During your stay in Athens, you have already seen the Acropolis and Athens’ main archaeological sites? Here’s our best-of list of the most beautiful archaeological sites around Athens. Great classics and off-the-beaten-track sites.
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Among the most beautiful archaeological sites around Athens, Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon are a must! The seaside location is superb, and the temple well preserved. With the added bonus of traditional seaside tavernas just down the road and the possibility of swimming in fine weather. A real favorite!
Distance from Athens: 70km south
How do you get there? We explain it all in this article.
An organized excursion from Athens: By sightseeing bus from Athens ; or all-inclusive at sunset
Interest of the archaeological site: +++
We love it because it’s a truly exceptional place.
To find out more: check out our Sounion section, where you’ll find lots of tips for visiting the site.
*****
The Delphi site
Of course, Delphi is further from Athens than Sounion, and a day trip to visit it means a lot of driving. Nevertheless, it’s well worth the effort, as the site is superb. This is one of the most important sites in the whole of Greece and it would be a shame not to see it.
Distance from Athens: 185km
How do I get there? It’s best to rent a car.
An organized excursion from Athens: if you don’t have much time, we recommend a day trip like this one.
Interest of the archaeological site: +++
We love it because it’s a must-see site in mainland Greece, absolutely superb!
For further information: See our Delphi section
*****
Vravrona
Few people would recommend Vravrona as one of the most beautiful archaeological sites around Athens… and with good reason, as it’s a little-known site. But it’s well worth the detour! For the perfect day out, visit the site + the museum, followed by a day at the beach and a tavern with your feet in the water.
Distance from Athens: 40 km east of Athens
How do I get there? The easiest way is to rent a car.
Interest of the archaeological site: ++
We like it because it’s a somewhat secret site, away from the tourist crowds, with a very pleasant country feel
Find out more: see our article on Vravrona
*****
The Oropos Amphiareion
Once again, a site that’s totally off the beaten track and little-known. You’ll be on your own, or almost.
Distance from Athens: 50km north of Athens
How do I get there? You have no choice but to rent a car.
Interest of the archaeological site: +
We love it because nestled in a rural setting, it’s a modest site that’s totally off the beaten track. It is little frequented and has a certain charm.
Find out more: read our full article on Oropos
*****
Rhamnous
The site preserves the remains of several sanctuaries, including those of Nemesis (goddess of righteous anger) and Themis (goddess of justice), as well as a fortified village.
Distance from Athens: 55km northeast of Athens
How do I get there? The most practical way is to rent a car.
Interest of the archaeological site: +
We love it because the site is ideally located by the sea. Magnificent panoramas and the chance to laze on the beach afterwards
To find out more: see our article on the Rhamnous website
*****
Epidaurus
Epidaurus is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites around Athens. The ancient theater is incredibly well preserved and impresses visitors.
Distance from Athens: 140km south-west of Athens
An organized excursion from Athens: Day trips to Epidaurus depart from the Greek capital. We’ve spotted this Bus Trip to Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio who have very good reviews ; or this one for example.
As a private option, we noticed this private tour from Athens to Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio which we think might be of interest.
Interest of the archaeological site: ++
We love it because the theater is truly impressive.
To find out more: see our Epidaurus section.
*****
Mycenae
Once again, Mycenae is a classic among the most beautiful archaeological sites around Athens.
Distance from Athens: 120km west of Athens
An organized excursion from Athens: there are day trips to Epidaurus departing from the Greek capital. For example, we’ve spotted this one which allows you to see Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio in a single day ; or this Bus Trip to Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio to.
Interest of the archaeological site: ++
We love it because the Lioness Gate is superb
For further information: visit the Mycenae section of this website. And treat yourself to our ebook “A Guide to Mycenae” (€5), full of tips for visiting the site and explaining the monuments and history.
*****
The theater of Thorikos
Let’s end our best-of list of the most beautiful archaeological sites around Athens with a nugget unknown to the general public and rarely mentioned in travel guides: the site of Thorikos. The almost forgotten archaeological site of Thorikos is well worth a visit! It features an imposing theater, a Mycenaean citadel (acropolis and two tombs) and a beautiful panoramic view of the southeast coast of Attica.
Distance from Athens: 40 minutes from Athens and less than 10 minutes from Lavrio.
How do I get there? The most practical way is to rent a car.
Interest of the archaeological site: +
We love it because it’s an ideal destination for a day trip, combining nature and culture close to Athens.
To find out more: see our article dedicated to Thorikos
*****
We hope you have enjoyed this overview of the most beautiful archaeological sites around Athens. Tell us in comments which site is your favorite.
Laure M.
Updated February 6, 2024
