5 + 1 getaways near Athens
You want to get away from the heat and the fast pace of the capital but the leave is late. You need a “breath” of coolness, your mood is already summery and all you think about is a cocktail on a beach with turquoise waters. Do not worry, Athens is the best “base” for getaways, with countless nearby destinations for the weekend. We make six suggestions for you to charge your batteries.
Aegina
The picturesque island of Argosaronikos, just one hour from the port of Piraeus and with tickets at 9 euros, is one of the favorite destinations to escape to S / K. The traditional cafes that are popping up everywhere, the neoclassical houses with the bougainvilleas and the courtyards that smell like jasmine and the small alleys have a romantic setting from the old ones. You will take a dip in the beach Keyin Agia Marina with the long sandy beach, in Column near Chora and the beach bar Bokambo in Marathon B, which excites locals and visitors. Do not forget to take a walk in Paleochora with the 365 churches and visit it Temple of Aphaiathat, when you finish your tour, you can enjoy the view and the peace from the bar just outside.
Fish hook
If you want a more alternative destination, here you will find tranquility, beaches with crystal clear waters and a beautiful green natural landscape. The Fish hook, the neighborhood of Aegina, is just one hour from the port of Piraeus, ferry prices are low, if you are a nature lover who appreciates hiking trails, while the island is suitable for camping and cycling. Most beaches are easily accessible on foot, but it is good to have an umbrella with you because you will find many that are not organized. In Pebble You can meet nudists, as it used to be their favorite hangout, due to the difficult access to Dragon you will find shade under the pines that reach the beach and you will get the necessary things from the canteen, while the beach Staircase next to the port, one of the most popular on the island, is organized, with shallow waters and restaurants for families. In the A little Wine A little Sea (with your partner, I will wish) you will enjoy fresh fish, while do not forget to ask for the pebble, the macaroon of Agistri. Extra tip: Do not miss the ride with the horses around the lake in Aponisos.
Kea or Jia
It is also characterized as “the paradise of the weekend”, the nearest Cycladic island, just one hour from Lavrio, and is an idyllic destination. A little of the cobbled paths that pass through forests and lead to wonderful coves and beaches and a little of its dense vegetation, make it stand out from the other islands of the Cyclades, which make you love it. Jia. THE Countryor else Ιουλίδαis a picturesque settlement with traditional houses with tiled roofs, cobbled streets and steps for enjoyable walks, while if you like hiking you will find trails with a total length of 81 km. You will swim in Otziain Κουνδούρο and in Schino, which has appropriate equipment. If you are a fan of diving, you will find many shipwrecks under the sea. In the Panoramaas its name suggests, has excellent views and homemade pastries and in the authentic family tavern, the Holiday home of Margarita you will enjoy incredible cooked dishes.
Chalkida
It combines mountain and sea in the ideal way, access from Athens is very easy and the relaxed rhythms of life make Chalkida one of the favorite destinations for the whole year. Especially during the summer months, you will pass the “crazy waters” of Evripos and enjoy the walk along the beach of Chalkida, with countless cafes and ouzadika, lazy fishermen, sea views and music. From Old Bridge up to the imposing Red House, you will see the neoclassical Kotsika Mansion with its domes that house the City Hall and the heart of the city beats. Within walking distance is the organized beach Starson the opposite side of the strait of Evripos, near the Port Authority, for diving after walking in Karababa Castle and you can “pinch” in Stars Beach from brunch to risotto with shrimp. Just 7 km from Chalkida is the sandy beach with clear blue waters Dew Salts, the most trendy beach in the area with the sun setting from the sea side, offering magical images and colors in the afternoons for swimming or cocktails in one of the beach bars. Returning from the bathroom, an interesting stop is at Agios Minas for fresh fish.
Sounio
You cross the coastal road and end up in Sounio for a short getaway to the southern tip of Attica. Its combination of the ancient Temple of Poseidon and her Sounio beach, just below, is what you need to relax. As you swim, the image of the setting sun in conjunction with the temple looks like a painting. Nearby is the beach at Λεγραινά, with the fine golden sand and the turquoise waters, that you will surely find a quiet corner to relax. After the bath, the appetite opens and the road to the taverns of the area, with a favorite choice being the tavern. Theodoros and Eleni the Little, for fresh fish, french fries and mussels in many versions. Extra tip: Visit the Archaeological Site of Sounio, before or after the swims. They are open from 9.30 in the morning and with the last entry 20 minutes before sunset.
Marathon
For the end I left a very close destination in Athens, with excellent natural landscape and endless sandy beaches. There are beaches for every taste: either organized, with sunbed and music from beach bar, or remote and less organized for simple towels on the beach. Particularly popular for swimming is its seaside area Ropeswith the beaches with golden sand and the pine forest around, while for the sports types the Moraitis Beach Bar is the best destination for water sports. After bathing in Marathon beach you will eat delicious fried squid in Lighthouse. In Marathon lake, the only artificial lake in Attica, where you enjoy the wonderful route and you will drink your coffee with a view. Do not miss a visit to Marathon Road Museum and to Archaeological Museum of Marathon in Vranawhich houses, among other things, finds from the Battle of Marathon, and is open daily (except Tuesday) from 8.30 am.