Greek Getaways: Four Easy Weekend Escapes from Athens

Greek Getaways: Four Easy Weekend Escapes from Athens
From islands to hilltop ruins, these weekend trips from Athens feel a world away.|©iStock/Freeartist

Whether you’ve booked a few days in Athens or made it your permanent base, the capital of Greece offers no shortage of things to do. From the Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus, and from the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art to the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, the city caters to all tastes.

But city life can be draining, and weekends provide the perfect chance to change your scenery and slip into a different rhythm. Whether you want to hit the reset button on an island or in a mountain town, you’ll find plenty of quick escapes from Athens that feel worlds away, yet are close enough to fit into a single weekend.

Here are four lesser-known but unforgettable spots, including the island destinations of Andros and Evia, and the mainland villages of Mystras and Kamena Vourla.

Camena Vourla: Greece’s Seaside Spa Town on the Malian Gulf

Soak in seaside hot springs and stroll the tranquil Malian Gulf coast.
Soak in seaside hot springs and stroll the tranquil Malian Gulf coast.|©iStock/Andrew_Mayovskyy

Located along the scenic coast of the Malian Gulf in Central Greece, Camena Vourla is a sleepy seaside town known for its natural hot springs and colorful waterfront. About 90 miles (145 km) from Athens, the drive takes around two hours, making it a popular choice for those seeking an easy weekend getaway where relaxation meets coastal beauty.

The name Camena Vourla loosely translates to “the springs near the marshes,” and this village of about 10,000 full-time residents has been famed since ancient times for its therapeutic thermal waters. The town’s modern spa resorts and baths showcase these springs, offering visitors the chance to soak in warm, mineral-rich pools believed to have healing properties. Beyond the spas, you’ll find a rustic harbor lined with relaxed cafés, charming fish tavernas, and quaint shops—perfect for a daytime stroll or a sunset drink by the sea.

For nature lovers, Camena Vourla offers easy access to Mount Oeta National Park, known for its lush forests and well-marked hiking trails. History enthusiasts can head 25 miles (40 km) west to visit the Sanctuary of Amphicleia, once a significant city in ancient times and famed for its sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine. The site includes ruins of temples that were once central to ancient religious practices.

With its mix of healing waters, seaside charm, and nearby outdoor adventures, Camena Vourla offers a refreshing escape from urban life. Whether you’re seeking wellness, hiking, or a taste of traditional Greek coastal living, this town provides a relaxing respite from the capital, and a perfect place to recharge your body and spirit.

Andros: The Greenest Island in the Northern Cyclades

Harbor scenes in Andros, where Cycladic charm meets crystal-clear waters
Harbor scenes in Andros, where Cycladic charm meets crystal-clear waters|©iStock/Poike

The second-largest island in the Cyclades (after Naxos), Andros is known for its lush, green landscapes. Just two to three hours from Athens by ferry, it’s an appealing escape for those seeking natural beauty combined with cultural richness.

Andros is unique among the Cycladic islands thanks to its natural freshwater sources, unlike many neighboring islands that rely on water being shipped in by boat. The island’s abundant springs and streams provide a steady supply of clean water year-round, supporting lush vegetation and agriculture. This reliable water supply makes Andros noticeably greener and more fertile than its drier counterparts like Mykonos and Santorini.

It’s also a hiker’s paradise, with one of the most extensive and well-maintained networks of trails in the Cyclades. Popular routes include the path from the capital town of Chora to the seaside village of Batsi, as well as longer hikes that lead to remote beaches and ancient ruins. Along the way, hikers can discover hidden waterfalls, old stone bridges, and Byzantine-era churches—framed by sweeping views of the Aegean Sea.

The island was historically favored by shipowners, which has given it a classy, understated feel. Chora features neoclassical architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and several museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art. You’ll also find a wide variety of beaches, from sandy stretches perfect for swimming to secluded coves ideal for snorkeling.

Andros combines natural beauty with cultural depth, offering a quieter, greener alternative to its more famous Cycladic neighbors. Its proximity to Athens, along with its welcoming villages, scenic coastlines, and rich heritage, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of hiking, relaxation, and authentic Greek island life.

Mystras: The Hilltop World Heritage Site Above Sparta

Wander medieval ruins above Sparta in this peaceful mountain village.
Wander medieval ruins above Sparta in this peaceful mountain village.|©iStock/acavalli

Perched above the legendary city of Sparta in the Peloponnese, Mystras is one of Greece’s most important historical sites. Located about 137 miles (220 km) from Athens, it’s roughly a three-hour drive, an easy weekend escape that blends medieval charm, dramatic landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere far from the bustle of the capital.

Dating back to the 13th century, Mystras is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its remarkably preserved ruins. Wandering its winding stone paths, you’ll encounter grand palaces, monasteries with fading frescoes, and fortified walls that offer panoramic views over the Laconian plain. Highlights include the Palace of the Despots, the Monastery of Pantanassa (still inhabited by nuns), and the Church of Agia Sophia. The site is divided into Upper and Lower Town, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for some uphill walking.

Just outside the ruins, the modern village of Mystras is welcoming, with authentic Greek tavernas serving classic Peloponnesian dishes—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

For those intrigued by Sparta’s legacy, head three miles (5 km) downhill to the modern city that now occupies the ancient warrior city-state’s land. There, you can visit the Leonidas Statue and the archaeological site of Ancient Sparta, where monuments commemorate its legendary past, though little remains of its original battle culture.

A visit to Mystras feels like stepping back in time. With its quiet atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, and deep historical resonance, it offers a rare combination: close enough to Athens for a weekend visit, yet distant enough to feel like a true escape.

Eretria: Evia’s Seaside Escape

Swim, dine, and explore ancient history on Evia’s relaxed west coast.
Swim, dine, and explore ancient history on Evia’s relaxed west coast.|©iStock/photo_stella

Located about 65 miles (105 km) from Athens on the western coast of Evia, Eretria is one of the island’s most popular seaside towns, offering a blend of island charm, accessible beaches, and a touch of ancient history. To reach Eretria from Athens, you can drive for about two hours via the bridge through Chalkida, or take the short ferry ride from Oropos directly to Eretria’s port.

A powerful city-state in the 6th century BCE, Eretria played a key role in the Persian Wars. Today, visitors can explore its Archaeological Museum, home to antiquities from the region’s rich past, and stroll the remains of the ancient theatre and city walls. The seafront promenade provides sunset views over the Euboean Gulf, lined with cafés and tavernas serving fresh fish and traditional meze.

For beach lovers, Eretria offers a mix of organized beaches and quiet stretches of sand and pebbles. Just beyond the town, small islets are reachable by boat, adding a touch of adventure to your stay.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming. While Eretria offers enough bars, restaurants, and summer activities to feel lively, it avoids the crowded, commercialized vibe of larger resort towns. Whether you’re looking to soak up some history, swim in clear waters, or enjoy a slow seafood dinner by the sea, Eretria delivers an ideal mix of convenience and charm. It’s close enough for a spontaneous trip, yet far enough to feel like a proper escape.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving island serenity, a mountaintop retreat, or a coastal soak in healing waters, these four destinations offer the perfect antidote to city life in Athens. Each one is just a few hours away, yet each feels like a world apart, rich in local flavor, natural beauty, and timeless Greek charm.

From the quiet thermal spas of Camena Vourla to the verdant hiking trails of Andros…from the medieval ruins of Mystras to the beachside simplicity of Eretria, these weekend getaways invite you to slow down, explore, and reconnect—with nature, with history, and maybe even with yourself.

So pack a bag, hop in the car or on a ferry, and trade the city for a couple of days of discovery. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere entirely new.

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