Athens: Mythology of Delphi, Museum and Arachova Guided Tour
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Athens is a beautiful city and its surroundings are no less so: with a day trip you can experience a combination of natural beauty, historical heritage, authentic culture and outdoor adventures. It is a way to enrich your trip and discover the richness and diversity of the region around Athens.
You can admire the crystal-clear sea and beaches of Attica, the imposing cliffs and green hills. These places are perfect for relaxing, hiking, swimming or simply enjoying the unspoilt nature.
In addition, the surroundings of Athens are steeped in ancient history and heritage: you will have the opportunity to visit well-preserved Greek temples, ancient theatres and historical monasteries. that will immerse you in the richness of ancient Greek history and culture.
But that is not all. The region around Athens also offers authentic cultural experiences. You can visit picturesque towns and villages, explore local markets, sample authentic Greek cuisine and participate in traditional festivals and celebrations. These experiences will allow you to get in touch with everyday life and Greek hospitality.
Although in this article we suggest the best places to visit in the immediate vicinity of Athens, limiting ourselves to Attica’s attractions, the best-selling day trips from Athens are to the must-see locations in mainland Greece, such as the monasteries of Meteora, Delphi or Mycenae.
Cape Sunio (or Cape Sounion) is a beautiful rocky promontory overlooking the Aegean Sea. Only 70 kilometres south of Athens, the site is one of the must-see places around the Attica capital.
At the highest point of the promontory stands the Temple of Poseidon, 60 metres above the Aegean Sea: the structure dates back to 600 BC but was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC and rebuilt 40 years later by Pericles. Unfortunately, only 16 columns of the original 34 have survived. Note the technique of constructing the columns, thanks to which there is a perspective effect that soars the temple.
In antiquity, a 5-metre high Poseidon statue stood inside the temple. Only part of the majestic sculpture has survived to this day and is now on display in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Apart from the archaeological remains, which also include two temples of Athena Sounias, Cape Sounion is also famous for the beautiful sunset, one of the most beautiful in Greece on a par with that of Santorini, and for the splendid view of the Aegean Sea.
We recommend that you think about renting a car to reach Cape Sounion: the promontory is accessible via a beautiful scenic road that overlooks the Saronic Gulf and offers a beautiful view of its islands set in the open sea and passes through many small villages such as Glyfada, Lagonisi, Saronida, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza.
Marathon, about 40 km from Athens, is the scene of the famous battle of 490 B.C. in which the Athenians defeated the Persian army. This victory is the origin of the modern marathon: according to legend, the messenger Pheidippides ran all the way to Athens to announce the victory, later dying of exhaustion.
The Battlefield houses the Tumulus of the Athenians, a 9-metre-high funerary monument under which the 192 fallen Athenians were buried. The Archaeological Museum of Marathon exhibits artefacts from the area, including weapons and ceramics.
The area is also known for the Lake of Marathon, created in the 1920s to supply water to Athens, and the beaches of Marathon and Schinias. The latter is particularly popular for its golden sand and the surrounding national park with pine forest and wetland rich in birdlife.
Aegina, only 30 km from Piraeus and reachable in 40 minutes by fast ferry, offers Greek history, culture and authenticity. The main point of interest is the Temple of Aphaia, a magnificent Doric building dating back to 500 B.C. and situated on a wooded hill, with spectacular views of the Saronic Gulf.
The town of Aegina is a lively port centre with neoclassical houses, outdoor cafes and fish tavernas. Inland is the traditional village of Paleochora with the ruins of 33 small Byzantine churches, and the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, an important Orthodox pilgrimage site.
Aegina is famous for its pistachios, considered among the best in the world. The most popular beaches are Agia Marina, Marathon and Perdika, easily accessible by local transport.
Little Agistri, very close to Aegina and 55 minutes by ferry from Piraeus, is a hidden jewel of the Saronic Gulf. With just 14 km² and 1,000 inhabitants, this island offers a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, far from mass tourism.
Characterised by a dense pine forest that reaches down to the sea, Agistri has retained its traditional character. The two main settlements are Skala, the main port with a beautiful beach, and Megalochori (or Mylos), the hilltop capital.
The beaches are small but enchanting, with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Apart from Skala, Chalikiada, with white pebbles and turquoise waters, and Dragonera, isolated and quiet, stand out.
Agistri is perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, with scenic paths and small boats offering coastal tours with swimming stops in coves inaccessible from land.
Mount Parnitha, only 40 km from Athens, reaches 1,413 metres and is the highest in Attica. Declared a National Park in 1961, it offers a striking contrast to the urban chaos of the capital.
The flora is exceptionally rich with over 1,000 species of plants, including the cephalon fir and numerous varieties of wild flowers. The fauna includes deer, wild boar, foxes and more than 120 species of birds.
The park is criss-crossed by numerous well-marked hiking trails. One of the most popular trails leads to the summit of Karavola, with panoramic views of Athens and the Saronic Gulf. The Bafi Refuge offers hikers refreshment with traditional Greek dishes.
There are also Byzantine chapels and small monasteries in scenic locations on the mountain. For those who prefer a less strenuous approach, the Mont Parnes cable car leads to the summit, where there is a resort with a casino.
Eleusis (today Elefsina), only 20 km from Athens, is one of the oldest sacred cities in Greece, famous for its religious mysteries. Designated European Capital of Culture 2023, this industrial city is rediscovering its past.
The Archaeological Site includes the remains of the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone, where for almost two thousand years the Eleusinian Mysteries, initiation rites linked to the myth of Persephone and the cycle of the seasons, were celebrated.
The main monuments include the Telesterion, the initiation hall, the Great Propylaea, a monumental entrance, and the Sacred Court with the temple of Demeter. The Archaeological Museum exhibits finds from the excavations, including the famous Kore of Eleusis.
In addition to archaeology, Elefsina offers interesting examples of 19th-20th century industrial architecture. The city is experiencing a cultural renaissance with events, art installations and festivals animating post-industrial spaces through the‘2023 Eleusis‘ project.
Corinth, 80 km from Athens, is famous for the impressive Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. Completed in 1893, it is 6.4 km long, 23 metres wide and has vertical walls up to 90 metres high.
A few kilometres away is ancient Corinth, one of the most powerful cities of classical Greece. The archaeological site includes the agora, the temple of Apollo with seven Doric columns still standing, the fountain of Peirene and the Roman odeon.
Dominating the site is the Acrocorinth, the acropolis situated on a rocky mountain 575 metres above sea level, with spectacular views of the isthmus and the Peloponnese mountains. The Archaeological Museum displays artefacts from the excavations, illustrating the thousand-year history of the city.
The region is known for its production of sultanas and Nemea wine, which can be tasted in local wine cellars. The nearby beaches of Loutraki, a popular spa resort, offer relaxation after the archaeological visit.
Salamina, the largest island in the Saronic Gulf, is only 2 km from the Attic coast and can be reached in 15 minutes by ferry. Despite its proximity to Athens, it offers a completely different atmosphere and remains little visited by international tourism.
The island is famous for the Battle of Salamis in 480 B.C., in which the Greek fleet defeated the Persians in a decisive naval clash. This event is commemorated by a monument in the bay of Ambelakia, the probable site of the battle.
The Faneromeni Monastery, the most important on the island, offers a panoramic view of the gulf and preserves important Byzantine icons. The main town, Salamina (or Paloukia), is a lively port centre with waterfront tavernas where one can enjoy fresh fish at affordable prices.
Salamina ‘s beaches are many and varied: Kaki Vigla with fine sand, Kanakia and Peristeria wilder, and Selinia popular for summer nightlife. The island has hosted important cultural figures such as the Nobel Prize-winning poet Giorgos Seferis and the painter Angelos Sikelianos.
Rafina is a small town popular with Athenians who choose it during the summer period for its pleasant environment. The village is 28 kilometres from the capital and is close to the airport of Spata.
The presence of a small port, the second largest in Athens and Attica after the large Port of Piraeus, allows quick connections with the Cyclades and Euboea. The port of Rafina is especially popular with yachtsmen who dock there before or after sailing to the Greek islands.
The beaches around Rafina are among the best on the east coast of Attica. Kokkino Limanaki (Little Red Port), a short distance from the centre, is a sheltered bay with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Further north, the beaches of Mati and Nea Makri offer long sandy stretches with well-organised bathing facilities.
An interesting attraction in the surroundings is the Schinias-Marathon Park, a protected area that includes a coastal pine forest, wetlands and one of the longest sandy beaches in Attica. The park is home to over 200 species of birds and rich Mediterranean vegetation, with nature trails ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
To reach Rafina, you can travel by bus from Pedion Areos or take a rental car. The town is also well connected to Athens Airport, from which it is only 10 kilometres away.
The Monastery of Dafni, only 11 km from the centre of Athens, is an important Byzantine monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Founded in the 6th century on the site of an ancient sanctuary of Apollo, it was rebuilt in the 11th century in its present form as a Greek-cross church with a large dome.
What makes the monastery extraordinary are its Byzantine mosaics from 1080-1100, considered among the most beautiful in the world. Made on a gold background, they depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin in an elegant and expressive style. Impressive is the Christ Pantocrator in the central dome, a majestic figure that seems to observe visitors from all angles.
The monastery has had a troubled history: sacked by the Crusaders, turned into a Cistercian monastery, returned to the Orthodox monks under the Ottomans and finally abandoned in the 19th century. Reopened in 2014 after extensive restoration, it includes remnants of the cloister and monastic cells that offer a glimpse into medieval daily life.
It is easily accessible by public transport and can be combined with a visit to the nearby archaeological site of Eleusis.
The Kaisarianī Monastery is a Byzantine jewel hidden in the foothills of Mount Hymettus, just 8 km from the centre of Athens. Situated in a lush valley full of springs, this serene monastic complex dates back to the 11th century and is built on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite.
The monastery’s main church, dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin, is a perfect example of Middle Byzantine architecture with its typical inscribed cross plan and dome. The frescoes decorating the interior, created in the 17th century, show scenes from the New Testament and the life of the Virgin Mary, in a style that blends traditional Byzantine elements with post-Renaissance Western influences.
The monastery is surrounded by a lush garden where medicinal plants grow, used by the monks who for centuries devoted themselves to medicine and the production of manuscripts. The spring at the foot of the monastery was considered miraculous in antiquity and in the Byzantine period, so much so that the water was used in the coronation ceremonies of Byzantine emperors.
Near the monastery is a path leading to the ruins of an ancient Roman bath and an early Christian church. The entire area is criss-crossed by well-marked hiking trails that lead into the forest of Mount Imetto, offering panoramic views of the city of Athens.
The Kaisarianī Monastery is a place of peace and contemplation just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where one breathes a spiritual atmosphere amplified by the harmony between the architecture and the surrounding nature. It is easily accessible by bus or taxi from the centre of Athens, and is a rejuvenating break for those who wish to take a short break from the hectic pace of sightseeing.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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