While you’re in Athens you have the chance to get to know the Greek culture, travel and make some of your best memories with your fellow Erasmus+ students. In this page we gathered some ideas for one-day excursions and short trips. There are beautiful but less “famous” destinations. You’ll afford to visit them on a student’s budget! Of course, you will discover more places worth visiting and we would be thrilled if you’d share your experiences with us!

Cape Sounion with the Temple of Poseidon

Overlooking the Aegean sea, known for its spectacular sunset. You may see a grouse or two wandering around the archaeological site!

Vravrona: the Temple of Artemis

Goddess of nature, life and fertility was worshiped at Vravrona (Prefecture of Attiki)

4 Saronic gulf islands: so close to Athens!

At the main port of each island you’ll find a wide variety of traditional taverns, coffee shops and touristic stores. Τrip duration posted here is estimated, please check the timetables!

Aegina island

1h hour and 30 minutes (approximately) by ferry from Pireas (Piraeus) the main port of Athens. A visit to the ancient temple of Aphaia is strongly recommended!

Poros island

1 hour and 50 minutes (approximately) from Pireas (Piraeus).

Hydra island

1 hour and 30 minutes (approximately) from Pireas (Piraeus). Famous from the 1957 film “Boy on a Dolphin” with Sophia Loren and the house of Leonard Cohen. You won’t see any cars on Hydra island! Donkeys and boats are the transportation here!

Spetses island

2 hours and 30 minutes (approximately) from Pireas (Piraeus), No private cars on this island as well but there are taxis, water taxis and a bus to get to the beaches.

• Poros and Spetses can be reached by car as well through Peloponnese’s busy roads (not recommended!)
• There are one-day cruises to the Saronic gulf islands

Important archaeological sites, their museums 
and the towns nearby (not to be missed!)

Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

Epidaurus performances are presented every Friday and Saturday, from the beginning of July to mid-August.

It is approximately 2+ hours by car from Athens.

Nafplio, Peloponnese

1821 - 1834: the capital of the First Hellenic Republic. The ancient theater of Epidaurus is a half-hour drive from Nafplio.

Olympia, west Peloponnese

The birthplace of the Olympic Games. Amazing particularly in spring time! 4+ hours (approximately) by car from Athens.

Delfoi, Fokida, central Greece

The famous ancient sanctuary and its oracle who advised politicians and generals before important decisions in ancient Greece. 3+ hours by car or public bus from Athens.

Galaxidi, Fokida central Greece

Close to Delfoi. 3 hours (approximately) by car from Athens.

Hereon archaeological site, Peloponnese

Perahora lagoon and the lighthouse, near Korinthos, Peloponnese. 1+ hour (approximately) by car from Athens.

Cycladic islands:

in the Aegean sea but close to Athens!

Traditional whitewashed houses overlooking sandy beaches…

Kea island

1-hour boat trip from the Port of Lavrion (eastern Attica close to the Athens International Airport)

Kithnos island

2+ hours from the Port of Lavrion. Discover the famous Kolona “double” beach! 

Tinos island

2 to 4+ hours from Rafina port or the Port Piraeus depending on the Vessel you choose.

Pireas (Piraeus)

Some vessels: ferries, flying dolphins (fast vessels for short distances), catamarans (fast vessels for longer distances)