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by
September 25, 2023
One of the best things about living in Athens is that there are so many different types of weekend getaways. In a little under 2 hours, you can be relaxing on a crystal blue Greek beach, skiing up in the Greek mountains, leisurely exploring a new Greek island, or even attending an open air concert at one of Europe’s most ancient theaters. When you live in Athens, you can easily take advantage of how easy it is to get away for the weekend and satisfy your passion for exploration or need for relaxation.
When you live in Athens, you have options amongst three primary modes of transportation: a short airplane ride from Venizelos Airport, ferries from Piraeus port, or taking a car from Athens to your final destination. Here are some of the best Athens weekend getaways:
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Athens’ unique location as a European Capital by the ocean means that a car ride less than an hour from the city center will transport you to the Athens Riviera and to what feels like another world away from the bustle of the busy city life.
Vouliagmeni is the most exclusive seaside town of the Athenian Riviera. It’s a glamorous and stunning destination where locals and expats alike spend the afternoon at the sea in Astir beach or at the natural Vouliagmeni Lake where the warm and mineral rich waters are considered to have healing properties for skin conditions. Vouliagmeni also has some of the best seaside dining in Athens and the only Matsuhisa / Nobu in Athens can be found in the Four Seasons Hotel located at one of the most stunning locations of the neighborhood.
A bit further south along the coast, there are natural wonders to visit such as the wonderful Cape Sounion and the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. The Temple of Poseidon is considered one of the most majestic temples in all of Greece and Athenians enjoy visiting it during summer nights and then going to the delicious seaside tavernas of the area for dinner.
Thanks to a high speed ferry, in just under 40 mins, you could be exploring the Saronic Islands which are the closest Greek Islands to Athens. Given how easy it is to get to these little gems, they are an ideal weekend getaway year round and offer different activities depending on the season you visit. Each island has its own personal character.
A year-round favorite destination among the jet-set Athenians, Spetses is known for its impressive mansions, elegant and sophisticated cafes, art stores and stylish boutiques. What makes Spetses special and memorable is that there are no cars allowed on the island. Instead, visitors get around by horse-drawn carriages, bicycle and walking as their only forms of transportation.
Hydra is a go-to-destination for those seeking a relaxing, unique atmosphere because similar to Spetses there are no cars allowed on the island; it’s like stepping back in time. Known for its beautiful rocky beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Hydra is a favorite among the cool jet-set who are seeking a bit more of a bohemian artsy vibe.
For a weekend getaway from Athens that combines history, nature, and outdoor activity, the Greek Orthodox monasteries of Meteora are the absolute best mini trip. They are hands-down one of Greece’s most unique and visually stunning weekend getaway destinations from Athens.
Meteora’s landscape is unlike any other and has an unusual topography made up of large pillars of rocks that are either standing up entirely on their own or combined with the hillside form valleys.
On top of these rocky cliffs, you’ll find the last six remaining Greek Orthodox Monasteries that were built during the Middle Ages. There’s a huge range of guided tours that will take you to visit the monasteries, guide your hike between them, and some even specialize in rock climbing, photography or food tours.
The picturesque city of Nafplio and the ancient theater of Epidaurus constitute another fantastic and culturally rich weekend getaway from Athens that is just under a two hour drive from the city and is a popular weekend getaway amongst both Athenians and expats.
Nafplio has a lot of historic significance in Greek history and culture. In ancient times, Nafplio was a significant port city that was heavily influenced by the Ottomans and Venetians whose legacy can be seen and felt today in the neoclassical architecture of this charming, picturesque coastal town. Nafplio was also considered the first capital of modern Greece after the Greek Revolution.
Nafplio is a wonderful weekend getaway from Athens if you’re looking to explore historical sites such as the remnants of the Palamidi and Boutrizi Castles, or to geek out at the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio. However, Nafplio is also a perfect weekend destination from Athens for those who want to walk around the pedestrianized center and stroll amongst its charming cafes, tavernas and shops. Given Nafplio’s unique neoclassical architecture, it’s a beautiful and romantic destination that feels a world away from Athens in under 2 hours.
A weekend getaway to Nafplio must also include a performance at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus that was built around 4th century BC and that is considered one of the best maintained theaters in Greece because of its perfect acoustics and symmetrical structure.
When you live in Athens, the Greek Cyclades such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos, can easily become your go-to weekend getaway. From Athens to the Greek Cyclades the average flight is around 45 mins or you can opt to take a 3-hour ferry and bring your own car. The Cyclades are so easy to get to from Athens that you’ll probably spend every summer weekend hopping around and exploring the different islands and their unique offerings.
Mykonos has become the go to luxurious Greek Island destination for foreigners because it offers everything from the traditional blue and white Cycladic architecture, fine dining, idyllic aegean blue beaches, the best nightlife, and of course world-renowned shopping such as Louis Vuittion and Dior.
Santorini is one of the most romantic destinations on earth. The luxurious whitewashed hotels and villas are perched high up on the cliffs and overlook the most intense Aegean blue waters. Due to the fact that the villages are built high in the sky on mountains and cliffs, Santorini boasts one of the most beautiful sunsets on earth with visitors flocking to cliff side cafes, squares, and destination points to experience these sunsets for themselves. Santorini is famous for its volcanic beaches and one of the best ways to experience Santorini is to take a boat ride along the island.
Last but not least, Milos is a favorite destination with both Greeks and foreigners. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages. The island has a rich history and culture, and there are many interesting sights to see, including ancient ruins, churches, and museums. Milos offers delicious fresh seafood and tavernas, uncrowded beaches, and a more low-key Greek island experience without the fast paced energy of Mykonos.
Did you know that you can go winter skiing in Greece? Indeed! And you have 2 ski resort options in less than a 2.5-hour drive from Athens!
Mt. Parnassos is the biggest ski resort in Greece; it is the perfect winter weekend getaway from Athens and is the ideal destination for all ski levels. There are two skiing areas at Parnassos Ski Center, Kellaria and Fterolakas, which have in total: 21 pistes, 7 ski routes and 5 connective trails. Parnassos has a well known ski center and ski school, equipment rental shops, nearby tavernas and even apres-ski hangouts.
The second ski resort is located at Kalavrita, a village located in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The ski resort offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, as well as other winter sports such as ice skating and sledding. In addition to the ski resort, Kalavrita is a charming village with a rich history and culture. It is home to several interesting landmarks and attractions, including the Kalavrita Monastery, the Kalavrita Cave, and the Kalavrita Museum of the Holocaust. The village is also known for its beautiful surroundings, with stunning mountain views and forests. Overall, Kalavrita is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy winter sports and experience the beauty and culture of the region.
Not to forget that there are several European and Middle Eastern countries and cities that can be reached from Athens in less than three hours by plane. You can be in Vienna, Barcelona, Rome, Zurich, Munich and many more in 3 hours, but some to also consider include:
Overall, these are just a few examples of the many destinations that can be reached from Athens in less than three hours by plane. There are many other interesting cities and countries in the region that can also be reached in a similar time frame.
All in all, Athens can be seen as a hub for many amazing weekend getaways. From partying in the best island clubs in the world, to skiing in some of the most unique mountains, to exploring stunning cities and monuments. All that in a matter of a couple of hours away. The team at Hellenic Residences is proud to call Athens its home and we would be happy to offer more tips, not only for your next real estate property, but also for your weekend escapes to help you discover Greece’s gems! Feel free to contact us anytime.
