Staying in Artemida gives you more than beaches, sunshine and easy access to Athens International Airport.
The surrounding region of eastern Attica brings together ancient history, seaside towns, protected natural landscapes and some fascinating places that many international visitors never discover.
And the best part?
You don't necessarily need to plan a major excursion.
Several worthwhile destinations can be combined into a morning or afternoon trip, leaving plenty of time to return to Azure Harmony Pool Villa and enjoy the pool before dinner.
Here are some of the best places to explore during your stay.
1. Vravrona — Ancient History Close to Artemida
If you make only one cultural excursion while staying in Artemida, Vravrona — ancient Brauron — should be high on the list.
The area was home to one of the most important sanctuaries of Artemis in ancient Attica.
Today, visitors can discover the archaeological landscape as well as the nearby Archaeological Museum of Vravrona.
The museum's collection spans an extraordinary period, with finds dating from the 3rd millennium BC through the 4th century AD. Its permanent exhibition focuses particularly on the Sanctuary of Artemis and the history of the wider Mesogaia region. Αρχαιολογικά Mουσεία της Ελλάδας
For travellers interested in Greek mythology and archaeology, it provides a completely different perspective from the monumental sites of central Athens.
Instead of crowds and a dense urban environment, Vravrona offers history surrounded by the quieter landscape of eastern Attica.
Best for: History, archaeology, couples and families interested in ancient Greece.
Planning Your Visit
At the time of writing, the Archaeological Museum of Vravrona lists opening hours of 08:30–15:30 and is closed on Tuesdays, with an admission price of €5. Opening arrangements can change, particularly around public holidays, so visitors should always verify the latest information before travelling. Αρχαιολογικά Mουσεία της Ελλάδας
Official Archaeological Museum of Vravrona information
2. Rafina — A Seaside Town & Gateway to the Islands
Continue north along the eastern Attica coastline and you will reach Rafina.
Best known for its port, Rafina is one of the important ferry gateways connecting mainland Attica with destinations in the Aegean.
But you don't need to be catching a ferry to visit.
The town makes an easy coastal excursion from Artemida, particularly if you would like to combine a walk near the harbour with coffee, lunch or a seafood dinner.
Its character is different from central Athens: more relaxed, maritime and closely connected to everyday island travel.
Sit near the port, watch the ferries come and go and enjoy the atmosphere before heading back along the coast.
Best for: Harbour walks, lunch, seafood and relaxed evening excursions.
3. Marathon — Visit a Place That Changed History
The name Marathon is known around the world.
And while most people immediately associate it with the modern long-distance race, its importance begins much earlier.
The Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, fought between the Athenians and the invading Persian forces, became one of the defining events of the Greco-Persian Wars.
Archaeological excavations in the area uncovered the Soros — the Tomb of the Athenians who fell during the battle — together with evidence associated with their burial. 2500 Years
The nearby Archaeological Museum of Marathon takes the story considerably further.
Its permanent collection covers the history of the region from prehistoric times through the Roman period, including finds connected with the Battle of Marathon as well as the Roman sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods at Brexiza. Αρχαιολογικά Mουσεία της Ελλάδας
It is an excellent destination for anyone who wants to explore Greek history beyond the most famous archaeological sites of Athens.
Best for: Ancient history, archaeology and curious travellers.
Official Archaeological Museum of Marathon information
4. Schinias National Park — Nature Meets the Aegean
After history, head back towards nature.
Schinias National Park is one of the most interesting protected landscapes in Attica.
The national park was established in 2000 to protect and enhance an area recognised for its environmental, historical and cultural importance. The protected area covers approximately 1,332 hectares. necca.gov.gr
The wider Schinias area brings together coastal scenery, wetlands and the distinctive pine-backed shoreline for which this part of Attica is known.
It offers a completely different experience from a busy organised beach.
Spend some time walking, enjoying the landscape or combine your visit with swimming along the wider Schinias coastline.
Best for: Nature, outdoor activities, photography and a relaxed day away from the city.
Schinias–Marathon National Park information
5. Turn the Drive into Part of the Experience
One of the pleasures of exploring eastern Attica is that the journey itself doesn't need to feel like wasted holiday time.
Rather than thinking in terms of individual attractions, create a relaxed coastal day.
For example:
Morning
Leave Azure Harmony and head towards Vravrona.
Late Morning
Explore the archaeological site and museum.
Lunch
Stop for a leisurely Greek lunch.
Afternoon
Return towards Artemida or continue exploring the coastline.
Evening
Head back to Azure Harmony for a swim and a relaxed evening beside your private pool.
Or travel in the opposite direction:
Artemida → Rafina → Marathon → Schinias
This creates a full-day excursion combining seaside scenery, history, food and nature without needing to travel into central Athens.
6. Don't Try to See Everything at Once
One of the easiest mistakes to make on holiday is turning every day into a checklist.
Eastern Attica is better enjoyed slowly.
You don't need to visit Vravrona, Rafina, Marathon and Schinias in a single day.
Choose one or two places.
Stop somewhere that looks interesting.
Have lunch when you feel hungry.
Spend longer by the sea if the weather is perfect.
And if you decide halfway through the day that you would rather return to your private pool, that's perfectly fine too.
After all, you are on holiday.
A Different Side of Athens
Many international visitors know Attica primarily through the centre of Athens and the Acropolis.
But the region extends far beyond the capital.
Around Artemida you can move between ancient sanctuaries, historic battlefields, protected landscapes, beaches and working seaside towns within the same part of Greece.
It creates an interesting balance.
You can spend one day discovering thousands of years of history and the next doing very little beyond swimming and enjoying the Mediterranean sun.
That flexibility is one of the reasons Artemida works so well as a holiday base.
Explore East Attica from Azure Harmony
At Azure Harmony Pool Villa, your holiday doesn't have to follow a fixed itinerary.
Spend the morning discovering ancient Vravrona.
Enjoy lunch beside the sea in Rafina.
Follow history to Marathon.
Escape into nature around Schinias.
Or simply stay home and enjoy your own private pool.
The choice is yours.
Make Azure Harmony your base and discover another side of Attica at your own pace.