Marathon

Day Trips in Athens

"Twenty-six miles northeast of Athens, Marathon is known as the site of one of the most significant battles in ancient Greece — between the Greek and Persian armies in 490 BC — and for being the birthplace of the marathon run. On this trip, you can see the Archaeological Museum of Marathon, the Run Museum, and the human-made Lake Marathon, which was the main water supplier of Athens until the late 1950s. Now, the lake is an important wetland and a unique natural habitat.Relax at the Fragma cafe with a hot beverage and snacks or cocktails and dinner. In the summer, combine your visit with Schinias beach, which is close by. Keep in mind that this is the most popular beach on the east coast of Attica and a favorite windsurfing spot, so on hot summer weekends, it’s almost impossible to find parking space or free deck chairs unless you show up before 9:00 AM. During these busy days, don’t leave your personal belongings unattended. This is an ideal beach for families with young children and inexperienced swimmers, as the water is waist-high for the first 160 feet from the coast.During the colder months, you can visit the National Park of Schinias instead, which consists of wetland, a pine forest, and the Olympic Rowing Center. Around August, when the heat is at its peak and the winds strong, the park may be closed due to the threat of forest fires. To reach the historic city of Marathon, you can take the bus from KTEL Bus Terminal. But if you want to have freedom of mobility and visit the beach or the national park, having your car is the best option." - MATADOR_NETWORK