Car rental in Athens: the best excursions to do by car

Athens is a very interesting city that gives the travellers numerous and amazing things to do, but if you have spent a lot of days in the Greek capital, and you want to see something different, there are many excursions and day trips you can do within 1-2 hours. If you rent a car in Athens, it is definitely worth the drive to see beautiful places and beaches outside the city centre, places that are conveniently accessible only by car.

Sounio

Sounio is the cape of Athens that has an astonishing view of the Aegean Sea. In Sounio, is situated the ancient temple of Poseidon, which is one of the most important ancient sites in the wider area of Athens. It is located 60 km from Athens (1-hour drive), and the beaches there are famous for their crystal-clear waters. The most beautiful beaches are KAPE and Legraina. KAPE is a small beach with emerald waters, but it is not organised, while Legraina is a long, sandy bay with sunbeds and beach bar. We also recommend you visiting another beach, which is under the hill, where the ancient Temple of Poseidon is located. It has sunbeds, umbrellas and two traditional taverns with seafood and stunning view of the temple. All these beaches have no entrance fee.

Marathon Lake

The Lake of Marathon is located on the northern side of the prefecture of Attica, about 45 km from Athens centre. It is an artificial lake, which used to supply water to Athens until 1981. There, you can relax, drink coffee and admire the view and the nature. From there, you can go by car in only 15 minutes to the place, where the Battle of Marathon took place in 490 BC and the start of the Classical Marathon of Athens is situated.

Mountain Parnitha

The Natural Park of Parnitha is a protected area in the north-western side of Athens with great variety of flora and fauna. It is the highest mountain of Attica that includes historical monuments, such as the Summer Palace of the former royal family of Greece, beautiful hiking paths and shelters, where you can relax and eat lunch in a mountainous scenery surrounded by fresh air. This excursion is ideal if you travel with your kids, and you need only 30 minutes to get there.

Nafplio

Nafplio is the most beautiful and traditional town in eastern Peloponnese, very close to Athens (1,5-hour drive). Narrow paved streets, a cobblestone promenade by the sea and cosmopolitan atmosphere make this small city a perfect day trip from Athens by car. There, you have many things to do, like visiting the Palamidi Fortress and the Castle of Mpourtzi or swimming in one of the beautiful beaches nearby.

Check here our low rates for car rental in Athens.