Marathon Greece is a renowned and historically significant small town located 42 km from central Athens. Marathon Greece is worth visiting because it is also the:
- Hometown of the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE where a small Greek force triumphed over the vast Persian army.
- Starting location of the Authentic Classic Athens Marathon Race
- Athens main water supplier with the impressive Marathon Lake and dam
- Moreover, Marathon offers visitors a captivating natural environment, featuring a picturesque gorge and numerous hiking trails. The nearby Schinias beach is famous for its windsurfing opportunities, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation by the sea.
Discover everything you need to know about the top things to do in Marathon Greece, including travel tips, accommodation recommendations in the area, and the perfect nearby beach destination! Dive into this post for an ultimate guide to Marathon’s best attractions and experiences.
*Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. The commission comes at no additional cost to you.
Athens Quick Reference
Things to do in Marathon Greece
Marathon is mostly known as the birthplace of the original Marathon race of Feidipidis, but there is a lot to do in Marathon making it the perfect Athens day trip. These are some of the best ideas for things to do in Marathon Greece:
1. Visit the Marathon Run Museum
For enthusiasts and Olympic fans alike, a visit to Marathon’s specialized museum is an absolute must. This treasure trove is brimming with running memorabilia, including medals, cups, and souvenirs from marathon races across the globe. Of particular pride is the original gold medal awarded to Greek Spiridon (Spiros) Louis, the inaugural Marathon winner in the 1st Modern Olympic Games in 1896
The Marathon Run Museum can be found in the center of Marathon town and is open Tuesday to Friday from 9h to 15h. Saturday & Sunday: 10h to 14h. Monday is closed.
2. Participate in the Classic Athens Marathon Greece Race
Embark on the ultimate runner’s challenge by starting your journey in Marathon Greece—the birthplace of the real Marathon! However, a word of caution: the 42,195m stretch from Marathon to Athens is renowned as one of the most demanding marathon routes worldwide. Are you up for the challenge
Despite its challenging reputation, thousands of runners from around the globe continue to embrace the celebration. In the Marathon 2023 event, an impressive 21,000 marathon enthusiasts took on the classic 42,195-meter route, commencing their run from Marathon and triumphantly crossing the finish line at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium—the very site where the inaugural Modern Olympic Games unfolded in 1896!
The Kenyan Edwin Kiprop Kiptoo was the big winner in the 40th Authentic Athens Marathon, even setting a new course record with a time of 2:10:34.
More than 70,000 runners from a total of 140 countries had registered to run either on the classic route or in various other parallel races.
The next Athens Marathon will be in November 2024. Would you like to participate in it? Register on the official Marathon Run page here.
3. Visit the Site of the Ancient Battle of Marathon Greece
In 490 BC, Athenian hoplites demonstrated remarkable unity as they faced and defeated the overwhelming Persian invasion force in the iconic Battle of Marathon. According to Greek historian Herodotus and corroborated by modern historians, the Persian army and fleet significantly outnumbered the 11,000 ancient Greek hoplites, comprised of 10,000 Athenians and 1,000 soldiers from Plataea (a town near Thebes).
As soon as the Battle of Marathon concluded, an Athenian soldier named Pheidippides undertook an extraordinary run from Marathon to Athens to deliver the news of the victory. Exhausted but determined, he managed to utter the single word: ‘Νenikikamen,’ meaning ‘we won,’ before succumbing to a fatal heart attack.
Other Greek Battles against the Persians in Greek territory are:
- August 480 BCE: Thermopylae and Artemisio.
- September 480 BCE: Salamina Island.
- August 27th 479 BC: Plataea in Beotia and Mykale in Samos.
The Archaeological Site of the Ancient Battle of Marathon is quite modest but powerful in its significance. One notable feature is the Athenian Tumulus, a solemn 10-meter-high burial mound. Here lie the remains of 192 Athenians who valiantly gave their lives in the historic Battle of Marathon.
While the Marathon Archaeological Museum is not located at the site itself, it’s well worth the visit to the nearby area of Vrana. Despite its size, the museum offers a rich display of impressive statues and artifacts spanning the Neolithic, Classical, and Roman Eras.
Admission is €6, and the museum is closed on Mondays. If you plan to visit during winter, it’s advisable to contact them at Tel: +30 2294055155 to confirm operating hours. The entrance fee covers access to the Tumuli area, the museum, and the Early Helladic Cemetery in Tsepi.
Close by lies the Plataean Tumulus, serving as the resting place for the fallen Plataeans from the Battle of Marathon. Adjacent to the burial site stands a victory column, a testament to the shared valor of the Athenians and Plataeans in the historic battle.
Tour Tip: If you love ancient battlefields then this guided tour to Marathon, Salamina, Thermopylae, and Plataea is ideal for you.
4. Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods (Brexiza) at Marathon
When I first found out about this site – totally by accident as I was at Marathon Beach for a swim – I couldn’t believe my eyes. Egyptian statues in an ancient Greek archaeological site? How is that even possible?
How was the Sanctuary of Egyptian Gods Constructed in Marathon Greece?
Herodes Atticus was a wealthy Roman aristocrat and a great benefactor of Athens (Built also the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Acropolis). He lived in the area during the 2nd century CE and he set up the sanctuary at the borders of his estate.
Today, you can walk around the site, and see the replicas of Egyptian statues (the authentic ones are displayed in the Marathon Archaeological Museum), remnants of opulent Roman baths, and a sizable oval fish pond. Notably, the site boasts monumental marble oil lamps, a rarity in Greece
Entrance to the site daily from 8:30 – 15:30, closed on Tuesdays.
The Sanctuary is situated at Marathon-Nea Makri Beach, a charming locale perfect for a stroll and indulge in fresh seafood at one of the many seaside taverns. It’s an ideal place to unwind and savor the beauty of the surroundings after your visit.
6. Go to Marathon Lake Greece and the Marble Dam
The Marathon Lake is an artificial lake with dam walls reinforced using Pentelic marble—the very same marble used in the construction of the Parthenon. It is located 9 km from Marathon Town.
This lake works as the main water reservoir that supplies Athens with drinking water, so swimming is not allowed!
The lake is a stunning place for you to walk or bike around, even though some parts of it have restricted access. Over the years, it has attracted wildlife, and the surrounding area is lush green and fertile—ideal for you to enjoy a stroll or, even better, embark on a hike.
You may also enjoy: Best Day Trips from Athens
7. Hike the Marathon Gorge
Right on Marathon Lake, you can hike one of the most beautiful areas in Athens, the Marathon Gorge. Some basic info on the signposted trail is:
Trail Type: Loop – Distance: ~11.4 km – Elevation Gain: 250 m
Difficulty: Easy – Dogs allowed: Yes
We started early in the morning at the top of the Marathon Lake Dam, clad in hiking gear and laden with bottles of water, everyone was quite happy and cheerful. We arrived in the area using own own vehicles. The weather was bright, sunny, and slightly fresh—perfect for a hike!
The trail begins just across from the abandoned and completely disrepair café, which offers a view of Marathon Lake. It winds up through a dirt road, leaving the lake behind on our right side. Hiking downhill, we reached the back of the dam, where a stunning replica of the Athenian Treasury found in the Delphi Archaeological site stands.
After taking our photos, we continued hiking to the actual gorge. Flanked by lovely plane trees and accompanied by a small stream of clear water on our right side, it was truly beautiful!
Before long, we arrived at the medieval Oinoi Tower, constructed in 1250 AD by the Frankish lord of Athens, Guy I de la Roche.
The landscape was adorned with flowers—daisies and daffodils—and I noticed hawks or small eagles soaring high above, likely in search of prey.
The valley unfolded in its beauty, and we could hear (and occasionally catch a whiff of) the sheep and goats. The barking of dogs echoed from behind the surrounding hills.
With at least one dog-hiker in our group, the shepherd dogs barked non-stop whenever we passed by them. However, this only occurred twice, and they were in the distance.
We crossed the riverbed a few times, adding to the excitement of this relatively easy hike. Once the hike was completed, we drove to Schinias Beach for a picnic.
8. Schinias Wetland and Beach
Southeast of Marathon and a short drive away, you find the Schinias Beach and Wetland, a National Park of great natural beauty. The long sandy stretch, flanked by a beautiful pine forest, is frequently struck by strong winds making Schinias an ideal beach for windsurfing sports.
Nearby can be found as well the Olympic Rowing Center which was used for the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Schinias is great for a family, has quite shallow waters, and is great for picnics but also surfing as it can get windy. On the main road, you can find several good taverns for your lunch.
Tour Tip! Are you an adventurous type and do you love off-road experiences? Book a Marathon lake with a 4×4 vehicle private tour!
9. Saint Ephraim Monastery
A great Greek monastery with nuns in the area is the Holy Monastery of Saint Ephraim. One of the oldest in Athens, founded in the 10th c, is a Byzantine construction. Read here more about Byzantine churches in Athens.
It is one of the biggest pilgrimage monasteries in Greece as it also contains the remains of Saint Ephraim.
The Monastery is located in Nea Makri, on the hill of Amomon. They open daily between 7 am – noon and 4 pm – 6 pm.
What else is there in Marathon Greece?
- Archaeological Site of Ramnous, the best-preserved ancient demos in Attica
- Many wineries that make excellent Athenian wine (Savvatiano variety)
Where to Stay in Marathon Greece
Seaside Glow is a really lovely house, a 1-minute walk from Schinias Beach and the pine forest. Great views from the terrace with the sea beds and with great friendly hosts).
How to get to Marathon
Marathon Greece is about 42 km from Athens Center. You can get there by KTEL bus in about 1′.35 minutes. However, the best and easiest option is to rent a car or take a guided tour with the expertise of local guides.
When is Best to Go to Marathon?
Marathon is a year-round destination. If you would like to combine it with a dive into the nearby sea then you should visit between May and October.
Interesting Facts about Marathon Town
- Marathon is close to the Athens villages of Grammatiko, Nea Makri, Varnavas, Kapandriti, and Stamata.
- Marathon has two sister cities: Hopkinton, Massachusetts in the United States, and Xiamen in China
Plan My Trip to Greece
Do you need a custom travel itinerary for Greece? Are you traveling solo, with your family or your friends and you need a tailor-made multi-day tour or a transfer within Greece?
If yes, please visit my dedicated Plan My Trip Page for a free itinerary!
My Most Popular Posts:
Essential Travel Resources for Greece
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
- Booking.com: I use Booking.com because I can get the best deals on both hotels and apartments, free cancellations, and great prices!
- Find Long-Term Rentals in Greece: You will find the best prices in Flatio
- All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
- FerryScanner to book ferries to the Greek Islands
- Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
- Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
- Map of Athens Metro
- Trains (Hellenic Train)
- Public Buses KTEL
- Get Your Guide: For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
- Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100– EMERGENCY NUMBER 112
All rights reserved © Travel the Greek Way. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (photographs, text, links) is strictly prohibited.
Lance
Great article and information!
Thank You!!
Blessings!!!
Evgenia Mataragka
Thank you Lance, glad you found it useful!