Attica (Attikí), the region encompassing the capital, is not much explored by tourists. Only the great romantic ruin of the Temple of Apollo at Sounion is on the excursion circuit. The rest, if seen at all, tends to be en route to the islands - from the ports of Pireás, Rafína (a fast and cheap route to many of the Cyclades) or Lávrio (which serves Kéa).

 

The neglect is not surprising. The mountains of Imittós, Pendéli and Párnitha , which surround Athens on three sides, are progressively less successful in confining the urban sprawl, and the routes out of the city to the south and west are unenticing to say the least. But if you're planning on an extended stay in the capital, a day-trip or two or a brief circuit by car can make a rewarding break, with much of Greece in microcosm to be seen within an hour or two's ride: mountainside at Párnitha , minor archeological sites in Brauron and Rhamnous and the odd unspoilt beach, too.