Just a breath away from Athens, you can find places that steal your heart and become hangouts. The places you choose over and over again for your one-day trip or your weekend. One of them is Porto Germeno.. It’s next to us, just an hour and something distance and it has a feature. It’s for all types of travelers. From couples and groups, to families. And you have so many choices about what you’re going to do that from Spring onwards it’s a must every weekend. You can also start early to wet your feet in the sea when the weather is already reminiscent many times of summer.
Places that are close to Athens,such as Porto Germeno are often misunderstood as to what they can offer the visitor. If you think you have to go far to have a good time, then this place is here to prove to you otherwise.
Porto Germeno so close but also… away from Athens
Far from the bustling everyday life of Athens, this destination is heaven on earth for those who want to escape with one-day excursions or weekend. Porto Germeno is a holiday village of West Attica,located on the coast of the Corinthian Gulf at the foot of Kitherona. In the area that is today, the ancient Aegostena, a city of Megaridos, was built, which due to its border position was “share” from time to time to the Megares and Athenians. clearly has every reason to pride itself on its history and blue waters. You can walk by the sea and eat in the adjacent taverns while gazing at the horizon. On the other hand, if you are a naturalist, you will find several mountain routes that you can ideally do in the spring that does not have high temperatures.
Walk in the ancient Kastro
If you like traveling in the past, Porto Germeno has something very interesting about you. The Castle of the Aegosthenon. Perched on the hill above Porto Germeno, it is the best preserved castle we have from antiquity in Greece. Although it is not certain exactly when it was built, most studies place its construction around the 4th century BC.
The Aegosthena was then a city of Megara, which later became independent and entered the Community of The Bioeots on its own. In this place was worshipped a clairvoyant, Melampodas, who spoke the language of animals and was, according to one version of the myth, an ancestor of the kings of Argos.
Combining mountain and sea
Photo Source: Nikos Laskaridis – Project of What Uploads It, CC BY-SA 4.0
Porto Germeno may be famous for its sea, but it doesn’t miss the mountain. And that’s also got. Kitheronas raises its pine cone-covered slopes above Porto Germenos. If the name tells you something but you can’t remember what, then just bring to mind the Vilia that starts the winter escapes. If you want to hike, the mountain is full of trails. Very nice and well-known route for the most initiated is also the 12 km path of Alkyoni, which starts from the chapel of Ai-Nikola to the beach of Porto Germenos.
Tip for foodies: If you want fresh fish in large portions and great views then look for the Marabou tavern. It’s one of the classic fish taverns you’d like to visit more often.
External photography source: athensattica.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
Porto Germeno is located just over an hour away from Athens, making it an ideal destination for one-day trips or weekend getaways. Despite its close proximity to the capital, it feels worlds away from the bustling city atmosphere.
Spring is the perfect season to visit Porto Germeno, as the weather becomes warm and reminiscent of summer. The pleasant temperatures make it ideal for both swimming in the sea and hiking the mountain trails without excessive heat.
The Castle of Aegosthena is one of the best-preserved castles from antiquity in Greece, perched on a hill above Porto Germeno. Most studies suggest it was built around the 4th century BC, when Aegosthena was a city of Megara with its own rich historical significance.
Yes, Porto Germeno offers excellent hiking opportunities, especially in spring when temperatures are mild. The 12 km Alkyoni trail, which starts from the chapel of Ai-Nikola and leads to Porto Germeno beach, is a well-known and highly-regarded route for hikers.
Porto Germeno is suitable for all types of travelers, including families. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the sea, walking along the coast, exploring the ancient Kastro, hiking mountain trails, and dining at taverns with sea views. The variety of activities makes it perfect for weekend trips from spring onwards.
