THE BEST EXCURSIONS FROM ATHENS

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There are many who have chosen Greece this summer as a holiday destination. And we are not surprised at anything, it is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, where modern culture began and where moussaka was invented (those Greeks do know). In Greece there are many things to see and do but sometimes not much time is available, for these cases it is not a bad idea establish Athens as a base of operations and make excursions from there.

If you are wondering what are the best excursions from Athens Keep reading, because we are going to tell you a few. All can be done. for free, to try to save some euros, as in a organized tour, for those who prefer not to get involved with the preparations and drop into the hands of experts. Here we go:

It will not take much away from Athens to discover these three beautiful islands. Hydra It is famous for having been a refuge for pirates, and for the great Leonard Cohen who found inspiration in the bohemian atmosphere of its beautiful historic center. InPores stroll through its quiet fishing port or visit the Archaeological Museum. And in Aegina You can visit the Temple of Aphaia or take a walk through the downtown streets. In addition it is always the perfect time for a beer and a couple of mezze, the Greek tapas.

Port of Hydra

For free

It is practically impossible to visit the 3 islands in one day. What you can do is approach the port of Piraeus and take a ferry to Hydra (it takes 1-2 hours and costs about € 25-30). From Hydra you can visit Poros (35 min, € 13) and from there go to Aegina (€ 9 with the company Saronic Ferries). To return to the port of Piraeus from Aegina, the ticket costs € 8-13 (depending on the company). The trip takes about 40 min / 1.15 hour.

On tour

In this case we believe that it is best to do it with a tour, you forget to combine different ferries and you just have to be attentive to the clock to not stay on an island when your cruise goes to another XD. There is one that costs € 112 and takes you to discover these three destinations.

→ More info about the tour

If you only have time to visit two islands, we certainly advise Mykonos and Santorini (and if you only have time for one ... Santorini, don't think about it). Mykonos It is an island with a marked partying character, but it also has a lot of charm during the day, with its unmistakable windmills. In addition the gastronomic offer is sensational. Santorini It has an unbeatable print: that of its white houses facing the sea and, of course, with the best sunset in the world. Are you going to miss it?

Sunset from Santorini

For free

It is very easy and is the option that we recommend the most. To arrive from Athens we believe that it is best to fly to one of the two islands (Ryanair has cheap flights to both) and once in Mykonos or Santorini, visit the other with a ferry (with Golden Star or Seajet the ticket costs about € 35 and the trip lasts about 3/5 hours, depending on the schedule and the type of boat).

→ Flights from Athens to Mykonos and Santorini
→ Ferry between Mykonos and Santorini

On tour

If you prefer to forget the entire organizational part and simply dedicate yourself to enjoying Mykonos and Santorini there is a 4-day tour that allows you to visit both islands. It costs € 530 and includes a ferry to the islands from Athens (and return) plus 1 hotel night in Mykonos, 2 hotel nights in Santorini with breakfast and travel from the ports to the accommodation.

→ More info about the tour

The islands are only one of the treasures of Greece, but we must not forget that the biggest thing in the country lies in its past. One of the ways to approach this incredible culture is to visit some of its archaeological sites. Maybe the best are those of Maroon (where the famous channel is also located), Mycenae Y Epidaurus

Epidaurus Theater

For free

The best thing in this case would be to rent a car (2 days) and move from Athens to Corinth. The essential visits are the canal, Antigua Corinto and Acrocorinto. The next day you can visit the archaeological site of Mycenae and the Theater of Epidaurus.

→ Car rental in Greece

On tour

There is a one-day tour (10 hours) worth € 103 and is made from Athens. It is perfect for those who want to see the essentials of the 3 destinations and do not want to rent a car or use more than one day to do so.

→ More info about the tour

This route links two of the must-sees in Greece: Delphi, the city that the ancient Greeks considered the center of the world, and Meteora, with its monasteries that seem to float among the clouds.

Meteora monasteries

For free

As in the previous case we believe that the best option is to rent a car and travel the 400 km approx that separate the capital of Greece and Meteora. Upon return we can go through Delphi and its incredible archaeological site.

→ Car rental in Greece

If you do not want to rent a car and the tour option is beyond your budget, you can get to Meteora by bus from Athens (you must go to Trikala and from there change bus to Kalambaka which is about 4 km from the Meteora monasteries) . Or by train (there is only one direct train from Athens, it leaves at 08:20 am, but you will have to stop in Palaeofarsalos).

From Meteora you will have to go to Trikala (45 min bus from Kalambaka) and from here you can reach Delphi by direct bus from 3:55 p.m. (only Thursday, Friday and Sunday), but you will have to make a change in Lamia. We already told you that it is best to rent a car hehe!

From Delphi you can return to Athens by bus (there are several buses throughout the day, it takes about 3h to reach Terminal B in Athens). The ticket costs € 16.40.

On tour

If you do not want to drive and want to avoid all the mess of connections between Athens, Meteoria and Delfo, it is best to sign up for a tour. There is one that lasts two days, includes accommodation with breakfast and dinner, visit with guide in Spanish to the archaeological site of Delphi, visit with guide in Spanish to Meteora and transfer by bus from / to Athens. It costs € 193.

→ More info about the tour

If you are only interested in visiting Delphi (one day visit from Athens) check out this € 70 tour.

On the other hand, if you are only interested in visiting Meteora (one day visit from Athens) we recommend this tour

These are some of the best excursions from Athens. Have you done any? What are the best getaways from Athens for you?

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

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