Piraeus is a gateway to the islands, but it’s also an excellent base for mainland Greece. With a car, a series of destinations most visitors treat as “another trip” are within day-trip range. The times below are realistic rather than optimistic.
Sounion — 1 hour 15 minutes
The Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Attica, with the drive making up half the experience. Take the coast road through Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni; it’s slower than the Attiki Odos but incomparably better. Arrive two hours before sunset for the classic view, and expect company. Parking sits beside the site.
Nafplio — 1 hour 45 minutes
The first capital of the modern Greek state, with a Venetian fortress, neoclassical streets and an old town that walks easily. Via the Olympia motorway, with tolls. Park at the harbour and continue on foot — much of the old town is pedestrianised. If you have the energy, the 999 steps up to Palamidi are worth it.
Delphi — 2 hours 15 minutes
The site and museum need at least three hours, so start early. The drive passes Thebes and Livadeia, with the final stretch winding through hills. It’s the most demanding trip on this list for a single day, but it works.
Epidaurus and Mycenae — 2 hours
Two World Heritage sites that combine comfortably in a day, particularly with Nafplio in between. The ancient theatre at Epidaurus has acoustics you have to test in person to believe. Mycenae needs a hat and water: there is no shade.
Marathon and Rhamnous — 1 hour
The least touristy option here. The burial mound at Marathon, the museum, and a little further north Rhamnous — an archaeological site right on the sea that most visitors to Athens have never heard of. Ideal if you’ve already done the classics.
Corinth and Loutraki — 1 hour
The Isthmus and its canal are worth the stop on their own. Continue to ancient Corinth and finish at Loutraki for a meal by the water. The shortest and most relaxed trip on the list, workable even as an afternoon.
Arachova — 2 hours
A mountain village on the slopes of Parnassus, with stone lanes and views. In winter it pairs with the ski centre, in summer with Delphi ten minutes down the road. In winter check road conditions and ask us about snow chains.
Practical tips
- Leave before 8am. Getting out of Attica after 8:30 easily adds forty minutes.
- Carry coins for tolls. Most booths take cards, but not all.
- Fill up before you go. Petrol stations thin out on the mountain routes.
- Archaeological sites close early. Check the seasonal hours before setting off.
- Summer means heat. Water, hat, sun cream. The car’s air conditioning won’t help you on an unshaded site at 2pm.
For groups, a nine-seat minibus works out clearly cheaper per head than two cars and keeps everyone together. See also the driving and parking guide for the return leg.