Best Day Trips from Athens: Delphi, Meteora, Sounio and the Peloponnese
Athens is a perfect base for exploring mainland Greece. In a single day you can stand where the ancient Oracle spoke, watch the sun set over a temple of Poseidon, or see monasteries perched on giant rock pillars. Here are the best day trips from Athens, with travel times and tips to help you choose.
1. Delphi – the centre of the ancient world
About 180 km (around 2.5 hours) north-west of Athens, Delphi sits on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The ancient Greeks believed it was the centre of the world, and pilgrims came from everywhere to consult the Oracle of Apollo. Today the archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: walk up the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, the theatre and the stadium, and visit the excellent museum.
Tip: start early to enjoy the site before the midday heat. Our Athens – Delphi – Athens full-day tour leaves at 07:30 with pick-up from your hotel.
2. Meteora – monasteries in the sky
Meteora is one of the most spectacular places in Greece: Orthodox monasteries built on top of huge sandstone pillars, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is far – about 350 km, around 4.5 hours each way – so this is a long but unforgettable day.
Tip: dress modestly to enter the monasteries (covered shoulders and knees; skirts for women at most monasteries). Our Athens – Meteora – Hermit Caves – Athens tour leaves at 06:00, visits two monasteries from the inside and includes the old hermit caves.
3. Cape Sounio – the Temple of Poseidon
Only about 65 km (around 1 hour 15 minutes) from the centre of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon stands on a cliff at the southern tip of Attica. The drive along the Athenian Riviera is beautiful, and the sunset from the temple is one of the classic sights of Greece. On the way you can also visit the ancient theatre of Thorikos.
Tip: this is the easiest half-day escape from Athens. See our Athens – Sounio – Temple of Poseidon – Ancient Theater of Thorikos tour.
4. Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio
Cross into the Peloponnese for four highlights in one day. Stop at the Corinth Canal, cut through solid rock between two seas; walk through the Lion Gate of Mycenae, the kingdom of Agamemnon; test the famous acoustics of the ancient theatre of Epidaurus; and end in Nafplio, the elegant seaside town that was the first capital of modern Greece. Mycenae and Epidaurus are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tip: it is a full day with a lot to see – comfortable shoes are a must. Join our Athens – Corinth – Nafplio – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Athens tour.
5. Stay in Athens: the Acropolis
If you only have half a day, explore Athens itself: the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum and the old streets of Plaka. Our Athens City & Acropolis Half-Day Tour is a good start to any trip.
Want more than a day? Head to the mountains of Arcadia
About 3 hours from Athens, the stone villages of Arcadia and the Menalon Trail offer a completely different Greece: fir forests, gorges and quiet villages. Hike a section of the Menalon Trail as a day trip or over 2 days, or read our guide to the mountain villages of Arcadia.
Day trips at a glance
| Destination | Distance from Athens | Approx. travel time (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Sounio | 65 km | 1 h 15 | Sunset, short trip |
| Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio | 85–150 km | 1–2 h between stops | History lovers |
| Delphi | 180 km | 2 h 30 | Ancient Greece and mountain views |
| Meteora | 350 km | 4 h 30 | Unforgettable landscapes |
Private tour or group tour?
All our day trips are private: you travel in a comfortable vehicle with pick-up from your hotel, at your own pace and with stops where you want them. Contact us with your dates – we reply within 24 hours. You can also see all our tours.