You don’t necessarily need to restrict yourself to the wider Athens area if, after the summer holidays, you no longer have free time or interest to once again sail away from a port or even spend just a night away from home. Numerous day-trip options not far from Athens will surely satisfy. We propose three different types of destinations, offering choices between sea, greenery and mountain range or a more urban landscape. Regardless of whether you have visited these places or not, September is an ideal time to be there.
Loutraki
Loutraki, as a first impression, may not seem too different to the Athenian landscape, but this seaside town, 80 kilometres west, does have an identity of its own. To begin with, enjoy the view from the nearby Corinth Canal, which, unfortunately is currently closed for repair work, depriving visitors of boat rides through the canal.
This weekend, temperatures are forecast to rebound considerably, so, as a next stop, if visiting Loutraki, head to Lake Vouliagmeni – not to be confused with the lake of the same name in southern Athens – which, in actual fact, is a lagoon. It is surrounded by an impressive pine forest. The lagoon also offers a sandy beach.
Visitors keen on combining travel with culture should visit the archaeological site of Heraion, at the end of the Perachora peninsula. Besides the temple of Hera, significant relics of the early Corinthian civilisation have been discovered in the area. If preferring more recent monuments, as well as spectacular views, Melagavi cape, offering both, is situated next to Heraion. The spot hosts one of Greece’s most impressive lighthouses, from 1897. It is also a great location for taking great photographs. You may then top off this excursion with a visit to the town of Loutraki for a stroll, coffee and food.
Where to eat
Livadia
One of the most beautiful and underrated – in terms of tourism – cities of Greece, Livadia, at the foot of Mount Helicon, 130 kilometres northwest of Athens, awaits visitors who fully satisfied their sea-related travels in the summer and now desire lush settings. Livadia is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens. Begin this daytrip with a visit to the Krya springs. Centuries-old plane trees creating a cool-temperature microclimate, even during heatwave conditions in other parts of Greece, stand imposingly among the running waters, small waterfalls and stone bridges. Visitors may enjoy coffee to the sound of running water and melodies of birds, based close to the springs.
The gushing waters of the Erkyna river, passing through Livadia, were utilised in the 19th century to power mills and factory machines.
Cotton ginning mills, watermills as well as other industrial facilities previously operated in the area. An old watermill and a natural water basin of constantly recycled water, once used by locals for washing rugs and clothes, remain as reminders of bygone years. Having enjoyed a walk around the city’s clean and elegant streets, visit the Castle of Livadia. This medieval fortress’ final shape was the work of the Catalans, who occupied the city for most of the 14th century. This well preserved monument offers views of Mount Helicon and Mount Parnassus. Given Livadia’s reputation for top-quality souvlaki, you should consider a simple souvlaki dinner whilst in the city. Of course, other fine food options are available, mostly meat-based.
Where to eat
Halkida
Situated less than an hour away from Athens, Halkida, the bridge-linked capital of the island Evia, slightly northeast of Athens, is renowned for the tidal phenomenon at the Euripus Strait, a narrow waterway between the island and mainland Greece. Its tide usually changes direction every six hours, while, on some days, this phenomenon’s frequency increases to as many as fourteen times over a 24-hour period. Scientists consider water-level differences in the north and south of the Euboic Sea to be the likeliest reason behind this unusual tidal pattern.
Naturally, we wouldn’t recommend a day trip solely for the purpose of gazing at changing tidal directions. Halkida is a lively city combining modernity and tradition. Definitely take a stroll around the town and have a coffee at the stretched promenade area.
At the end of this route, which begins at the old bridge, you will encounter Kokkino Spiti, or the Red House, a late 19th century mansion belonging to the descendants of merchant Vasilios Mallios. It stands as one of the city’s landmarks, both as a result of its striking colour as well as architect Konstantinos Fleggas’ masterful positioning of the building on a rock above the water. This building is one of many neoclassical buildings to be seen in the city.
A visit to the city castle, the Fortress of Karababa, is also recommended. In addition, assorted seafood meze dishes at one of the ouzeri spots the city is renowned for should also be enjoyed. Given Athens’ close proximity, we also recommend that you experience the city’s stylish nightlife. If spending the entire day at a seaside location without a single dip in the water seems unimaginable, then go swimming at Kouredi, the city’s serviced beach; Agios Andreas-Malakontas beach, on the road towards Eretria; or any of the small bays to be seen on the outskirts of Halkida.
Where to eat
