From Southern Evia to Achaia, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for a last-minute summer weekend near Athens.
If you're looking for a way to extend the ease of summer and those dips in the sea, a small, nearby escape is exactly what you need. For a weekend setting out from Athens, the budget-friendly options are more than you might imagine. Seaside destinations that don't require you to spend a fortune combine relaxation with going out and beautiful scenery.
From Evia to the Peloponnese and from Central Greece to the Saronic Gulf, we searched and suggest five places that have easy and close access, as well as lower transportation and accommodation costs than the popular islands and tourist seaside villages.
Karystos
A small paradise in Evia, Karystos is an ideal escape for families and more, far from mass tourism. In one hour from Rafina by ferry you'll reach Marmari and from there in 15 minutes by road you'll arrive in 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 stretch 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'll come across striking Megali Ammos, a favorite with surfers, and when there's no wind the setting is truly exotic. There are plenty of options for a stroll and a meal. Highlights include the Bourtzi, a 13th-century Venetian fort, and the Archaeological Museum.
Aegina
Aegina is one of the closest islands to Athens and offers some of the widest and most affordable options for accommodation and dining compared to other Saronic destinations and the nearby Cyclades. What's more, 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, important sights, archaeological monuments and a pine-covered interior ideal for hiking and strolls, Aegina offers plenty of variety. Stroll the harborfront promenade with stops for ouzo meze and pistachio ice cream, head into the pine-clad interior, dive at the islet of Moni, at the beaches of Marathonas, Aeginitissa and Agia Marina, at Klima, and take walks in Perdika and Paliachora, the island's medieval capital.
Loutraki
Just an hour by car from Athens, Loutraki is ideal for those seeking a nearby destination with affordable stays and impressive hidden-gem beaches. The resort has been a favorite for families for decades, and for anyone wanting to enjoy its thermal baths and unwind. If you're staying in town, you'll get around on foot along the huge organized beach and the area's little tavernas.
Hidden beaches, such as Little and Big Mylokopi, Sterna and Skalosia, are among the most impressive within easy reach. A lovely choice for a swim is Lake Vouliagmeni, as well as the small beach in front of the Heraion archaeological site at the tip 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 at lower prices than on the islands, as well as affordable choices for food. If you love mountain outings, Kalavryta is about a 40-minute drive away. A special experience, however, is the route of the Odontotos rack railway from Diakopto to Kalavryta, along a spectacular journey through nature in the Vouraikos Gorge.
Nearby destinations and villages merit exploration. Among others, visit Planitero, Akrata, and the Peristeriona Gorge for hiking. For sea lovers, there are plenty of options, such as Diakopto Beach, and nearby ones like Rodia, Elaionas, Nikolaika Beach, Pounta and Trapeza.
Theologos
Theologos, the small seaside settlement in Fthiotida, has been one of the most famous resorts for Athenians -and not only- for decades. With just an hour and a half of driving you'll reach a destination far from overtourism. The tolls aren't many and there are plenty of accommodation options 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 strolls and cycling. You'll find affordable options for food and drink in Theologos and in the surrounding villages. The beaches are mostly unorganized and there are many options. Besides the one of the same name that you'll find in the settlement, visit nearby Lekouna with its blue waters, Vlychada, Diamantopoulou and Vougiouklaki Beach with its pines, which took its name from the house of the Greek actress.
