Ideas for getaways over the May Day long weekend, a stones throw from Athens. Weve rounded up and recommend seven wonderful destinations in the mountains and by the sea.
In 2026, May Day falls on a Friday, giving us another long weekend perfect for getaways right after the Easter holidays. As the weather warms, our appetite for escapes grows too. Whether you prefer a mountain trip immersed in lush nature or relaxation by the waves, the following destinations are ideal for a quick escape from Athens over the May Day long weekend.
Chalkida
Just a breath away (78 km) from Athens, Chalkida is always a great idea for a short escape filled with leisurely seaside strolls. The heart of Chalkida beats along the seafront promenade. The waterfront that begins at the Old Bridge and reaches the impressive Red House is full of life. Everyone meets on the seafront road for coffee and a glass of ouzo. There are many options for food, drink and coffee to suit every taste, and distances in the city are short.
Dont miss heading up to Karababa Castle, on the wooded hill above the city, to enjoy views of the Euboean Gulf. A classic Chalkida outing also includes excursions to Nea Lampsakos and Nea Artaki for select sea-scented meze and dishes so fresh they "still wriggle" at a table right by the water.
Pavliani
Pavliani is the jewel of Fthiotida, a destination for the whole family just about 2.5 hours from Athens. Built on the lush slopes of Mount Oiti beside the springs of the Asopos River,it offers a relaxing experience immersed in greenery. In recent years it has become a favorite excursion for families and couples from all over Greece thanks to its good food and the activities in the village.
The famous recreation park, or Pavlianis little park as its known, was lovingly created by the villagers and impresses both young and old. Here youll become kids again for a while with the improvised outdoor games youll find on your walk. Cross the piano bridge, swing over the little stream, play bowling or volleyball, and wander through nature. If youre in the mood for hiking, youll need about 3 to 4 hours to circle the entire park and climb to the top of the Iron Throne, with limitless views as far as Stylida.
Trikala Corinthias
Dense forests of wild cypresses and black pines, serene lakes and plateaus, villages with stone squares and tavernas serving good food set the scene for a getaway in Mountainous Corinthia. And all this in under two hours from Athens. Trikala Corinthias, with its three districts - Lower, Middle and Upper - is an ideal destination for those who want to spend May Day in the mountains. Strolls begin at Lower Trikala, with its stone-built square shaded by centuries-old plane trees and the impressive Church of Agios Dimitrios. In Upper Trikala youll see several preserved old mansions, such as the Notaras Mansion, and its worth continuing your walk to the 15th-century Monastery of Agios Vlasios - the view from here will reward you.
Trikala Corinthias makes a great base for routes on Ziria. Its worth adding short excursions in the surrounding area to see the beautiful artificial Lake Doxa,where the landscape is magical in every season.
Nafplio
A timeless choice, Nafplio is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, blending the beauty of the sea with paths of culture and history at almost every turn. Beautiful neoclassical mansions, Venetian architecture, cobbled lanes and flower-filled balconies create a setting that captivates with its beauty and historicity.
Fill your day with strolls across cobbled Syntagma Square, along the main pedestrian street of Vasileos Konstantinou with its countless shops, on Staikopoulou Street with its many tavernas, along the Bouboulina seafront promenade, and in Psaromachalas, the oldest neighborhood, inhabited since the early 13th century. To admire the city from above, youll need to climb the famed 999 steps (in reality its slightly fewer) up to Palamidi, which rises atop a gigantic grey rock. The more romantic will love the walk along the Akronafplia path with views of the waters of the Argolic Gulf.
Andros
If you love the sea but also want picturesque villages and nature walks, so you can breathe in sea salt and blooming flowers, then Andros is your island. Its just two hours from the port of Rafina and has everything you need to enjoy a spring escape: an aristocratic Chora with splendid captains mansions, Venetian castles, old monasteries, waterfalls, caves, hiking trails and golden beaches for the first dips of the season.
On this distinctive Cycladic island, lush vegetation and abundant waters coexist harmoniously with the arid Cycladic landscape. If you like hiking, youll be thrilled by the many ancient footpaths that crisscross almost the entire island. Dont forget to pause at Menites, a village in the heart of the island with many springs, and visit the wonderful Pythara waterfalls near Apikia.
Kythnos
You need just two hours from Lavrio and three hours from the port of Piraeus to reach this Cycladic island that will charm you with its simplicity and unique beauty. Kythnoshas countless beaches, most of them unorganized, picturesque villages, all-white chapels and a Chora that gathers all the beauties of the Cycladic landscape. Dont miss visiting Dryopida, a picturesque village with traditional tile-roofed houses and old churches, 7 km from Chora.
Kolona is Kythnos most famous beach and one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades. The sandy strip that links Kythnos coast with the islet of Agios Loukas creates two gorgeous, sheltered beaches on either side. The area of Kanala, the islands greenest spot, where the monastery of Panagia Kanala is located, as well as the seaside Loutra with its thermal springs, also deserve a visit.
Agistri
A breath away from Piraeus lies Agistri and it is the ideal next-door destination for those who want to escape daily life and savor the tranquility and simplicity of nature. Its size makes it perfect to travel even without a car, since everything youre looking for can be found at the little port of Skala. What truly enchants visitors is the lush green landscape meeting the blue waters. If you feel like exploring the island a little more, you can rent a bicycle.
In Skala youll find an organized sandy beach and plenty of options for accommodation, food and drink. In Megalochori, the largestsettlementon Agistri, youll wander cobbled lanes, admire traditional houses with flower-filled courtyards and see the islands only windmill. The famed Halikiada with its imposing rocks, the pebbly Dragonera on the western side of the island and the exotic Aponisos, where the pines embrace the sea, await you for the first swims of the year.
