Last-minute getaways in the mountains and by the sea for the October 28th public holiday.
This year, 28 October falls on a Tuesday and offers a great opportunity for a relaxing day trip to the mountains or the sea. If you didnt manage to get away for a four-day break, there are plenty of places, at most one to two hours from Athens, that are worth it even for a last-minute escape. Below youll find five destinations for every taste, a stones throw from Athens, ideal for a rejuvenating express getaway before you return to the citys routine.
Trikala, Corinthia
Dense forests with wild cypress and black pine, tranquil lakes and plateaus, villages with stone squares and little tavernas serving good food compose the scene of an escape to the mountainous Corinthia. And all this in less than 2 hours from Athens. Trikala, Corinthia consists of three neighborhoods - Kato, Mesaia and Ano - and is the largest village on the eastern side of Ziria. Strolls begin in Kato Trikala, with the stone-built square with its centuries-old plane trees and the impressive Church of Agios Dimitrios. In Ano Trikala you will see several preserved old mansions, such as the Notaras Mansion, while its worth continuing your walk up to the 15th century- the view from here will reward you. Trikala, Corinthia is a good base for routes on Ziria.
If you have the time and inclination, be sure to include short excursions in the surrounding area to see the artificial Lake Doxa of alpine beauty. In the center of the lake stretches a narrow peninsula, where there is the picturesque chapel of Agios Fanourios, while higher up, on a slope about 2 km. away, stands the 15th-century Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneou amid beautiful nature.
Kalavryta
Kalavryta, bearing its great history proudly and imposingly, is one of the most popular destinations for autumn and winter getaways. The main pedestrian street and the squares buzz with life, with bars, shops selling local products and tavernas whose aromas entice you from afar. There are countless historical as well as natural attractions you can see. The two historic monasteries, Agia Lavra and Mega Spilaio, the Kalavryta Holocaust Museum housed in the towns old elementary school, the plane-tree forest of Planitero, the Waters of Styx, the Cave of the Lakes and the gorge of the Vouraikos River steal the show.
To experience the most enchanting train ride (and one of the worlds most beautiful according to international lists), you should take the Odontotos that traverses the Vouraikos Gorge. The 23 km. route from the Diakopto railway station to Kalavryta is full of dreamlike scenes. Of course, youll plan to return to Kalavryta in winter, when Helmoss lively ski resort opens.
Nafplio
A timeless choice, Nafplio is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, combining the beauty of the sea with paths of culture and history that it offers at almost every corner. Beautiful neoclassical mansions, Venetian architecture, cobbled alleys and flower-filled balconies create a scene that enchants with its beauty and historic character.
Nafplios landmark, Bourtzi, the small islet-fortress at the entrance of the bay. Your day will fill with strolls in the cobbled Syntagma Square, along the main pedestrian street of Vasileos Konstantinou with its countless shops, on Staikopoulou Street with its many tavernas, on Bouboulinas seafront promenade, but also in Psaromahalas, the oldest neighborhood, inhabited since the early 13th century. To admire the town from above, you will have to climb the famed 999 steps (in reality they are slightly fewer) up to Palamidi, which rises on a huge gray rock. The more romantic will be thrilled with the walk along the Acronafplia path overlooking the waters of the Argolic Gulf.
Chalkida
Just a breath from Athens, Chalkida is always a lovely idea for a short escape that includes leisurely seaside strolls and wonderful food. The city has several hidden beauties and interesting options for everyone. At the entrance to Chalkida you are welcomed by the impressive new cable-stayed (suspension) bridge. The old movable bridge, the Euripus Bridge, is the point where you can watch the magical display of the «crazy waters». The heart of Chalkida beats on the seafront promenade.
The waterfront that begins at the Old Bridge and reaches the impressive Red House is brimming with life. Everyone meets on the seafront road for strolls, coffee and a little ouzo. Restaurants serving fresh fish and select meze, as well as nice bars for the evening, await you here. Dont forget to go up to Karababa Castle, on the wooded hill above the city, to enjoy the view over the Euboean Gulf.
Sounio - Lavrio
At the southernmost tip of Attica, about 70 km. from Athens, Sounio is always a good idea for an excursion. The Temple of Poseidon, perched on the precipitous cliffs of the cape looking out to the Aegean Sea, and the magnificent natural landscape exert an allure that captivates every visitor. From here, the view of the coastline and the neighboring islandsis magical. Beyond the archaeological site of Sounio, we suggest you visit "Chaos", an impressive chasm 55 m. deep and 120 m. in diameter, located in the Sounio National Park (to get thereyou will follow from Lavrio the signs for the village of Agios Konstantinos and then those towards Chaos and Agia Triada).
A day excursion to Sounio can be combined with a stroll in Lavrio. After walking among neoclassical and restored historic industrial buildings, youll lounge at the port for coffee, food and drinks with a view of the sailboats.
