From South Evia to Achaia, there are many affordable options for a last-minute summer weekend near Athens.
If youre looking for a way to extend the relaxed vibe of summer and your dips in the sea, a small, nearby getaway is exactly what you need. For a weekend starting from Athens, the budget-friendly options are more than you can imagine. Seaside destinations that dont require you to spend a fortune blend relaxation with going out and beautiful scenery.
From Evia to the Peloponnese and from Central Greece to the Argosaronic Gulf, we searched and suggest five places that have easy, close access, and lower cost of transportation and accommodation than the popular islands and tourist seaside villages.
Karystos
A small paradise of Evia, Karystos is an ideal escape for families and others alike, away from mass tourism. In one hour from Rafina by ferry you will find yourself in Marmari and from there, a 15-minute drive will bring you to Karystos. The alternative is by car from Athens, driving 3 hours to the picturesque small town of Southern Evia. Karystos blends mountain and sea in harmony, as the beaches spread along the foothills of Mount Ochi.
Swim in the exotic waters of nearby beaches such as Livadaki, Agia Paraskevi, Loutraki Bourou and Avlaki. In nearby Marmari you will encounter the striking Megali Ammos, a favorite among surfers, and when it isnt windy the scenery is truly exotic. There are plenty of options for strolling and dining. Highlights include the Bourtzi, a 13th-century Venetian fortress, and the Archaeological Museum.
Aegina
Aegina is one of the closest islands to Athens and offers some of the most numerous and affordable options for accommodation and food compared with other destinations in the Argosaronic, as well as the nearer Cyclades. In addition, tickets from the port of Piraeus start at low prices, depending on the time and the duration of the trip, which is about one to one and a half hours.
With a romantic atmosphere that transports you to another era, picturesque fishing villages, major attractions, archaeological monuments and a pine-covered interior ideal for hiking and strolls, Aegina offers many variations. Wander the harborfront promenade with stops for ouzo meze and pistachio ice cream, forays into the pine-clad interior, dips at the islet of Moni, at the beaches of Marathonas, Aeginitissa and Agia Marina, at Klima, as well as walks in Perdika and Paliachora, the islands medieval capital.
Loutraki
Just an hour by car from Athens, Loutraki is ideal for those seeking a nearby destination with economical accommodation and impressive hidden-gem beaches. The resort, for decades now, has been a favorite destination for families, but also for those who want to enjoy its thermal baths and relax. If you stay in the town, youll get around on foot along the enormous organized beach and the areas little tavernas.
Hidden beaches, such as Little and Big Mylokopi, Sterna and Skalosia, are among the most impressive at close distance. A fine choice for a swim is Lake Vouliagmeni, as well as the small beach in front of the archaeological site of the Heraion at the end of the Perachora peninsula. Here, near the Heraion Lighthouse, at Cape Melagavi, the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hera are preserved, reaching almost into the sea.
Diakopto
In the shadow of Kalavryta, just 160 km from Athens, Diakopto or Diakofto is a destination that combines the beauties of the mountain with the sea. In the surrounding area there are hotels and rooms for accommodation at lower prices than the islands, as well as affordable options for food. If you love mountain excursions, Kalavryta is about 40 minutes by car. A special experience, however, is the route of the Odontotos railway from Diakopto to Kalavryta, through an amazing ride in nature, in the Vouraikos Gorge.
Nearby destinations and villages are worth exploring. Among others, visit Planitero, Akrata, as well as the Peristeriona Gorge for hiking. For sea lovers, there are many options, such as Diakopto beach, as well as nearby ones like Rodia, Elaiona, Nikoleika beach, Pounta and Trapeza.
Theologos
Theologos, the small seaside settlement of Fthiotida, is among the most famous resorts for Athenians -and not only- for decades. With just an hour and a halfs drive you will reach a destination far from overtourism. Tolls are not many and there are several options for accommodation in the surrounding areas for all budgets, which makes it an ideal destination for a last-minute weekend.
The atmosphere is relaxed and the natural environment lends itself to walks and cycling. Youll find affordable options for food and drink in Theologos and in the nearby villages. The beaches are mostly unorganized and the choices many. Apart from the namesake beach youll find in the settlement, visit nearby Lekouna with its blue waters, Vlychada, Diamantopoulou and Vougiouklaki beach with the pines, which took its name from the house of the Greek actress.
