10:00

Walk to Rafina Port

Start at the port, the heart of the city and the departure point for ferries to the Cyclades: watch the boats come and go and stroll along the waterfront at a relaxed pace. The visit is self-guided and takes about 45–60 minutes; there is no entrance fee for a самостоятельная walk.

If you continue your journey by ferry in the following days, check the terminal and boarding time in advance.

11:15

Agios Nikolaos and the headland

Walk to the church of Agios Nikolaos, overlooking the coast, and take time to admire the view over the sea and the port. Allow about 30–45 minutes for a respectful visit of the worship space; entry is usually free, but may depend on services.

Wear appropriate clothing if the church is open to the public.

12:30

Lunch on the Rafina waterfront

Stop at a taverna in the port to taste fish, calamari, or Greek meze, checking the price by weight before ordering. Allow about 60–90 minutes and budget an estimated €15–30 per person, depending on the venue and menu.

In peak season, it may be useful to book ahead or have lunch a little earlier than the busiest time.

15:00

Afternoon at Kokkino Limanaki Beach

Head by taxi or car to Kokkino Limanaki, a small cove ideal for a beach break and a few hours of relaxation. From the center the trip is short; access to the beach is normally free, while sunbeds and umbrellas, if available, are charged separately.

Bring water and beach shoes: the access paths and seabed can be rocky.

17:30

Bathing and a stroll at Marikes Beach

Continue to Marikes Beach, another coastal stop in the Rafina area, for a swim or a walk along the shoreline. Allow 1–2 hours and plan your return by taxi or by car: the walk between the beaches can be less practical and not always comfortable.

Before leaving, check the sea conditions and the available transport service for the way back.

09:30

Departure and a short stop in Pikermi

From Rafina, reach Pikermi by car in about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic, and make a brief stop in the town center before continuing to Spata. It’s an easy way to get acquainted with the municipality’s inland area; for coffee and breakfast, budget around €4–8 per person.

Local bus services may be less frequent: check the day’s schedules if you don’t have a car.

10:15

Visit to the Attica Zoological Park

Spend at least 3 hours at the zoo, following the marked route and checking in advance the times of presentations and accessible areas. Admission is typically around €20–30 for an adult, with rates and conditions subject to change; add any parking or service fees.

Bring a hat and water, especially on hot days, and check the official website for entry conditions.

13:30

Lunch in the Spata area

Stop for lunch at the park’s food outlets or at nearby restaurants, choosing between a quick meal and a longer break. An approximate cost can range from €10–15 for a simple meal to €20–30 for a sit-down lunch.

If you want to keep costs down, check the park rules before bringing in outside food.

15:00

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens

Head to the nearby McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens for a stroll among shops, cafés, and outdoor spaces. Entry to the center is free; purchases are of course variable, and you can set aside about 1.5–2 hours for the visit.

Store opening hours vary by day and season: check them before you set off.

17:30

Coffee break and return to Pikermi

Take a break at one of the mall cafés or along the road back to Pikermi, then make your way back to Rafina at your leisure. For coffee and snacks, allow about €5–10 per person; the drive to Rafina usually takes 20–30 minutes, traffic permitting.

If you are not driving, arrange the return taxi in advance: availability may decrease in the evening hours.

09:00

Monastery of Saint Ephraim

Set off from Rafina by car and head to the Monastery of Saint Ephraim, in the Nea Makri area, for a peaceful visit to the spaces open to the public. Allow 30–45 minutes; admission is normally free, but respect religious observances and conduct guidelines.

Check opening hours in advance and wear clothing suitable for a place of worship.

10:30

Archaeological Museum of Marathon

Continue on to the archaeological museum, which houses artifacts related to the history of the region and the site of Marathon. Spend about 60–90 minutes there; admission may be free or paid depending on current conditions and discounts, so check prices and opening hours before your visit.

The museum may have closing days or seasonal hours: plan your day after checking them.

12:00

Tumulus of the Athenians

Reach the memorial mound for the Athenian soldiers who fell in the Battle of Marathon and admire the monument in its landscape setting. The external visit takes about 30–45 minutes; allow for an estimated cost of free or modest, depending on access conditions at the time.

Stay on the marked paths and do not climb on the structures or into the restricted areas.

13:00

Lunch in Marathon or Nea Makri

Choose a taverna in the area for a Greek lunch, with salads, grilled dishes, or seafood specialties. Allow about an hour and a rough budget of €15–30 per person, depending on the venue and the dishes ordered.

In summer, it is advisable to book ahead, especially at restaurants closer to the coast.

15:00

Afternoon at Schinias Beach

Head to Schinias Beach and spend a few hours swimming or walking along the long shoreline, surrounded by the protected natural area. Beach access is generally free; sunbeds, umbrellas, and food and drinks at beach clubs, when available, cost extra.

Respect the protected areas, do not leave litter, and bring water and sunscreen with you.

17:30

Nature walk and return to Rafina

Wrap up with a leisurely walk along the accessible stretches of the coast, paying attention to the signage and the dune vegetation. Allow about an hour for the stop and 35–50 minutes to drive back to Rafina, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.

At sunset the light is lovely, but plan your return before dark if you do not know the area.