DK Travel : Athens : Around the Attica Coast

From as early as the 5th century bc , the ancients built marble temples to their gods and prophets on verdant slopes covered in the dense foliage of dark pines, in a land where the legendary Theseus had once roamed, freeing Attica from a scourge of monsters. Crowning the peninsula, at southernmost Cape Sounio, was the stunning Temple of Poseidon, sparkling like a beacon over the Aegean. Looking at Attica today, it is clear to see that parts of the coast have fallen victim to overdevelopment, but the jewels of Attica remain in the peacefully crumbling temples among the trees, in the best of the region’s sandy beaches and in the ultra-luxurious summer clubs, which stretch further south down the coast every year.

Buses to most destinations around Attica leave from Athens’ KTEL terminal on Mavromateon

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A Tour of Attica

Morning

Start early with a drive out of Athens to Marathonas. Survey the plain where the Greeks won history’s greatest military victory, and pay homage at the warrior’s tomb. Then head to the romantic ruins of Ramnous, ideally concentrating more on the scenery than the site’s original purpose: praying for revenge.

Drive south down the coast, stopping in Loutsa for a grilled fish lunch at Xypolitos (see Xypolitos, nr Vavrona).

Afternoon

After lunch, continue south to the well-preserved Sanctuary of Artemis at Vavrona, dedicated to the huntress goddess. From there it’s a little over an hour’s drive to one of Greece’s most splendid sights: the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio. If there’s still plenty of daylight, first head to one of the two nearby beaches. The one on the left of the temple requires an athletic scramble down but offers scenic seclusion; the hotel beach on the right is easily accessible but covered with sun loungers. An hour or two before sunset, wander up to the temple, and watch as twilight deepens the Aegean to purple and the marble columns turn to pink and gold.

Returning to the coastal drive to Athens, consider two dinner options. The nearby taverna Syrtaki or, closer to the city, the elegant seaside club Island, where you can end your day of beautiful scenery with a vista of beautiful people (see Syrtaki, nr Sounio; Island,Varkiza).
Aegina

An easy and rewarding day trip, only half an hour from Athens, with pleasant beaches, famously tasty pistachios, the Temple of Aphaia, and Agios Nektarios, one of the largest churches in the Balkans.
Andros

A favourite of Greece’s shipping magnates; golden-beached Andros is lovely, exclusive, and expensive. The Goulandris Museum of Modern Art holds world-class exhibits every summer.
Angistri

This tiny islet off Aegina is even more of an escape from it all. Quiet beaches, clear beautiful water, a handful of small hotels and fish tavernas, and not much else.
Ennea Kores, Tzia

Bypass other tavernas lining the port and head to the end of the bay and this favourite of the Athenian cognoscenti. Enjoy the view over a poikilia (mixed plate) of fresh seafood and veggie treats.
Evia

Huge Evia is the perfect island for hikers, with green mountains and long trails winding through inland villages. At the northern tip, posh resorts cluster around restorative thermal springs. (see Evia)
Glyfada

Here, a wealthy, overdeveloped beach-resort and flashy night-life vibe prevails. There are plenty of designer shops and expensive cafés to sit in while sporting new purchases by day, and trendy summer clubs to dance in by night.
Hydra

Lovely Hydra town, its cobbled paths winding among old mansions clustered around the clear-watered harbour, is one of Greece’s most beautiful spots. Its popularity as a celebrity getaway and movie backdrop hasn’t dampened its charm.
Island, Varkiza

Ritzy Athenians don’t mind driving well over an hour out of the city to reach this beautiful seaside club. The Mediterranean fusion food and sushi are only part of it – stay on to enjoy the late-night dancing.
Ithaki

Elaborate cuisine and glitzy clientele in a wood-and-glass building built into a cliff overlooking the sea. Mainly fish but also a decent choice of meat dishes.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
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