While Athens is the capital of Greece, there are many other ancient cities that have played important roles in the country’s long history, and several of these places are only a few hours drive away from Athens. If you have a day or two to spare, why not visit at least one of these 7 stunning sites and learn more about Greece’s history that took place outside of Athenian walls.
While it is possible to visit these sites on your own, it would be best explored with a guided tour, where transportation is provided and guides are available to tell you more about each location, as well as answer any questions you might have. Many types of tours are available, so be sure to do some research for the option that best suits you!
Delphi
Nestled into the side of Mount Parnassus in the Greek countryside, Delphi is about a 3 hour drive away from Athens. Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi was the land of the Oracle of Ancient Greece, who was believed to have been able to predict the future.
The most important building in Delphi is the Temple of Apollo, where the priestess, known as the Pythia, worked. Believed to speak the words of the Oracle which were supposedly sent to her by Apollo himself, the Pythia would give advice to the Greeks who sought divine help. At Delphi today, all that remains of this grand temple is its foundation and several columns.
As you climb up the slopes of Delphi, you’ll see many other significant monuments as well. One of the remaining intact buildings is the Treasury of the Athenians, which was used to store all the offerings given to Apollo. As you go higher up, you will find the Theatre, and at the very top lies the stadium, known as the Stadion.
Across from these structures, located slightly lower down the mountain, is the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, most famously known for the remaining pillars of the circular Tholos. Do take note: the Sanctuary is closed during the winter season, so visit in the summer if you want to explore this part of Delphi.
After exploring the ruins, head over to the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which contains all the artefacts uncovered from the ruins of Delphi, showcasing various statues and offerings.
Meteora
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meteora consists of six monasteries built on to the very tops of towering rock formations, with the name Meteora translating to “suspended in the air”.
Built to house nuns and monks that follow the teachings of the East Orthodox Church, you can explore the amazing architecture and religious art of these unique monasteries. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside, so put your phones away and simply admire the beauty of these buildings. Also, be prepared to climb, as the monasteries are only accessible by several flights of stairs.
Olympia
As the name suggests, Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and unsurprisingly another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find the ancient foundations of the Temple of Zeus, which used to house a 12 metre tall Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You’ll also see the foundations and columns of other important buildings, such as the Temple of Hera and Palaestra, which were used during the preparations of the Games. You’ll also pass by the area where the Olympic Torch is lit every four years.
Don’t miss out on the Ancient Stadium. Though the seats and surrounding buildings are no longer there, the 200 metres long racetrack is there in its entirety. The original starting line is still there, so you can race your fellow travel buddies in the very stadium where the Games first began.
After exploring the ruins, visit the Archeological Museum of Olympia. It hosts a wide collection of artefacts excavated from the site, and many important statues, one of them being the grand, almost completely intact one of Nike, the Goddess of Victory and one of the most worshipped Gods during the Games.
Mycenae
Mycenae is considered one of the most important archeological sites in the whole of Greece, the heart of the Mycenaean Civilisation that lasted from 1600 B.C to 1000 B.C. Located on the top of a hill, this citadel was a military stronghold, and was also believed to belong to King Agamemnon, ruler of the Greeks who fought in the Trojan War.
To enter this site, you must first walk under the famous Lion Gate, a stone archway with two lions guarding over it. As you walk up the slopes and explore the remains of this once great civilisation, you will get to witness for yourself the massive size of this citadel. At the very top of the hill, you will be greeted with one of the most spectacular views of the lush green mountains surrounding Mycenae.
The remains of this ancient civilisation against the vast Greek countryside | © Andrew Baldwin
Just like most sites, the accompanying Archeological Museum is filled with important artefacts discovered at the site, which you will help paint a fuller picture of the Mycenae. Once you’re done with the museum, be sure to visit two other sites that are close by: the Tomb of Clytemnestra and the Treasury of Atreus, the latter of which was also believed to be the tomb of Agamemnon himself.
Epidaurus
Not far from Mycenae is Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Great Theatre. Here, see for yourself the beauty and genius behind the architecture of this huge theatre, which was built in such a way that allowed the actors to be heard from anywhere in the audience without the use of modern technology that we have today.
Epidaurus is also known for the ancient Sanctuary of Aclepius, the God of healing. Explore the ruins of the many temples and shrines that used to dominate the land, which were built for visitors coming from all over the Ancient Greek world to seek spiritual healing. The Ancient Theatre was actually built to hold performances and ceremonies to please Aclepius and ensure that he would continue to heal those who came for his help.
Corinth
Located only about an hour away from Athens, the Ancient town of Corinth is perfect for a day or even just an afternoon’s trip. As you make your way to the site, you will pass over the Corinth Canal, one of the most famous sights in the city. Stop for a while and take a look at this incredible canal, 8 metres deep with rock walls on either side.
At the actual site of Corinth, explore the ruins of one of the most powerful cities in Ancient Greece. You will get to visit the city’s own Temple of Apollo, which was built to reflect the city’s prosperity.
Not too far out from the ancient city is the Acrocorinth, a fortress which used to house the grand Temple of Aphrodite, which many Greeks would visit to pay worship to the Goddess of love. With the fortress built onto a hilltop, you will also get to experience spectacular views of the lands and hills of the Greek countryside.
Cape Sounion
There is only one landmark you need to see at Cape Sounion, and that is the Temple of Poseidon. Built by the water, this temple was built to honour the God of the Sea.
Unlike the other sites, there is a certain time that you should visit, and that is during sundown. Watch as the columns of the temple bathe in the glow of the evening sun, and enjoy the quiet of the countryside as the sun disappears below the horizon.
So that was 7 locations outside of Athens that you can explore during your trip to Greece. Whether you’re visiting just one location on a one day trip, or visiting all of them as part of an in-depth tour around the country, you’re sure to learn tons more about Greece and its rich history.
