Discover Eastern Attica

In Eastern Attica, discoveries range from archaeological collections to a sanctuary in a pine-covered valley and landscapes around Lake Marathon. The experiences also differ considerably: Lavrion offers mining history and harbour life, Marathon the history of the region, and Sounion the Temple of Poseidon and views towards the cape. Deciding which of these themes you want to shape your stay is a helpful starting point when choosing a location for your holiday apartment.

Museums and history from different eras

The Archaeological Museum of Lavrion brings to life the region’s long history of human settlement and activity: its finds from mines and metalworking workshops range from 5000 BC to the 6th century AD. The Archaeological Museum of Marathon covers a different span of time. Its permanent exhibition presents the history of the region from prehistoric times to the Roman era. The finds on display include objects from the prehistoric cemeteries of Vrana and Tsepi, from the tombs of the Athenians and Plataeans who fought in the Battle of Marathon, and from the Roman sanctuary of the Egyptian gods at Brexiza.

In Vravrona, the permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum focuses on the sanctuary of Artemis and the history of Mesogaia and its surroundings. The museum is near the archaeological site of Vravrona; its finds cover the period from the 3rd millennium BC to the 4th century AD. Another unusual site is the sanctuary of the Egyptian gods at Brexiza in Nea Makri: its square complex measures 50 by 50 metres. Those particularly interested in ancient places of worship will also find distinct points of interest at Ramnous and the Amphiareion. The sanctuary of Nemesis at Ramnous dates to the 6th century BC and is considered the most important sanctuary of this deity in the Hellenic region. The Amphiareion on the road to Kalamos served as an oracle from the 5th century BC.

Landscape, architecture and distinctive experiences

Lake Marathon lies in northeastern Attica, 28 kilometres from the centre of Athens. It covers 2,450 acres and is one of Attica’s significant wetlands. The Marathon Dam offers a different perspective on the area’s history: built between 1926 and 1929, it is 54 metres high and 285 metres long, and clad in Pentelic marble. Ramnous-Limiko, meanwhile, is designated a landscape of outstanding natural beauty and includes a protected area of 261.2 hectares. A path leads downhill from the ancient city of Ramnous to the sea.

The Amphiareion lies beside a spring in a pine-covered valley. Here, the landscape and the site’s ancient use can be considered together without reducing the archaeological site to its natural setting. At Cape Sounion, 15 of the Temple of Poseidon’s original 45 Doric columns are still standing. Visitors come to Sounion and the temple throughout the year, especially in summer, to experience sunsets and the full moon rising over the cape. This is a different focus for a trip from the museum collections or the protected landscape at Ramnous.

Choose places to suit your interests

Local history and food can also influence your decision: the harbour at Lavrion has a historic fish market and small ouzo tavernas. Kamariza is home to the Mineralogical and Mining Museum, housed in the former building of the drive motor. Those travelling with school-age children can also consider the Marathon Run Museum: its educational programmes include a guided tour and the hands-on “Search & Find” activity, in which students explore the museum.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by sorting place names according to your preferred focus: Lavrion stands for its museum and harbour, Marathon for a permanent exhibition spanning regional history, and Sounion for the Temple of Poseidon at the cape. Vravrona and Ramnous add other archaeological themes to the choice; Lake Marathon and Ramnous-Limiko offer different points of interest.

More places in Eastern Attica

Keratea, Vravrona, Anávissos, Sounion, Vari, Palaia Fokaia, Porto Rafti, Kryonéri, Agios Stefanos, Kalamos, Skala Oropou, Koropi, Kalyvia Thorikou, Grammatiko, Vouliagmeni, Voula, Markopoulo Mesogaias, Rafina, Marathon, Varnavas, Artemida, Agios Panteleimon, Poria, Lavrion, Zastano, Kato Posidonia, Pefka, Spata, Paiania, Thimari, Drosia, Agios Konstantinos, Pallini, Kouvaras, Drafi, Eastern Attica and Mikrochori.

For the broader travel overview: Attica.