We have 1.5 day for sightseeing outside Athens. Any recommendations?

Question

Should we stay in Pireaus? Or visit the islands and may be stay at Hydra? or rent a car and drive through Corinth etc. and stay at Nafplio? I suppose, we cannot do all.

We like history, nature, culture but not crazy about night life. In July it must be crowded everywhere.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Your best bet would be to drive around Argolida, see Mycenae, Argos, Assini, Epidaurus, tour the wineries, and stay at Nafplion.

This is beautiful country, the cradle of Greek civilization, with a couple of nice beaches, good food and a lot to do.

This website has a lot of information on this:

http://www.nylou.com/html/ent/083/ent.16...

Answer 2

Nafplio+Epidaurus+Mycenae is one option.

Delphi+Hosios Loukas monastery (definitely!!!)+Galaxidi is another

Aegina (temple of Afaia)+Hydra is a third.

Definitely do one of them, but make sure to have booked a hotel if you are going over the weekend especially.

Answer 3

Go to Hydra, especially if you have not been before. its a 90 minute flying dolphin ride. It is a very beautiful Island, No cars,no mopeds, no airport, Which is something that I find very appealing. Pireaus Im sure has its charm, But its main use is to board a boat not really great for strolling or sight seeing. Renting a car would be nice, but why spend such precious short holiday time on the road. What ever you do,Have fun!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/normalityre...

Answer 4

If you are thinking of going to Nafplio (which is lovely and only 1.30hr drive from Athens) then DON'T choose the weekend as it is packed solid! I had a h**l of a time to get a room - phoned all the hotels!

Why not take the flying dolphin and go to Poros or Hydra - I used to have some great weekends in Poros when I lived in Athens. It's good fun - Hydra is prettier but Poros is more fun!

Answer 5

With only a day and a half, don't try to do an island-- you'll spend all your time getting there, and the mainland is just as fun and probably more interesting.

Don't stay in Pireaus, there's so many better places to be.

I'd recommend renting a car, but only if you're a very brave driver, as the roads are pretty intense.

If you go to Nafplio (which is beautiful), I would skip Olympia and visit some smaller (and in my opinion, better) sites in the same area, particularly Epidavros theater. If you're up for the drive, definitely hit Mystras (near Sparta)-- that was definitely the highlight of my trip. If you stay in Nafplio, try to get a room at the Aetoma hotel.

Another option would be a day trip to Delphi-- a very interesting historical site, but make sure you get a guide or you won't know what you're seeing. There are all kinds of guided tours that go out there, so you wouldn't have to rent a car.

Have fun!