Greece offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean culture. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the whitewashed villages of Santorini, this sun-soaked destination combines archaeological wonders with pristine beaches and world-class cuisine.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Delphi
Highlights: Oracle of Delphi sanctuary where Ancient Greeks sought prophecy · Treasury of the Athenians · Ancient Theater with panoramic mountain views · Delphi Archaeological Museum with Charioteer of Delphi bronze
Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
Highlights: Temple of Poseidon dramatically perched on cliff above Aegean Sea · Lord Byron's name carved in a column · Sunset views that rival Santorini at fraction of the cost · Coastal drive through Vouliagmeni and Varkiza
Ancient Corinth & Corinth Canal
Highlights: Corinth Canal - engineering marvel cutting through 79m limestone · Ancient Corinth archaeological site and museum · Acrocorinth fortress with sweeping views of two seas · Bungee jumping from Corinth Canal bridge (89 euros)
Nafplio (Nafplion)
Highlights: Bourtzi Castle in the harbor - accessible by small boat · Palamidi Fortress (999 steps) with panoramic Argolic Gulf views · Elegant neoclassical old town - Greece's first capital · Proximity to Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Tiryns archaeological sites
Hydra Island
Highlights: No cars or motorbikes allowed - donkeys and water taxis only · Picturesque harbor with 18th-century stone mansions · Crystal-clear swimming coves accessible by water taxi · Art galleries, boutiques, and excellent seafood restaurants · Leonard Cohen's former villa
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day tours from Athens to Delphi, Mycenae/Nafplio, Cape Sounion from €45-70 per person including transport and guide
- Private
- Car hire from €35/day at Athens Airport (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar). Best for Peloponnese exploration where KTEL schedules are infrequent.
- Public
- KTEL intercity buses serve all major day-trip destinations from Athens' two terminal stations (Terminal A for Peloponnese/Delphi, Terminal B for northern Greece)
- Rental
- Car rental from €35-60/day; useful for the Peloponnese where Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus, and Olympia can be combined in 2 days
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Take the first KTEL departure (often 7-7:30AM) to reach archaeological sites before tour groups and before the midday heat
Delphi and Mycenae are best combined with an overnight stay in Nafplio or Delphi town to fully appreciate both sites without rushing
The hydrofoil to Hydra (1hr 40min) departs from Piraeus Gate E8-9 - take Metro Line 1 from Athens centre (Monastiraki to Piraeus, 20 minutes)