The May 1 public holiday is a great opportunity for a long weekend, but also for just a day trip. Here are some ideas for day trips, just a stone’s throw away from Athens:

Hydra

Hydra is a romantic destination with its cobblestoned streets and stone mansions. There are no cars on the island, making it ideal for long romantic strolls. There are flying dolphins departing daily from the port of Piraeus (very 1h and 30 mins), or, if you want to go all out, get there by helicopter (tel 0030 210 360 1600)

Aegina

With beautiful beaches as well as the Temple of Aphaia, there’s something for everyone at Aegina. While there, try the pistachio nuts that the island is famous for. Tere’s even a festival for them each September. Just 40 mins away from Piraeus, there’s a regular ferry service to and from the island from the port of Piraeus.

Poros

The small island with rich vegetation has a good tourist infrastructure. Visit the landmark clock tower, built in 1927, the Archeological Museum and the lemon groves.  Bourtzi castle and the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi are other sights that the island has to offer.

Spetses

Like Hydra, there are no cars on the island, that is ideal for long strolls. A hydrofoil can take you to Spetses from Piraeus in around 2-2 ½ hours or by ferry in 4 ½ hours.

Delphi

The sanctuary of Delphi is where the oracle of Apollo is located. The religious center was known in the ancient world as the “naval of the world”. A UNESCO world heritage site, the area is just three hours away by bus with services at 7.30 a.m. with return on the 6.50 p.m. bus.

Chalkida

The chief town of the island of Evia is a modern seaside town that stands at the entrance of the island and can be reached by car. While there, visited the church of Saint Paraskevi, the famous kokkino spiti (red house) and the Venetian fortress.

Angistri

Angistri is a small island, just 55 minutes away from Piraeus… Full of pine trees and crystal clear waters, the island is a small paradise.

Sounio

Cape Sounio is noted for the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon and is a popular day-excursion for tourists from Athens with sunset over the Aegean Sea. Just catch the orange bus from Syntagma that passes through Syngrou and Poseidonos Avenue.

Salamina