Day Trips
One-day escapes from the main bases
You do not need to move hotels to see more of Greece. From most bases there is a worthwhile day out within two hours, and doing one or two of them breaks up a beach week without the hassle of packing again.
What to look for
Ancient sites within reach
Delphi, Cape Sounion, Mycenae and Epidaurus are all comfortable day trips from Athens, either with a small-group tour or a private driver.
Nearby islands
Aegina, Hydra and Agistri are an hour or so from Piraeus — a full change of scene without an overnight.
Mountain and village days
Arachova, the Mani villages and Crete's inland plateaus show a completely different Greece from the coast.
Gorges and nature
Samaria in Crete, the Vikos gorge in Zagori and the Nemouta waterfalls in the Peloponnese.
Where it works best
From Athens
Delphi, Cape Sounion, Mycenae and Epidaurus, plus Aegina and Hydra by ferry.
From Crete
Chania's old town, the Samaria gorge and Balos or Elafonisi by boat.
From Santorini
Thirasia by boat, or a half-day inland around Pyrgos and the wineries.
From Kefalonia
Ithaca by ferry, Melissani cave and the northern villages.
Good to know
- Leave early. Sites open around 08:00 in summer and the first two hours are cooler and far quieter.
- Check closing times before you go — many archaeological sites shut mid-afternoon outside peak season.
- A small-group tour includes context you would otherwise miss; a private driver gives you the timing back.
- For the Saronic islands, book the ferry the day before in July and August.
Related guides
Ancient Greek Sites
The lure of Greece nowadays is mainly because of its ancient sites — temples of the gods and ruins of bygone civilizations.
Cambara Estate, Aegina: A Garden Escape Just a Ferry Ride from Athens
A peaceful garden house on Aegina island, under an hour from Athens. Slow island living, direct booking, best rates.
Mycenae
The ancient city of Mycenae — once home to the leaders who shaped the history of Greece, full of myths and legends.
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