional tower of Tzanetakis and the Kranai lighthouse. The nearby beaches are impressive, such as Selinitsa and Mavrovouni with their endless sand. Visit distinctive Valtaki where the shipwrecked ship Dimitrios lies, Vathy, and Agia Varvara below the village of Skoutari.
Nafpaktos
One of the most beautiful towns to travel to at the start of summer is Nafpaktos. The charming seaside castle-town of Aetolia-Acarnania, built between Antirrio and the mouth of the Mornos River, at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth, offers access to both mountain and sea. Stroll around the picturesque Venetian harbor - the city’s trademark, along the cobbled lanes, admire the renowned Clock, the newest monument of the historic town, and climb up to the well-preserved castle.
If you are mountain lovers, then head to Mountainous Nafpaktia, with its picturesque villages and wonderful nature to discover. For those who want to spend their day by the sea, Nafpaktos has many and spotlessly clean beaches. The nearby Gribovo and Psani are popular with families - and not only - for their blue waters. Head also to the organized beach of Antirrio, as well as to those of Phocis that are very close, such as Sergoula, Marathias, Chiliadou and Skaloma.
Epidaurus
Epidaurus is just 1.5 hours from Athens and offers everything a visitor wants to relax over the weekend. Get to know Old Epidaurus, the most beautiful village in the area where the Small Theatre of Epidaurus is located, New Epidaurus with its beach and the gorge suitable for hiking, the famed Pyramid from the 4th century BC, as well as Ligourio with the archaeological site. In one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a place of worship of the god Asclepius, you will admire the famous Theatre of Epidaurus. Ideally, it would be nice to combine your visit with a performance, so that you can enjoy a special experience.
In the area the beaches are impressive, with Kalamaki being popular. Yalasi is organized, as is Vagionia. You will also swim in New Epidaurus at Aliotou beach, as well as at Polemarcha which consists of two wonderful coves with deep-blue waters. Stealing the show, however, is the famous sunken city of Argolis, at Gliati beach. There, at a minimal distance from the shore and at a depth of just 2 meters, you will see remnants of the ancient sunken city of Epidaurus.
