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Athens has no shortage of things to do and see.
However, if you are a returning visitor to Greece, you might be tempted to skip past the capital and go straight to other destinations.
Here is another option.
Instead of taking a flight out of Athens airport straight to one of the islands, rent a car and head out for a little road trip across Greece.
And before you get too far, how about you stop in one of these nearby short escape spots just around the capital?
This handy list will also be great if you are thinking of following your digital nomad dreams, in order to call Athens home for a few months or years.
Let’s get started!
Renting a car in Greece
Renting a car in Greece is very straightforward, especially if you are from an EU country. For overseas visitors, you can use your international permit. While city driving inside Athens can be a bit hectic, heading outside the main city centres is easier.
My favorite agent to check prices with when booking rental cars is Discover Cars. I recommend doing a quick search there first, to check out prices from all major rental companies, and to filter by all you need, including type of payment, deposit, credit card restrictions, as well as full insurance. (Always get full insurance!)
I use and compare prices for car rentals, with Discovercars.com. It is a giant rental and comparison site on the market and it has a lot of perks that make sense if you travel often.
Once you head to Discover Cars, you’ll find an easy search engine to filter by location, dates and pick up location.
Tip: Always check a few different pick up locations when booking a rental car.
Day Trips from Athens
1. Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon
Let’s start with the most classic of all day trips from Athens. Cape Sounio isn’t just about the ancient site, though the Temple of Poseidon is a major draw. It’s also about the scenic drive along the coastal road of Attica, the beach stops, and the laid-back tavernas that await.
The temple sits on the tip of the peninsula with sweeping views over the Aegean. You’ll want to time your visit around sunset if you can — it’s one of the most memorable views near Athens. The site entrance is €10 to €20 depending on the season and offers a glimpse into 5th-century BC architecture and mythology. Yes, this is where Theseus forgot to switch his sails and his father flung himself into the sea.
While you’re here, consider grabbing lunch or dinner at one of the seafront tavernas. And if it’s warm, bring a swimsuit and make a stop at KAPE beach or one of the hidden coves nearby.
Instead of driving, you can also book a day trip that covers your transfers and takes you to nearby Lake Vouliagmeni a well!
2. Temple of Artemis in Vravrona
Not to be confused with the better-known site in Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis at Vravrona is much closer and surprisingly serene. It’s tucked into a lush valley near the coast, just 40 minutes from central Athens, and it feels like a total escape.
The site is dedicated to Artemis, goddess of the hunt and protector of women and children. You’ll find ruins of the temple, a small bridge, and a good on-site museum that will surprise you with artifacts from the area. Plus, it’s rarely crowded.
It’s a great stop if you’re on your way to or from Athens airport, or if you just want to do something different without going far.
3. Salamina Island
Salamina is one of those places Athenians often overlook, and most travelers have never heard of. But it’s just a 15-minute ferry from Perama (about 40 minutes from central Athens by car), and it gives you a totally different island vibe without the long-haul trip.
It’s not fancy, and that’s part of the charm. You’ll find quiet beaches, laid-back cafés, and a few sites of interest, including a naval history museum. It’s also a great place for seafood.
4. Elefsina (Eleusis)
Ever heard of the Eleusinian Mysteries? Ancient secret rituals? Fertility goddesses? Welcome to Elefsina. The city was also voted European Capital of Culture in 2023 and is one of the most sacred sites in the ancient Greek world. It’s about 30 to 40 minutes from central Athens and surprisingly under-visited.
The archaeological site of Eleusis includes temples, altars, caves, and a fascinating museum. It’s not a huge complex, but the energy of the place is unique — especially if you’re interested in ancient spirituality or mythology. This is the land of Demeter and Persephone, after all.
The modern town itself is industrial but has had a bit of a revival lately. The food scene is particularly good, so combine it with a visit to the town for some classic souvlaki or a sit-down meal in one of the tavernas.
5. Mount Parnitha National Park
When Athenians want fresh air and don’t feel like hitting the islands, they often head to Mount Parnitha, a national park full of pine forests, hiking trails, wildlife, and even a mountain casino (Regency Casino Mont Parnes).
This is one of those spots that will take you into local territory, so make sure to go at least once.
You can drive up or take the cable car. Once at the top, choose from light walks to full-on hikes (like Bafi Refuge or Flabouri). You’ll also find an abandoned sanatorium and an old royal estate hidden among the trees. The latter was a summer residence and burial site of the former royal family, meaning you can learn a lot about a part of history that often goes unseen.
6. Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth
This is one of the most underrated road trips from Athens and one I recommend often.
Ancient Corinth is a fantastic archaeological site with Roman and Greek layers, including the Temple of Apollo, a large agora, and impressive remains that show off the city’s importance in antiquity. There’s also a solid little museum right at the entrance that’s worth a walkthrough before you explore the ruins.
But the real highlight? Acrocorinth — the fortified acropolis that towers above the ancient city.
You’ll drive a winding road up to the top, and from there, it’s a free, sprawling fortress with incredible views of the Corinthian Gulf, mountains, valleys, and the Peloponnese beyond. You can walk the outer walls, peek into ruins, and just take it all in. It’s one of the most atmospheric historical sites I’ve ever visited and it doesn’t get crowded.
Make sure to bring water, wear good shoes, and give yourself at least an hour or two to explore.
7. Corinth Canal and Bungee Jump
If you’re heading out of Athens by car, chances are you’ll pass over the Corinth Canal without even realizing it. But it’s absolutely worth a stop.
The canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth and connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It’s only about 6 km long and incredibly narrow, which makes it even more impressive when you stand above it and look down.
There’s a pedestrian bridge where you can park and walk across, take photos, and grab a coffee from the nearby cafés. It’s a quick stop, but a memorable one.
Looking for something more extreme? This is also one of the most popular bungee jump spots in Greece, with jumps happening in the summer season (usually between April and October). The bungee platform is set right over the canal and it’s a huge adrenaline rush with an epic view. If you’re not into jumping, it’s still fun to stop and watch others take the plunge.
It’s also worth learning about the history and challenges of constructing the canal, which had been imagined since antiquity but wasn’t completed until the late 19th century.
8. Lake Doxa Visit
This lake was on my to-do and visit list for so many years and I finally got to visit a few years ago. You’ll find it near Korinthia and it’s one of those underrated nature escapes that isn’t far from Athens but offers a completely different setting.
It is a man-made lake that sits at about 900 meters altitude and is surrounded by fir forests, trails, and old chapels. And of course, you can’t visit without also stopping at a traditional meat taverna.
This is a very low-effort but high-reward trip, and you can combine it with staying at one of the nearby villages for extra relaxation points.
9. Have a romantic weekend at Nafplio
Nafplio is one of those places that ticks all the boxes. It’s close enough for a long day trip but beautiful enough to justify staying overnight. With its Venetian architecture, sea views, fortresses, and charming streets, it’s often listed among the prettiest towns in Greece. It’s a hub for sailing and yachting and is next to two major archaeological sites you’ll want to visit — Mycenae and Epidaurus.
You also have two fortresses to choose from and visit (Palamidi and Bourtzi) and a ton of history to explore.
I always recommend picking up the book Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation by Roderick Beaton while doing a trip around Greece. It covers the time period after the Ottoman occupation and the start of the Greek War of Independence, and gives so much insight into how Greece became what it is today.
Both Lake Doxa and Nafplio fall within the Peloponnese, a region overflowing with castles, gorges, wineries, ancient ruins, cute villages, and mountain towns. If you have more time, consider making a dedicated road trip through the Peloponnese — from Mycenae and Mani to Monemvasia, Dimitsana, and beyond. It’s one of the most diverse regions in Greece and worth exploring over several days. Here’s a list of 50+ things to add to your list.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
