Below you will find our selection of seaside destinations that will inspire you to start your summer early. Therefore, pack your bags and don’t let your routine stop you from going on the perfect weekend excursion.
A classic solution for a last-minute weekend for everyone staying in Athens. Aegina is only 35 minutes away by flying dolphin from Piraeus. No matter how picturesque the promenade on the waterfront with the carriages, the neoclassical ones, the floating grocery stores, the cafes, and the taverns around the fish market, do not stop only at those sites. Look for the least known to many imposing public buildings of the Kapodistrian era (such as the Kyverneio). The hinterland is rich in archeological and religious sites and beautiful landscapes - from the pine-covered route to the classic beach of Agia Marina to the most "Cycladic" route that connects the port with the village of Anitsaio and the port of Portes with fish taverns. If you stay more than one day, the means of transport is necessary to return to the island. Cyclist lovers can take their bike with them or rent one and cycle along the beach as well as it’s suitable for cycling.
Characterized as a traditional settlement since 1978, Galaxidi has a manorial beauty that takes you on a journey. Its port still carries the glamor of the times when it was full of braces, schooners, and louvers. Almost a century later, life moves at a different pace and Galaxidi is now a quiet town and an ideal weekend destination for Athenians. The atmosphere of the past has remained intact thanks to the love of the locals for the tradition and the mild tourist development, with small beautiful guesthouses in restored mansions and well-kept taverns, which offer a sophisticated package. It is worth taking the wonderful walk by the sea from the main port to the pine-covered hill of the school of tourism professions or on the other side to Chirolakas but also to go up by car to the monastery of Sotira to enjoy the view. However, apart from being an autonomous destination for a weekend, Galaxidi is also an excellent short ride for the visitors of Arachova.
The neoclassical charm of Chora, the pine-covered slopes, the tiny coves, and the easy access from Athens (either from Piraeus or from the coast of Trizinia) are the strong advantages of Poros. The tiny Chora, port, and capital of the island, retains its old charm. The simple neoclassical buildings, the narrow streets that lead to the interior of the settlement, and, most importantly, the beauty of the landscape (reminiscent of a peaceful lagoon) will make you feel like you are returning to a favorite vacation spot. It is worth walking in the old neighborhoods, in the "Old Town" as the locals call them. Particularly picturesque is the small square next to the church of Agios Georgios and the old aqueduct. A must-visit is the Clock, a trademark of the maritime state since 1927. Built on the highest peak of the hill, it has panoramic views across the canal that separates the island from the opposite coast of the Peloponnese. The visit to Poros is traditionally combined with excursions on the opposite coast of the Peloponnese with the famous Lemon Forest and the Archaeological Site of Troizina.
Euboea is the second-largest island in the country and the easternmost prefecture of Central Greece. Very close to Athens, a "weekend" island but also a vacation spot for many, it is connected to the mainland by ferry boat from Oropos and Rafina, while the bridge of Chalkida, the island's capital, keeps the island open to tourists all seasons of the year. From Chalkida, the roads lead either to the most developed tourist and green northern Euboea or to the most unknown but authentic southern Euboea. The landscape has a rare beauty and huge changes - from the 110 beautiful beaches in Euboea and the Aegean, including the famous Chiliadou and the huge beach of Agia Anna, in verdant mountains like Ochi and Dirfis, rivers with dreamy gorges like Dimosari gorge, dense forests such as Platanias and Steni (with the Ski Center). Atmospheric villages such as the traditional Kimi, Karystos with Kokkinokastro, Limni with its natural harbor, Rovies with the plane trees, Edipsos with the thermal baths, Eretria with the archeological museum, the temple of Apollo and the House with the mosaics, the deserted villages of Kafireas and of course Chalkida on the Strait of Evripos with the extremely interesting Archaeological Museum and the lively nightlife are a few of the many charming places of Euboea. The mysterious Drakospita in Styra and Mount Ochi, Lichadonissia, the "twin" Venetian towers of Mytikas but also the monasteries of Agios Ioannis the Russian, Agios Georgios Ilias, and Galatakis do not exhaust in any way the sights of the island, interests of any visitor.
A favorite destination for retirees and spa lovers, due to the thermal springs and wellness hotels, Kamena Vourla remains unknown and unexplored by other target groups. And yet they have their own Seychelles, seals, sea wrecks for diving lovers and can become a base for excursions to the green surrounding mountains and the picturesque villages of Fthiotida. Plus, the clear, calm (because of the Gulf of Malia) and somewhat lukewarm waters due to the springs. Built amphitheatrically at the foot of Mount Knimis, Kamena Vourla offers beautiful views from all points. The city is proud of its beach which is flooded every evening by locals and visitors to admire a truly idyllic sunset. Here you can taste fresh fish from the area in the numerous taverns but also traditional sweets and nice donuts.
Famous spa town, just 80 km from Athens, with several permanent residents and tourist infrastructure that is constantly updated. The once cosmopolitan settlement remains a vibrant seaside resort, all year round, with an organized beach, modern and retro hotels and side taverns along the classic terrace, and of course a casino. A beautiful walk after the Byzantine church of Agios Andreas (14th century), will take you to a beautiful pedestrian street with palm trees in the area of the old spa town, at the northern exit of the city. The farther you go from the city, the closer you get to the natural waterfalls, the pleasant surprise that awaits you in Zoodochou Pigi square. Previously, a stop is required at the positherapy center of the Loutraki Thermal Springs, while the New Hydrotherapy Center of the city adopts the profile of a modern spa always with the famous thermal water.
Probably the most charming city of the Peloponnese and one of the favorite destinations for weekends during all seasons. In the cute old town of Nafplio, with the preserved architectural features and the two Venetian castles that crown it, Akronafplia and Palamidi, the aura of the first capital of the Greek state is diffused. Admire the city from above by climbing the -999 according to tradition 857 according to others- steps that lead to the imposing Palamidi that stands on a huge gray rock and overlooks the sea. From Akronafplia the view of the city is equally impressive, while if you follow the pedestrian street of Arvanitia that surrounds the rock of Akronafplia, you will take an idyllic walk with the sea under your feet. In restored mansions, scattered in the old town of Nafplio, you will find beautiful guesthouses. The core of the old town stretches behind the shores of Bouboulina and Miaouli, which are full of cafe bars and taverns with a wonderful view opposite Bourtzi, the small island with the Venetian fortress of the same name. The main pedestrian street of Vassileos Konstantinos will become a reference point in every tour of the old town, as it crosses almost the entire and ends at the cobbled Syntagma Square, the meeting point that is strongly reminiscent of an Italian piazza. Here is the Archaeological Museum, the Parliament that housed the first parliament of the free Greek state and the Old Mosque. The traditional taverns occupy the entire length of Staikopoulou Street (parallel to V. Konstantinou), at the end of which is the Komboloi Museum. The alleys around this road are offered to ‘get lost’: they are full of Turkish fountains and Turkish baths - memorabilia of Turkish rule - and historic churches. The two green parks, of Kolokotronis and OSE, which welcome visitors at the entrance of the city, are suitable for stress-free walks.
An ideal destination for weekend excursions from Athens, the beaches of Corinth are offered for a relaxing family vacation, with easy access to the mountain beyond the quiet seas of Corinth. Xylokastro is a family seaside resort that, despite the modern high-rise buildings, maintains a relaxing summer atmosphere with an aura of the past, mainly thanks to the greenery that prevails everywhere. The beach is the "catwalk", where everyone meets at the afternoon and evening outing. The marina to the west of the beach is a nice spot for a drink, but the lung of Xylokastro and a favorite place to walk and meet is the protected beach of Pefkias - this is what Costas Karyotakis would have in mind when writing about "the green beach of the homeland". Neighboring Vrachati is a lively seaside resort with a beautiful pebble beach, ideal for a quiet family vacation.
A beloved island in the Saronic Gulf, perfect for a weekend. You can go either by a flying dolphin from Piraeus, or by car from Costa and cross across by kayak or sea taxi. Put on low shoes and start walking. Wander the alleys of Dapia and climb as high as you can in the direction of Agia Marina, gazing at the magnificent houses of the people of Spetses with their amazing doors. Do not miss the walk from Dapia to the Old Port, especially early in the afternoon and just before sunset. For dives near Dapia, prefer the free beach of Agios Mama, otherwise choose the Boat Beach Club which is the closest organized beach to the center. You can even dine there since it has very good cuisine. If you still love seafood, we would suggest you make a stop at Akrogiali and not leave if you do not taste its zucchini. Finally, leave room for ice cream. At IL POSTO you will eat delicious machine ice cream in many flavors.
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