5 day trips from Athens locals actually take (by car)

There's a reason Athenians keep returning to Cape Sounio. The Temple of Poseidon, imposingly located above the Aegean Sea, offers one of the most spectacular sunset views in Greece. But for locals, the journey is often just as enjoyable as the destination.
 

Route, timing and where locals stop
 

Distance: 70 km | Driving time: 1–1.5 hours
 

Follow Poseidonos Avenue south along the coastal road, passing Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni and Lagonisi. This is one of the most scenic drives near Athens, particularly after Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, as the road approaches Sounio.
 

Rather than heading straight to the temple, you can spend your whole day there:
 

• KAPE Beach: A small, beautiful cove with turquoise waters, reached by steps from the parking area. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as it gets busy by midday.
   
• Legrena Beach: A quieter alternative for a refreshing swim before sunset and also an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas.
   
• Local seaside tavernas: Stop around Legrena for fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes.
   

The best strategy is to arrive at the Temple of Poseidon at least an hour before sunset, allowing time to explore the archaeological site and enjoy the changing colors of the sky.
 

Local tip: Check the archaeological site's seasonal opening hours before planning your visit. Summer weekends can also bring heavy traffic along the coastal road, so allow extra time.

A Delphi day trip is one of the most memorable ways to experience ancient Greece beyond Athens. Set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once considered the center of the ancient world.
 

The archaeological site, with its Temple of Apollo, ancient theatre and sweeping mountain views, is impressive in any season.
 

The advantage of driving yourself? You can arrive early, explore at your own pace and enjoy the mountain villages along the way.
 

Route via Arachova and why winter is also an excellent season
 

Distance: 180 km | Driving time: 2–2.5 hours
 

Take the A1 motorway north towards Kastro, then continue through Livadia and Arachova towards Delphi.
 

If you leave Athens around 7 am, you can often reach Delphi close to the site's opening time, before many organized tour groups arrive. However, always check the opening hours for your travel date.
 

After visiting the archaeological site and museum, stop in Arachova, a traditional mountain town famous for its stone houses, cosy cafés and local products, such as formaela cheese.
 

While spring and autumn are excellent for sightseeing, winter offers a completely different atmosphere. Snow-covered mountains, fireplaces and quieter streets make the journey particularly appealing.
 

Local tip: Visit Delphi first and save Arachova for lunch on the return journey. Mountain roads can be slippery in winter, so check the weather and road conditions before setting off.

Ask an Athenian where they would go for a romantic Sunday escape and Nafplio will be the first answer.
 

With its Venetian architecture, colorful neoclassical buildings, waterfront cafés and narrow pedestrian streets, Nafplio feels a world away from the capital.
 

It's also one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Athens by car.
 

Route, the Corinth Canal stop and parking reality
 

Distance: 140 km | Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes–2 hours
 

Follow the A8 motorway towards Corinth, then continue on the A7 towards Argos and Nafplio.
 

One stop worth making along the way is the Corinth Canal, an extraordinary engineering landmark connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf.
 

Once you reach Nafplio, spend your day exploring:
 

• Palamidi Fortress: Climb the famous staircase or drive to the upper entrance for spectacular views over the Argolic Gulf.
   
• Nafplio Old Town: Wander through picturesque lanes, browse small shops and enjoy coffee in Syntagma Square.
   
• Arvanitia Beach: A small beach close to the town center, ideal for a refreshing swim.
   
• Karathona Beach: A longer sandy beach just outside town, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
   

Nafplio is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, when the temperatures are comfortable for walking.
 

Local tip: Don't waste time trying to park in the narrow streets of the Old Town. Look for designated parking areas near the port and explore the historic center on foot. However, weekend parking can still be busy, so it is better to arrive early.

Distance: 25 km | Driving time: 30–50 minutes
 

Not every great escape requires a long journey. The Athens Riviera offers some of the best seaside experiences near the capital, and Lake Vouliagmeni is one of its most unusual attractions.
 

Hidden beneath dramatic cliffs, the lake is fed by mineral-rich waters and maintains relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. It's a popular place for swimming and relaxation, even outside the traditional beach season.
 

Start your morning at Lake Vouliagmeni, where swimming facilities and sunbeds are available for an entrance fee. Afterwards, you can continue along the coastal road towards Kavouri or Varkiza.
 

Kavouri is particularly appealing for a leisurely walk beside the sea, while Varkiza offers beaches, cafés and plenty of places for lunch. For something more relaxed, stop at a seaside café and simply enjoy the view.
 

Local tip: Lake Vouliagmeni is popular throughout the year, especially on sunny weekends, so check current admission prices and book ahead where possible. Summer traffic and parking around the Riviera can be challenging.

Distance: 45 km | Driving time: 45–75 minutes
 

For a day that combines Greek history with nature, head northeast towards Marathon and Schinias. Marathon is famous for the ancient Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, when the Athenians defeated the invading Persian forces. Today, visitors can explore the Marathon Tomb and learn why the site mattered.
 

But the real surprise comes a little further along the coast. Schinias Beach stretches beside a beautiful pine forest, creating one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes near Athens. Its long sandy shoreline and relatively shallow waters make it especially popular for families.
 

To get there, follow Marathonos Avenue from Agia Paraskevi towards Marathon and continue towards Schinias. The area is ideal for swimming, walking and spending a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
 

Local tip: Schinias is part of a protected national park. Respect parking restrictions and avoid driving into the pine forest or onto protected natural areas. Summer Sundays are particularly busy, so arrive early.

With so many things to do near Athens, the best destination depends on your interests, the season and how much time you want to spend driving.

If you only have half a day, Cape Sounio or Lake Vouliagmeni are excellent choices. For a full-day adventure, Delphi and Nafplio offer a more complete change of scenery.
 

And if you're travelling with children, Schinias is particularly attractive thanks to its long beach and natural surroundings.

Athens has an extensive public transport network, making it relatively easy to explore the historic center without a car. But once you start planning excursions beyond the city, having your own vehicle makes a huge difference.
 

A rental car gives you the freedom to leave early, stop at quieter beaches, explore traditional villages and change your itinerary whenever something catches your attention.
 

The main question is where to collect your vehicle.
 

Athens Airport pickup is particularly convenient if you're planning to explore mainland Greece immediately after landing. You can collect your car and head directly towards destinations such as Delphi, Nafplio or the Peloponnese without travelling into central Athens first.
 

Downtown pickup, on the other hand, can make more sense if you're spending your first few days exploring Athens on foot and only need a vehicle for one or two excursions. It also means avoiding unnecessary rental days while sightseeing in the city.
 

At Abbycar, our experience in helping travelers explore Greece for over 15 years has taught us one important lesson. The best road trips are rarely about reaching a destination as quickly as possible. They're about having the flexibility to stop for whatever you find along the way.
 

That's why we recommend choosing your pickup location according to your itinerary, rather than automatically collecting a car for your entire stay.
 

Ready to explore beyond Athens? See Abbycar's car rental options and enjoy the freedom to experience Greece at your own pace, with transparent pricing and flexible rental options.