Ideas for the Whit Monday long weekend or for a last minute day trip a breath away from Athens.
Looking for an easy seaside getaway for the long weekend of Pentecost? For those still mulling it over, we’ve gathered four destinations just one to two hours from Athens that offer relaxation by the waves, beautiful landscapes to explore, and everything you want for your first mini summer getaway. They’re ideal for a three-day break, for a day trip and for a short escape on any summer weekend.
Aegina
Aegina is one of the most classic and beloved choices for spur-of-the-moment escapes with a sea breeze. With a romantic atmosphere that transports you to another era, picturesque fishing villages, important sights, archaeological monuments, and a pine-forested interior ideal for hikes and strolls, the second-largest island of the Argosaronic Gulf offers plenty of variety. 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 Paleochora, the island’s medieval capital, a visit to the Temple of Aphaia (the view from this spot is enchanting), and unwinding over coffee and food in the traditional fishing village of Perdika will fill your long weekend.
Loutraki
Recognized as a spa town since 1925, a resort known for its thermal baths, mineral waters, and casino, Loutraki is certainly an ideal choice for spur-of-the-moment escapes, as it is just 80 km. from Athens.The city’s expansive beach is the obvious choice, with all the comforts of an organized shore, yet there are many more beaches to enjoy your swim. On the road from Loutraki to Perachora, at a particularly steep point, the Flambouro sign points the way to an idyllic beach. A lovely alternative for dips is the small beach in front of the archaeological site of Heraion at the end of the Perachora peninsula. Here, near the Heraion Lighthouse, at Cape Melagavi, stand the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hera, which reach almost into the sea. Beautiful and exotic, too, is Mylokopi (access via dirt road), a sandy beach with fine pebbles that will make you feel like you’re on an island.
Tolo
Just 12 km. from Nafplio and about 145 km. from Athens, the former fishing village of Tolo is today one of the most popular summer destinations in Argolis. Tolo combines the essential ingredients of summer relaxation: crystal-clear sea, tavernas, bars, opportunities for various activities and sports, and close proximity to famous archaeological sites and other Argolis destinations. A major attraction is the organized beach with fine golden sand that stretches to nearly one kilometer. Also within a short drive are the popular beaches of Karathona, the Arvanitia beach in Nafplio, and the beaches at Vivari, Drepano, Asini, Myloi, and Kiveri.
Porto Germeno
A breath away from Athens, on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth and at the foot of Kithairon, Porto Germeno, with its five successive beaches and crystal-clear waters, promises a wonderful short summer excursion. The busiest beach is the one known as the “middle beach,” which is pebbly and offers abundant shade from tamarisk trees. It’s also worth visiting Prosili, which has easy access, pristine waters, and is ideally sheltered from the local northerly winds. And since swims without good food simply won’t do, in the area you’ll find lovely seaside tavernas where you can savor fresh fish, homemade meze, and whatever you crave.
