We bring summer closer with day trips just a breath away from Athens to take a little break and savor fresh fish and seafood.
As the temperature rises, we start seeking seaside outings with an island breeze. You dont need to drive hours away from Athens to experience that feeling of relaxation, as there are many options within close reach. Fish tavernas, little tavernas by the waves and ouzeries await you at most an hour from the bustling capital. We present five destinations ideal for a day trip, with tavernas for fish and seafood right by the water and more.
Aegina
About an hour by ferry is enough to reach one of the closest islands of the Saronic Gulf. Aegina offers everything to the visitor, from major sights to tranquil beaches and tavernas by the waves. If you dont bring a car, you can spend the day in Aegina Town. Take a stroll along the harbor with the floating produce boats, wander the narrow lanes with shops and fill your bags with local products made with Aegina pistachios. If youre in the mood for exploration, drive about 13 km. to the Temple of Aphaia, one of the islands most important landmarks. Midway along the route, you can also stop at the Holy Church of Saint Nektarios of Aegina.
In Aegina youll find many seafood tavernas, scattered all over the island. At Psarotaverna Aeginitissa on the beach of the same name youll enjoy your meal with sunset views, while Kavouropetra is for those who want to dine away from the crowds on traditional cod with skordalia. At the tables of Ouzeri o Skotadis youll sit for the best view of the town harbor, and in picturesque Perdika with its little marina youll sample fish meze at Remetzo or at Nontas. On the island, the standout dessert after the fish meze is pistachio ice cream from Aiakeion.
Sounio
At the southernmost tip of Attica, about 70 km. from Athens, Sounio is always a good idea for a day trip. The magnificent landscape with the Temple of Poseidon, perched on the sheer cliffs of the cape, impresses every visitor. Especially at sunset it has a spellbinding allure. Beyond the archaeological site of Sounio, you can visit «Chaos», an impressive chasm 55 m. deep and 120 m. in diameter, located in the Sounio National Park. For a drive with striking sea views, head towards Legrena and Lavrio.
For fresh fish, sit at Vallis Restaurant Syrtaki and for views of the Temple of Poseidon choose the little taverna Akrogiali. In Lavrio, after your stroll among the neoclassical buildings, you can rest at Taverna tou Veletakou- Glykanisos. In Legrena, the most famous stop for steamed mussels and more is the taverna Theodoros & Eleni.
Nea Lampsakos
Nea Lampsakos lies just 80 km. from Athens and 10 minutes by car from Chalkida. This seaside town is famed for its ouzeries and tsipouradika, with a long tradition and roots from Asia Minor. It pairs perfectly with a stroll in Chalkida and its sights, such as the seafront road with the Kotsikas Mansion -where the City Hall is housed-, the Red House, the Karababa Castle and the old Evripos Bridge.
In Nea Lampsakos the choices are truly plentiful. Most fish tavernas sit right by the waves, with views of the New Bridge of Chalkida. To Koutouki tou Perikli is the oldest place in the area, and among the first was also Kapetanios, which boasts a huge cellar with varieties of tsipouro and ouzo. Ouzeri Anemomylos-Akrogiali is known for its crab salad and more, while Amerikanos serves shellfish at its little tables in the shade of the trees.
Salamina
With departures every quarter hour from the port of Perama, Salamina is the island with the easiest and fastest access to Athens. There is plenty to see if you have time, such as the Archaeological Museum of Salamina that lies under the shadow of the Windmills and the Holy Church of Saint Demetrios with works by sculptor Giannoulis Chalepas inside, and the tomb of Georgios Karaiskakis. Across from the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni right on the sea, stands the house where Angelos Sikelianos spent the last years of his life.
In Salamina youll find plenty of places for seafood and a glass of ouzo. Mezedopoleio Paralia Ouzeri is a local favorite for fresh fish, while Ouzeri o Kakias on Akti Karaiskaki has been known for years to Athenians, too. Youll also dine by the sea at Boukourimiza, while at the Municipal Fish Market of Salamina youll find Ouzeri- Psarotaverna Ankyrovoli. Psarotaverna Bakothanasis, although not on the seafront, steals the show as it looks like its straight out of an old Greek film.
Elefsina
One of the closest day trips from Athens by car is Elefsina, about half an hours drive from the city center. The European Capital of Culture for 2023 boasts significant sights such as the Archaeological Site and the Archaeological Museum of Elefsina, while in a refugee residence on Lampsakou Street is housed the Museum of History and Folklore of the Association of Asia Minor Refugees of Elefsina. The citys Old Oil Mill stands beside the archaeological site, facing the sea.
Around the site of the Eleusinian Mysteries beats the heart of Elefsinas gastronomy. One of the tavernas where youll sit is Aigaio, with a wide variety of seafood on the menu. At the harbor, among the most popular is Psarotaverna o Stratos, while Limanaki has an island vibe thanks to its sea view.
