Incredible And Historical Places To Visit Near Athens For Your Perfect Greek Getaway

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a fascinating place to visit. Within a short drive from this city, everyone comes across pretty towns, seaside destinations, historic ruins and natural landscapes. Whether visitors want to praise nature at the Cape Sounion, an archaeological site in Greece or simply visit and seek blessings at the Delphi, an ancient sacred site, places to visit near Athens promise fun to all. These exciting spots near Athens are all waiting to be discovered and lie and add an unforgettable layer to travellers’ Greek Adventure.

Top 10 Exciting Places To Visit Near Athens

Here’s a list of some of the must-visit spots near Athens. These places lie in close proximity to the city and perfectly complement your time in Greece.

1. Cape Sounion

Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons

Located on the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula, Cape Sounion attracts multiple visitors from the neighbouring city of Athens. This iconic destination is renowned for its alluring panoramic views. It overlooks the Aegean Sea and is a recommended place to visit near Athens, especially during the sunsets. The cape is known for the Temple of Poseidon, a cultural landmark and an archaeological site currently in ruins and perched on a cliff. A visit to Sounion Beach promises a relaxed vibe after exploring multiple architectural marvels.

Distance From Athens: 68.1 KM

2. Delphi

Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons

Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece and reflects rich architecture. This place is an ancient sacred site and is famous for two top attractions, the Temple of Apollo, a site dedicated to ancient Greek gods and the Delphi Archaeological Museum which showcases many sculptures, statues, minor objects and weapons. Other places of interest in Delphi are Tholos of Athena Pronaia, The Athenian Treasury, Castalia Spring and The Ancient Theatre of Delphi. This place attracted many pilgrims all from the Mediterranean region in the past.

Distance From Athens: 162 KM

3. Hydra Islands

Photo: Herbert Ortner / Wikimedia Commons

Hydra, also known as Idra, is among the few Saronic Islands of Greece. This place overlooks the Aegean Sea and is separated by a narrow strip of water. Hydra Islands gained fame due to their immense shipbuilding capabilities during World War II. Reaching this site requires a ferry ride from Athens. Hydra Islands has a charming atmosphere and visitors can spot donkeys walking around the narrow alleys, elephant stone mansions, hidden churches and little shops selling souvenirs. Some of the must-visit places here are Bisti Beach, the Historical Archive Museum of Hydra, Vlychos Plakes Beach and Spilia Beach Bar.

Distance From Athens: 192 KM

4. Mykines

Photo: Annatsach / Wikimedia Commons

Mykines is a quaint village in Greece and a top destination for a one day itinerary near Athens. This place has gained fame as it is home to one of the famed archaeological sites, Mycenae. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has some major highlights such as The Lion’s Gate, the Treasury of Atreus, the Walls of Mycenae and Tiryns. The structures and the layout of these sites are a testament to the history. This archaeological site once stood as a fortified place but is currently in ruins.

Distance From Athens: 120 KM

5. Nafplio

Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt / Wikimedia Commons

Nafplio is also known as Nauplio and is a peaceful coastal city in Greece near Athens. This place is well known for its lavish neoclassical buildings standing still to date. Nafplio is considered among the few romantic cities not only in Greece but in the world. Nafplio is a popular tourist place and attracts visitors from Athens and other cities of Greece. Some of the must-visit places here are the Fortress of Palamidi, Vasileios Papantoniou, the Church of Panagia, Bourtzi Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio.

Distance From Athens: 137 KM

6. Corinthia

Photo: Alex Corinthia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Corinthia in Greece is a historically rich place and shares its proximity to Athens. This city was founded during the Neoclassical Age and has been an important archaeological destination since then. A major highlight of this place is the Ancient Corinth, a historical site currently in ruins known for its black-figure pottery and several artistic innovations. A few must-visit spots here are Acrocorinth, a historical place with a lovely restaurant offering views of the surroundings, the Archaeological Site And Temple of Corinth, Pegasus Statue and Corinth Canal.

Distance From Athens: 83 KM

7. Epidaurus

Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons

This place is among the most magical places in Greece and is a perfect blend of history, nature and mythology steeped in modernity. This place was an ancient Greek City and has gained fame because of its two major attractions, the Sanctuary of Asclepius and an Ancient Theatre, both of which were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These iconic spots have exemplary architecture reflecting the era of Ancient Greek and Roman Culture. Other places of interest here are the Stadium at Epidaurus, the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas.

Distance From Athens: 138 KM

8. Glyfada

Photo: Mister No / Wikimedia Commons

Glyfada is a small suburb in Greece and is known for its best attraction, Glyfada Beach. The town of Glyfada is located on the Athens Riviera and lies on the coast of Saronic Gulf. This town has multiple jewellery stores, boutiques, international designers and art galleries which reflect the chic side of it. There are many waterfront boulevards, seafood tavernas, beachfront bars, fine-dining restaurants and late-night cocktail bars for a lively nightlife. Besides Glyfada Beach, some places to visit here are St. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Cathedral, Asteras Beach, The Blender Gallery, Artea Gallery and Athens Clue Glyfada.

Distance From Athens: 12.8 KM

9. Aegina

Photo: Jebulon / Wikimedia Commons

Aegina is one of the few Saronic Islands which lie on the Saronic Gulf promising a beachy vibe. With ample Pine Trees and Olive Trees, this peaceful destination offers a refreshing vibe to all. Everything here ranges from monuments having picturesque architecture, fine beaches and hidden churches and temples. Visitors truly admire the Temple of Aphaia which are the ruins of a Doric Temple dating back to the 5th Century, the Archaeological Museum of Aegina, the Tower of Markellos, Klima Beach Aegina and Paralia Marathona.

Distance From Athens: 55 KM

10. Kea

Photo: Morfoula Tsentidou / Wikimedia Commons

Kea is also known as Tzia among locals in Greece. This island overlooks the Aegean Sea and is a lovely sailing destination. Visitors enjoy diving in the waters of this island. Kea makes it one of the Cycladic Islands and offers a laid-back escape to all. The town is full of stone-built monuments, hidden beaches, hidden hiking trails and a great culinary scene. Some of the recommended places to visit in Kea are Panagia Kastriani, a monastery, Lion of Kea, a famous tourist attraction, Archaeological Museum of Kea, the Ancient Theatre of Carthea, Psathi Beach and Loulis.

Distance From Athens: 94 KM

Whether individuals are drawn to some of the ancient ruins, historical landmarks or seaside retreats, the above-mentioned places to visit near Athens have something for all. Ranging from exploring the beautiful islands of Kea to witnessing pretty sunsets at the Nafplio, these iconic destinations offer a perfect escape from the chaos. Book a trip with TripXL to a few destinations and plan a day trip or a short getaway promising fun and peace.

Cover Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions: