Holy Spirit long weekend: Excursions in Attica to welcome summer!
The moveable feast of Whit Monday, also known as Monday of the Holy Spirit, this year held on Monday 24 June, is the perfect occasion for the first long weekend of the summer! With its rich coastline, easily accessible islands and verdant mountainous routes, Attica becomes the top destination for your short getaway.
Either planning a three-day trip or a single-day excursion, open the map and focus on the broader area of Athens. This is the starting point for a lighthearted trip, soothing to your body and soul!
Summer slump in the gem-islands of the Saronic Gulf
Off the coast of Athens, the islands of Attica, surrounded by the Saronic Gulf, have always been a great idea for short trips. Getting there on a ferry from Piraeus Port, a chartered yacht or a cruise ship, one thing is for sure: picturesque sceneries will help you loosen up and rest!
Step your foot on Aegina and let the slow-living vibe do the rest for you. Find out more about the island, deep-rooted in ancient times, by visiting the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo ruins at Kolona site. Become familiar with its natural beauty and cultural heritage, hiking its nine stunning and properly mapped “Cultural Trails”. Dive into its Blue Flag awarded waters, but don’t miss out on its other marvelous beaches, in the north and the south alike.
A true heaven on earth, Agistri invites you to enjoy its exotic beaches such as Dragonera, Aponisos and Mareza under the greek sun. Taste fresh fish, mousounta (or mousenta) spinach pie and other local delicacies at the traditional small taverns of the island.
Standing out for its pine-clad hills and idyllic beaches, the island of Poros is a stone’s throw from the mainland. Enjoy its crystalline waters on Askeli beach and Mikro & Megalo Neorio bays or become a bit more adventurous by experiencing water sports and other activities, such as wind surfing or scuba diving. The paths of Poros, deployed along its verdant hillsides and alongshore roads are ideal for those keen on hiking and biking.
Fancy something more cosmopolitan? Hop off on Spetses or Hydra and get mesmerized by their timeless charm by walking through their intriguing alleys. Both islands played a key role during the Greek Revolution and invite you to visit gracious mansions of significant architectural and historic value. Discover the local ecosystem through the 19-route network of Spetses or follow the trails of Hydra and relish its natural treasures. Let your summer begin with a plunge into the turquoise waters of Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Marina and Agia Paraskevi beaches in Spetses or Vlychos Plakes, Agios Nikolaos and Agios Georgios beaches in Hydra.
Homeland of Euripides and the place where the famous Naval Battle of Salamis took place, Salamina and its historic landmarks set a scenery filled with long-kept secrets through centuries. Taste local fish and seafood with a glass of ouzo at its small taverns and enjoy your bath on its tranquil beaches, such as Peristeria, Kolones, Psili Ammos and Limnionas.
Head to the exquisite shores of West Attica
Back to the mainland of Attica, its west coast beaches have always been a popular choice for short excursions. With the pine slopes of Pateras Mountain setting the ultimate background, the wide and spacious beach of Psatha can offer you endless hours of leisure by the sea.
On the foothills of Geraneia Mountains, Alepochori beach allows you to de-stress while gazing at the deep blue of the Corinthian Gulf and overlooking Alkyonides Islands. Got hungry? Drive to Pachi at the area of Megara, a small fish village with little taverns.
Still on the west coast, head to Porto Germeno, with its alluring beaches, combining gold sand and fine pebbles. Dive into the amazing waters of Agios Nikolaos or into the cove next to the small port. Prosili, however, and its transparent waters is the hidden gem of the area. After the beach, move up to Vilia, a scenic little village, surrounded by pine clusters and built at an elevation of 600 m, will enchant you with its small alleys and refreshing breeze.
Visit the “Land of Kouros statues” and swim at Lagonisi bays
If you plan to move eastwards, Kalyvia Thorikou is just perfect for a quick excursion. The broader area is known as the “Land of Kouros statues”, since this is where the famous marbled statues of young men, typical examples of the ancient greek sculpture, were discovered. Just one-kilometer westwards of Kalyvia, stroll around the medieval and byzantine neighborhood of Ennea Pyrgoi (Nine Towers) and admire the basilica churches of Taxiarches, Agios Petros and Panagia Mesosporitissa. Close enough, Kouvaras village at Merenda mountain, offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
If you want to swim into the azure sea waters of Attica, Lagonissi is the place to be. Grand Beach, Mediterraneo and Kohylia beaches of Grand Resort Lagonissi are its famous blue-flag awarded assets, whereas its numerous taverns are ready to treat you while you listen to the sound of waves.
Feeling outdoorsy? Visit Parnitha Mountain or Attica waterfalls
If mountainous serenity is your cup of tea, even during summertime, kick off to Parnitha mountain. Within just one hour away from Athens center, you reach Mpafi and Flampouri refuges, where you can listen to the sounds of mother nature, enjoy the magnificent view, meet lovely deer and have a close-up of a galore of forest plants and trees.
Visiting Attica waterfalls is another option for your long weekend. Southwards of Penteli, at the area of Ntrafi, visit the Valanaris Waterfall, easily accessible after a quick and smooth downhill. The highest waterfall of Attica, however, is located in the Municipality of Dionysos, northwards of Dionysοs marble quarry. After a short hiking, you can watch the ten-meter-high Rapentosa waterfall towering over you.
The Holy Spirit long weekend lays the red carpet for a summer in Attica! Grab the chance for some extra rest and, even for a single day, set Attica as your travel destination. Boat or car, mountain or sea, sightseeing or seafood, you name it and the broader area of Attica is there for you!
