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Guide to Maratona
MARATONA · ITINERARY

Marathon (Eastern Attica, Attica, Greece) in 3 days – Complete Itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · ancient history, archaeology, nature, sea

This itinerary alternates the places linked to the Battle of Marathon with the coastal and natural landscapes of the region. The first day is devoted to the historic center and the lake, the second to the southern stretch between Nea Makri and Brexiza, and the third to the trails of Schinias and the ancient site of Ramnous. A rental car makes getting around easier; by public transport, it is advisable to check local departures in advance, as they may be infrequent.

Stops
3 · 3 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
6.7 km · 87 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 516 m · 6 min
  2. 6.2 km · 81 min

Day 1 – The Battle of Marathon and the lakeside landscape

09:00–19:30 Cultural visits and short drives

Reconstruct the memory of the battle by visiting the tumulus, the museum, and the nearby artificial lake.

09:00

Arrival in the center of Marathon

Use the morning to settle in and make your way to the tumulus area, a short drive from the town center. If you are coming from Athens, allow roughly 45–60 minutes of driving, depending on traffic.

Local connections are not always frequent: check schedules before you set off.

10:00

Tumulus of the Athenians

Spend about 45 minutes at the burial mound commemorating the Athenian dead from the battle of 490 BC. Take in the monument’s outline in the flat landscape and read the information panels; access may be subject to opening hours or seasonal closures.

11:00

Archaeological Museum of Marathon

Reach the museum in just a few minutes on foot or by car and allow about an hour for the collections, which help place the battle and the area’s history in context. The admission fee, if applicable, may vary depending on the season and concessions: budget roughly €3–€10.

12:30

Lunch in Marathon

Stop at a tavern in the center to sample simple Greek dishes such as salad, grilled vegetables, or fish, depending on availability. For a casual meal, budget around €12–€25 per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the venue.

14:30

Marathon Dam

Reach the dam in about 15–20 minutes by car: the marble construction and artificial reservoir offer an interesting contrast to the ancient sites visited in the morning. Spend 30–45 minutes at the accessible viewpoints and respect any restrictions in the area.

17:00

Return and evening stroll in town

Head back toward the center for a leisurely walk and a coffee break; distances are short and don’t require a tight schedule. A coffee or soft drink costs roughly €2–€5.

Day 2 – Nea Makri, monastery and sanctuary of Brexiza

09:00–21:00 Cultural in the morning, relaxing by the sea in the afternoon

Explore the historic sites along the southern coastline and end the day on the seafront.

09:00

Monastery of Saint Ephraim

Reach the monastery by car from the center of Marathon, allowing about 15–20 minutes. Visit the permitted areas in respectful clothing and check on site for the rules regarding photography and access to religious spaces.

10:30

Transfer to Brexiza

Continue toward the coast of Nea Makri for about 10–15 minutes by car. Bring water and sun protection: at exposed archaeological sites there are few shaded areas.

11:00

Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods at Brexiza

Spend about 45–60 minutes exploring the remains of this Roman-era sanctuary, associated with the worship of Egyptian deities. Observe the layout of the structures and the coastal setting; accessibility and visiting hours may change, so check before you go.

12:30

Lunch in Nea Makri

Choose a taverna or seaside spot where it’s easy to find fish, meze, and grilled dishes. Plan on about €15–€30 per person, depending on the menu and drinks.

14:30

Nea Makri Beach

Set aside a couple of hours for a break on the beach and a stroll along the coast. Bring a towel: access to the shoreline may be free, while sunbeds and an umbrella, if available, may cost about €8–€20.

18:00

Seafront promenade and dinner in Nea Makri

End the day with a walk along the seafront and a leisurely dinner. Set aside about €18–€35 per person for a full meal, with variation depending on your choice of fish and drinks.

Day 3 – Schinias pine forest and the ruins of Ramnous

08:30–19:30 Nature in the morning and an archaeological visit in the afternoon

Discover the protected Schinias area and reach the archaeological site of Ramnous with a well-organized day by car.

08:30

Departure for Schinias

Leave early from your accommodation and reach the Schinias area by car in about 15–25 minutes, depending on where you’re starting from. Bring water, a hat, and comfortable shoes: facilities can be far from the trails.

09:00

Schinias National Park

Spend about 90 minutes on a walk through pine forest, wetlands, and coastal landscapes, staying on the permitted paths. Visiting the natural area is generally free; avoid disturbing the habitats and check for any local notices.

11:00

Schinias Beach

Head to the beach and stop for a short break on the shore, taking in the long sandy stretch and its connection with the pine forest. In high season the area can be busy: allow extra time for parking and access.

12:30

Light lunch in the Schinias area

Take a break at a local spot or bring a packed lunch, a useful option if you want to limit getting around. Plan on roughly €10–€25 per person for a casual meal.

14:30

Archaeological Site of Ramnous

Continue by car to Ramnous: allow about 35–45 minutes from Schinias and check local road conditions first. Set aside 1.5–2 hours to explore the ruins and viewpoints; admission, when charged, can vary roughly from €0 to €10, with seasonal opening hours to check.

17:30

Return and end of the trip

After the visit, head back toward Marathon or Nea Makri, allowing about 35–50 minutes of driving. If you have time, stop for an early dinner or a drink: allow €12–€30 per person depending on the venue.

Estimated budget

Accommodation for 2 nights (per person, double room)€90–€220
Meals and drinks for 3 days€90–€180
Rental car and fuel for 3 days (per person, with shared costs)€60–€150
Entrance fees and visits€0–€25
Beach, parking, and small expenses€10–€45

Greece uses the euro (€), so there is no need to exchange currency for those coming from Italy. The figures are indicative estimates per person, varying according to season, accommodation, car rental, opening hours, and available services; check rates and access conditions before departure.

Practical tips

  • To explore the dam, the coast, and archaeological sites with flexibility, consider renting a car; if using public transport, check schedules and allow extra time for connections.
  • Museum and archaeological site opening hours may change between the summer and winter seasons: check the latest information before your visit.
  • Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, especially for outdoor visits to the tumulus, Brexiza, and Ramnous.
  • For the monastery, choose respectful clothing and follow local guidance on access and photography.