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Wander-Lush

Where to Go on a Greece Road Trip: 10 Epic Driving Itineraries

All the inspiration you need to plan the perfect Greek road trip itinerary.

Whether you’re searching for secluded beaches or far-flung mountain villages, having your own car to tour Greece will give you the ultimate flexibility and comfort.

This guide brings together 10 of the best road trips in Greece , including road trips from Athens, scenic loops from Thessaloniki, and driving routes on five of the most popular Greek islands.

Each itinerary ranges from 3 days up to 2 weeks , with options to shorten or extend the trip depending on your travel style.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Driving in Greece

You might associate Greece travel with island-hopping by ferry or long overland bus journeys. But hiring a car in Greece is a great way to get off the beaten track and enrich your trip. Not only will it give you more flexibility with your itinerary, it will allow you to visit small villages, remote archeological sites and secluded beaches.

As long as you avoid busy inner-city Athens, you’ll find that driving in Greece is relatively straightforward. Here are a few key things to know before you get behind the wheel.

• In Greece, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat passengers.
• When renting a car in Greece, an International Driver’s Permit is required by law for everyone except UK/EU residents.
• It’s illegal to use your mobile phone when driving in Greece. Be sure to bring a dashboard mount.
• Google Maps is sufficient to navigate around Greece. No need to hire a GPS.
• Speed limits range from 50km/hour in the cities to 120km/hour on highways.
• There are only a couple of toll roads in Greece, including the national road and the Athens Airport Highway. Fees can be paid in coins or using a credit card.
• Greece has a zero-tolerance policy on drink driving, so save your wine degustation for a day when you can leave the car parked.
• Avoid driving in or out of Athens on the weekends – the roads are often gridlocked between Friday afternoon and Sunday.

Hiring a car in Greece

I personally recommend Local Rent for hiring cars (or scooters) in Greece. The platform partners with local agents, thus prices are often much lower than the big-name rental companies. Rates average 31 Euros/day depending on the season.

Most vehicles have no mileage cap, no deposit, and come with comprehensive insurance included for no extra charge. If plans change, Local Rent offers a generous free cancellation policy.

My Rent A Car has pickup locations in dozens of places around Greece, including all major airports and cities.

→ Browse prices here on the Local Rent website .

If you prefer to hire a car through a big-name international company such as Avis, Sixt or Hertz, I recommend using the Discover Cars website to compare deals.

→ Browse prices here on the Discover Cars portal .

Tip: Car ferries in Greece can be expensive so if you plan on driving around the islands, it usually works out cheaper if you rent a new car in each destination.

Greece road trip map

Click here to open & save a Google Map of these self-driving routes.

1. Short Greece Road Trip: Athens to Patras

• Duration: 4-5 days
• Distance covered: Approx. 215 kilometres (134 miles)
• Highlights: The Acropolis in Athens, Corinth Canal, Patras Lighthouse

One of the best short road trips in Greece is the drive from Athens to Patras via Corinth.

Athens, the capital city of Greece and one of the most beautiful places in the country , needs no introduction. Explore the many ancient sites including the Acropolis, an old citadel. The Acropolis Museum is a great place to learn more about Greek culture . Soak up the beautiful nature in the National Garden, where you’ll find fountains and walking paths, then head to the lively neighbourhood of Plaka to check out the many restaurants and shops. Give yourself at least 2 days to get acquainted with Athens.

At the end of the second day, it’s time to go to Corinth where a 1-night stay is sufficient. Corinth is most famous for the Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. While you’re here, wander through the Akrokorinthos ruins and indulge in a Greek wine tasting.

Finally, head to Patras, the third-largest city in Greece. The most iconic attraction here is of course the lighthouse of Patras, from where it’s possible to see the city from above. With just 1 night in Patras you can see most of the highlights, including the wonderful Archaeological Museum.

Recommended by Dymphe from Dymabroad

2. The Ionian Coast: Road Trip from Athens to Parga

• Duration: 4-5 days 
• Distance covered: Approx. 460 kilometres (286 miles)
• Highlights: Ancient Nicopolis, boat cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos islands, River Acheron and Nekromanteion, beaches of Sivota

Less famous but no less incredible, this road trip route takes you from Athens to Parga.

After a few days in the capital, head towards Patra via the Ethniki Odos, taking the beautiful coastal north highway of the Peloponnese and passing over the Rio Antirio Bridge, one of the world’s longest cable-stay bridges.

After the bridge you will see signs pointing you towards Preveza . Before continuing on, an overnight stop here is highly recommended. Preveza combines fascinating history with cosmopolitan cafes and swimming beaches. Pause here to indulge in the languid way of life.

The next day you will reach Parga in under an hour’s drive from Nicopolis, taking the coastal EO Prevezas Igoumenitsas highway. Parga is a little picturesque town, bathed by the refreshing deep blue-turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and dotted with colourful houses and an old Venetian fortification.

It’s recommended to spend at least 3 nights in Parga as there is a lot to discover in the surrounding area. Spend a day visiting the natural landscape and crystal waters of the Acheron River and the ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades, the God of the Underworld, and Persephone nearby.

The paradisiacal Sivota beaches less than an hour’s drive from Parga are unmissable, as are the tiny scenic islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, which you should spend a day discovering by boat.

Recommended by Elena from Travel Greece, Travel Europe

3. Peloponnese Road Trip: Athens to Olympia

• Duration: 10-15 days
• Distance covered: Approx. 1,250 kilometres (777 miles)
• Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Mystras and Ancient Olympia, Voidokilia beach, castle villages in Mani

A road trip in the Peloponnese is a classic Greek road trip experience. The Peloponnese Peninsula is located in the southern part of the country and is brimming with archaeological sites, breathtaking natural scenery, and beautiful beaches.

This road trip itinerary starts in Athens, driving south through the Isthmus of Corinth, which is a great photo stop, to the UNESCO Heritage site of Mycenae and finally the picturesque town of Nafplio, the former first capital of Greece after the Ottoman occupation.

The following day starts with a visit to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and further exploring Nafplio and its beaches. Your next destination is another UNESCO site, the fortified city of Mystras with its striking Byzantine churches, before arriving in the castle town of Monemvasia where you will spend the night.

The following day, visit Elafonisi island, which is worth the short ferry ride for its famous white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Back to mainland Greece and the next 2 days should be spent exploring the villages of Mani. Highlights include the village of Limeni, the fortified village of Vathia, a boat ride to the cave of Diros, and the Shipwreck Dimitrios. Your next destination is yet another interesting archeological site, Ancient Messini, and the town of Methoni with its breathtaking castle. The road will then lead you to more picturesque towns, Koroni and Pylos, before arriving at Voidokilia, one of Greece’s best beaches.

The final destination of your road trip Ancient Olympia. On your way there, make sure to stop at the impressive Temple of Bassae Apollonas and to hike to the majestic Neda waterfalls.

You can cover all of the above places of interest in 10 days, but if you want a slower pace, you can easily extend it to 15 days or more. At the end of your road trip, loop back to Athens.

Recommended by Chrysoula from Greece Travel Ideas

4. Central Greece Road Trip: Thessaloniki to Meteora

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Distance covered: Approx. 350 kilometres (217 miles)
• Highlights: Street food in Thessaloniki, Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aegae, hiking Mount Olympus, Monasteries of Meteora

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, is a fine place to depart for a journey by road around the country’s north. This itinerary swaps bustling Athens and the coast for the laid-back pace and striking landscapes of Central Greece.

Spend a day or two getting to know Thessaloniki through its street food, lively produce markets and museums before easing into your road trip with a short drive to Vergina. Believe it or not, but this small town was once the capital of Macedon. Known as Aigai, it was the place where Philip II was assassinated and his son, Alexander the Great, took the throne. Take a day to explore the UNESCO-Listed tombs and palaces, and relive this pivotal moment that shaped world history.

Mythical Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Greece, lies a little further down the coast. However you choose to experience this majestic landscape – whether from afar with a view from one of the nearby towns or up close by hiking to the summit – there’s no doubt this mainstay of Greek mythology will leave a lasting impression.

Take your time driving between the cities of Larissa and Trikala, both of which offer more archaeological gems and monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, before ending your road trip in Meteora. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Greece. Clamber over staircases and pathways cut from the rock to visit any of the 6 still-functioning Orthodox monasteries, the following one of the hiking trails to get a faraway view of this most magical landscape.

Finish your trip by returning to Thessaloniki, or join up with one of the previous Greece itineraries to travel all the way down to Athens. Alternatively, head back to the city and overland into Bulgaria, extending your road trip into the heart of the Balkans .

5. Halkidiki Road Trip: Thessaloniki to Xanthi

• Distance covered: Approx. 310 kilometres (193 miles)
• Highlights: Beaches at Vourvourou, ancient Philippi archaeological site, Panagia (Kavala old town), monastery at Lake Vistonida

To see a less-explored but still-beautiful side of Greece, try travelling through the east from Thessaloniki. This road trip takes you from Greece’s second city to the peaceful Halkidiki Peninsula before moving on to the ancient cities of Kavala and Xanthi.

Thessaloniki is a lively, vibrant city and it’s definitely worth spending a few days before starting your road trip. Less than 2 hours’ drive away, you’ll find Halkidiki, where three ‘fingers’ of land stretch out into the ocean. A popular destination for locals, Halkidiki has white, sandy bays, mountain hikes and small villages. Be sure to visit the Kassandra Peninsula for the best, most-sheltered beaches.

The next stop is Kavala, a beautiful coastal city first founded in the 7th century BC. After exploring the centre, visit the fishing harbour at the east of the city for good restaurants and sea views. From Kavala, it’s only a 20-minute drive to Philippi, a former Macedonian city and home to some of the best Greek ruins in the region. The trip finishes in Xanthi, built at the foot of the Rodopi mountain range and renowned for its unique and delicious local food.

This road trip is only 310km and it’s possible to do it in three days, spending one night in each location. However, taking a week or more allows ample time to explore Halkidiki and enjoy some downtime on the beach.

Recommended by Roxanne from Faraway Worlds

6. Santorini Road Trip: Oia to Akrotiri

• Duration: 3 days
• Distance covered: Approx. 50 kilometres (31 miles)
• Highlights: Blue domed churches in Oia, swimming at the Red Beach, panoramic views from the top of Santorini, sunset at Akrotiri Lighthouse

Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece for both travel and for destination weddings – and for good reason! Beautiful blue domed churches, white-washed villages along the caldera, cute little streets dotted with shops and restaurants, world famous sunsets and delicious local cuisine: What more could you ask for?

This is a relatively small island, so 3 days in Santorini grants you enough time to visit not just the highlights where most tourists go, but also to discover some of the lesser-known parts of Santorini as well. Although there are some local buses available, doing a Santorini road trip is a much more enjoyable way to explore. You can choose Oia or Fira as your base and go for day trips from there.

Spend your first day in Oia, which is arguably the most beautiful town in Santorini. You can take a stroll around the narrow streets, have a traditional gyros at Pitogyros and take in those scenic views you only see on postcards. It’s also worth going on a sunset boat tour to admire the island from the water.

On your second day, visit the other towns located along the caldera, such as Fira or Imerovigli. If you’re up for a little hike, you can visit Skaros Rock as well. Santorini is famous for its vineyards so going for an evening wine tour is also recommended.

For your last day, it’s time to leave the caldera and drive a bit further away. Walk around the cute town of Pyrgos, drive up to Mount Profitis Ilias to admire the panoramic view, swim at the Red Beach or on the black-sand beaches in Perissa and Kamari, and end your day by watching a marvelous sunset at the Akrotiri lighthouse.

Recommended by Krisztina from She Wanders Abroad

7. Crete Road Trip: Chania to Rethymno

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Distance covered: Approx. 360 kilometres (224 miles)
• Highlights: Beaches of Crete, hiking in Samaria Gorge, pottery workshops, natural baths at Loutro

One of the best ways to explore western Crete is to take a road trip from Chania to Rethymno. These towns are two of the highlights of the island of Crete , and travelling between them by car gives you the freedom to stop off at some fascinating spots along the way.

This road trip route between Chania and Rethymno takes you through Balos, Elafonisi, Loutro, Samaria Gorge, Falassarna, Preveli Monastery and beach, Margarites Village and Argyroupoli. It offers a good mix of nature, history, culture and relaxation – which is what exploring the Greek Islands is all about!

The picturesque town of Chania, with its stunning Venetian harbour front, meandering streets of the Old Town and eclectic combination of European, Egyptian and Ottoman influences, is a fantastic place to start this road trip. From here, you’ll move to Balos Beach, arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Greece (and that’s saying something!).

Elafonisi Beach is next, and is another island beach connected to Crete by a sand bank across shallow waters. After Elafonisi you can stop for a swim at yet another stunning stretch of sand, Dalassarna.

The fishing village of Loutro is another harbour-side stop. This one is known for its ancient natural baths. As Loutro can only be reached by boat, it is relatively unexplored, meaning you can have a relaxing few days here away from the crowds.

The next stop is Samaria Gorge, a great spot for hikers . Spend the next few days visiting the Preveli Monastery, Margarites Village (known for its pottery) and Argyroupoli, the town that was once Ancient Lappa. End your trip in Rethymno, a lovely Cretan city with a fortress, lighthouse and, of course, plenty of traditional Greek tavernas!

Giving yourself between 7 and 10 days to complete a Crete road trip between Chania and Rethymno should allow you enough time to get a taste of the towns and an insight into Cretan culture.

Recommended by Chrysoula from Travel Passionate

8. Skopelos Road Trip: Glossa to Skopelos

• Distance covered: Approx. 45 kilometres (28 miles)
• Highlights: ‘Mamma Mia’ Chapel, Kastani Beach, Cape Amarandos, Skopelos town

Skopelos is a small island in the Aegean sea within the archipelago of Sporades. With a car, you could circle the island within a few hours – but that’s obviously not the point! It’s best to set aside at least 3-4 days to fully enjoy all the island has to offer.

As with most other Greek islands, a car is the best means of transportation in Skopelos. You should rent one in either Glossa or Skopelos depending on which of these two ports your ferry arrives at, then start your route from there.

This road trip itinerary will take you to several spots you might recognise from the film Mamma Mia : Glossa, Agios Ioannis, Hovolo Beach, Kastani Beach, Amarandos Cove, Stafilos beach, and Skopelos town.

Starting in Glossa, take your time in the charming old town built at an altitude of 300m above the Loutraki port. Next up is the famous church of Mamma Mia . It’s only a 15-minute drive from Glossa, but the road is very curvy. Try to avoid arriving at the church in the middle of the day as there are 200 steps to climb! Finish the day at Hovolo beach, a beautiful stretch of sand that can only be reached by walking along the coast from Elios.

Day two is a fun beach day. Driving along the coast from Hovolo towards Cape Amarandos, you can visit the famous Kastani Beach where the majority of the scenes from Mamma Mia were shot and the less-popular Milia beach. The last stop is Cape Amarandos, a rocky cape with two lonely pines sticking out of a cliff. Bring comfy shoes as there is no path to follow.

Start day three at Stafilos Beach. With its clear waters, it’s a great destination for avid snorkellers. After a fun day on the beach, finish by discovering the charming, colourful, waterfront capital of the island of Skopelos. During your exploration of Skopelos town, you will come across some great little artisanal shops and traditional Greek tavernas.

Recommended by Marta from Where Life is Great

9. Beach-lover’s Greek Road Trip: Zakynthos Island Loop

• Duration: 3-4 days
• Distance covered: Approx. 120 kilometres (75 miles)
• Highlights: Navagio Shipwreck, golden sands of Banana Beach, turtles at Daphni Beach

Located off Greece’s Ionian coast, Zakynthos (also known as Zante Island ) is small enough to navigate in a couple of days by car, making it an ideal Greek island for a driving holiday.

This route will take you clockwise around the island, discovering the most popular beaches and locations. You can stay overnight after each second stop en route or return to your base every evening. Laganas is a good option as it is close to the airport and also a popular hub for nightlife and restaurants.

For your first stop, head to Plakaki Beach, a stunning rocky cove that’s perfect for swimming. Further up the west coast, you can find more opportunities for cave swimming and snorkelling at Porto Limnionas Beach.

The next day, take a drive to the Navagio harbour and board a boat to the famous shipwreck cove. This is a full-day experience in itself, and not to be missed. Make sure you opt in to see the blue lagoon and caves during your boat trip.

The following day, head to the south-east coast. Banana Beach is a stunning strip of golden sand with many trendy beach bars and restaurants. If you’d like to watch the sunset, the Garden restaurant in Argassi nearby is the perfect location.

If you have the time, visit Dafni Beach and stay in this area. This beach is unofficially known as ‘turtle beach’ because of the many turtles that nest here. Head to the beach at night and see if you’re lucky enough to encounter them in action.

Recommended by Kerry from VeggTravel

10. Paros Road Trip: Naousa to Paros

• Duration: 2-3 days
• Highlights: Fishing village of Naoussa, Cycladic island architecture, white-sand beaches

This road trip around Paros Island will show you traditional villages, delicious Greek food, quality beaches, and amazing sunsets.

If Mykonos is considered to be the party island of the Cyclades and Santorini the romantic one , Paros’ image seems still undefined and yet full of potential. Although less visited than some other nearby islands, there are many amazing things to do in Paros that make this island worthy of a road trip.

Like most Cycladic islands, Paros’ architecture is all about the white houses and churches with blue rooftops. But besides the picturesque villages, what else does Paros have to offer?

To find out, start from the village of Naoussa and drive to Santa Maria Beach. After taking a nice morning swim, head to Molos Beach through Naoussas to Marpissa road, then to Kalogeras Beach, a few minutes further on. Here, you can enjoy the red cliffs and swimming beaches. Another 15-minute drive brings you to Golden Beach for some watersports and lunch at Blue Restaurant Bar.

Lefke town, a 15-minute drive from Golden Beach, was the previous capital of Paros before Parikia. Spend a few nights here before finding one last place to stay in Paros for your final night.

Recommended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road

Greece road trip FAQ

When is the best time to do a road trip in greece.

Summer is by far the most popular time of year to visit Greece. However, if you plan to get around with your own car, it’s a very good idea to avoid peak season.

Spring (May/June) and autumn (September/October) are the best overall times of year for a Greece road trip. If summer travel is your only option, try going for an alternative road trip itinerary such as Halkidiki.

For a unique experience, try road tripping in northern Greece during winter . The mountain villages of Zagori, for example, are incredible when dusted with snow. Just make sure you have the right tires and equipment.

Driving in shoulder or off-season means greater availability of rental cars to choose from, less traffic overall, and thus less stress on the roads. It’s also much easier to find a car park outside of tourist season.

Is driving in Greece difficult?

Generally speaking, no. Driving in Greece is much like driving in any other European country. The roads and highways are in good condition, and there are road rules in place.

The things most people struggle with are 1) narrow streets on the Greek islands, and 2) the traffic in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Driving in Athens is certainly not for the faint hearted! The best approach is to avoid driving through larger cities altogether. One of my favourite things about Local Rent is that you can pick up and drop off your car virtually anywhere in Greece , including in small towns and villages. Unlike with some big companies, you’re not limited to renting from the airport or downtown, which means you can collect your car somewhere quiet.

When driving on the Greek islands, give yourself a day or two to warm up to road conditions. Always choose accommodation with secure onsite parking as street parking can be difficult to come by in some locations.

What documents do I need to drive in Greece?

Under Greek law, an International Driver’s Permit is required to drive in Greece along with your driver’s license. This is the case for everyone except UK/EU residents.

Travellers from the US who are staying in Greece for 6 months or less are permitted to drive with their US-issued license. If your stay exceeds 6 months, you might need to apply for a Greek license.

Is it worth renting a car in Greece?

Yes, driving in Greece is definitely worth it! Greece is an incredible country and car rentals are surprisingly budget friendly, especially when you go through the Local Rent platform .

Self-driving is not for everyone, but you’ll be surprised how much more you can see and do with your own car in Greece.

I hope these Greece road trip ideas have inspired you to start planning your own driving holiday in Greece!

Greece travel essentials

Here are some helpful websites and resources you can use to organise your trip to Greece.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Greece using the Skyscanner website.

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Greece and apply for an expedited visa online.

TRAVAL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

ESIM: Buy an eSIM and data package for Greece online before you go. My top choice is the Eurolink eSIM from Airalo (prices from $5).

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a Greece rental car using Local Rent , an aggregator website that works with local agents.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Greece on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Book skip-the-line tickets, day tours and city excursions on Viator .

More road trip inspiration

• Best road trip itineraries for the Balkans
• Best road trip itinerary for Spain
• Road trip in Montenegro
• Road trip in Bulgaria

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A GREECE ROAD TRIP – EXPLORE THE REAL GREECE BY CAR

Planning an epic road trip around Greece? There’s no shortage of amazing routes to take and here are some of my favourites. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Greece road trip destinations, as well as the magical stops you can make along the way.

Driving in Greece

Driving in Greece is really not as bad as people make out. Whilst I don’t think we would be brave enough to tackle Athens we have happily rented a car on every visit to Greece on both the mainland and the islands.

There is a fair bit you need to know about driving in Greece , however, and once you get your head around that you will have the world, or at least the country, at your feet. You will have the ability to explore places without coming across a single person. You can visit authentic villages and mountain towns where time has stood still. You can have pristine beaches all to yourself and dine on some of the cheapest and most delicious homemade food, simply by getting off the beaten path and being a little more flexible.

Further reading :  Driving in Greece and A Road Trip in Crete

When to do a road trip in greece.

There are so many things to see and do in Greece that actually makes it a year-round destination.

Whilst Summer is obviously the ideal time to spend at the beaches and waterfalls, Spring and Autumn are excellent for hiking and exploring Ancient Ruins, Caves and Archeological sites. Spring will also bring a plethora of beautiful wildflowers and autumn, of course, the autumn leaves, which will make your drive even more scenic.

Even winter is enticing as many of the towns and villages receive some snow, particularly in the mountains, and the stone architecture and wineries lend themselves to cosy moments by an open fire. The casseroles and traditional winter food is hearty and delicious but there are a surprising number of warm days in winter as well, a phenomenon known as ‘Alkyonides’. If you are planning on driving in and around the Northern Skifields it pays to learn about winter driving and snow.

For most of the destinations mentioned here you will not need to pre-book accommodation ( unless you want to) unless there is a religious event or national holiday in some places like Nafplion and Meteora, and in summer (august) in the beach places like Lefkada and Parga.

Regardless of what time of year you choose you will find the crowds very manageable in most places and in many spots, non-existent.

Road trip in Greece – Athens to Nafplion (2 days)

Just two hours from Athens lies Nafplion, one of the most picturesque cities on the mainland and a worthy addition to your road trip in Greece.

Most visitors to Greece will arrive to the country’s lively and historic capital, Athens. It’s an old travel writing cliche, but Athens really is a fascinating blend of old and new – with modern cafes and shops in the shadow of the stunning Acropolis, which has stood perched over the city for some 3,000 years.

While some visitors use Athens simply as a passing-through point and to check off the Acropolis , it’s well worth taking a closer look. There are so many things to do in Athens  you won’t regret leaving some time to explore this city.

Athens to Corinth and the Corinth Canal

About an hour’s drive from Athens you will arrive at the Corinth Canal, a fascinating first stop. The drive is almost completely on a modern multi-lane highway with numerous toll booths and there is little of interest along the way.

For thousands of years, rulers and traders throughout the Mediterranean had been frustrated by the difficulty of travel between the Adriatic and Aegean seas. Although on a clear day, each was visible just across the mainland, ships needed to take a long journey around the Peloponnese peninsula.

Although it is believed that a canal was first dreamed up some 2,500 years ago (by Corinth ruler, Periander ), it wouldn’t be until the late 19th century that it was actually constructed.

Ancient Corinth is also well worth a visit and is located just 3 kilometers south of the modern city you see today. It was an important city in ancient times due to its strategic location on the sea and was a center of trade and home to much of the naval fleet. At one time it was occupied by the Romans for several centuries and was thought to be one of the first Christian cities after a visit from St. Paul ( Saul).

The site today is dominated by a Doric Temple of Apollo and the remnants of other buildings dating back to the 1st & 2nd century. There is also a magnificent mosaic, the Dionysos mosaic and excellent examples of Greek pottery.

Corinth to Nafplion

Continuing on from Corinth you will take the A7/E65 highway and head into the Peloponnese. At Nemea, you will follow the A7 and turn near Nemea before heading down to Nafplion, which will take around 1 hour.

Nemea is a famed wine region in Greece and is definitely worth a stop. There are several excellent wineries you can visit including Palivou Estate and Domaine Bairaktaris , but it does pay to call ahead first as they don’t encourage drop in’s like in some countries.

After Nemea you will veer left onto Epar.Od.Nafpliou-Korinthou road and your last stop on this road trip – Nafplion! This charming seaport city is located in the Peloponnese and is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors, but particularly Athenians.

Over recent decades, urban sprawl has seen Nafplion grow up into the nearby hills, however, it is the city’s charming Medieval center that is totally unmissable. Flanked by the sea, it was chosen as the first capital of Independent Greece, largely due to the port.

The city was also well protected throughout the ages, with various defensive structures around it. Perhaps the most famous is the hilltop Fortress of Palamidi , which also enjoys gorgeous views of the sea. If you love the ocean, then you’d best also leave aside plenty of time to enjoy the famed beaches nearby.

In the area surrounding Nafplio there is also a plethora of things to see and do including Nemea wine region, the ancient sites of Mycanae and Epidaurus and the resort town of Tolos, where it is possible to do a day trip to the Saronic Island of Spetses. Mycanae was once considered the greatest city of the Mycanaean civilization, which dominated the Mediterranean from the 15th to the 12th centuries.

Just outside Nafplio is the ancient World Heritage site of  Tiryns , believed to be over 3000 years old and the place where Hercules is said to have performed his 12 labors.

There are a number of excellent museums in Nafplion but one that is quite unique is the Komboloi Museum , which houses a mind boggling number of  Greek worry beads, albiet in a very small space. The manager is always happy to explain the history and craftsmanship of the very many beads which can be found made in marble, glass, stone and at one point, bone.  

Further reading: A complete guide to Nafplion

Nafplio hotels

There are many places to stay in and around Nafplio to suit all budgets. You will find everything from luxury boutique hotel 3Sixty Hotel  to cheap and cheerful guesthouses like Filyra Pension , both of which are in the Old Town.

Families may prefer to stay at Anemos Rooms which are located in the new part of town but have self contained apartments.

We really wanted to stay in the old town and were delighted with our time at Gambello Rooms . Situated in a gorgeous converted Neo-classical mansion the rooms are very comfortable, spacious and ours had a  balcony with views out over the bay. Breakfast was good and the location was perfect. Great price too! In fact if we could find an equivalent to Gambello Rooms in every town we would be set for life!

Sparta to Monemvasia

From Sparta, you will join the EO Monemvasias Krokeon road, which is a dual carriageway and easy driving. The journey should take around 90 minutes.

If you do want to deviate for some sightseeing, the Castle of Geraki in the village of Geraki is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and well worth the detour.

The rich history of Monemvasia dates back to the time of the Byzantine emperor Maurice, who founded the city in the year 582 AD.

The island was created when part of the mainland was cut during an earthquake, which adds to the charm. It was deliberately designed to blend into the mountain it clings to and therefore not be seen by enemies at sea. Monemvasia was once a thriving seaport during the time of the emperor Andronicus XII and after the occupation by the Ottomans, which lasted up until the early 19th century.It became a fortress, inhabited by groups including the Franks, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.

The name Monemvasia means “one entrance”, and once you pass it you are sure to be amazed by the beauty and charm of this walled mini-city. A maze of cobbled streets invites you to get lost exploring the hodgepodge of alleyways and historic buildings. A small number of tavernas serve deliciously authentic food while visiting the Medieval Castle is a must.

Many landmarks remain to speak of the tumultuous and rich history of Monemvasia, including the Church of Agia Sofia and the Church of Jesus Christ in Chains , both worth a visit.  

Monemvasia hotels

If you would like to splurge for a night or two the amazing Kinsterna Hotel is located on a hill on the mainland overlooking Monemvasia and is considered one of the best hotels in Europe. Situated on a sprawling estate, the Byzantine Era mansion houses a luxury spa, two swimming pools and an award-winning restaurant. The gardens are quite magnificent and include a vineyard, herb and vegetable garden and animal farm. The hotel produces its own wine, cheese, olive oil, bread, soap and more.

If you would prefer to stay on Monemvasia itself the quaint and affordable Goulas Guesthouse has great views and few stairs, whilst Likinia Hotel is brand new and has all the modern conveniences with many historic elements.It’s also wonderful to dine on the mainland with views back over the island all lit up at night, at places like  Melitzanakia and Skorpios.

It’s a very special and unique place to stay!

Monemvasia to Gythio

After the compact wonder of Monemvasia, venture west and find yourself among the natural beauty of Gythio. This seaside town is on the peninsula of Laconia.

The drive from Monemvasia should take just over an hour and is quite pleasant. You will travel inland initially before hitting the coastline at Trinisa and following a windy coastal road to Gythio. At this point, you will pass the famous shipwreck Dimitrios, at lovely Valktaki Beach. you can either stop and see it on the beach or stop for a panoramic photo at the clifftop just past it.

Although Gythio is the largest town in the Mani region, it still has a relaxed and sleepy atmosphere – it’s hard to be stressed lazing about in such a beautiful place.

The town itself is colourful and charming, but the real showstopper is the beach of Mavrovouni. Boasting soft, golden sand and brilliant cerulean water, it’s popular with holidaymakers from around Greece and afar. Perhaps best of all, holidaymakers share the beach with endangered sea turtles who lay their eggs on the sand.

Our favourite spots to eat are at O’Live and l Trata which are both hard to miss on the main road. There is a cute new bar there too called Old School Homebar who make some great cocktails!  

Exploring the amazing Mani Peninsular 

Gythio may be the largest town in the area, but it’s well worth venturing further to explore the entire Mani Peninsula. This very charming region seems to have largely flown under the radar to international visitors – which only adds to the fun of discovering it on your road trip in Greece.

The quaint town of Areopoli and it’s stunning small neighbour Limeni are only a 30-minute drive west from Gythio and are absolutely gorgeous.

The peninsula offers both natural beauty and historic charm, with amazing beaches, rolling hills, and tiny villages. Some are today just ghost towns, while others are humble and authentic. Profitis Ilias Church just before Areopoli is at the peak of Mount Profitis and has spectacular views over the entire area.

Limeni is one of the most beautiful villages in all of Greece, if not Europe. Whilst much loved by the Instagram crew it is really a very small village with little parking and surprisingly still fairly quiet although t here are a number of outdoor activities and boat rides on offer as well as a dive center.

Whilst there are only a handful of tavernas and cafes the quality is exceptional. One of the best meals we have ever had anywhere was at Telonio and the views at sunset make it even more special!

It is also quite common to see Sea Turtles fighting over kitchen scraps in front of the Tavernas.

If you have time it is worth a drive down to Gerolimenas Beach which is not only a lovely spot to swim but you will pass numerous examples of the ‘tower’ houses unique to the area and said to be built for maximum protection from pirates and invaders.

Further reading: The most beautiful Peloponnese Beaches

Limeni hotels

As stated there are a couple of very charming boutique hotels in Limeni and they are all just meters from the water. Mavromichalai is a gorgeous, small, luxury hotel on the waterfront in a restored 18th century tower house and is hard to beat, although Vasilios Apartment Hotel has commanding views on the hill above and is somewhat less expensive. They are both truly fantastic places to spend some time.

We decided to stay a short drive up the road at Aria Suites and Spa , a newly opened hotel at the time ( we missed the completion of the indoor swimming pool by one day) which offers beautifully designed rooms and apartments in a village concept, with spectacular views over the sea.   Bassa Maina  hotel is right next door and quite stunning as well, albeit at a higher price point.

The Caves of Drios

The Caves of Diros are actually two massive caves and the largest, Vlichada, is open to the public. The tour is 1,500 meters, of which the first 1,200 is on water in small boats and takes about 25 minutes. They believe the caves may, in fact, go for many kilometers right up through the Mani peninsula.

Inside the cave, they have discovered the fossilized bones of panther, hyena, lion, deer, and the largest hippopotamus bone deposit in Europe. Near the entrance, pottery has been found to indicate the human presence. In fact, they have discovered evidence that this may have been where the first humans arrived in Europe from Africa.

Arrive early and avoid the tour buses and you may have the whole place to yourselves as we did. Make sure to check the official website for prices and opening times which are subject to change.

Limeni to Kardamyli

Located under an hour north of Limeni, Kardamyli ( or Kardamili) is a beautiful coastal village nestled around a number of gorgeous coves and beaches, including Agios Nikolaos and Foneas Beach which are both worth visiting.  

The Old Town of Kardamyli was once a fortified settlement that features a restored tower and a stunning 18th-century church – to a variety of lively bars and eating venues. Kardamyli offers a laid back and relaxing experience of visiting Greece in its true natural state.

Combined with a delightful rural setting and natural landmarks like the Ritsa Beach and Vyros Gorge, you’ll find the town has plenty of exploring on offer as well. 

There are some great meals to have too. Check out Liastras in nearby Stoupa for excellent Greek food and amazing views and Taverna Kastro and Ammos Giros for top quality, home-cooked Greek food.  

Kardamyli hotels

There are no fancy resorts in this part of Greece ( yet) and accommodation tends to be in small family run hotels or Airbnb rooms and apartments.

Hotel Anniska and Les Sirenes are both right on the water and are quaint and good value. If you would like to enjoy panoramic views from the hills above then Vardia Hotel is a great choice.

Kardamyli to Kalamata

50 minutes north of Kardamyli is the small city of Kalamata. Yes, it’s where the olives came from!

The drive is quite scenic and you will pass many beautiful beaches and coves. It’s worth stopping at Mourtzinos Castle just north of Kardamyli which has an Old Town adjacent to it.

As you’d expect, Kalamata offers plenty for the foodie – but there’s much more to enjoy. Some highlights include excellent museums such as the Archeological Museum of Messenia, as well as a few beautiful and relaxing beaches to laze about on. The is particularly worth a visit and considered one of the best costume collections in the world. 

Ancient Messini is around 20kms from Kalamata and is one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. It is very well preserved and includes an incredible amphitheater and impressive stadium as well as a small but very good museum.

Like most parts of the Peloponnese there are also some great beaches and Kalamata beach itself is popular for good reason. And no visit to Kalamata is complete without a tour and tasting of Olives and Olive Oil! 

In terms of dining you are spoilt for choice in Kalamata which has a thriving food and bar scene. In fact, there are over 10,000 cafes, bars, restaurants, and tavernas in this small city! The food precincts are found along the waterfront where perennial favourites such as Fish and Pasta Kannas.

Kalamata hotels

If you want to stay by the sea then we recommend Horizon Blu .

A solid budget option is Hotel Nevada which is well located both on the waterfront and in the centre of town.

Road trip in Greece -Athens to Delphi

Athens to Patras

From Athens, it’s about two and a half hours across to Patras, the country’s third-largest city. The route is via a modern multi-carriage freeway with numerous toll booths.

Although it’s bustling like the capital, it has a very distinctive feel – thanks largely to the abundance of university students studying at the well-regarded university.

With students comes a natural liveliness, with festive squares, restaurants, and bars. While Patras is very much a modern city, there’s also evidence of the past, with a fascinating archaeological museum and castle nearby.

Crossing the Rio Antirrio Bridge

Greece might be known for its ancient archaeological wonders, but it’s got a few modern delights as well. Just beyond Patras, you’ll have the opportunity to observe (and cross over!) the Rio Antirrio Bridge.

The elegant bridge is one of the world’s longest cable-stay bridges and a very impressive site over the Gulf of Corinth. A stark white against the blue of the ocean, the bridge opened just in time for the Olympic Flame to be carried over it on its way to the 2004 Athens Olympics opening ceremony.

Patras Hotels

On the Eastern side of the Messinian peninsula is the stunning Colonides Beach hotel with   amazing views over the sea and well priced rooms near a beautiful protected beach.

On the Western side Pylos is a great town to spend several days. The lovely Hotel Anezina has affordable, well appointed rooms with stunning views as does Hotel Philip just a few doors up. The gorgeous Romanos Resort – A luxury Collection Hotel is the main luxury option and is part of the Westin Group.

Further north is the town of Marathopolis – a beautiful spot where you can do day trips to nearby Proti Island. Near new Pefkides offer lovely self-contained apartments right on the beach amongst lovely gardens. Right in town is another excellent small hotel,  Artina Nuovo which boasts a particularly impressive breakfast spread and great sunset views.

Patras to Nafpaktos

Once you’ve crossed the Rio Antirrio Bridge you will drive on the E65 to Nafpaktos. The whole journey will take less than 30 minutes but there is a 12euro toll to cross the bridge.

A picturesque seaside town, Nafpaktos is a popular holiday spot with locals but has managed to (mostly) avoid the tourist crowds. This is somewhat of a surprise, as it offers all of my favourite things about Greece – the hints of long and illustrious history, beautiful beaches and lively streets lined with restaurants and bars.

In particular, the old Venetian Harbour is well worth exploring as is Nafpaktos Castle , while the Old Town is the ideal place to get lost for an hour or two. We will be staying a week in Nafpaktos ourselves this year!

Nafpaktos to Delphi

This itinerary ends in the famed town of Delphi, which is so named after the nearby ruins. The ancient city, was once arguably the most important place in Ancient Greece; home to the civilisation’s most powerful and respected oracle of Apollo .

The drive from Nafpaktos will take around 90 minutes and there is quite a lot to see and do in the area. The drive is very scenic and most of it is along the coast where there are numerous beaches and villages to explore. The town of Galaxidi is a great spot to stop for lunch, particularly at Zygos on the waterfront.

Although hundreds of years have taken their toll on the site, it is still spectacularly well preserved which adds to the immense sense of wonder you get walking around. It’s incredible how expansive and detailed the site is, considering it was built some 2500 years ago.

Adding to the intrigue of this impressive sight is the many legends and myths that the temples were cloaked in. A visit to the adjacent Archaeological Museum of Delphi is a must to see the many artifacts and learn more about this ancient wonder.

If you can, I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the ruins of Delphi, as the historical context will add plenty to your visit.

Delphi hotels

Many people who visit Delphi either do day trips from Athens and other destinations or stay in local coastal towns like Nafpaktos or Galaxidi.

There are a number of hotels right near Delphi as well. Our pick is Kastalia Boutique Hotel which is only a 5-minute walk from the site and has spectacular views of the Valley.

Pitho Rooms is an inexpensive family-run hotel in a very central location.

Road trip in Greece -Delphi to Parga

Looking for an addition to your road trip from Athens? Or maybe just wondering where to go from Delphi? I highly recommend travelling on to Parga, one of mainland Greece’s most beautiful places.The entire trip should take just over 4 hours but you can easily break it up and even stop for a night or two along the way.

Delphi to Missolonghi

From Delphi, it’s about two hours west to the city of Missolonghi (or Messolongi) – however, the time flies by as you follow the coastal road. At the end of it, you’ll find yourself in the lively city of Missolonghi.

You’ll drive through the beautiful towns of Galaxidi and Nafpaktos ( see above), both worth visiting on their own merit. You will then head to the Gulf of Patras and the town of Missolonghi.

While many Greek attractions are ancient, Missolonghi could be considered an adolescent. It’s of historical importance – but that’s modern history, for a change! Famously, it was the site of one of the most important battles during the Greek War of Independence.

Sombre history aside, it’s also incredibly beautiful. Even if you’ve got no interest in military history, you’re sure to be besotted by the gorgeous coast.The lagoon is a very tranquil place to spend some time and quite different to most parts of Greece and the Greek Islands.

Missolonghi to Lefkada

Just because your Greek road trip has started on the mainland doesn’t mean you won’t get a taste of that famous Island life. From Missolonghi, you can find yourself on a charming Greek island in under three hours… and you won’t even need to board a ferry!

It will take you just under 2 hours to reach Lefkada from Missolonghi although it will probably take longer as there are a number of things to see and do along the way. You will pass several big lakes, Limni Amvrakia and Limni Ozeros as well as wineries, orchards and the charming port town of Amfilochia .

The stunning island of Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a causeway, meaning you can drive right over. You’ll quickly feel the difference as you arrive on the island, and will be dazzled by the spectacularly beautiful scenery on the island.

If you’ve only got a day or two on the island, you’ll probably want to prioritise enjoying the beautiful beaches – but with a little more time, the charming traditional villages in the east are pretty special. There is a good range of accommodation, especially with Airbnb’s on Lefkada.

The Ionian islands are worth spending several weeks all on their own. Kefalonia is a wonderful island with so much to see and do and you will need a car to cover most of it. You can do a shorter road trip around Zakynthos ( also known as Zante) too!

Lefkada to Nicopolis

Not far from Lefkada lies Nicopolis, an expansive archaeological site that – somewhat mystifyingly – seems to be relatively unknown outside of Greece. While I can’t quite explain why, I must admit that it’s a hidden bonus that the crowds tend to stay away.

The city was founded by the first emperor of Rome, Augustus, to honour a military victory over Marc Antony and Cleopatra. For over 1,000 years, the city flourished and remained strong through a number of invasions – however, it was eventually abandoned and fell to ruin.

Today, it’s an expansive and relatively well preserved site, closely linked to some of history’s most famous characters. So, if you have any interest in Roman history, you’d best add this stop to your road trip in Greece!

Nicopolis to Parga

Finally, the last stop is at the stunningly beautiful Parga – a fitting way to finish an itinerary that’s been filled with natural beauty and man-made wonders. You will reach Parga in less than an hour’s drive from Nicopolis taking the coastal EO Prevezas Igoumistas highway or an hour and 10 minutes if you would like to take the inland road to visit ancient sites such as Ancient Kassopi and the nearby Monument of Zalongo .

Although technically part of the mainland, Parga has a distinct island feel. After all, it’s hard not to feel rather relaxed and happy when you’re surrounded by such a beautiful setting. A cluster of colourful houses flank the stunning sea, while behind them loom several mountains. Atop one of them is an old Venetian fortification, adding even more intrigue to this beautiful town.

Parga overlooks the Ionian Sea, and on a clear day you may just see islands like Paxos off in the distance. Make sure you do a boat tour to Paxi island and the Blue Caves -it’s so beautiful, though, you may never want to leave!

Parga Hotels

For my money, Irida Boutique Hotel has one of the best locations in town, situated on the high with magnificent ocean views, yet close enough to be able to walk to everything. Beautiful rooms and great service make this place a winner.

A little cheaper and more traditional is Leda Suites , located in a quiet backstreet just 2 minutes walk from the town centre.

A great budget option is San Nectarios which has great views and feels like home away from home.

A Greece road trip – Athens to Meteora

This spectacular road trip in Greece will see you depart the bustling capital of Athens and wind your way in-land north eventually arriving at jaw-dropping rock formations of Meteora. Along the way, you will also be able to explore the incredible Pelion peninsula, one of the most beautiful yet largely undiscovered regions of Greece.

Athens to Volos

Nestled down at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos’ modern and cosmopolitan feel is interwoven with its long history, steeped in myth and legend. These two elements combined make it a popular place to visit in Greece and an ideal stop as you make your way north to Meteora.

The drive to Volos is north out of Athens on the E75 and takes about 3.5 hours. A short detour at Eleon on the 44 road will take you to the fascinating Archaelogical Museum of Thebes , an ancient city that plays a big role in Greek Mythology.

You could also stop off the charming town of Chalcis on the 2nd largest island in Greece, Evia, or the coastal town of Kamena Vourla,which has a number of excellent waterfront tavernas such as Kavos Psarotaverna.

Most famously, Volos is considered the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts , a well-known story of sailors heading off in pursuit of the Golden Fleece. Mount Pelion, just behind the city, was also the legendary birthplace of the Centaur – part human, part horse.

As well as its rich and varied myths, Volos has also benefited from being one of the busiest ports in Greece. This allowed money to flow into the city, and there are many ritzy apartments and homes – as well as great restaurants and shops as well. In particular, the seafood restaurants are dazzling – so be sure to schedule in a long lunch.

Volos to the Pelion Peninsula

Surrounding Volos is the Pelion Peninsula, which occupies a large swathe of the Magnesia region. Although it may not be one of the most well-known destinations in Greece, those who do visit are usually swiftly converted – in fact, many return saying it is one of the most beautiful places in the country.

With one look, it’s not hard to see why. It offers some of the best beaches of either the mainland or the islands, and there’s plenty of delicious and authentic cuisine to boot. This region offers everything you could want from a dazzling Greek escape… yet it’s retained its authenticity and quiet approach to life.

You won’t want to miss this, especially the gorgeous small beach of Damouchari , where most of the film, Mama Mia was shot ( only the Church is on the island of Skopelos). In fact you can stay in the very guest house on the beach that the cast and crew used, Victoria’s Guest House !

The Pelion to Meteora

The final stop on this road trip itinerary is Meteora – and this will be pretty breath-taking!

Returning to Volos you will join the E92 highway and head inland for 2 hours before reaching the towns of Kalambaka and Kastraki at the foot of Meteora.

Stop along the way, perhaps for a night or two at the towns of Larissa and Trikala both with a number of history sites and some truly beautiful surrounds. The stone bridges of Trikala are really worth seeking out and are explained in detail in this article .

One of the most amazing things about Greece is the incredible diversity found within the country. Of course, there’s the magical islands with their sandy beaches, and the stunning archaeological sites – but then there’s a plethora of lesser-known places. Take Meteora, for example.

This spectacular place offers the perfect fusion of natural beauty and human engineering. Here six large and ornate Orthodox Monasteries are perched precariously on top of enormous rock formations, creating a sight that has to be seen to be believed.

The spectacular natural surroundings paired with the way that the monasteries seem both precarious yet perfectly positioned creates an utterly magical atmosphere. For many, this is a place of deep spiritual significance – and everyone is sure to be enamored by the beauty. What a way to end a wonderful road trip! 

Further reading :   Visit Meteora!

Meteora hotels.

There are two towns to stay in Meteora, Kalambaka and the smaller village of Kastraki. We chose the latter and stayed at the lovely Hotel Doupiani which has rooms with incredible views of Meteora. In fact, it is so close you can walk easily to the first two monasteries from there.

Monastiri Guesthouse is excellent as is Tsikeli Hotel which is adults only.

If you’re on a tight budget Guesthouse Plakias and Thalia Rooms are hard to beat.

Athens to Thessaloniki

If you choose to do a road trip between Athens and Thessaloniki, you’ll be in good company! The road between Greece’s two largest cities is fairly well traversed, and along the way you’ll be treated to some of the country’s most impressive sights. It also allows you to take in huge diversity of scenery, as you’ll make your way from the bottom to the top of Greece.

Athens to Larissa

Larissa is the fourth largest city in Greece and is helpfully positioned between its bigger siblings of Athens and Thessaloniki. While the city has a number of historic attractions (more on that soon!), it is also a modern and youthful city, largely thanks to its strong student population.

While Larissa has a modern feel today, it’s actually one of the oldest settlements in Greece, with evidence suggesting it’s been occupied for an impressive 6000 years. Some evidence of its past are the two impressive historic theatres, and an impressive museum.

Larissa is almost 4 hours drive from Athens on the E75 highway heading north. Again, this is a modern multi-lane carriageway and there are numerous toll booths.

It is worth a detour to either the huge island of Evia or the Pelion peninsula for a few days, if not more. More details above in Athens to Meteora.

Larissa to Trikala

Less than an hour due west from Larissa charming Trikala has somehow managed to stay out of the pages of most “must-see” lists, but I can’t see why! This delightful little city has a distinctly liveable feel about it, with lots of local people out and about. If you’re interested in seeing the “real” Greek city life, far from the tourist crowds, it’s definitely worth a stop.

It’s considered the gateway to the mountains, and yet it’s actually very flat! As a result, I recommend taking advantage of the free bike hire and exploring the city on two wheels. You’ll be able to enjoy sights like the 6th century Byzantine palace Kastro, or drop in to enjoy a meal at the tavernas along Manavika.

Trikala to Meteora

Just half an hour away from Trikala you’ll find Meteora, one of the most jaw-dropping sights in all of Greece. For more information, scroll up to find out more, or read my comprehensive guide to visiting Meteora , including where to stay and eat and how to explore the Stone Bridges of Trikala, including one with a waterfall!

Meteora to Mt Olympus

Of all the fascinating Greek legends, there are few more enduring than that of the powerful God Zeus. Homer, who wrote Iliad and The Odyssey wrote that Mt Olympus was his Zeus’s home, cementing this place in mythology and history.

Looking at Mount Olympus, it’s no surprise that it has inspired authors and legends. It has an enchanting atmosphere, with plunging valleys and foliage-covered peaks. The most difficult peak, Mytikas, is reached by only a few intrepid adventurers – but everyone can enjoy some less strenuous trails.

To reach Mt Olympus from Meteora you can either backtrack through Larissa and stay on the modern E76 highway, which takes about 2.5 hours or head into the mountains on the older, single carriage roads that will take over 3 hours. Both routes have incredible views and vistas although the latter will, of course, let you experience a lot more authenticity.

This region, unsurprisingly, is a mecca for hikers, mountain climbers, and nature lovers. There are waterfalls, hiking trails, monasteries and parks and the town of Litochoro , in particular, is well worth some time.

Mount Olympus to Vergina

A relatively small Central Macedonian town that packs a big punch, Vergina is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history. Situated 90 minutes north of Mount Olympus National Park, the drive will take you through the town of Katerinis and perhaps a pleasant detour from there to the small coastal town of Paralia Katerinis.

Most famously, Vergina is the closest town to Aigai, the first capital of Macedon. Historians believe that it was in this ancient capital that the ruler Philip II was assassinated and the legendary Alexander the Great was appointed as King.

It’s no surprise, then, that this area is one of the most archaeologically significant in Greece (and there are a lot of significant archaeological sites in the nation). Be sure to look out for the incredibly-preserved painted frescoes, as well as the tombs of many historic figures.

Vergina to Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest city is just as vibrant and historic as you’d expect. With Athens, these two cities book-end the country – and while they have many differences, there are also common threads weaving them together. Thessaloniki is equally fond of nightlife, with more than its fair share of restaurants and tavernas.

At first glance, the waterside city can seem quite modern – and it certainly has everything you’d expect from a 21st-century metropolis. However, this is Greece, so of course, there is a deeply historic underlayer. Be sure to leave some time to explore the historic sites, such as the ancient forum and the city’s Byzantine walls.

The drive from Vergina to Thessaloniki is just under an hour on the A2/E90 before it turns back onto the E75. A large section of the drive is past the Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas National Park and wetlands which is a good spot for birding and photography but the Kalochori Lagoon just as you approach Thessaloniki, is much better.

If you would like someone else to drive whilst exploring this area there are a couple of good day trips available including a visit to the wonderful Thermal Baths and Edessa and a boat trip out to see mystical Mt Athos and it’s mysterious monasteries.

F urther Reading : A Complete Guide to Thessaloniki  

Thessaloniki Hotels

There are some lovely boutique hotels in Thessaloniki and The Modernist and The Excelsior are my pick. It’s easy to see why they get outstanding reviews!

A great budget option is Hotel Orestias Kastorias whilst if you are looking for a splurge then check out Electra Palace , sister to the famous hotel in Athens.

Whichever route you choose for your Greece road trip you are sure to be amazed and impressed by your journey. Obviously the longer you take the more you will see and do and thats the beauty of road trips and they offer so much flexibility.

Whilst this article has been mostly focused on the Mainland it is certainly possible to do road trips on the island as well. A Road trip in Crete is the only way to see Greece’s biggest island!

Enjoy yourselves and safe travels!

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An overview of some of the best road trips in Greece is detailed below. 

Peloponnese Road Trip

Route: Athens – Corinth -Epidaurus – Nafplion – Sparta – Mystras – Monemvasia –  Athens 

A Peloponnese road trip offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path Greek adventure. You will discover some of the most incredible hiking trails in Greece, and a culture that is distinctly different from the rest of the country.

This area is actually pretty vast. You could easily dedicate a month to exploring the Peloponnese and still feel as though you have barely scratched the surface. This Peloponnese road trip starts in Athens and concentrates on the Lakonia area of the region . Fly into Greece via Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport and dedicate one or two days to exploring the Greek capital. During this time, you can check all of the famous Athens landmarks off your Greece bucket list. Visit the Acropolis and admire its magnificent Parthenon , climb to the top of Mount Lycabettus for unparalleled panoramas of the city, browse the stalls of Athens Central Market and enjoy evening drinks on the steps of old Plaka . You don’t need a car to get around Athens so pick up your vehicle on your final day in the capital. On the first day, head from Athens to Nafplio, the former capital of Greece. Stop by the magnificent Corinth canal to revel in the views and snap some pictures before making a brief stop at Epidaurus. Epidaurus is the site where the annual “Epidaurus” festival is hosted every summer in Greece. 

It is home to an impressive temple and theatre, both of which date back to the 6th century BC. The former is actually one of sixteen UNESCO world heritage sites in Greece. Dedicate a few days to l ovely Nafplio , with its Venetian fortresses and unique architecture. Then, venture onwards to Sparta, and the Byzantine towns of Mystras and Monemvasia . 

Cross Country Greece Adventure 

Route: Athens – Delphi – Meteora – Mount Olympus – Thessaloniki 

Taking a Greece road trip from the southern part of the country to the north (or vice versa) allows you to explore some of the most famous sights on the mainland. Start your itinerary in Athens. From here, drive up to Delphi and spend a night in the village close to the ancient ruins. The settlement dates back thousands of years and is of great importance in Greek history and mythology. Legend has it that Zeus sent two eagles to fly in opposite directions and find the centre of the universe. The place that they met became Delphi. The ruins at Delphi were developed in the 8th century BC and were an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. This was also home of the Pythian Games, the second most important game in Greece after the Olympics. From Delphi, continue northwards to Kalambaka for Meteora. Meteora means “suspended in the air”. This is a fitting name for the site. This is the second-largest Monastic community in Europe and is home to several 11th-century monasteries that are balanced dramatically on the top of craggy clifftops. The interiors of the monasteries are every bit as spectacular as their exteriors. It is worth spending a night in a luxury hotel in the area in order to enjoy the spectacular golden sunrise behind them. Continuing north, make a brief stop at Mount Olympus. Experienced hikers may welcome the opportunity to conquer Greece’s tallest peak. However, if that’s not for you, you can enjoy one of the shorter walks in the foothills. Here, you will also find several natural thermal springs so be sure to pack your swimsuit! 

This Greece cross country road trip ends in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city . Check out the White Tower and sip Greek coffee in one of the lovely seafront cafes along the Thermaic Gulf, before taking a walking tour of Ano Poli and Ladadika.

Evritania, Central Greece

Route: Athens – Karpenisi – Megalo Chorio – Palio Mikro Chorio – Proussos Evritania is a stunning region in the centre of the mainland that is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Greece” on account of its dramatic scenery and incomparable natural beauty. This is the perfect place for a Greece road trip. The winding roads here take you along the edges of mountains, through valleys and dense forests, and around the foothills of Mount Timfristos. Velouchi, one of the main ski resorts in Greece, is located here and so many Greeks will often venture to Evritania during the Autumn and winter months. Drive from Athens to Karpenisi via Lamia. The journey takes a couple of hours but there are plenty of places to stop along the way to grab Greek food or coffee. 

Karpenisi is a gorgeous mountain town deserving of a couple of days’ attention. Travel here between late October and March for the best experience. At this time, you can truly immerse yourself in Greek winter travel and opt to stay in a cosy cabin with a log fire. Explore the neighbouring villages of Mikro Chorio, Megalo Chorio, and Gavros and then head onwards to Proussos. Proussos Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Greece . It dates back to 829AD and Greek soldiers rested here during the Greek war for independence in the 19th century.

Thessaloniki and Halkidiki Road Trip

Route: Thessaloniki – Kassandra – Sithonia – Thessaloniki Start this Greece road trip by flying into Thessaloniki. The city’s Makedonia airport has excellent low-cost links to several countries and cities across Europe and beyond. After spending a day or two uncovering the treasures that the city has to offer, set out towards Halkidiki. This is a beautiful coastal region in Northeastern Greece that is formed of three different prongs or “fingers” that jut out into the ocean like Poseidon’s trident. You will dedicate the first few days to exploring the Kassandra region of Halkidiki. Swim in the crystal clear cerulean waters at Glarokavos and then stop for dinner and settle down for the night at a boutique hotel in Paliouri. Possidi and Afytos are not to be missed and if your schedule permits, you can dedicate several days to driving around Kassandra and exploring its traditional villages at a relaxed pace. From there, head onwards to the second prong of Halkidiki : Sithonia. Nikiti village will be your first stop. Little is known about the settlement’s early days but it is believed that it was founded as a monastic community. Nikiti is divided into two areas: the old part of town, and the new part. However, it is the old part of town, with its narrow cobbled streets and stone houses, that is especially charming. Be sure to have dinner at Platanos taverna. This is a local eatery that places a contemporary twist on Mediterranean classics.

The fishing village of Porto Koufo, protected by the natural bay and surrounded by pine trees is as worthy of your attention as its paradisiacal beach. If you enjoy hiking, nature, and the great outdoors, consider attempting the trail from Porto Koufo to Mt Kapros or to Akrotiri Drepano. Before looping around and heading back towards Thessaloniki, stop by Vouvourou. Here, you can rent a boat for the day and sail out to the uninhabited island of Diaporos . 

Skopelos Island Loop Road Trip

Route: Skopelos town – Stafylos – Agnontas – Panormos – Hovolo Beach – Glossa The blue-green island of Skopelos awaits in the heart of the Sporades archipelago . People became more aware of the island following the success of the Hollywood movie “Mamma Mia” which was filmed here. However, despite that, it still remains off the beaten path. This is, in part, because the island is relatively isolated and tricky to get to. Regardless, it helps Skopelos to remain as a sleepy Greek island idyll. Skopelos is arguably one of the last Greek islands that have fully retained their authentic charm and character and have not been over gentrified for tourists. You can rent a car in Skopelos town . Alternatively, if you are already in Greece, you may be bringing your vehicle across on a ferry from Volos. The island is large enough for an adventure but not too difficult that you could get lost. You essentially just need to follow one coastal road around the island. Set out from Skopelos town and drive across to Stafylos – home to Velanio, one of the best beaches on Skopelos island. From there, continue onwards to Agnontas hamlet and depending on your mood, either stop at M Coffeehouse for coffee and pancakes or at Mouria fish tavern for the catch of the day. A short walk through the woods takes you to Cape Amarandos – a rocky coastal area with natural rock pools where the locals come to swim. Cool off in the waters here and then continue along the coastline. Make brief stops at Panormos beach town and Neo Klima (for Hovolo beach) before finally ending in Glossa . You can opt to take the coastal route back, or drive through the centre of the island for more dramatic scenery.

Ioannina to Metsovo Road Trip

The roads that connect the Epirus capital of Ioannina with the little Vlach settlement of Metsovo are arguably not for the faint-hearted. Think hairpin curves and roads that hug the sides of cliffs and are often wide enough only for one car to pass. Then again, this road is taking you up into the Pindus Mountains. The mountain air up here is crisp, fresh and clean, and the views are second to none. The journey takes just under an hour. If you would like to explore more of Northern Greece, you could also continue onwards from Metsovo to Kalabaka and Meteora, Trikala and Karditsa.

Zagorohoria Road Trip

Route: Ioannina – Monodendri – Oxia – Dilofo – Vitsa – Papigo – Kolymbithres Zagorohoria is one of the most charming travel destinations in mainland Greece. This region consists of more than 60 idyllic little settlements. The roads here are not the easiest to navigate. They consist of sharp bends, winding country lanes, and steep mountain slopes. But for your efforts, you are rewarded with some of the most magnificent natural scenery in all of Greece. Start this Greece road trip by spending a few days in Ioannina and uncovering all of the treats that the leafy Epirus capital has to offer. Sail out to the eerie, unnamed island in the centre of Pamvotida lake and learn the history of notorious Ottoman leader Ali Pasha. A casual stroll around the circumference of the lake is a pleasant way to while away an afternoon in the presence of local joggers and dog walkers. When you depart Ioannina, head first to the village of Monodendri. This is one of the most beautiful villages in the area and Mondendri has been declared as a national historical monument. The village dates back to 1753. Some gorgeous two-story mansions and traditional stone architecture can be found here but the main draw is to hike a portion of the dramatic Vikos Gorge. You can opt to spread your Zagorohoria road trip over several days/weeks as preferred. If you choose to do so, you can stop at traditional guesthouses in each village as you go. Alternatively, you could simply do this as a day trip from Ioannina! From Monodendri, make a brief stop at the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi just outside of town. Then, continue onwards to the villages of Oxia, Dilofo, Vitsa, Papigo, and finally, Kolymbithres.

Corfu Road Trip

Route: Corfu – Paleokastritsa – Lakones – Angelokastro – Afionas Should you decide to visit the popular island of Kerkyra (Corfu), there are several Greece road trips that you could take around the island. You could opt to drive across the island from North to South, explore a particular section of the island, or drive in a loop around it. Many of the coastal roads here are spectacular and run parallel to the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Ionian. The total length of Corfu is only 64km/39 miles. So, it is fairly easy to see the best of the island’s highlights in a short period. 

Spend a few days at Corfu old town, navigating your way through the narrow cobbled passageways and admiring the colourful Venetian architecture and fortresses. Various civilisations have invaded and occupied Corfu over the centuries and each has left its mark on the island’s culture, cuisine, and architecture. You don’t really need a car while you are in Corfu old town, so pick up your rental on your final day here. Follow the signs from Corfu to Paleokastritsa and spend a few days relaxing at the beach town. From Paleokastritsa, narrow winding roads lead you uphill to the little village of Lakones. The panoramas from up here are second to none. Not only can you see across the Aegean to the East, you can also see across the various settlements to the west of the island. On a clear day, you can see all the way across to Corfu town! Drive past the villages of Makrades, Vistonas and Prinilas before reaching the beach town of Agios Georgios north or Pagi. 

The sunsets from here are among the best in the Ionian. Travelling on, stop by the clifftop village of Afionas before preparing to head back to Corfu town. On your journey back, drive through the luscious Trombeta Pass.

Southern Greece Road Trip 

Route: Athens – Glyfada – Vouliagmeni – Cape Sounion 

There are numerous day trips from Athens that enable you to see a relative amount of Southern Greece’s highlights in a short space of time. One Greece road trip itinerary idea is to head out from Athens to the coastal villages of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Cape Sounion, stopping at secluded beaches and coves as you go. Take the scenic route south from Athens by joining Leof Poseidonos. You will pass by the affluent coastal neighbourhoods of Palaio Faliro and Alimos before arriving at Glyfada. This upscale beach town is often referred to as being the “Hellenic Hamptons”. You are still within the Athens municipality here. However, the tree-lined streets, filled with chic restaurants and bakeries, and the elegant boutique stores of independent Greek designers, are a far cry from the higgledy-piggledy congested streets of Monastiraki and Syntagma. Park up your car for some short exploration, grab a Greek coffee, and continue down the coast to Vouliagmeni. Vouliagmeni is the heart of the Athenian Riviera. Its namesake Vouliagmeni Lake is a brackish thermal lake known for its healing properties. Swim in its waters, indulge in a hot stone massage at its on-site spa or conquer the 8-mile hiking circuit that runs around the lake. From here, continue on towards Cape Sounio and the dramatic Temple of Poseidon . There are many secluded, unmarked beaches along this route known as “Limanakia”. These are not serviced and some of them require an amount of clambering down rocks to get to. However, they are some of the best beaches near Athens. Better still, you may find that you have a stretch of coastline entirely to yourself! Before looping back to Athens, stop for dinner at the village of Kalayvia Thorikou. This cute settlement is known for its chophouse restaurants. 

Epirus and Lefkada Road Trip 

Route: Parga – Preveza – Lefkada Epirus is a rugged and mountainous region on Greece’s west coast. It isn’t on most people’s Greece travel radars which is a shame as it offers a little something for every type of traveller. Start your Epirus adventure in the charming beach town of Parga. This is a favourite summer getaway for domestic Greek travellers. 

However, despite becoming crowded during July and August, nothing can take away from Parga’s charm. Admire the views over the town from the old Venetian castle, relax on the shores of Valtos and Lichnos beaches, and discover the abandoned monastery of Vlacherna. If your schedule permits, you can also take a day trip out to Paxos and Antipaxos from here. Boats depart regularly from Parga port and take you to and from the Paxoi islands in a day. Departing Parga, head south along the coast to Preveza city. The journey takes less than an hour by car. Preveza is a charming pastel-coloured town at the mouth of Amvrakikos Gulf. There are a plethora of lovely cafes, tavernas, museums, and grand traditional buildings in Preveza old town. Spend some time on Preveza’s beaches and explore the castles of Agios Andreas, Laskara, and Pantokratoras. Then, continue on to Lefkada.

Renting a Car in Greece 

Renting a car in Greece is not as daunting as it may sound. A number of renowned international rental companies operate here, including Hertz, Sixt, and Enterprise Rent a Car. 

Greek rental companies operate in major cities, towns and tourist destinations. You can also organise to pick up your car immediately upon arrival at the airport if that suits you. You must be at least 21 to rent a car in Greece and drivers under the age of 25 may have to pay a premium. Different rental companies differ with their requirements, and it is not unheard of for some to only rent people of ages 23-25 and older. The maximum age for renting a car in Greece is 70. Travellers from the EU can rent a car with their EU driving licence. 

However, travellers from other countries (including British travellers as of January 2021), must present an international driver’s permit. Insurance is essential. When you collect your car, you will typically be asked to sign a document that confirms the condition the vehicle was in when you collected it. It is prudent to also take photos of the vehicle before you leave the rental office. This is good practice wherever in the world you rent a car, and prevents you from being the victim of any form of scam. Be mindful of the route that you want to drive. A lot of companies charge extra if you are dropping the vehicle off in a different location from where you collected it. 

Driving in Greece 

Driving in Greece is a great way to explore this Mediterranean country and to have complete independence and flexibility while you do. Like the majority of Europe, in Greece, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left Most of the same laws that you see across Europe are also applicable in Greece. For example, no texting at the wheel, no speeding, no driving while intoxicated, etc.

That being said, you may notice a lot of reckless driving in Greece. Just be conscious of what is happening around you, mind your own driving, and follow the same practices that you would at home. 

Parting Words 

Do you have any additional questions about doing a Greece road trip? I have lived here since 2017 and have done more than my share of adventures in Greece during that time. Drop me a comment below if you need anything and I’ll do my best to get back to you ASAP. Safe travels! Geia sou, Melissa xo 

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Greece Road Trip: Incredible Routes for the Best Trip

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Greece Road Trips Planner

Greece is a wonderful country for a road trip if you like the road less traveled. Packed with ancient sites, beautiful beaches and turquoise seas, historic towns and cities, and majestic mountains, a road trip is a great way to travel around Greece and explore all this gorgeous country has to offer.

The landscape of mainland Greece is dotted with ancient Greek monuments and temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, hot springs, small villages with roadside churches where lemon trees overhang the roads, and traditional tavernas where you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

We spent a month driving through Greece and in this road trip planner, we share the best road trips in Greece including itineraries, travel tips, the best things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect Greece roadtrip.

Getting to Greece

Fly into   Athens   Airport or  Thessaloniki   Airport to start your road trips in Greece. Both of these locations are great start points for the Greece road trip itineraries we have curated. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Greece? As one of the largest car rental companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental car prices, which benefits you when you’re planning your Greek road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Greece. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and wild camp on the edge of a fjord or with incredible sea views. Find out all you need to know in our guide to campervanning in Greece .

Greece Road Trips Map

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Greece
• The Rough Guide to Greece
• DK Eyewitness Greece: Athens and the Mainland

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Mainland Greece Road Trip

• Athens to Thessaloniki Road Trip Itinerary

Athens – Delphi – Galaxidi – Nafpaktos – Parga – Meteora – Mount Olympus – Thessaloniki

• Distance: 947km
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Drive Time: 13 hours

This 14 day Greece mainland road trip starts in the capital of Athens. Spend a day or two in this incredible city, which is both ancient and edgy.

The spectacular Acropolis dominates the skyline and is as connected to the modern city as it ever has been. At street level, Athens has become cool and contemporary, with open-air restaurants serving delicious Greek food , and live music on every corner.

There is graffiti and street art everywhere, especially on the many derelict buildings, but this is a long-running custom here. In ancient Greece, graffiti was carved on walls with a sharp object, chalk, or coal and the word originates from Greek γράφειν – graphein – meaning ‘to write’.

Some of the best places to see in Athens include the Acropolis crowned by the spectacular Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, considered to be the beating heart of ancient Athens and a hub of commercial, political, and social life, the ruins of Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Aristotle’s Lyceum and Syntagma Square, the beating heart of the modern city.

RELATED POST: One Day in Athens – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Athens

Upmarket: Xenodocheio Milos – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Athens Gate Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: InnAthens – Booking.com | Agoda

If you have a couple of days extra as you road trip Greece  and want to experience some of the  Greek islands , now is the time to hop on a ferry to chic  Mykonos , fabulous  Santorini , or even  Crete , and enjoy a bit of Greek island life before starting your mainland Greece road trip. We use Ferryhopper to plan and book Greek island ferry trips.

Ancient Delphi

The next day, head west from Athens through  Sterea Ellada  (the region of Central Greece) to ancient Delphi. Of all of Greece’s many archeological sites, Delphi is probably the most important.

Built on the southern foothills of Mount Parnassus by the ancient Greeks, the Sanctuary of Apollo is the big draw here, and the heart of the Delphic Oracle, whose advice had the power to start wars, bless marriages, and create leaders.

The site is gorgeous, the surrounding landscape is carpeted with olive groves and has stunning views down to the Gulf of Corinth. It is also home to the Delphi Archaeological Museum and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia.

The history of Delphi is the stuff of ancient myths and legends and the site has much to share. Get the best from your visit with a private tour, where your knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey into ancient Greek mythology as you explore the site and learn about the archaeological ruins.

We recommend this Delphi guided walking tour , with an experienced English-speaking guide who has extensive knowledge of the site.

• Where to Stay in Delphi

Mid-Range: Fedriades Delphi Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Orfeas – Booking.com | Agoda

Your next stop is one of the prettiest resorts along the Gulf of Corinth. Galaxidi hugs a coastal mound, with twisting cobblestone streets connecting the harbors at either side and to the south, the newer harbor is a lively hub, lined with bars, tavernas, and fish restaurants, where you can sample  traditional Greek food .

Opposite this harbor is a partially wooded peninsula, fringed with small rocky coves and crisscrossed with walking paths. There are lots of picturesque spots here and you’re sure to find the perfect place for a lazy afternoon, although don’t expect that at the weekend in good weather when carloads of Athenians descend as they escape the city!

• Where to Stay in Galaxidi

Mid-Range: Ganimede Hotel, Galaxidi – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Galaxidi – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Nafpaktos is a delightful town, built around a near-circular walled harbor that the Venetians constructed in the 15th century when the town was called Lepanto.

With colorful boats bobbing about in the turquoise waters that moor at the picturesque harbor, strolling the area is a highlight of this charming little town. From the harbor starts the beautiful long Psani Beach, the perfect location for a dip in those clear waters.

On a hill above Nafpaktos town sits one of the best-preserved ancient castles in Greece. The imposing Venetian  Kastro  (castle) enjoys breathtaking views of the sea and the opposite coasts of the Peloponnese. It’s well worth the climb for the views alone.

• Where to Stay in Nafpaktos

Mid-Range: Asklipios Luxury Rooms – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Magnolia Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Parga has to be one of the most picturesque locations on the Greek mainland. Famous for its exotic beaches, beautiful landscape, and traditional Greek architecture, Parga is also a good departure point to visit the gorgeous island of Paxos, one of the least commercial of the Greek islands.

Parga itself stretches around a south-facing bay, lapped by the turquoise Ionian Sea. Above the town is a Venetian castle built in 1792, which provides a breathtaking view over the surrounding coastline.

Located opposite Parga port, is the tiny Panagia islet, an iconic landmark of Parga and home to a pretty whitewashed chapel. Take a small boat from Parga to this tiny lush island, or swim out there if you fancy a dip!

The highlight of Parga is the island vibe, which is hard to find on the mainland! Kick back, relax, and enjoy the beaches and the lively feel of this enchanting place.

• Where to Stay in Parga

Upmarket: Natura Luxury Suites Parga – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Suites of Happiness – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: PargaMondo Countryliving – Booking.com | Agoda

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Greece . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Vikos Gorge

The Vikos Gorge, located in the Pindos Mountains of Epirus, is sometimes called the Greek Grand Canyon due to its towering cliffs and natural landscape. While it may not be as deep as the American canyon, the Vikos Gorge is one of the most dramatic ravines in the country, with a depth of 490 meters / 1,500 feet.

Situated on the southern slopes of Mount Tymfi, the Vikos Gorge stretches for about 20km / 12.5 miles and has a width that varies from 400 meters to a narrow slither measuring just a few meters and according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Vikos Gorge is the deepest gorge relative to its width in the world.

The Voidomatis River, which has been carving its way through the gorge for thousands of years, is renowned for its traditional stone bridges and is widely regarded as the cleanest river in Europe. Its smooth, crystal-clear waters are a real attraction for adventure sports enthusiasts.

There is also the famous Vikos Gorge hike , which passes through breathtaking scenery along a 13km / 8 mile trail that is widely considered to be one of the best hikes in Greece.

The route can be hiked in either direction, but we recommend starting from Monodendri for the best views. You’ll need to get a taxi back to your accommodation from Vikos village, the end of the linear route.

• Where to Stay in Monodendri

Upmarket: Aristi Mountain Resort, Aristi – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Pirrion Wellness Boutique Hotel, Ano Pedina – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Guesthouse Lucas, Zagori – Booking.com | Agoda

The name Meteora is derived from the Greek meteoros , which means ‘suspended in the air’. The extraordinary rock formations of the Meteora region seem to do just that, and then to add to the sheer spectacle of these stark pinnacles of rock, many are topped with Byzantine monasteries. No wonder then that the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora is one of the most visited attractions in Greece.

At one time, there were 24 monasteries gracing the peaks, now there are just six – Moni Agias Triados of ‘For Your Eyes Only’ fame; Monis Agias Varvaras Rousanou; Moni Agiou Nikolaou; the largest, Moni Magalou Mateorou; Moni Varlaam and Moni Agiou Stefanou.

Kastraki, the nearest village to the monasteries, sits high on the rocks of the region. Above is the Meteora massif, with a road that skirts the rim. The monasteries are perched on rocky outcrops of the massif.

You don’t need to climb the full height of each pinnacle, access is via a path and staircase cut into the rocks from the massif, with a typical ascent being around 200 steps. The schedule of which monastery is open and when changes regularly, so check here before making any firm plans.

The dress code is strict and you won’t be allowed to enter if you don’t wear appropriate clothing. That means no bare shoulders, men must wear trousers and women skirts below the knee (wraparound skirts are provided as you enter).

The complete driving loop of the monasteries from Kalabaka (sometimes called Kalampaka) to Kastraki and then back again is 20km. If you start early, you should be able to see them all in a day, but we think it’s better to do it across two days, so you don’t feel rushed and have time to stop along the way. It will be busier at the weekends and around holiday times like Easter when day trip buses descend.

If getting a flavor and the best photos beats seeing all the monasteries, then take this small group half-day panoramic Meteora and monasteries tour from Kalampaka , where you’ll have the opportunity to visit three of the monasteries and stop at all the best spots for those iconic Meteora images.

RELATED POST: Most Beautiful Places in Greece That You Must Visit!

• Where to Stay in Meteora

Mid-Range: Archontiko Metsovou Luxury Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Fretzato – Booking.com | Agoda

Mount Olympus

Oft shrouded in clouds or covered in snow, the mythical Mount Olympus in northern Greece is spectacular. Home of the gods and the ancient site of the throne of Zeus, Olympus is important in Greek mythology and is the highest mountain in Greece at 2,917 meters.

The base for Olympus hiking and trekking is the typical mountain town of Litochoro, which sits between the foothills and the Aegean Sea and is within easy reach of the ancient city of Dion.

You need at least two days and be an experienced climber if you want to scale the peak. There are several local tour companies that offer flexible trekking packages, depending on your abilities and fitness. Check out Olympus Climbing and Vist Olympus for options.

Typical full day trips from Litochoro take in Prionia, the highest point you can reach in a car, the cave and old monastery of Agios Dionisios, and the beautiful Enipeas Gorge complete with waterfalls and natural swimming spots.

• Where to Stay in Mount Olympus

Mid-Range: Robolo Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Mythic Valley – Booking.com | Agoda

Thessaloniki

Greece’s second city will suck you in with its beauty, charm, history and culture. With fantastic cuisine, amazing sea views, and incredible beaches just a few miles away, this is a worthy city to end your Greek road trip.

Thessaloniki’s neighborhoods are vibrant and full of life. Old and new blend together, with ancient Byzantine landmarks scattered through the urban terrain, happily sitting side by side with modern cocktail bars and contemporary architecture.

One of Thessaloniki’s highlights is the lively waterfront, home to the iconic 15th century White Tower, a 34-metre building with a murderous past. Just along from here is the award-winning new waterfront, which stretches to the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. Loved by locals and visitors alike, it’s a great place to promenade while enjoying an ice cream!

Egnatia is the main drag through the city and follows the path of the old Roman road. The Roman monuments of the Palace of Galerius, the Arch of Galerius, the Roman Forum, and the renovated Rotunda can all be found along the route.

For magnificent ancient Greek ruins and lesser-visited churches, head to Ano Poli, Thessaloniki’s upper town. The old Turkish Quarter is the only district to have survived the devastating fire of 1917, which actually started here but was swept toward the sea by offshore winds.

Ladadika, a picturesque quarter a short distance from the port, is the best choice if you’re heading out for the night, with restaurants, bars, and clubs lining the streets.

• Where to Stay in Thessaloniki

Upmarket: The Excelsior – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Noa Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

If you have an extra few days before leaving Thessaloniki, head south to the popular Halkidiki Peninsula , with its three fingers dipping into the Aegean Sea. Kassandra and Sithonia both have stunning beaches, forested interiors, and gorgeous roads. The most easterly finger, Athos , is a tightly sealed semi-autonomous, all-male, monastic community, closed to the rest of the world.

Other Nearby Road Trips

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Peloponnese road trip.

• Peloponnese Peninsula Itinerary

Athens – Corinth – Kalavryta – Olympia – Kalamata – The Mani – Sparta – Nafplio – Mycenae – Athens

• Distance: 818km
• Duration: 2-3 weeks

This Greece road trip itinerary in the Peloponnese starts in the capital city of Athens. Spend a day or two in this incredible city to see the ancient sites and enjoy the lively street vibe.

Corinth Canal

The following day, head west from Athens towards Ancient Corinth and you’ll cross the Corinth Canal, which splits the Corinth Isthmus, the narrow strip of land between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, and joins the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

The Corinth Canal was a major feat of engineering when it was built, and it was a long time in the making! The Roman emperor Nero first thought of the idea, and the isthmus was first crossed by boats in 600 BCE when a ship railway was built to carry small craft on wheeled cradles, which ran in grooves. This system was thought to be in use until the 9th century.

Work on the canal began in 1882, and it opened in 1893. The canal has dramatic steep limestone walls that soar 92 meters high, but the canal is only 21 meters wide at sea level! This width was fine when the canal was built in the late 19th century, but it is far too narrow for the vast cargo and passenger ships built today.

In February 2021, there was a large landslide close to the old passenger bridge near the center of the canal and it was closed to marine traffic. Restoration work saw the canal open again from 1st June 2023 until 31st October 2023, when the canal closed for the winter season.

If you want to make a brief stop and see the canal up close, take exit 9 from the E94 to Loutraki. You will then cross the Corinth Canal over the old bridge. After the crossing, there is a large parking area with tavernas and shops, where you can stop and take the short walk back over the bridge.

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Greece.

Ancient Corinth

Home to the legendary Jason of the Argonauts, of Golden Fleece fame, Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BCE. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BCE before building a new city in its place in 44 BCE, which became the provincial capital of Greece.

Today, Ancient Corinth is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. It is here that St. Paul preached to the people of Corinth in AD 51-52, an experience which later inspired him to write the New Testament books of the First Corinthians and Second Corinthians, often quoted parts of the Bible.

The most important monument in Ancient Corinth is the Doric Temple of Apollo, which overlooks the site from its small mound. The temple was built around 540 BCE and today, only seven of the limestone columns remain.

Akrokorinthos lies 3.5 kilometers south of Ancient Corinth. The 575m ascent to the top of this impressive fortified hilltop is made easier by a road, and once inside, the views from the high point at the Temple of Aphrodite, are stunning.

The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth has three display rooms and a large courtyard. Exhibits are labeled in both Greek and English and help you make sense of what you see around you. The entrance ticket to the site is also valid for the museum.

• Where to Stay in Corinth

Mid-Range: Vasilios Marinos Rooms – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Jo Marinis Rooms – Booking.com | Agoda

This pretty mountain town is surrounded by fabulous views and has lots to do in the surrounding area. If you’re road-tripping Greece in winter, give Kalavryta a miss – it’s also a ski resort!

Unusually in Greece, Kalavryta is best known for its more recent history. It is known officially as the place where the Greek War of Independence started when Greece revolted against the Turks in 1821.

Tragically, it is also the place of one of the worst atrocities to happen on Greek soil during World War Two. In December 1943, the Nazis massacred most of the male population of the village, nearly 500 souls. The hands of the old cathedral clock stand permanently at 2.34pm, the time the German guns fell silent.

Today, you can visit the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust, a moving tribute to those residents and the story of the struggle between Greek partisans and the occupying forces. East of the town is the Martyrs Monument – the spot where the massacre took place. Both are difficult places to visit but should not be missed when you visit Kalavryta.

The Diakofto-Kalavryta Railway is a vintage rack and pinion railway between the two towns. The route is incredibly scenic, passes through seven tunnels, and twists along the dramatic Vouraikos Gorge, clinging to its narrow ledge over the churning rapids below.

The cog train makes three journeys between the towns every day, each way takes an hour. From the seaside town of Diakofto, it is possible to make a return trip to mountainous Kalavryta when the cogwheel train climbs over 700 meters to reach the town.

Alternatively, you can hike the stunning 22km from Kalavryta to Diakofto along the route of the railway. Luckily, the train drivers are well used to hikers on the track and always give plenty of warning of their approach. It will take around five hours and you’ll need a torch for the tunnels. Time your hike so you can take a rest in Diakofto before hopping on the train back!

• Where to Stay in Kalavryta

Mid-Range: Orias Guesthouse & Farm – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Filoxenia Hotel & Spa – Booking.com | Agoda

As you leave Kalavryta , nature lovers should set their sat nav for the  Cave of the Lakes   near Kastria , which is en route to Ancient Olympia, your next destination. The Cave of the Lakes has a 500m boardwalk from which you can view the incredible rock formations and thirteen crystal clear subterranean pools formed by millennia of mineral deposits.

Ancient Olympia

The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia is where the Games took place every four years, for over 1100 years! The Olympic Flame is still lit here for the modern Games.

This beautiful, shady archaeological site is incredibly evocative – wandering through the ancient ruins, it’s easy to imagine the ripped athletes and excited spectators of its heyday, amongst the magnificent temples and athletic facilities.

A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia will help put the site into perspective – it was built and developed over one thousand years, so there are lots of periods of history, and artifacts, to be explored.

If you like something a bit different, book this brilliant self-guided virtual reality tour of Olympia , where you can step back in time with an interactive map and see the monuments of ancient times come back to life with virtual reality glasses!

• Where to Stay in Olympia

Mid-Range: Leonidaion Guesthouse – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Anesi Rooms To Rent – Booking.com | Agoda

If you have time when you leave Olympia , set your sat nav for Figeleia , then follow the road signs for the Neda Waterfalls , a popular swimming spot. It’s a 1.5 hour drive, but the route is spectacular! You need to walk for around 15 minutes from the parking lot to get to the falls (there are actually two) along a narrow and rocky trail, so make sure to wear trainers or boots. Once at the falls, get on your swimmers and cool off in the beautiful water!

The second largest city in the Peloponnese, and famous for its large dark brown olives, Kalamata is a lively seaside town that most tourists drive through, although it is well worth visiting.

Most of the town is modern, after being razed by the 1986 earthquake. You’ll find a long sandy beach, good restaurants, and some excellent museums, such as the Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes and the History and Folklore Museum , to keep you busy.

Perched above the city center is a 13th century kastro , which miraculously survived the huge 1986 earthquake. There are fantastic views from the castle, which is a haven of peace from the busy city below.

• Where to Stay in Kalamata

Upmarket: Villa Vager Mani Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Messinian Icon Hotel & Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Kalamata Art Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Depending on how much time you have for your Greece itinerary , you can go one of two ways from Kalamata , or use the town as a base to explore in both directions!

Take route 82, the Langada Pass , to gory Sparta and the Byzantine capital of Mystras . The 59km narrow road, which crosses the Taygetos Mountains between Kalamata and Sparta is simply stunning, winding its way through traditional mountain villages, historical sites, rocky gorges, and along sparking rivers.

The pass itself sits at 1524m above sea level, so if you’re traveling outside of summer, check the weather before setting off.

Take a scenic drive around the middle peninsula of the Peloponnese through the Messinian Mani . Take in picture-perfect small town of Kardamyli , home of the famous English writer and Cretan resistance fighter, Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor, and the colorful harbor of pretty Gythio .

The Mani is a wild and rugged region and the landscapes are dramatic. The traditional villages, historic tower houses, vast olive groves, and rocky coves to snow-capped mountains will give you good reason to spend weeks exploring this part of Greece.

From Gythio, you can head north on the main road to Sparta, or across the mountains to Leonidio on the east coast of the Peloponnese. This is a stunning drive that takes you through natural beauty to the traditional mountain village of Kosmas, which has interesting ancient and WWII history.

A charmingly romantic town, Nafplio (sometimes Nafplion) is blessed with an old town full of narrow streets, elegant neoclassical architecture, and interesting independent shops, bars, and tavernas. This is a great spot for wanderers who love to explore hidden corners and delightful squares.

Drive or climb the 911 steps up to the spectacular Palamidi Fortress, built by the Venetians between 1711 and 1714. The citadel stands on a 216-meter-high outcrop that dominates the town and gives panoramic views of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf.

You can take a boat trip out to the tiny island fortress of Bourtzi, which sits in Nafplio’s large bay. The island has served many purposes, including as a pirate deterrent, home for executioners, and a hotel! Today the island hosts Nafplio’s Summer Music Festival, providing a stunning backdrop to classical music.

There are a couple of good beaches close to the town. Arvanitia Beach is a five minute walk south of town, past the Akronafplia Fortress and Karathona Beach is at the end of a gorgeous 3km path lined with fragrant pine trees, that follows the coast south from Arvanitia Beach.

• Where to Stay in Nafplio

Mid-Range: Amymone and Adiandi – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Nafplia Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

On a hilltop with a stupendous mountain backdrop is Ancient Mycenae, your final stop and home of the legendary (and maybe mythical, but that’s not conclusive ) Agamemnon, king of Mycenae and leader of the Greek army in the Trojan War.

For four centuries in the second millennium BCE, this kingdom was the most powerful in Greece and gave its name to the Mycenaean civilization.

Now known as Mykines, myth, and rich history are inextricably linked in UNESCO-listed Mycenae, which was name-checked by 9th century Homer, who wrote of ‘well built Mycenae, rich in gold’, in his epic poems, Illiad and Odyssey .

Surrounded by huge walls that were constructed by the mythical one-eyed Cyclops, Mycenae is home to many archaeological treasures, including the Lion Gate, the entrance of the citadel, and the Treasury of Atreus, the vaulted tomb of King Agamemnon. 

A short drive away are the wineries of Nemea, known as the ‘Bordeaux of South Eastern Europe’, with over 2,000 hectares of vines and 40 wineries producing wine from the native Agiorgitiko red grape.

But before you take a vineyard tour and wine tasting in Nemea, you should visit should be the stunning Temple of Zeus which was constructed in 330 BCE and replaced an earlier temple that had stood from the 6th to 5th century BCE. It is regarded as the last of the great Doric temples in the Classical tradition.

• Where to Stay in Mycenae

Mid-Range: King Minos Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: La Petite Planete – Booking.com | Agoda

Greece Road Trip FAQs

When is the best time for a road trip in greece.

April in Greece is perfect for a road trip, with quieter roads, cheaper flights, and fewer people. Even into late spring , attractions will still be quiet and you’ll be able to find good deals on accommodation.

July  and  August  are the hottest and most crowded months, especially in Athens and the islands when the Greek population also takes their annual holidays. The high season is unsurprisingly the most expensive time to plan trips to Greece, with accommodation charging a premium. Book well in advance if you plan to road trip in Greece during the  summer  months.

Autumn is also a great time to visit Greece. It will be warm during the day, with little rain, and you’ll be able to find good deals on accommodation as the summer season comes to a close.

Winter can be a good time for a Greece trip if you’re happy to live with unpredictable weather. Attractions may not be open and tavernas and bars will be quiet and possibly closed in tourist locations. Winter can bring snow across mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, and driving conditions may not be ideal.

Visit in February for carnival (apokriátika) season. The celebrations span three weeks, ending during the seventh weekend before Easter. Patras Carnival is one of the largest and most flamboyant in the Mediterranean and the third largest of its kind in the world! 

Can you road trip in Greece?

Yes, you can road trip in Greece. You could choose mainland Greece for iconic sites such as Meteora, Athens, and other Greek cities like Xanthi. Pick the Peloponnese for ancient sites like Olympia, and the rugged coastlines of the Mani, or island hop with a car to mix beaches, cute villages, and spectacular views.

Is it hard for Americans to drive in Greece?

It may be hard for Americans to drive in Greece due to the different styles of driving, the often narrow roads that pass through tiny villages, and road signs in the Euclidean alphabet. Follow our Greece driving tips, go slowly, and enjoy the experience.

Which Greek island is best for driving?

The larger Ionian Islands of Kefalonia, Corfu, and Lefkada make the best road trip options. With plenty to see, decent roads, and easy access, these three strung together make a fantastic Greek island road trip.

Where can I go by car in Greece?

You can go everywhere in Greece with a car. All islands have ferries that take cars and passengers and run regularly, even in the winter months.

The only place you cannot go by car in Greece is the small island of Hydra. To preserve the island’s architecture and character, wheeled vehicles including cars, motorbikes, and bicycles, are not allowed, and people and goods are transported by donkeys instead!

Greece Essentials

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Greece.

• Search for affordable flights to Greece with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Greece with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Greece with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Greece with Rentalcars.com
• Find and book Greek island ferries with Ferryhopper
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in Greece

As you roadtrip Greece, you’ll find that the quality of the roads and the abilities of Greek drivers are mixed. Motorways in Greece have received a lot of EU investment in recent years, and on the whole, are in good condition. The same cannot be said of other Greek roads, even the national road network.

When you travel around Greece by car you can expect potholes, uneven surfaces, and the occasional time when the road just becomes a track, before becoming a road again. Take it easy on your first day until you get a feel for the conditions and driving style.

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Greece.
• If you intend on taking your own car to Greece, you must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driver’s License for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
• You must carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher in the vehicle. Reflective jackets are not mandatory.
• The Greek alphabet will appear totally nonsensical to you (unless you speak Greek, of course!). Most road signs translate the Greek alphabet into Latin and all major and secondary roads and motorways have road signs in both Greek and English.
• You must not carry or use a radar detector and if caught could be fined and the device can be confiscated.
• In urban areas, sounding the horn is not allowed at any time, except in an emergency.
• Greece has one low emission zone (LEZ) in Athens. Find out more about it here .
• Tolls are levied for most motorways, the Rio-Antirrio Bridge and the Aktio-Preveza Tunnel. In Greece, you pay a fixed amount in advance to access the motorway, there are no payment booths as you exit. Tolls can be paid by cash or card, or with an electronic toll tag, depending on where you are in the country. Motorway toll tags are fully transferable between the six toll operators in Greece. You can’t buy these online or outside of Greece, but you can stop at a customer service point on one of the motorways and pick one up. You can find out more about Greek tolls and providers here .

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Epic Greece Road Trip: 10 Days In Greece & Tips [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 75 mins read
• Post last modified: February 8, 2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Greece is one of my favorite countries in Europe. I mean… who doesn’t like its pristine beaches, delicious food, and unique culture, right? I visited Greece many times , guiding a group of American travelers to the best Greek spots. Besides, I went on a road trip and a solo trip to explore even more sights.

I’ve designed this road trip itinerary for you from my Greek adventures so you can experience the highlights of the mainland, history, and culture.

Let’s explore mainland Greece (with 1 island at the end) together!

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Overview Of The Greece Road Trip For 10 Days

Here is an overview of this 10-day Greek road trip.

Greece Road Trip Map

Here is a map of this Greek itinerary for 10 days. Save it to your phone and navigate to the sights when you’re in Greece.

How To Get To Greece

You can get to Greece by plane, bus, or by car . Train travel isn’t well-developed in Greece, so consider only flying or land travel.

Athens has an international airport with great connections. So the fastest and most convenient way is to fly to Greece.

➡ Get the best flight deals to Athens via Skyscanner here.

Alternatively, you can also take a bus if you’re arriving from neighboring countries such as Albania , Turkey , or Serbia .

➡ Check out bus connections to Athens from other countries via Busbud.

How To Get Around Greece & Make This Itinerary

The best way to get around Greece is  by car .  Buses won’t take you anywhere , only to the main cities and tourist attractions. You’ll also have to  change the buses several times , and the rides take a long time.

So I’ve  designed this itinerary as a road trip  and recommend  renting a car in Athens for 8 days   on day 3. of this itinerary.

Then  return it to Thessaloniki  after your trip. Thessaloniki also has great connections to other countries, so you can fly from there or take a bus.

RENT A CAR FOR YOUR ITINERARY

Rent A Car Via Discover Cars – best prices and big selection of car rentals. PRO TIP: Check ratings of the company you choose before booking ( ratings can be off ). Go on Google, see ratings of the car rental company, then book on Discover Cars.

Getting Around Greece By Bus

If you don’t want to rent a car , you can also do the entire itinerary with local buses . The bus company in Greece is called KTEL . Their buses are comfortable and have a regular timetable for the routes you’ll cover on this itinerary.

PRO TIP: I recommend you  book your tickets directly to the bus station  a day before your trip. Their websites are not easy to navigate and are most often in Greek. Staff at the bus station  speak English  so they’ll help you by reserving your ticket.

0. DAY: ARRIVE IN ATHENS

We’ll start our itinerary in Athens, the capital of Greece. Take your time checking in to your accommodation and getting the first impressions of Athens going to  Monastiraki Square  in the evening.

In the evening, go to the  360 Cocktail bar  and enjoy the first sights of the Acropolis. It’s super cool. But make a reservation beforehand as it’s usually packed with people (especially in the summer months).

Where To Stay In Athens: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

WAKE UP WITH ACROPOLIS VIEWS – budget-friendly apartment PHILIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL – mid-range hotel ACROPOLIS CITY LIFE – mid-range hotel ELECTRA METROPOLIS – luxury hotel

1. DAY: ATHENS

Good morning to the Greek capital. Athens is the  oldest European city . It’s also a  cradle of democracy . You’ll find many different architectural styles, from Greco-Roman to Neoclassical to modern architecture. The city has been named after the  Greek Goddess of wisdom   and war – Athena .

You’ll have time to explore the city in the next two days. Here are the sites I suggest you see :

Sightseeing In Athens

🔆 National Archaeological Museum 🔆 Syntagma Square 🔆 Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier 🔆 Church Of The Assumption Of The Virgin Mary 🔆 Monastiraki Square

🔆 Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is a great place to  get some snacks and coffee  before you explore it further. It’s the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Old Royal Palace, hosting the Hellenic Parliament.

🔆 Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

It’s in front of the  Old Royal Palace , commemorating those who died during the wars. There are inscriptions with names of  soldiers who died in the First and Second Balkan War , the Greco-Turkish War, and World War I and II.

PRO TIP: What you can’t miss is the changing of guards in front of the tomb. They’re called Evzones presidential guards, and the changing ceremony is every hour.

🔆 Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is  one of the busiest squares  at the heart of Athens. You can visit the  Monastiraki Flea Market , wander the streets, and buy some local Greek products and souvenirs.

It’s my favorite place to be in Athens and experience its atmosphere.

Get The Best Chocolate Cake In Athens

In the afternoon, I highly recommend you visit the bakery called  Nancy’s Sweet Home . You can treat yourself to the best chocolate cake ever here. It’s the best chocolate cake in Greece. But maybe in the whole of Europe.

Athens Food Tour

I also highly recommend joining this guided food tour in Athens . Learn more about the history, get to the best food spots, and learn about the Greek food and culture.

Evening In Athens

Athens is very famous for its  theatre stages , as it hosts all together 148 of them. Check out some of them and enjoy a performance even in the open air in one of these old Athens theatres in the evening.

If you’re interested, learn more about the  open-air theatres in Athens .

Tomorrow, we’ll continue our sightseeing in Athens, visiting the most famous landmark.

2. DAY: ATHENS

Let’s see the highlights of Athens today. We’re going to explore the famous  Acropolis  and its  museum . In the afternoon, you’ll wander through  one of the   oldest Greek neighborhoods  in Athens.

Have some delicious  Greek yogurt with honey  for breakfast, and let the city tour start. Here is the suggested itinerary for today:

🔆 Acropolis 🔆 Parthenon 🔆 The Greek Flag 🔆 The Erecthion 🔆 Acropolis Museum 🔆 Plaka District

🔆 Acropolis

Visit Acropolis in the morning (best right after opening when it isn’t so hot in summer and there are fewer tourists). This is  where democracy was born  in the past. It used to be one of the most important  political and cultural centers  worldwide. Back then, everything was ruled by the Acropolis.

In Greece, the cities have been built around the Acropolis. Acropolis always  served as a refugee for the inhabitants  during a war or any threat.

That is why the most important buildings were constructed on the Acropolis. These are the Parthenon , The Greek Flag , and the Erecthion .

FUN FACT: ‘acros’ means hill, and ‘polis’ is a city in the Greek language

💡 PRO TIP: Visit Acropolis early in the morning and get a skip-the-line ticket before. There is always a huge line of people waiting to enter. It can take up to an hour. So make sure you have these skip-the-line tickets .

➡ Get a skip-the-line ticket to the Acropolis with an audioguide here.

🔆 Parthenon

The Parthenon is the  symbol of Western civilization  and  democracy . It was dedicated to the Greek  Goddess Athena  and is translated as the ‘ apartment of the virgin. ’ Even though it has been reconstructed several times, it’s one of the most important buildings today.

🔆 The Greek Flag

It’s situated in the northeast corner of the Acropolis. The Greek Flag  symbolizes Greek culture  and  statehood  and the place where the  Evzone  (Greek guard)  was protecting and guarding Athens  city during the  Nazi occupation .

You’ll get a fantastic view of the whole city from this spot, so don’t miss it.

🔆 The Erecthion

It’s the  most sacred place of the Acropolis . It was where Athena and Poseidon were competing for the  honor of being the city’s patron .

As  Greek mythology  says, Athena touched the ground with a spear, where an olive tree grew. Poseidon hit his trident into a rock, and a spring burst.  Athena scored the victory  and was named the Patron of Athens.

🔆 Acropolis Museum

After visiting the Acropolis, I also highly recommend checking out the Acropolis Museum. You’ll learn a lot about the history of the Acropolis and Athens.

I’m not the biggest museum fan, so you must believe me when I say the Acropolis Museum is really worth visiting . It’s built over the ancient ruins and has many glass floors so that you can see the excavations.

Guided Tour Of Acropolis & Museum

Join this guided tour of the Acropolis with a local guide to learn more about its history. It’s a cradle of civilization and the main attraction in Greece, so hearing the stories from a guide is 100% worth it . I did it and couldn’t have done it better. You’ll also get inside the museum , which is great.

🔆 Plaka District

Walk through this beautiful Greek neighborhood full of small family shops. You can buy local products and eat great food.

Evening In Athens & Traditional Zorba Dancing

In the evening, have a delicious Greek dinner in a restaurant in the  Plaka district  and watch the traditional Greek dancers performing  Zorba dancing . Join them after dinner and let your soul and mind control your body dancing.

That’s how they do it. Just forget about everything and dance based on your feelings .

I highly recommend the  Geros Tou Moria Restaurant . It has delicious food, and the Zorba dancers are amazing.

ADDRESS: Geros Tou Moria Restaurant Address: Mnisikleous 27, Athens

3. DAY: ATHENS ⇒ CORINTH DAY TRIP

Today, we’ll visit one of the most ancient cities in Greek history. The main site we are going to see is the  Corinth Canal . Its construction was one of the most important milestones in Greek history, and you’ll soon find out why.

It’ll be a day trip from Athens, so you can book your hotel in Athens for 3-4 nights, depending on when you arrive in Athens.

Today is the day when you’ll also need a car . So I recommend renting a car for 8 days starting today.

Let’s hit the road!

Distance Athens ⇒ Corinth Canal: 1 hour by car (77 km/48 miles)

Corinth Canal

Corinth Canal connects the  Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea . In the past, the ships had to cruise from the Ionian Sea around the entire Peloponnese Peninsula to get to Athens (Aegean Sea).

So, the construction of this canal made it much easier for the ships to get to the Aegean Sea.

Nowadays, they can get to the  Aegean Sea  much faster. It’s saving them almost  700km (430 miles) . Moreover, it has converted the  Peloponnese  into an island, separating it from the Greek mainland.

Interesting Facts About Corinth Canal

💡 Corinth Canal is 25 metres (81ft.) wide and 6,4km (4 miles) long 💡 Connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea 💡 Saves the journey for ship by almost 700km (430 miles) 💡 Separates the Peloponnese peninsula from the Greek mainland , making it a Peloponnese island

PRO TIP: If you’re an adventurous soul, you can do  bungee jumping  from one of the bridges straight into the Canal.

Get A Snack Near The Corinth Canal

There are two bridges over the Canal , from where you can get the best view. I recommend you go to the old Corinth Canal bridge.

When approaching the Canal by car, descend from the main road E8. There is a lovely coffee shop where you can get Greek snacks and great food. It’s called  Coffee food Μαργαρίτα .

There is a parking lot , so you can stop your car there, see the Canal, and have a snack in the bar/shop.

Afterward, you can continue to Corinth City, just a 10-minute drive from the Canal.

Corinth City

After seeing the Canal, you may also visit Corinth. It used to be  the wealthiest city  of the ancient world and a  crucial commercial center  until Athens gained its importance.

Nowadays, it’s a nice town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beach. Enjoy the walk through the city, get great food, and go to the beach –  Paralia Kalmia .

Drive Back To Athens & Visit Olympic Stadium

In the afternoon, go back to Athens. On the way, you can check out the  Olympic stadium in Athens  – the Panathenaic Stadium. The Greeks built it for the  first modern Olympic Games in 1896 .

It’s the only stadium in the world constructed from white marble . Nowadays, they organize many concerts and performances here.

Enjoy the evening in one of the neighborhoods in Athens.

Option: Day Trip To A Greek Island

If you want to visit one of the most beautiful Greek islands, you can do so on day 3. of this itinerary. I recommend visiting Poros Island . It’s close to Athens ; you can take a ferry in the morning, get there within just an hour, and enjoy its beaches and delicious food .

Tomorrow , you can still visit the Corinth Canal when driving towards Meteora. It’ll be a detour, but not a big one.

Learn more about Poros Island as a day trip from Athens in my article about the best island day trips from Athens .

4. DAY:  ATHENS ⇒ METEORA

Good morning to Athens. Today, we’re leaving the Greek capital to explore other unique places in this country. The impressive Meteora is the next on our itinerary.

You’ll be driving north today. But before, you must decide where to spend the night . That place will also be your starting point tomorrow to explore Meteora.

Greek Towns Near Meteora

📍 Kalabaka town 📍 Kastraki village 📍 Trikala

Kalabaka Town

🚔 Distance Athens ⇒ Kalabaka: 4 hours & 12 minutes by car (353 km/219 miles)

Kalabaka is the main town near the Meteora monasteries. There is a  sightseeing bus  to the monasteries, or you can drive.

If you want to stay in a bigger town with more facilities and tourists , Kalabaka is for you.

Kastraki Village

🚔 Distance Athens ⇒ Kastraki: 4 hours & 15 minutes by car (355 km/220 miles)

Kastraki village is the  closest to Meteora monasteries , only 5 minutes from Kalabaka. It lies just below the rock formations you will explore tomorrow. It’s a tiny village with less tourists.

So, if you want to stay away from the crowds in a quiet area , you’ll love Kastraki. Tomorrow, you can access Meteora by the same sightseeing bus from this village as from Kalabaka.

PRO TIP: Kastraki is my favorite place to stay ; it’s in nature, right under the Meteora rocks, and has a unique atmosphere.

🚔 Distance Athens ⇒ Trikala: 3 hours & 50 minutes by car (333 km/ 207 miles)

Trikala is a city located  30 minutes’ drive from Kalambaka . 

If you want to explore another Greek city and don’t mind being slightly further from Meteora, book accommodation in Trikala.

Where To Stay Near Meteora: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

Based on your preferences, decide where you want to drive and stay overnight. Tomorrow, we’ll head to explore Meteora. Here are some of the best hotels I recommend in each place:

Best Hotels In Kalabaka:

HOLIDAY METEORA B OIKIA GUESTHOUSE

Best Hotels In Kastraki:

DELLAS BOUTIQUE HOTEL SPARTAKUS HOUSE GUESTHOUSE KASTELIA

Best Hotels In Trikala:

VINTAGE SUITES TRIKALA TRADITIONAL GUESTHOUSE

👉 READ ALSO: 27 Best Places To Visit In Europe In November

5. DAY: METEORA

Let’s explore the incredible Meteora monasteries on the rock formations .

✅ Women visiting Meteora monasteries have to  cover their shoulders and knees , so they either wear  clothes with long sleeves  or  a scarf  to cover themselves when entering the monasteries. Otherwise, you can’t go inside the monasteries.

Interesting Facts About Meteora

💡 It’s a large and significant  complex of Orthodox monasteries  located on the steep rocks of Meteora.

💡 In Byzantine times, monks built their  monasteries high on the top of these rock formations  as they believed they would be closer to God.

💡 Weathering and earthquakes formed these rock sculptures  some 60 million years ago .

💡 The monasteries were constructed in the 11th century , and there were initially 24 of them. Nowadays, only 6 are left , which are also accessible to the public.

FUN FACT: Meteora means ‘ in the heavens above ,’ and this name perfectly describes its position.

How Did Monks Access Meteora Monasteries?

Are you wondering how the monks accessed these monasteries in the past? There were no bridges and pathways to them at that time.

The monks used large nets to haul them up or climb up a long ladder to reach the monasteries. You can still see the nets nowadays.

Meteora Monasteries

These are the 6 monasteries you can visit today. Visiting all of them might be a lot. So I recommend seeing the first 3 of them . They’re the most beautiful and interesting:

• Great Meteoron – is the largest, highest, and the oldest monastery of all 6
• The Holy Monastery of Varlaam – the second largest monastery in the complex
• St. Nikolaos Anapafsas
• Holy Trinity
• St. Stehpen’s

Practical Information For Your Meteora Visit

You can visit all 6 monasteries or only a few of them. They all have a lot in common – a chapel, rooms where Monks used to live decorated with frescoes, and cellars for food storage.

I recommend you start at the top , the furthest monastery ( Great Meteoron Monastery ), and then continue down the road, visiting other monasteries on the way ( Varlaam and Roussanou monasteries ).

The  entrance  to each of them is  3 Euros , so if you don’t want to pay extra to visit all of them, I suggest you stick to the first three monasteries and see the others from the outside.

You’ll  buy the tickets right at the entrance  to each monastery. There is no need to purchase anything in advance.

6. DAY: METEORA ⇒ THESSALONIKI

Today, we’ll continue our trip, going to a new Greek region. On the way, you’ll be passing by Mt. Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and the home of the Greek Gods.

Distance Kalambaka   ⇒ Thessaloniki: 2 hours & 50 minutes by car (227 km/ 141 miles)

Thessaloniki

Welcome to Thessaloniki, a city with a rich cultural and historical background. In the past, Thessaloniki was  part of the Eastern Roman Empire  (Byzantine Empire). Later, it was conquered by the  Ottoman Empire  (Turks).

All these historical events led to a  wide cultural diversity .

Check in to your accommodation and head to the city. Below, I’m giving you suggestions for what to see in Thessaloniki .

You can plan to see some of them today, but leave some for tomorrow, as you’ll have almost the entire day to explore the city.

Interesting Facts About Thessaloniki

💡 The name Thessaloniki comes from the Macedonian princess and half-sister of Alexander the Great. This name consists of two words – ‘ Thessaly ,’ the Greek region south of Macedonia, and ‘ Nike ,’ meaning a victory.

💡 Paul the Apostle  visited Thessaloniki back in 50 AD. Thanks to this visit, Thessaloniki was one of the first places where Christianity was evangelized.

💡 Thessaloniki is also the birthplace of brothers Cyril and Methodius , who invented the oldest Slavic alphabet . Their theory and teachings later led to the creation of the Cyrillic script , which many Slavic languages use in their alphabet nowadays.

💡 You’ll find many Christian and Byzantine monuments , as Thessaloniki was one of the most important cities within the Byzantine Empire.

Sightseeing In Thessaloniki

🔆 Aristotelous Square 🔆 Hagia Sophia 🔆 Rotunda 🔆 White Tower 🔆 Ladadika

🔆 Aristotelous Square

Most  public celebrations  and cultural events in Thessaloniki took place in this square. It’s a great  starting point  for your tour. If the sky is clear, stand on the square facing the sea – you might spot the  peak of Mt. Olympus  from here.

🔆 Hagia Sophia

Back in the times, the construction of this church was inspired by the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul (former Constantinople). It was the  main church in Thessaloniki . Admire its impressive  Byzantine architecture .

Rotunda is a temple with a fascinating history. It was a pagan temple and Christian church, and it  served as a mosque  in the Ottoman Empire. So go inside and learn more about the sight and its history.

🔆 White Tower

The White Tower is today’s symbol of Thessaloniki. It wasn’t always a white tower in the past. It was  used as a prison , where they  tortured people  during the Ottoman times.

To  ‘clean’ the tower’s history  and reputation, it’s been named the White Tower nowadays. It’s also a  museum  about the  history of Thessaloniki .

Ladadika is a beautiful district with colourful houses . It has many restaurants, bars, and local shops and is the place to go out at night .

Enjoy the evening walking on the sea promenade and have a good dinner in Ladadika street.

Where To Stay In Thessaloniki: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

GATTO PERSO LUXURY STUDIO – budget-friendly apartments BLUE BOTTLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL – budget-friendly hotel SEA & THE CITY – mid-range apartment with sea views NOA HOTEL – mid-range hotel with sea views

7. DAY: THESSALONIKI ⇒ KAVALA

I hope you had an amazing day exploring a little bit of Thessaloniki yesterday.

Today, you still have the  whole morning and afternoon to explore  the rest and enjoy its atmosphere. Let yourself take time to see what you missed yesterday. We’ll continue our road trip in the late afternoon and head to Kavala.

Here are the sites you can see today in Thessaloniki.

🔆 Roman Forum 🔆 Museum Of Byzantine Culture 🔆 Heptapyrgion

🔆 Roman Forum

Since Thessaloniki was also part of the former  Roman Empire , it hosted the cultural and political center in its own Roman Forum. You can check it out as part of your walking tour today.

🔆 Museum Of Byzantine Culture

If you don’t know much about  Byzantine culture , this is the opportunity to learn more. The museum has many art pieces collected from  Macedonia , from  Constantine’s period , when Christianity was introduced to the Ottoman Empire.

🔆 Heptapyrgion

Heptapyrgion is a fortress up on a hill above Thessaloniki. In the Byzantine period, it was the main fortress of the city. During Ottoman times, it had a military purpose and served as a prison .

Go up and enjoy beautiful views of Thessaloniki and the sea. It’s also a nice walk.

Drive To Kavala

Walk through the promenade towards the White Tower and have some Greek food before departure. In the late afternoon, pack your bags and set off again – let’s head to Kavala.

Get to your accommodation. If you feel like it, go to the streets of Kavala for your first impressions.

Distance Thessaloniki   ⇒ Kavala: 1 hour & 50 minutes by car (153 km/95 miles)

Where To Stay In Kavala: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

THE ANTHEMOIN HOUSE ZERO SPOT CASTELLO BOUTIQUE ROOMS

8. DAY: KAVALA

Welcome to Kavala, a Greek city also part of the  Macedonian region . Kavala is quite different from any other Greek city. It wasn’t always part of  Greece .

In the past, Bulgarians fought for Kavala to be in their territory. It used to be home to Romans and Slavs in the Middle Ages.

For many centuries after, it also belonged to Turkish territory . Only at the end of the 20th century did Kavala become part of Greece .

Sightseeing In Kavala

🔆 Kavala Castle 🔆 Kamares Aquaduct 🔆 Imaret 🔆 Philippi Site

Kavala Castle  is a fortress that  protected the city  in the past. Get there for the best views of Kavala.

The Kamares Aquaduct  was built with 60 arches. It’s a dominant  architectural site of Kavala  city, which  used to supply water . Watch the old houses built into it.

Imaret used to be an  educational center . Nowadays, it’s a  luxury hotel  with stunning views of Kavala.

Enjoy the walk around Kavala Castle, stroll through the tiny streets, and get to the lighthouse for beautiful sea views. Walk back to the promenade and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of this city.

Check out the  Wood & Rock  bar; it’s built in a traditional house and has a unique atmosphere.

Half-Day Trip To Philippi Site

In the afternoon, you can also drive to see the  archaeological site of Philippi . It’s a small ancient city with excavations and a museum.

It was named after  King Phillip II of Macedonia  and is famous thanks to  Apostle Paul , who started to preach Christianity here. Philippi is the place  where Christianity was spread  all over the globe. I loved exploring the site.

Ferry Tickets From Kavala To Thasos Island

Once you arrive in Kavala, I suggest going to the  Kavala ferry port  and book your tickets for tomorrow’s  ferry to Thasos .

Alternatively, you can also book the ferry tickets online via FerryScanner .

➡ Book your ferry tickets to Thassos island here.

9. DAY: KAVALA ⇒ THASOS

What would a Greek itinerary be without visiting at least one Greek island? Don’t worry; we’ll now balance all these sightseeing days with some chilling on a beach .

Today, we’ll head to the Greek  island of Thasos .

Have a good Greek breakfast and coffee in the Mikel Coffee Shop (highly recommended – my favorite coffee shop in the world).

After you are ready, head to Kavala’s port and catch the ferry to Thasos Island .

How To Get From Kavala To Thasos Island

The ferry departs from the  port of Kavala  and takes you directly to  Skala Prinos Port in Thasos . The entire journey takes about  1 hour & 15 minutes . It goes several times daily; check the  ferry departure times from Kavala to Thasos Island .

Another ferry port is  in Keramoti  (35 minutes drive from Kavala). The ferry from Keramoti departs more frequently throughout the day. It only takes  40 minutes  to reach Thasos. From Keramoti, the ferry takes you to a different  port in Thasos called Limenas .

I recommend taking the ferry from Kavala . It’s much easier to depart from Kavala, so you don’t have to drive those 35 minutes to Keramoti.

PRO TIP: Depending on where you book accommodation, you can also take a car to Thassos Island . Or leave it in Kavala, and then you can drive back to Thessaloniki after visiting Thassos and return the car there.

Where To Stay In Thasos: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

IPSARIO GARDEN HOTEL MELI SUITES ISLE – ADULTS ONLY ATRIUM HOTEL THASSOS ILLIO MARE HOTEL

10. DAY: THASOS

Good morning to Thasos. Today marks the end of our itinerary.

Make the most of your stay on Thasos; enjoy the Greek food and some activities on this Island. You can do  water sports ,  cycling ,  hiking ,  scuba diving,   horse riding , or even a  Jeep Safari  tour.

If you have time, you can continue your journey to  Turkey  and visit  Istanbul . If that’s the case, you can take the ferry from Limenas port in Thasos to Keramoti (Greece mainland). After, continue to  Turkey .

Alternatively, hop on a ferry and check out other Greek islands.

Or drive back to Thessaloniki and return your rental car there.

Practical Tips For Visiting Greece

To help you plan your road trip even further, I’ve got more tips for you. See when the best time to visit the country is, how many days you should spend, what driving tips you need, and what budget you’ll need.

Passport & Visa To Greece

Check the  expiration date of your passport . Most airlines don’t even take you on board if your passport expires in 6 months . Avoid issues with boarding and on the road. Ensure your passport won’t expire in the next 8 months.

Check if you need a Visa to Greece. iVisa will give you detailed information on whether you need a Visa and other necessary documents you might need to travel to Greece.

➡ Click here to see what kind of travel documents you need for Greece .

How Many Days In Greece Is Enough?

10 days is the perfect time to explore the main sights in mainland Greece. 14 days is also a great time to visit additional things on the way.

I recommend spending 20 days if you also want to visit some of the most beautiful Greek islands like Santorini, Milos, Sifnos, Naxos, or Mykonos.

Best Time To Visit Greece

The best time to visit Greece is May, June, September, and October . These months are generally less crowded , and the weather is perfect. Temperatures range from around 20°C/68°F up to 27°C/80°F.

You can also visit Greece in the peak summer months (July and August), but they’re the most crowded and very hot .

I don’t recommend road-tripping through Greece in the winter . Many things are closed and on a winter break, and there might even be some snow.

Tips For Driving In Greece

Driving in Greece is pretty easy . The main roads are well-developed, and the views are stunning. The rural roads are less developed, so pay attention to these.

Greek people sometimes drive very crazy and can seem to be aggressive when driving. Give way and pay attention on rural roads as people might drive fast.

Greece has the best roads in the Balkan peninsula , so you’ll love driving around. Here are my general tips for your road trip:

🚔 Drive on the right side in Greece and can drive when you’re 18 years old

🚔 If you’re from the USA and outside of the European Union, you need an International Driving License to drive in Greece.

🚔 For all US travelers – if you’re not familiar with the European roundabouts – these serve as an intersection and keep the traffic flow. So you can drive through the roundabout whenever there is no car.

🚔 The speed limit in the city is 50km/h, open roads are 110km/h , and highways have a 120km/h speed limit.

🚔 Greece has 8 highways on which you have to pay tolls . There is no vignette system. You pay the road regularly on the toll gateways when driving through the highway. Have EURO cash with you just in case you can only pay cash.

🚔 Wearing a seatbelt while driving in Greece is compulsory .

Cost Of A Road Trip In Greece

The budget for a 10-day road trip to Greece per person ( mid-range traveler ) is $915 . This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car and travel conveniently, enjoy the sights, and each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this Greek itinerary budget for each travel category:

Budget Breakdown For Different Traveler Styles

Here is a quick overview of the budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 10-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $300 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers : $915 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers : up to $1800

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my 10-day trip to Greece. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences .

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions. Check my answers below:

Can You Do A Road Trip To Greece?

Yes, it’s possible to go on a road trip through Greece. Greece has, indeed, great roads and you can go everywhere easily.

Where Can I Go By Car In Greece?

You can get to the main sights in Greece by car, including the entire Peloponesse peninsula, Olympia, Corinth Canal, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandropouli , and anywhere from these big sights and cities.

You can also drive on the Greek islands . If you have a car, you can transport it on a ferry to the Greek Islands.

Is It OK To Rent A Car In Greece?

Yes , it’s fine to rent a car in Greece. To avoid the language barrier and further issues, I recommend renting a car online and picking it up in a designated location in Greece. This way, you’ll have time to read the terms and conditions and will have everything confirmed online in your native language.

Is It Hard To Drive In Greece As An American?

No, it’s not difficult to drive in Greece as an American. The roads are well-developed, and you won’t have any issues. The only difference between the roads in the US and Greece is that the Greek roads are narrower than in the US . But overall, you’ll be fine driving in Greece.

WRAP-UP: Road Tripping Greece

This is my ultimate road trip through Greece for you. It’ll show you the main sights in Greece, and you’ll also have enough time to explore the sights nearby and visit one of the most beautiful Greek islands, Thassos. I recommend spending more time in the country and, after, going Greek island hopping . Visit islands like Sifnos and Milos for the beaches or Santorini for a romantic gateway.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip , contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you. Or check out my favorite travel resources and plan by yourself.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For Greece Travel

Looking to visit more places in Greece? Check out my related articles:

8 Best Island Day Trips From Athens

27 Best Places To Visit In Europe In November

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

GREECE : Interested in more articles for Greece? Check out my Greece Travel Page .

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Home > Greece Road Trip Itineraries: Greece By Car For 5, 7 Or 10 Days

Greece Road Trip Itineraries: Greece By Car For 5, 7 Or 10 Days

Written by our local expert Gabi

Gabi is an award-winning writer who lives on the Island of Crete in Greece. She is an expert in Greek travel and writes guides for the everyday traveler.

Here, I present the best Greece road trips that I have done myself over the many years of living in Greece. I’ve meticulously crafted 5, 7, and 10-day Greek road trip itineraries, perfect for a road trip around the captivating landscapes of mainland Greece and the Greek islands. 

These guides are designed to assist you in planning the ultimate road trip route, detailing where to stop and the ideal duration for each location.

Discover the best things to see and do in each part of Greece, from the rugged beauty of the mainland to the pristine shores of the islands, making each journey one of the most beautiful adventures.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Greece Road Trip Ideas 

Visiting Greece is always an unforgettable journey, offering a blend of incredible landscapes, unique beaches, and stunning mountain destinations, making it perfect for a road trip around both mainland Greece and the Greek Islands.

Over 80% mountainous, the country unveils the best places for those looking to explore new lands, from the ancient Agora to the temple of Olympian Zeus and discover lesser-known spots.

Start your road trip in Athens, the capital of Greece, known for its ancient heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ancient Corinth and Ancient Messini.

Enjoy day trips to small islands, indulge in Greek food, and consider a boat trip across the Gulf of Corinth. Your Greece itinerary could include everything from a Santorini road trip to exploring the regions of Greece known for their historical significance in the Greek War of Independence.

Whether it’s a holiday in Greece during winter or a summer adventure, a car is the best way to ensure you visit the best places to see, making every road trip starts an opportunity to delve into the beauty and history of Greece.

5-Day Mainland Greece Road Trip: Thessaloniki & Northern Greece

Although this cannot be considered a classic road trip of the country, you can be sure that it will offer a different view and perspective that has nothing to do with the usual image of paradisiac beaches that you usually think of when dreaming of Greece.

Day 1 & 2: Athens, Thebes & Delphi In Central Greece

Depart from Athens and drive by the ancient town of Thebes, a city in Central Greece that played an important role in Greek mythology. Your next stop on the road will be the traditional village of Arachova and then Delphi, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at the famous oracle of ancient times and the Temple of Apollo .

Here is our guide on getting from Athens to Delphi by car.

Day 3: a taste of meteora, thessaloniki.

This short trip around northern Greece will not give you enough time to visit all the Meteora monasteries (but you can do so if you follow the 10-day itinerary of mainland Greece further down in this article).

A morning in Meteora will allow you to visit just a couple of the Byzantine monasteries that the monks built at the top of the incredible rocks of Meteora. 

Get back on the road to reach Thessaloniki, the most important city in the country after Athens. You can explore the Museum of Byzantine Culture and walk along the famous seaside promenade to spot the magnificent White Tower of Thessaloniki.

Day 4: Naoussa & Vergina

There is a lot to do in a day, so you can choose to do it all and spend less time at each stop. Head to Naoussa , where you can visit the school of Aristotle, the place where the great philosopher taught morals and politics to Alexander the Great and other Macedonians.

If history is not your cup of tea, then you might enjoy visiting one of the many wineries in Naoussa to taste some of the great wines produced in the area . Don’t drink much if you’re driving through Greece , though… fines can be high if you drink and drive in Greece.

The following stop is Vergina , where you can pay a visit to the royal tombs of Macedonia before heading to Veria (Biblical Berea), a place famous for being on the road of Saint Paul but also hosting an important Jewish neighborhood.

Day 5: Lake Plastiras & Back To Athens

Drive along the coastal road from Vergina surrounding the impressive heights of Mount Olympus. Pass through the city of Larissa and drive to the small town of Karditsa to then reach one of the prettiest natural areas in Greece, Lake Plastiras, one of the biggest artificial lakes in Greece, framed by the peaks of the Agrafa mountains. 

Once this visit is over, you will drive to Athens. Remember that the road is long (about 6 hours or more), so it might be wise to depart early.

5-Day Greece Road Trip Itinerary For The Islands: Paros-Naxos

Close to each other and easy to visit in less than a week, these are two islands that the Greeks often pick for their holidays.

Day 1 And 2: From Athens To Paros – Paroikia, Lefkes & Naoussa

You’ll need an early wake-up call to reach the port of Piraeus and sail to Paros . Either rent a car on the mainland and load it on the boat or hire a rental car upon arrival on the island.

After a sailing time that can range from 2.5 to 5 hours (depending on the boat you choose), you will arrive at the main port and town of the island, Paroikia, where you will spend the first day exploring the old town with its Frankish Castle overlooking the sea, and the picturesque Cycladic atmosphere . 

On the second day, drive to the mountain village of Lefkes to spend the morning visiting what was the first capital of Paros. Surrounded by pinewoods and endless sea views, the village is famous for its whitewashed homes, the nineteenth-century church of Agia Triada, and its succulent snails , a staple dish in Paros’ cuisine.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Naoussa and the nearby beaches. The Cycladic settlement, with its cobblestoned alleys, passages, and colorful bougainvillea, is among the most photographed settlements in the country. 

End your stay on the island by spending a few hours in Santa Maria Beach, just a short ride from Naoussa. Here, you will witness one of the best sunsets in the Aegean .

Day 3, 4, & 5: Naxos & Back To Athens

On your third day, take an early ferry and move to the next destination on this road trip , Naxos. The journey to Naxos won’t take more than an hour.

Somewhat bigger and more mountainous than Paros, this is a grand island to explore Greece by car as it has dozens of exciting mountain villages and a long coastal stretch with some of the best beaches in Greece.

It would be a good idea to spend the first morning exploring the old town, known as Chora, where you can visit the impressive Venetian castle and the Archaeological Museum, and devote a few hours to the Portara, the most famous sight on the island.

On the second day, drive to the island’s center to explore the village of Halki, a traditional settlement in the heart of Naxos famous for its stunning cuisine and the production of a unique spirit, the kitron. 

You can visit the Kitron Factory and Museum in the heart of this ancient town and enjoy lunch at the main square before getting back on the road to explore the tiny settlement of Filotti, opposite the impressive Mount Zas (the highest in the Cyclades).

Devote the rest of the day to the marble village of Apeiranthos, not far from Filotti. Here, you will find that most of the houses, the facades of important buildings, and the streets and tiny alleys are made of white marble. 

On your last day in Naxos, check out some of the beaches. The most famous of them is Plaka, which is one of the widest and most beautiful shores in Greece, with crystalline turquoise waters and white powdery sand, perfect for solo travelers , families, and couples. Everybody will find the right spot on the long beach of Plaka. 

In the afternoon, board your ferry boat back to Athens, thus ending your five days in two of the most beautiful Cyclades.

Brands We Use And Trust

7-day greece road trip itinerary for the mainland: peloponnese road trip.

The Peloponnese is a fantastic region in Greece that can be easily discovered on an epic road trip with interesting stops and places to see along the way. Even when seven days are nowhere near the right amount of time to see the best of the Peloponnese, one week can be enough to check out the best towns, beaches, and historic sites.

Get a quote on a car rental here.

Day 1 & 2: athens, corinth canal & nafplion.

As with most trips on the mainland, this adventure starts in the country’s capital. Do not overlook its countless archaeological sights and unique museums, and devote at least a morning to Athens before hitting the road towards the east. 

Your first stop will be Corinth, where you can admire the breathtaking canal and visit the ancient Acropolis of Corinth.

Your next stop will be the aristocratic Nafplion, a famous city on the Argolic Gulf that was also the first capital of the modern Greek State before Athens. Spend a whole day in Nafplion to visit its fortresses and beaches and soak in the views of the old town and the harbor.

Day 3 & 4: Mycenae, Sparta, Mystra

Your first stop will be Mycenae and its impressive archaeological site , where, among the top highlights to check out, there is the famous Lion Gate, which was the main gateway to the citadel of Mycenae and is the most iconic symbol of this archaeological site. 

Right after, drive to Sparta, where you can explore Ancient Sparta , with the ruins of its Ancient Acropolis, the Theater, the Agora, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. 

You can also check out Sparta’s Archaeological Museum and the famous Statue of King Leonidas. The warrior’s bronze statue is located in front of the stadium. It features King Leonidas in a defiant position against the Persians.

While Mycenae and Sparta can be seen in a day, Mystra will undoubtedly need more of your time. Only 5 km from the center of Sparta, you will find Mystra, a great place to discover more of Greece’s past in the Peloponnese . 

This small village, which remains relatively unknown to tourists, played a key role in the history of Greece as it was the most important Byzantine capital in the country.

The ancient city of Mystras is UNESCO-protected and worth visiting since it hosts one of the most impressive ruins dating back to Medieval times.

Day 5 & 6: Gytheio & Diros Caves Monemvasia

This small town on the eastern shore of the Mani Peninsula was the seat of the Ancient Seaport of Sparta and where, according to legend, Paris of Troy and Helen from Sparta spent their first night together before departing for Troy, ultimately starting the Trojan War.

Gytheio is a port town featuring beautiful (and delicious) seaside fish tavernas and authentic cafés. The town is within a short distance from Mystra. Here, take some time to explore the old town, the lighthouse, and the Ancient Theater dating back to the first century.

On your second day, move on to explore the Diros Caves. This spectacular natural site is one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. Inside, you will find an underground lake where you can board a boat to sail through the caverns and tunnels featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 7: Monemvasia & Back To Athens

Your next and final stop in this Peloponnese itinerary will be t he impressive medieval town of Monemvasia . This charming medieval settlement is probably the most visited place in the Peloponnese. 

After the visit, get back on the National road and reach Athens to put an end to this fantastic week in the Peloponnese. The picturesque settlement is connected to the mainland by a narrow, artificial strait dating from the Venetian period. In fact, before the Venetians, the island was only accessible by boat.

7-Day Greece Road Trip Ideas For The Islands: Rhodes

Another of the great Greek islands, Rhodes , is located in the Dodecanese cluster , not far from the Turkish coast . Rhodes is an excellent destination for a Greece road trip , and a seven-day itinerary is the right amount of time to visit the most important landmarks on the island.

Day 1 & 2: Rhodes Town

Start by taking the time to explore the old town of Rhodes , with its incredibly well-preserved medieval alleys and stunning castle dating from the times of the Crusades. Known as the Palace Of The Grand Master, this fantastic palace is the best-preserved castle all over the Mediterranean and stands as one of the most distinctive landmarks of Rhodes.

You will need at least two days to experience the best of this ancient Medieval town, discover the museums, the ancient Jewish neighborhood, and the Archaeological Museum, and taste its delicious food in some of the taverns in the city center.

Day 3 & 4: Lindos & Lardos

Jump on your car and devote the next day to heading south; you will be able to drive along the coastal road and explore some of the beaches on the island; start by spending some time in Faliraki, one of the most popular shores, and then drive along until you reach your next stop, Lindos, where you can pay at least two more days. 

While driving around the area, you will have the opportunity to check out stunning shores, some of them famous, including the picturesque Ladiko and the superb Bay of Anthony Quinn, one of the most exotic coves on the island.

The first thing to do is climb to the top of Lindos Acropolis, home to one of the most charming settlements on the island; you will be stunned by the views from above.

If you’re planning to spend the night in Lindos before continuing your trip around the island, don’t miss dinner with a view over the Acropolis and the sea. 

Lardos is another coastal resort you can visit before moving on to your next stop. The beach is gorgeous, and spending some time there is an opportunity for a relaxing break. It offers some free time to swim and sunbathe.

Day 5 & 6: Monolithos & Prasonisi

The following day, get back on the road to reach the southernmost point in Rhodes, Prasonisi. The coastal road has excellent panoramic views, and the area is not as crowded, so you can stop anywhere you want to explore the landscapes.

If you are fond of mountain settlements, you can make a short detour to visit Monolithos, a tiny village surrounded by high hills. Over here, you can explore an ancient castle with fabulous coastal views. 

Your next stop is finally Prasonisi, an incredible beach popular among windsurfers. Depending on the tides, this beach sometimes turns into an island at certain hours of the day. From here, you can get back on the road to get back to Rhodes Town. 

Day 7: Valley Of The Butterflies & Back To Rhodes Town

You can either drive back north along the coast or try the slower but nicer mountain roads inside the island to get to your next stop, the Valley of the Butterflies. Also known by the name of Petaloudes, this park is located near the village of Theologos, about 27 km from Rhodes Town. 

The natural reserve houses a massive colony of butterflies during spring and autumn . The Pelekanos River crosses the valley with several bridges and endless waterfalls along its whole length.

Once back in Rhodes Town, you can see a bit more of the city or enjoy a few hours in the local aquarium. Set up on the premises of Rhodes’ Hydrobiological Station, and it hosts a fantastic marine museum that you will undoubtedly love visiting.

10-Day Greece Road Trip Ideas For The Mainland: Grand Tour of Mainland Greece

If you’re thinking about an epic Greece road trip that takes you to the main cities and regions on the mainland , then this itinerary can be perfect. Remember that it packs a lot, so you can make it shorter and move around at a more relaxed pace.

Day 1: Athens

Start from Athens, where you can spend at least a full day discovering past treasures, including the Acropolis and its fantastic museum. In town, also pay a visit to Monastiraki Square and the Neoclassic district of Plaka. 

Day 2 & 3: Road Trip From Athens To The Corinth, Epidaurus, & Nafplio

The second place you will visit on this itinerary will be Corinth, and you can quickly get there from Athens by driving through Greece on the national road. Once in Corinth, make some time to check out the ancient city and the impressive canal.

Drive a few more miles and explore the ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Then head to Nafplio, one of the most picturesque cities in Greece and the first capital of the modern Greek State.

Day 4, 5, & 6: Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Delphi

During the following days, you can visit the ancient city of Mycenae and move on towards the central area of the Peloponnese to visit Ancient Olympia and Delphi, as well as the local museums. 

The whole area might take you a day or two, depending on how much you enjoy exploring ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and museums.

Day 7 & 8: Meteora, Kalambaka, Pindos Mountains

Devote your next day or two to exploring the area around the magnificent complex of monasteries in Meteora, located near the imposing Pindos Mountains in Kalambaka.

These famous monasteries stand on top of enormous dark rocks and give life to the country’s second most important monastic community. Meteora means high up in the air, and the word perfectly depicts the out-of-the-world scenario you encounter.

It is a good idea to slow down and spend at least two full days visiting the monasteries and admiring the impressive natural landscape that has made this place famous worldwide.

If you plan to check out some of the monasteries, then read this guide to the Meteora Monasteries for further information.

Day 9 & 10: thessaloniki, mount olympus, and volos.

Your next stop will be the northern city of Thessaloniki , the second most important metropolis in Greece and a place with so much to see and experience that you could easily spend two days or more in the region.

Devote at least one day to explore the jewels of this former Byzantine center, visiting the vast and interesting Museum of Byzantine Culture. 

In the area near Thessaloniki , there are also a few beaches where you can spend some time unwinding and relaxing after so many days on the road. 

It is a good idea to head to the impressive Halkidiki peninsula , home to some of the most popular beaches in continental Greece.

Back on the road for the last portion of your trip , discover the most important and highest mountain in the country (over 2900 meters), Mount Olympus, which, according to Greek mythology, used to be the home of the gods. 

You can either spend the rest of your Greek road trip exploring the ski resorts near Olympus or drive towards the coast to reach the seaside city of Volos and, from there, head back to Athens, where your Greece road trip comes to an end.

10-Day Greeke Road Trip: Crete Island

There is no better island than Crete for a long road trip in Greece, and even if ten days look like a lot, once you land on Crete and start moving around, you will soon realize that in ten days, you will barely scratch the surface of this stunning island.

Almost everyone chooses to drive towards the west, visiting the cities of Chania and Rethymnon. Of course, these two Cretan regions are so popular for a reason: they  feature incredible beaches , high mountain ranges, breathtaking gorges, and more. However, if you are looking for a tranquil Greek road trip, following your own pace and rhythm, I suggest heading east for a more intimate experience of the island.

Day 1 & 2: Heraklion, Knossos, Wine Region

The easternmost region of Lasithi is an excellent place for a Greek road trip. It features endless roads with almost no traffic, where you will only encounter incredible beaches, a few scattered villages, and the occasional goat on the side of the road.

Start departing from Heraklion, the capital of the island, and the place where you will probably arrive. Devote one day to the city center to visit the museums and one more day to the Heraklion wine region and t he impressive Minoan Palace of Knossos, the cradle of the Occidental civilization.

Day 3 & 4: Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa

Devote the next two or three days to the small town of Agios Nikolaos, with its gorgeous Lake Voulismeni connected to the sea. 

From here, there are fantastic drives to visit the mountain village of Kritsa, where one of the oldest churches in Crete , Panagia Kera, is open to visitors. It features some of the oldest Byzantine frescoes you can find on the island.

Day 5: Plaka, Elounda & Spinalonga

Not far from the center of Agios Nikolaos, take the coastal road that takes you to the exclusive settlement of Elounda to spend a few hours on the beach and eat delicious fresh seafood by the sea. 

Later in the afternoon, drive a little more towards the west of the coast to visit the small settlement of Plaka. Plaka seats on the Mirabello Gulf, facing the former leper colony of Spinalonga, an islet you can see in about half a day.

Day 6 & 7: Sitia, Vai Beach, Toplou

Follow your itinerary heading east to the coastal town of Sitia, where you can spend time relaxing and discovering the Italian roots of this coastal port. Here, check out the Venetian Fortress, the gorgeous Toplou Monastery, famous for its wines, and the fantastic Vai Beach, the most impressive palm beach on the island.

Spend the rest of the days traveling south and visiting the small settlements that populate the road until you reach Zakros, where you can spend the night.

Day 8, 9, & 10: Zakros, Xerokampos, Ierapetra & Back To Heraklion

Start your day by exploring the Gorge of the Dead in Kato Zakros with its impressive beach. Drive a bit more to the South to find the most solitary coast on the island, Xerokampos. This is a perfect place to spend one or two days wholly isolated from the rest of the world. 

Follow west to the city of Ierapetra. You can take a boat from here and spend a whole day on an uninhabited island, probably among the most incredible destinations in Crete, Chrissi. 

In the southern area, you can also explore the small town of Myrtos and then make your way back to the northern coast to reach Heraklion again and put an end to your ten fantastic days in eastern Crete.

Things To Know Before Taking A Road Trip In Greece

These are approximate itineraries. Road trips in Greece are probably the more flexible way of travel, without fixed schedules or rigid timetables. In these itineraries , we suggest 2 or 3 days at any destination, but it is always up to you to make each stay shorter or longer… and this can change for many reasons. 

First, you might not like the place as much as you thought, and you prefer to move forward, or — on the contrary — you love a place so much that you want to spend the rest of the time there. Both things can happen, and there is nothing wrong with that as long as you are flexible and enjoy your decisions.

But also, it might happen that, given the spontaneous nature of traveling to Greece by car, you decide not to book accommodation in advance. This would not be a severe issue in winter, but in the high season, you might have to change the village you stay in because all accommodation is booked. Plan accordingly, and do not leave all your road trip itinerary choices to the last minute.

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When Is The Best Time To Drive Around Greece?

It would be quite obvious to say that summer is the best moment for an epic road trip in Greece, and that can be the case if you choose a seaside destination or an island. However, Greece has terrific places to discover, also far from the sea and near the mountains.

Moreover, driving through Greece in summer can be pretty uncomfortable if you suffer from the hot temperatures or you are not very happy moving along very trafficked roads. 

For that reason, transition months, such as April, May, and June, but also September, October, and November, are great for avoiding crowds, enjoying milder temperatures, and enjoying beach time and impressive landscapes. 

Those interested in wintery scenarios will be surprised by the majestic beauty they can find in the northern part of the country during the cold season. If you prefer to drive during this time of the year, make sure your car is ready for snow and slippery roads.

How Difficult Is It To Drive In Greece Or Rent A Car In Greece

Generally speaking, the roads in the country are in reasonably good condition, except for some forgotten mountain roads in lesser-visited areas. Although the Greeks are famous for being bad drivers, the situation on the National Roads is not as bad as you think.

If you’re planning on renting a car, then it is a good idea to keep a few golden rules in mind.

• Pre-book : It’s a good idea to pre-book it before you arrive. This won’t be necessary for winter, but car availability tends to be limited in summer.
• 21+ : You must be 21 years of age and must have held your license for at least a year, regardless of age. If you are under 25 years of age, you may end up paying a young driver surcharge, which will increase the cost of your car rental. For older drivers, there may be a maximum age of 70 for renting a car, depending upon the company you’re hiring from.
• International Driver’s License : You will need an international driver’s license, and you will need to carry this at all times, alongside your passport and insurance documents.
• Credit Card : Most car rental companies will ask for a credit card to secure the booking and to take a provisional deposit in case of any damage. Provided you return the car in complete working order, with no scratches or issues, your card will not be charged.

Here is our complete guide to car rental in Greece.

Greece by car & traffic in greece.

The most trafficked centers are Athens and Thessaloniki , and even other Greeks visiting these two cities from more tranquil islands prefer to move around by bus, metro, or even taxi. 

If any part of your itinerary includes a stop in any of these two important cities, park the car on the outskirts of town and visit the center by taking the bus. You will avoid chaotic traffic, possible fines, and the usual nightmare of not finding any free parking spot.

Greek Road Trip FAQs

How can i plan a peloponnese road trip itinerary.

To plan a Peloponnese road trip, consider visiting ancient sites like Olympia and Mycenae, exploring picturesque towns like Nafplio, and enjoying the beautiful beaches along the coast.

What are some must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece?

Some must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece include the Acropolis in Athens , Delphi, the Archaeological Site of Mystras, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus.

Where can I find car rental services in Greece for my road trip?

Car rental services are available at major airports like Athens Airport, as well as in popular tourist destinations throughout Greece.

What are some highlights of a Crete road trip?

Highlights of a Crete road trip include exploring ancient Minoan ruins, relaxing on stunning beaches, visiting charming villages, and hiking through the Samaria Gorge.

What are some key things to do while traveling in Greece?

Some key activities include visiting ancient Greek sites, exploring historic cities, relaxing on beautiful beaches, experiencing Greek cuisine, and taking day trips to nearby attractions.

So, now that you have all of your ideas on the best road trips in Greece – which of these Greek road trips will you start with?

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Sparta is very important. That’s where my grandparents are from

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The top 5 road trips in Greece

Jun 15, 2023 • 7 min read

Wind through idyllic Greek landscapes on our favorite road trips © borchee / Getty Images

Greece is meant for exploring, and not just by ferry. With your vehicle – rented or otherwise – there is a wealth of history, culture and, yes, beaches to savor . 

Away from relying solely on buses and boats, opportunities to leave crowds behind are myriad. Here are five of our favorite road trips in Greece that traverse the fabric of the country’s mainland and islands.

1. Greek islands road trip

Best road trip for beaches Athens–Paros; 180km (112 miles) total driving, not including sea travel

Although you may think of exploring Greek islands as a sea trip, you’ll need wheels to properly explore and enjoy most of these rocky isles. This is particularly true with beaches, where the best – and least crowded – ones may only be reachable by car.

Few parts of Greece are more iconic than the Cyclades , where the islands dotting the Aegean are the stuff of holiday fantasies. Start this trip in Athens , where the port of Piraeus is your gateway to what awaits.

Begin on raw and rugged Serifos :  less visited than many of its neighbors, it offers the perfect break from the usual hubbub of life. It has one main road that loops around the island, so your only actual decision is whether to go clockwise or the reverse. Discover little fishing villages barely touched by tourism and long, sandy beaches in sheltered coves lapped by impossibly azure waters.

Just next door – and within sight of Serifos – Sifnos exemplifies the distinct personalities that each of the Cycladic islands possesses. It’s popular with visitors and has a well-deserved reputation for its food traditions, with many high-end and creative tavernas and restaurants. The roads radiate out from the central town of Apollonia. Follow these short and twisty routes down to a variety of seafront villages with well-developed beach scenes.

Make your final stop on the large and varied island of Paros , which rewards drivers with a plethora of beaches, mountain villages and shimmering hillsides of olive trees.

Planning tip: Your big decision on this trip: whether to use the same vehicle for the entire trip or to rent a car on each island.

If you’re driving your own vehicle, you may appreciate its familiarity as you go from one island to the next. However, while many ferries transport cars, the costs can be high, and vehicle slots fill up quickly even if room remains for foot passengers. If hiring a car in Greece, it’s better in terms of price to hire one separately on each island.

2. Ancient Greece

Best road trip for the wonders of the classical world Athens–Ancient Olympia; 590km (367 miles)

Much of Greece's classic mythology and history is best visited by car. This trip starts in Athens – of course, you must take a moment to visit the Parthenon – and winds around the mainland and the Peloponnese Peninsula , with stops at sites of legend and lore.

It’s an easy drive northwest to Ancient Delphi , situated on a breathtaking site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. Here the fabled oracle was the spiritual center of Ancient Greece when it was at its most powerful. Drive south to Nafplio in the Peloponnese, where you can split your time between a trifecta of sights: the acropolis at Tiryns , the citadel of Ancient Mycenae and the 2500-year-old theater at Epidavros .

Finally, see where modern athletic competitions trace back their roots at Ancient Olympia . Walk amidst the reconstructed stadium that hosted the first Olympic games in 776 BCE and was the site of competitions for an extraordinary 1000 years.

3. Around Athens

Best road trip on a quick visit Athens–Marathon; 136km (85 miles)

Visitors to Greece are usually in a hurry to head out from Athens to the islands – and with good reason. But if you’re on a short visit or just looking for a change of pace from the capital, Attica – the water-surrounded region with Athens at its center – will reward visitors who would like to sample excellent beaches, ancient monuments and expanses of natural beauty.

Some 17km (10.5 miles) southeast of Athens, Glyfada is a tiny suburb that marks the start of the so-called Apollo Coast (or Athenian Riviera, depending on whose marketing material you favor). Small beaches backed by upscale clubs and more isolated strands on coves favored by nudists dot the coast. Pause for a cultural moment at the gleaming marble Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

Following the craggy shore northeast, finish your drive at Marathon – yes, that Marathon, where Pheidippides began his run to Athens with news of military victory. Today, it’s a comfortable and beachy suburb where the greatest challenge you’ll face is choosing between its many seafront tavernas.

4. The magnificent island of Crete

Best road trip for exploring a Mediterranean highlight Iraklio–Hania; 280km (174 miles)

Geographically very much separate from the rest of Greece but culturally a core part of the nation, Crete is unmissable . The Mediterranean’s fifth-largest island (right after Corsica) is a panoply of historical sights, areas of superb natural beauty , hidden and uncrowded beaches and soaring peaks that seem almost Alpine in their grandeur.

Start in the eastern city of Iraklio and go immediately south to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos . Get lost within this sprawling complex, where the links to the past are tangible. Drive west to the holy site of Moni Arkadiou , a 16th-century monastery that embodies the indomitable Cretan spirit. Here you can understand how invaders from the Romans to the Turks to the Nazis, with dozens more in between, found their dreams of conquest shattered by the island’s fiercely independent spirit.

Drive through the sheer cliffs, high mountain passes and deep gorges down to the south coast, where the beach town of Sougia remains untouched by mass tourism. Get a ferry or take a hike to ancient sites and even more remote beaches.

Finally, head north to Hania , the evocative port town that oozes history within its Venetian-era walls.

Planning tip: Distances on Crete can be deceiving. That seemingly short 60km (37-mile) jaunt from the touristy north to the untrammeled south will take much longer than you might expect. Roads curve sharply through the deeply eroded landscape, and the going can be very slow. And don’t expect many roadside signs to offer guidance; Cretans have yet to see a sign they didn’t shoot full of holes, a local source of pride and spirit.

5. The northern wilds of Greece

Best road trip to get off the beaten path Thessaloniki –Sithonia; 880km (547 miles)

Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki , is a wonderfully under-visited center for history, art, great food and intoxicating nightlife. Start here exploring the nation’s north, which borders a diverse range of neighboring countries and bears the influences of Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Turks and many more.

Drive southwest to the fabled peak of Mt Olympus , Greece’s highest. A spiritual heart of the nation, you can drive up to its loftier elevations and go for hikes, both easy and world-class.

Stay in the mountains as you go west into the Zagorohoria region , which is dotted with tiny villages that have carried on across the millennia. Circle back towards Thessaloniki and finish your road trip at the unheralded but unmissable beaches of the Halkidiki Peninsula. Plunge deep into the very southeastern tip of remote Sithonia.

Tips for driving in Greece

Although Greece follows EU conventions for driving regulations, there are some valuable things to remember as you drive around.

• Road and directional signs are only sporadically provided. After seeing directional signs for sights and towns on numerous minor roads, it's easy to get lulled into a false sense of security. A major junction may have no signage and be easily missed, so stay aware of where you are using a GPS or mapping app.
• With your mapping app, download the data for the area you’ll be exploring in advance so that just when you fear you’re lost, you won’t discover that there’s no cell signal and that now you’re truly lost. Cell signals are often spotty at best in the countryside.
• In rural areas, most (if not all) gas (petrol) stations may be closed on Sundays, so fill up on Saturday, assuming there won’t be another opportunity until Monday.
• If you hire a car, reserve far in advance if you’re traveling in summer, particularly in August. Fleets can get entirely booked up, and rates can skyrocket. Note that small local operations can offer both the best rates and the friendliest service. You can find them using mapping apps.
• It’s worth shopping around a bit for a rental car; don’t just settle for some familiar international brand. And, although technically not required in Greece, bring an International Driver’s Permit as some small rental firms may ask for one.

This article was first published September 2022 and updated June 2023

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8 Epic Greece Road Trips

Last updated on February 9, 2024

Greece is an enchanting place to do a road trip, taking in ancient sites, gorgeous beaches and vibrant cities – plus some of the best food on the continent.

We’ve teamed up with other travel bloggers to curate the best road trips in Greece, from a tour of the best ancient sites to an adventure around Santorini.

Some of these Greece road trip itineraries overlap, so you can choose the one that suits you best or even join a few together for an even bigger Greece adventure.

And let us know if you have any more road trips around Greece to add to the list.

Also see our guide to the best road trips in Europe .

See all our road trip itineraries here. And don’t miss our guide to how to plan a road trip .

The Best Greece Road Trips

Greece road trip map.

This map outlines all the Greece road trips on this list. You can open it in another window to toggle on and off the road trips you want to see.

Greece Road Trip Itineraries

1. ancient greece road trip.

Athens – Epidaurus – Mycenae – Nafplion – Olympia – Delphi – Meteora – Pella – Thessanloniki – Philippi

Exploring Greece’s ancient sites is a wonderful way to experience the country on this epic mainland Greece road trip itinerary.

By Roxanne de Bruyn at Faraway Worlds

• Strolling around the seaside town of Nafplion
• Exploring the ancient site of Delphi
• Hiking in the karsts in Meteora
• Exploring ancient Macedonia in North-Eastern Greece 

Spring or Autumn

Starting in Athens, head to the beautiful, coastal town of Nafplion, stopping at the Theatre of Epidaurus (the size and acoustics will surprise you) and the Mycenae ruins on the way.

Relax in Nafplion for a day or two, enjoying the relaxed vibe, before heading on to Olympia. Spend the night in the modern town and arrive early to explore the ancient site of the Olympic Games before the other visitors arrive. The on-site museum is also worth exploring, with a large collection of beautiful art. 

The next stop is the Sanctuary of Delphi , one of the highlights of this road trip. Stay in the modern town of Delphi, visiting the sanctuary immediately after breakfast. At that time, there are usually only a few visitors and its easy to imagine you have the site to yourself. Follow the ancient processional way up to the theatre and admire the beautiful mountain views. You can also easily do a day trip to Delphi from Athens if you don’t have time for the whole road trip.

From Delphi, drive north to Kalabaka, home to the famous Meteora monasteries. Aim to spend a couple of days here. While the monasteries are worth a visit (mostly for the lovely views), one of the best ways to see Meteora is hiking, exploring the paths and caves most people don’t see. If you don’t mind getting up early, watching the sun rise over the karsts is especially special.

From Meteora, head to the vibrant, edgy city of Thessaloniki, stopping at Pella along the way (the birthplace of Alexander the Great) to see the ancient agora and peek into the archaeological museum.

End your trip with a few days in Thessaloniki, with a possible day trip to the Macedonian city of Philippi – just in case you wanted to see one more ancient site.

Where to stay

• Nafplio: Castellano Hotel & Suites
• Olympia: Bacchus
• Delphi: Kastalia Boutique Hotel
• Kalabaka: Hotel Doupiani House

2. Santorini road trip

Oia – Imerovigli – Fira – Pyrgos – Mount Profitis Ilias – Perissa – Akrotiri – Red Beach – Akrotiri Lighthouse

This Santorini road trip itinerary will give you the chance to visit all the best spots on the island while sampling some tasty local food and wine.

By Krisztina Harsanyi at She Wanders Abroad

• Admire the blue domed churches in Oia
• Watch the sunset at Oia Castle
• Swim at the Red Beach or the black sand beach at Perissa
• Take in the scenic panoramic views from the top of Mount Profitis Ilias
• Sample the most delicious Greek cuisine
• Go on a wine tour

Late spring or early autumn

Situated on the Aegean Sea, Santorini (officially known as Thira) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Greek islands, located roughly halfway between Athens and Crete.

Since the island is quite small (76 m2), spending three days in Santorini is all the time you need to visit the highlights of the islands. Although you can find some local buses on the island, it’s better to rent a car and do a road trip around Santorini.

Oia and Fira are two of the most popular towns in Santorini, so it’s best to choose one of them as your base and go for day trips from there. Oia is where you’ll find those postcard perfect Santorini views with the blue domes, so it’s worth spending a full day in the town and perhaps going for a sunset cruise in the evening.

On your second day, it’s time to explore some more towns in Santorini such as Fira, the island’s capital and Imerovigli, arguably the most romantic place on Santorini. Since these towns are located along the caldera, both of them will provide scenic views over the sea and the nearby volcano. It’s also worth opting for a wine tour in the evening where you can visit local wineries and taste different types of locally produced wines.

Spend your third day by exploring the lesser known part of Santorini, such as the cute village of Pyrgos, Mount Profitis Ilias (the highest point on the island), the black sand beach in Perissa, and the unique Red Beach in the southern part of the island. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pay a visit to the archeological site in Akrotiri and take in the scenic views from the Akrotiri lighthouse.

• Oia: Kima Villas Suites
• Fira: Volcano View by Caldera Collection

3. The Big Greek Road Hop – Driving the Peloponnese

Athens – Levidi – Nafplio – Mystras – Laconia

Sweep away from Athens and head deep into the Peloponnese to wander through the land of Sparta, Olympia and the ancient gods. Slow down among the olive groves and walk through quiet villages. Take your time and discover the real side of Greece.

By Abigail King at Inside the Travel Lab

• Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Athens, Mycenae, Mystras and Olympia
• Rest on beautiful sandy beaches at Nafplio
• Walk through olive groves and explore agroturismo in Laconia

May-October (Avoid August)

Start from Athens, having first spent time in this ancient yet frenetic capital. Then leave the chaos behind and head onto the quiet, well maintained roads that lead into the Peloponnese.

Wind up to the small village of Levidi to get well and truly off the beaten track. Head to Nafplio on the coast to indulge in ice cream and to rest by the waves on the beach.

Head further south to the rocky outcrop of Mystras, a Byzantine capital once mistaken for ancient Sparta.

From here, either slow down and stay in rural farms or head west to the vast new complex of Costa Navarino. This hotel has attracted art and cultural exhibitions from the world class Benaki Museum in Athens: beach by day and learn by night.

On your return to Athens, stop off at ancient Messini, a ruined ancient city, and Mycenae further north, even older than that.

Then it’s back to Athens, birthplace of democracy, and back to home after that.

This one is good as a 7-day Greece road trip.

• Gouves: Eumelia
• Costa Navarino: Costa Navarino Resort
• Levidi: Villa Vager Levidi

4. Mythical Greece and Corfu road trip

Athens – Kalambaka – Corfu Town – Litochoro – Thessaloniki – Athens

Take in Greece’s mythical highlights with some time to kick back on Corfu too.

By Violeta at Offbeat Greece

• Sunset from Lycabettus Hill in Athens
• The Meteora monasteries
• Tume to relax on Corfu
• Hiking Mount Olympus

Start by spending two nights in Athens to have at least one full day in the city. You’ll need half day to visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Archeological site of Lykeion and Hadrian’s Library. Before the nightfall, climb the Lycabettus Hill to watch a scenic sunset panorama of Athens.

Leave for Meteora as early in the morning as you can. The first stop is Arachova, a lovely mountain town only a few km away from Delphi.

Next, head over to Delphi and visit the archeological site. Have lunch in the area, then take the road to Kalambaka. If you take this road trip in the beginning of September, you’ll catch the sunset on the rocks of Meteora.

Spend the next half day visiting the Meteora monasteries . If you only sleep one night in Kalambaka, there’s time for two or three monasteries. 

Your next stop is Igoumenitsa, where you’ll take the ferry to Corfu. The two nights in Corfu Town will allow you to check out some beaches and the Pantokrator mountain. Take a driving tour of the island to get a gist of it.

The next stop after you get off the ferry in Igoumenitsa is Litochoro, on Mount Olympus, where you’ll check in and have dinner in town.

The next morning is for hiking Mount Olympus. If you don’t want to spend a second night in Litochoro, you’ll only have three to four hours for this hike.

Next, you’ll get to Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Visit the White Tower and the waterfront promenade and taste some local sweets. Take the road to Athens and make sure you don’t miss Thermopylae, the place of the famous battle.

If you can spare a couple more days, spend them in Athens to visit Cape Sounion and Piraeus among other things.

This is a great northern Greece road trip.

• Athens: Apartment at foot of Acropolis
• Kalambaka: City centre apartment
• Corfu Town: House in centre of town
• Litochoro: Boutique Olympia
• Thessaloniki: Luxury apartment

5. Athens to Thessaloniki road trip

Athens – Corinth – Athens – Delphi – Meteora – Vergina – Platamona Beach – Thessaloniki – Athens

Greece has an amazing history, and this road trip highlights some of the best of it.

By Corinne at Reflections En Route

• The ruins of ancient Corinth
• Delphi when the tour buses have gone home
• Hilltop monasteries of Meteora
• Small world heritage site of Vergina
• Platamona Beach

Any time is great

The road trip begins and ends in Athens, heading to Thessaloniki , then back. The goal is to hit as many world heritage spots as possible.

As a trial run, take a quick day tour to Corinth and see the world famous Corinth canal. Then visit the ruins of Ancient Corinth and its fantastic museum. 

Feeling comfortable on the road, head north to Delphi where the mystical oracle used to predict the rise and fall of empires. The town is small and quiet, and after the tour buses leave the ruins, it’s great to wander the streets. 

Next up is the world famous hilltop monasteries of Meteora. The landscape is stunning with its imposing rock towers. After touring and climbing around the sights, try out the food at the Taverna Gardenia.

After a few days of solid sight-seeing, take in the very small world heritage site of Vergina where Alexander the Great’s father’s tumulus was discovered. Then spend the afternoon at the Platamona Beach before moving onto Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki is full of amazing tourist sites as well, especially the many Byzantine churches. Spend a couple of days relaxing in Greece’s second largest city, then head back to Athens for a flight home.

This is one of the best road trips from Athens.

• Athens: Electra Metropolis
• Delphi: Fedriades Delphi Hotel
• Meteora: Kastelia Hotel
• Thessaloniki: Orestias Kastorias

6. Athens to Patras road trip

Athens – Megara – Corinth – Aigio – Patras

See incredible places on the mainland of Greece when you drive from Athens to Patras.

By Dymphe at Dymabroad

• Visit the Acropolis in Athens
• Learn about history in the Archaeological Museum of Megara
• See the Corinth Canal in Corinth
• Go to the beach in Aigio
• Admire the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Patras

May, June or September

The first day of the road trip starts in one of the most gorgeous places in Greece – Athens – where you’ll find many ancient remains. One of the best things you can do in Athens is visiting the Acropolis, which is an old citadel. Besides that, there are many other historic sights you should definitely see, such as the Temple of the Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora.

From Athens, the next stop is Megara. This place is packed with history and there are lots of monuments. Get your fix of ancient history at the Archaeological Museum of Megara.

The last stop for the first day is Corinth. Corinth is another ancient city, known for the Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. This split of land is incredible to see.

On the second day, Aigio is the first stop. This is a very small Greek town that is great to see. There are many great beaches here, such as Paralia Egiou, which are wonderfully relaxing.

At the end of the second day, you arrive at Patras. Patras is one of the largest cities in Greece, with plenty to see and do here. There are beautiful buildings, such as the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, plus lots of wonderful viewpoints, great places for dinner, and remains from ancient times.

• Corinth: Marinos Rooms

7. Paros Island road trip

Parikia – Aliki – Drios – Lefkes – Naoussa

A road trip in Paros is an ideal way to discover some of the best beaches and towns around the Greek island.

By Paulina at Paulina on the Road

• Capital of Paros
• Sundried octopus in Aliki
• Golden Beach in Drios
• Mountain Village Lefkes
• The cobbled streets of Naoussa

Paros is located in the heart of Greek Cyclades and is often ignored by tourists because of the popular neighbouring islands of Mykonos and Santorini. But this quiet island has plenty of charm and is perfect for a road trip, filled with quality beaches, traditional villages, sumptuous Greek food and breath-taking sunsets.

The island is tiny (it’s only 11km from Parikia to Naoussa) so you can do the road trip in a day with stops in Parikia, Aliki, Drios, Lefkes and Naoussa.

You can start in the port town of Parikia. The road will take you to the beautiful beach of Santa Maria.

After this, drive along the coast stopping the ride at various beaches like Ambelas, Molos, and more.

The last stop before Naoussa will be Lefkes, where you’ll see the last of the afternoon and can watch the sunset with a drink in hand.

It is a great destination for family vacations, solo trips and even honeymoons with a great pick of places to stay on Paros .

• Parikia: The Eri Hotel 

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Mainland Greece itinerary – Ultimate 7 to 10 day Road Trip

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Trying to work out the best mainland Greece itinerary?

This 7 to 10 day Greece mainland itinerary is all about jaw dropping scenery and sublime coastal destinations. You’ll witness the majestic monasteries at Meteora and stay at the Ionian seaside resort of Parga. Plus you’ll see some of Greece’s most iconic beaches and blue caves.

This Greece road trip itinerary is also perfect for those looking for a cheap Greece itinerary.

I’ll also give you some seriously handy Greece travel tips to help things run as smooth as possible.

Mainland Greece Road Trip – drive details

• Distance covered: 1250 km approx
• Drive hours 16.5 hours
• Estimated fuel cost: $210 EUROS
• Road tolls: numerous ( varied costs anywhere from 1.5 Euro to 9 Euros)

At around 2 euros per litre, fuel was not our cheapest cost, so getting a fuel efficient rental car at a decent price sure helped keep costs down.

Discover Cars – Athens Airport

Road tolls are inevitable unless you stay off the main roads and that would be a big mistake. The freeways are your lifeline to getting from point A to B in the quickest time possible. Where you go in-between is up to you, but stick to the freeways for a hassle free road trip.

Tip : throw all your loose change in the console to use on tolls as you go.

7 to 10 day Greece itinerary

Wondering what a 7 to 10 day road trip in Greece looks like?

Day 1 & 2

Day 3 & 4

Day 5 & 6

Day 7 & 8

ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND

Day 9 & 10

One week in Greece itinerary option

For those short on time and wanting only to do the 7 day Greece itinerary, my recommendation is 1 night in Meteora, Lefkada and Athens. This brings your Greece road trip back to 7 days.

Why you should do a Greece Road Trip and skip the island hopping.

This Greece itinerary will give you the best of both worlds. Being able to travel by car in Greece and also see some of the islands as you go.

As a travel agent, I get to plan epic trips every day for people, and Greece is definitely a bucket list destination for many. But not everyone wants to island hop the usual places.

This epic road trip around Greece also included 3 island stops. These includes Paxos & Antipaxos as part of a day tour and also Zakynthos Island for 2 nights via the car ferry.

Some of the advantages of doing a road trip include:

1. Having the flexibility to go where you want

2. Not having to wait for delayed buses and lose precious time

3. Avoid crowds if needed and go somewhere quieter

4. Find those hidden gems and gorgeous road side stops

5. Explore at your own pace

6. See so much more

Are you doing Greece on a budget?

This incredible Greece itinerary was not without it careful budget planning.

We had included a bucket list 2 week trip to Egypt seeing all the best Egypt experiences . The flight is only 1.40 hrs from Cairo to Athens.

Its understandable you don’t want to miss any of the best things to do. So saving enough money to fully enjoy your time here is important right!

I recommend reading my How to save money for travel.

Also, you might like A cheats guide to saving money while traveling.

Day 1 & 2 Greece Road Trip – Meteora

Out first place to visit is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. It is one of the most visited attractions on mainland Greece and is simply mind blowing.

On arrival into Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) you’ll pick up your rental car and head north toward Meteora.

Or, if like us you get in late, stay a night close to the airport. This way you’ll start your road trip in Greece the following morning without having to beat any jet lag.

Drive time: 4.10 hours / 375 km

Car rentals: Discover Cars

Car rental in Greece is pretty cheap when you look in the right places. Discover Cars gives you an overview of all the well known and local car rentals places. So we ended up with a mid size sedan for 168 Euros for the 10 days.

Accommodation: San Giorgio Villa

Located in Kalabaka at the base on Meteora in a quiet and charming location, the property offered a gorgeous view and quaint neighborhood to explore. The little local tavern was the perfect place to down a cold beer and mere steps from our hotel.

For all Meteora accommodation check out Booking.com for the best deals.

Meteora Monesteries

Picture centuries old Monesteries perched high into the sky amid towering rock pillars.

Each monastery is generally closed one day of the week (summer season) but not all the same day. For winter visits, check the opening times to plan your day ahead of time.

There are 6 incredible holy places to see. These include:

• St Stephen’s Nunnery – 9 am to 1.30 pm & 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm / closed Monday
• Great Meteoron Monastery – 9 am to 3 pm / closed Tuesday
• Raussanou Monastery – 9 am to 4.30 pm / closed Wednesday
• Holy Trinity Monastery -10 am to 4 pm / closed Thursday
• Varlaam Monastery – 9 am to 4 pm / closed Friday
• Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery – 9 am to 5 pm / open every day

Looking out across the landscape, it is hard to imagine how you actually access some of the monasteries, as they appear to rise up out of nowhere. But the walkways and ascending stair cases carved into the rock face will lead you to a magical and spiritual place.

I suggest doing as many monasteries as time allows. We ended up visiting four and spent the remainder of our time wandering the village and main township, eating moussaka and drinking more cold beers.

Also, I can’t compare all monasteries as I didn’t do every one, but my favourites were Holy Trinity (steep but incredible scenery) and Varlaam.

If you are only here for 1 night I suggest leaving Athens as early as possible and doing 2 to 3 monasteries that afternoon after you arrive.

Tips for visiting Meteora

• take cash to pay your entry costs -3 Euro each
• no skirts or dresses above the knees, no shorts and no sleeveless tops allowed.
• be prepared for some steep staircases / take good walking shoes
• check the photography requirements / look for signage. At most places you can’t take photos inside. The outer grounds are fine.
• car parking is limited during the summer season. Consider a tour or be patient if driving.
• take water and snacks

Rather do a guided tour: Meteora Half Day Small Group Tour – Viator (from 43 Euro)

Day 3 & 4 Greece Road Trip – Parga

Parga is a picturesque town nestled on a stunning azure bay along the northwest coast of Greece. It is also the gate way to some of the islands including Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu.

As soon as I read about how much the locals love Parga, I knew we had to go. Located on the Ionian Sea, Parga is ridiculously pretty and a must for your 10 day Greece itinerary.

Drive time: 2.34 hours / 186 km

We headed off early to make our way to Parga via a dramatic and windy mountain range. Make sure you have a full tank of fuel as stops were limited along the way.

Accommodation: My Suite Boutique Hotel

We couldn’t have got it any more perfect. Situated above the township, this ultra modern hotel offered a gorgeous view of the ocean which we took full advantage of during the late afternoon. The rooms were stylish and the bedding very luxurious. Yet the pricing was very reasonable for those who like to travel on a budget. Sumptuous buffet breakfast was included in our stay.

We ventured out for dinner to the most beautiful outdoor setting. It was here I had the best lamb kleftiko of my life, and away from the crowds of the town. In fact we appeared to be the only tourists which only made our experience even more enjoyable.

For all Parga accommodation check out Booking.com for the best deals.

Parga – by the water

Our arrival just before midday gave us time to explore the town for the remainder of the day and get settled into our accommodation.

Famous for its incredible beauty of several fantastic beaches, I recommend exploring along the waterside.

Head down to the boat ramp along the Parga promenade. You’ll find an array of cute stores and cafes to explore. Grab an gelato and sit by the water, enjoying the cool ocean breeze.

For some beach time, head to the southern and northern sides of town. Each offers a day of relaxation and water filled fun.

Town beach is easy to reach but will be quite packed for this reason. Alternately, drive a short distance out of town toward Lichnos for plenty of beach space to enjoy.

Day trip to Blue Lagoon, Paxos & Antipaxos

I booked this trip well ahead of time as it sells out quite quickly.

Book via Get Your Guide – Paxos & Antipaxos with Blue Caves

We got a wonderful shot of Parga as we sailed out of the bay. The boat had plenty of room to sit and relax and a wonderful atmosphere of cool sailing vibes.

We cruised for around 45 minutes in beautiful conditions. The boat was definitely the best sailing vessel on the water from what I saw.

Voutoumi Beach – Anti Paxos

Our first stop was Voutoumi Beach , an incredibly beautiful location. The boat pulled up just offshore and off loaded the ladders. Our swim or snorkel around the shoreline was simply incredible with the bluest of water and a lovely temperature. We had a good 30 minutes here before setting off again.

Our next stop was the Blue Cave off Paxos Island.

Another gorgeous location, we swam the short distance from the boat into the caves. I happily floated in the deeper water wanting to stay out as long as possible.

Once we were back on board the captain carefully maneuvered the boat in under the cave system for a closer look.

The cruise continued along the coastline taking in the amazing protruding rock formations jutting out of the ocean.

Paxos Island

Around midday we landed on the island of Paxos. It was a great chance to spend a good 2 hours shopping, having lunch and sitting back with a drink in hand taking in the views.

I absolutely loved the generous amount of free time we had to explore on out own.

From here we sailed back to Parga, enjoying the cool coastal sea breeze as we went.

I highly recommend this tour but be sure to book in advance to avoid it selling out.

I booked this tour via Get Your Guide. It is a whole day (8 hours) for around 35 Euros. See more below.

Paxos and Antipaxos Cruise with Blue Caves.

Tips for visiting Parga

• Fuel up before heading off as fuel stops from Meteora to Parga were non existent for much of the drive.
• Book your boat tour in advance and avoid any disappointment
• stay out of the hustle and bustle and visit the quieter spots for an authentic stay
• pack your swim wear
• don’t sweat it trying to find a park in town, just pay at an all day car park

Day 5 & 6 Greece Road Trip – Lefkada

My original trip to Greece did not include Lefkada. But once I saw that it was home to Greece’s famous beach Porta Katsiki, it became all too apparent I had to extend our itinerary.

Drive time: 1.13 hrs / 85 km (circling the island was an additional 2.30 hrs / 86 km)

Lefkada is an island easily accessible via a long causeway. Once on the island we turned right and began an epic trip along the coast. We would be circling the island over the next 2 days taking in some of the best scenery of our entire trip.

Accommodation: Vergina Star

The hotel we stayed provided a sea view at an affordable price. While the room was nothing special, it was clean and comfortable. We also had free breakfast provided, a good bonus.

Also, the area was close enough to make a quick departure to our next stop the following day.

For all accommodation in the area go to Lefkada hotels on Booking.com.

Coastal lookouts

The entire island is scenic with several road side viewing stops. You’ll be high above the coast for a lot of the drive around the island which makes it extremely attractive. Each stop provided yet another jaw dropping scene worth several photos.

The roads on the western side of the island are windy, so take it easy as you go. There are several parts that get pretty tight too, just another reason to slow down.

Porto Katsiki

I don’t think I have ever seen a beach as dramatic as Porto Katsiki. I’m seriously taken aback by its beauty.

The moon shaped beach on the edge of a tremendously high cliff line is as stunning as the pictures I have seen online.

It’s a few minutes walk from the carpark via a staircase down to the sand. I’m immediately in the water. There is virtually no shade so going for a swim is a must.

If you want to stop somewhere to eat then Cafe Panorama is a great spot only a few minutes drive from the beach.

As you make your way around the island, you’ll spot the little town of Vasiliki on the western side well before you reach it. The coastal drive is quite stunning with vast blue ocean on the horizon.

Part of the southern coast of Lefkada, Vasiliki is a lovely short stop for dinner, especially beach side at one the many open air restaurants.

After a feast of prawns we walked the beach where hundreds of sailing boats were situated. The town is particularly popular for sailing and today it’s perfect conditions.

Want to explore the area on the water?

Why not join the most popular boat tour during your visit.

Explore Ionian Sea with 50 shades of blue on Makedonia Palace – though Viator from 45 Euro.

Tips for Visiting Lefkada

• expect drive times to take longer due to the windiness of the roads
• head in a counter clock wise direction where you will be descending more than you are ascending.
• leave time to explore the villages along the way and beach side stops
• during the high summer season there is a beach side cafe at Porto Katsiki beach.
• roads along the west coast can get rather narrow so slow down to let others pass

Day 7 & 8 Greece Road Trip – Zakynthos Island

The island of Zakynthos is home to another one of Greece’s most famous attractions, Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach). But it can only be reached via boat. So of course, that’s where we are headed because it is simply unmissable.

As we leave Lefkada behind with wonderful memories, it is time to board our ferry from Killini Port for the short 1.15 minute cruise to Zakynthos Island.

Yes we are taking the car!

The bonus of taking our car to Zakynthos is such an advantage. It means we can stay out of the main town of Zante and find a nicer and more secluded spot to ourselves.

Getting the tickets was easy online and then collecting our passes at the port office. Make sure you pre book your car as the ferry only goes every 3 to 4 hours.

Drive time: 3.5 to 4 hours / 250 km

Because we stayed close to the northern tip of Lefkada we got off the island in good time. Arriving at the port of Killini we had an hour to spare before the ship departed. I boarded on foot and let my husband line up with the other cars. It was all a very easy process.

The ship is quite modern and a very comfortable ride. They have indoor and outdoor seating, plus food outlets and lots of space.

Once we got into port on Zakynthos our accommodation was around 30 minutes down the east coast.

Accommodation: Kavos Psarou Studios and Apartments

I loved my stay here. So wonderfully secluded next to the beach and olive trees, and a great central location for exploring.

The boutique hotel features beach side villas as well as small apartments and lovely coastal breezes.

You’ll find quiet beach side taverns with areas of the beach all to yourselves.

For all accommodation, go to Booking.com

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) & Blue Caves

You might not know, but you must do a boat tour to Shipwreck Beach because it’s the only way to get there. The good news is, there are several tours going out to the island’s most famous attraction.

To book this tour with Viator: go to Zakynthos 3 hours trip to Shipwreck beach and Blue Cave . From 35 Euro per person.

But there is one advantage to having a car. You can make your own way to the port on the northern side of the island rather than taking a bus transfer. This will save you heaps of time as well as money. Plus, you’ll get to explore the island along the way.

The drive to the port is filled with epic scenery and we spot a wonderful hill top restaurant that will be a great lunch stop on the way back.

Shipwreck Beach

Finding our tour boat was super easy as it’s right on water side, and there are only a couple of tour operators here. We set off from Porto Vromi , taking us 20 minutes to reach Navagio Beach . We disembarked and had a whole hour to enjoy to ourselves.

The wreck here is that of MV Panagiotis , which ran aground back in 1980. Since then it has become a tourist hotspot, and while I would agree the beach is way too overcrowded it is still very exciting to see it. Plus, it is only one of three other stops we will be seeing today.

Update: due to rock falls caused by earth quakes there is no beach access for the 2023 season. You will still visit the area for photos.

Our next stop is the Blue Caves. We are not swimming here today because it’s a little choppy, but instead our small boat tour manages an impressive maneuver inside the cave.

A little further along the coast we find better conditions and can swim up to the beach from the boat.

Much of out trip is spent hugging the coast and we get to see some impressive cliffs and rock formations.

Our final stop is a gorgeous little cove that is well protected. This part of the coast is simply sublime with towering cliffs, protruding pillars rising form the ocean and secluded bays of the bluest water.

All in all this was the best value you could find in a tour that accesses some of the island most beautiful beaches and coves.

Navagio Beach scenic photo stop

If you have seen photos of Zakynthos, you have already seen this particular photo stop.

As you head back form the port, you’ll need to drive the short distance to the lookout as it is not on the same road back. It’s only a short detour so very much worth it.

It’s no wonder it is so Instagram worthy, just look at it.

Luganas Beach

OK, let’s talk about Luganas Beach because it is one of the islands most popular beaches.

On the southern side, Luganas is heavily trafficked. The beach is rows and rows of seating and everyone appears to be sitting on top of each other. This is certainly not my cup of tea, but may be yours. So seeing you have a car, take a look for yourself and see what you think.

Zanta Shopping

On port side in Zante town is the main shopping district with many streets to explore.

I recommend saving this for your pre-departure before you reboard the ferry. Apart from many wonderful boutique stores for dreamy Mediterranean resort clothing, you’ll also find jewelry, souvenirs and much more.

Be sure to check out Odos Alexandras , just tow blocks back from the harbor for jewelry, leather goods, clothing and much more.

Tips for visiting Zakynthos

• Stay out of the main towns unless you like plenty of nightlife
• Book a boat cruise from Porto Vromi rather than from the port of Zante. This way you’ll be able to explore more on your own plus save time and money.
• book your boat tour in advance for guaranteed availability
• Visit the lesser frequented taverns and seaside establishments where the atmosphere is chilled out vibes.

Day 9 & 10 Greece Road Trip – Athens

Athens here we come!

Our final two days will be discovering the historic landmarks of Greece’s capital, Athens.

You can depart the island on either a morning of afternoon ferry that you have pre booked.

The drive from Killini Port to Athens is not too far and the freeway into the city is as direct as you can get.

Drive time: 3.10 hrs / 287 km

We’re dropping the car off rather than driving around the city of Athens. It’s heavily congested and I’ve heard nightmare stories of trying to drive everywhere. Instead we’ll use the hop on hop off bus to get around. If you are not confident with crazy traffic conditions, leave the car behind.

Accommodation: Central Hotel

I can not recommend enough Central Hotel in Athens. The rooms were very nice, but it is the roof top bar and restaurant overlooking the Acropolis that gets the “wow” factor. You must go there during the day and even more so at night for astonishing views.

Located in the old park of Plaka Athens, the area has great shopping, it’s close to the bus stop and it’s a clean and safe neighborhood.

See all hotels in Athens on Booking.com

Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour

The hop on hop off bus is the only way to get around. Save yourself time by taking the bus that takes you to all the top attractions . Buy a 24 or 72 hour pass.

There are 3 lines but the Athens line is the only one that goes all year. Piraeus & Beach/ Riviera Line only operate from May to October.

Highlights of the Athens Line :

• Acropolis & Panthenon
• Acropolis Museum
• National Museum
• Syntagma Square
• Temple of Zues
• Ancient Olympic Stadium
• National Gardens

You’ll see so much more with on board commentary via your personal audio headset. Tickets are cheap at around 20 Euros, so it’s good money spent.

Buy your tickets through Viator: Hop on Hop off Bus Athens

The Acropolis

Sitting high on a limestone hill in Athens, the Acropolis can be seen from various vantage points. It is truly a wonder that must be seen.

This religious site is centuries old and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

There is an entry fee into the grounds, and with an estimated 16,000 people per day passing through its gates, pre booking your ticket is a definite time saver.

Tips for visiting Athens

• ditch the car and take the hop on hop off bus
• stay in Plaka – Athens best area for tourists due to its shopping, cleanliness and safety. It’s also a great area to explore on foot.
• stay at a hotel which has a roof top bar for incredible views of the Acropolis at night- such as Central Hotel

Conclusion to 7 to 10 day Greece itinerary

Road trips are my absolute favorite and this mainland Greece itinerary certainly lived up to all the hype. With so much freedom and so many wonderful surprises along the way.

This 7 to 10 day Greece road trip is a great way to explore independently.

Don’t forget to book your accommodation because you’ll always get the best pre paid deals and availability that way.

I also think you don’t necessarily need to worry about cooking because the food here is quite cheap and so delicious.

Here is a run down of the hotels we used which were well priced and in great locations. They were away from the heavy traffic areas which I sometimes think are too touristy.

• Meteora: San Giorgio Villa
• Parga: My Suite Boutique Hotel
• Lefkada: Vergina Star
• Zakynthos: Kavos Psarou Studios and Apartments
• Athens: Central Hotel

Be sure to plan ahead and have a fabulous time.

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The Best 7 Day Greece Road Trip Itinerary for 2024

Considering a Greece Road Trip? Check out this 7 day mainland Greece road trip itinerary that is perfect for exploring the history and culture of mainland Greece. This trip is a great idea if you want more history, culture, or to explore a bit off the beaten in mainland Greece!

While many people skip mainland Greece and head straight to the Greek islands, we wanted to fully experience the culture and hidden gems that are in the mainland. This is the exact 7 day Greece road trip itinerary that we followed to explore some of the highlights of Greece’s mainland.

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✔️ Find and Book a Rental Car in Greece

7 Day Greece Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Pick up rental car from Athens Airport + Drive to Meteora

Day 2: Explore Meteora

Day 3: Drive to Delphi and visit the Archeological Site of Delphi

Day 4: Drive to the seaside town of Napflio via Napakatos

Day 5: Explore Napflio

Day 6: Drive back to Athens via Corinth

Day 7: Spend the Day in Athens

Day 1: Arrive in Athens and Drive to Meteora

Driving to Meteora:

This will be the longest drive of your 7 day Greece road trip, lasting around 4 hours.

The drive from Athens to Meteora is fairly easy as it passes mostly through the Thessalian plain, with a few hilly roads after the Lamia area.

Additionally, the roads are well-kept toll roads which allowed you to go 100-120 kph on average.

Tip: Plan to pick your rental car up from the Athens Airport (even if you spend a few days in Athens city center beforehand). I don’t recommend driving in Athens city center , as traffic can be very chaotic.

✔️ Find and Book a Rental Car in Athens

Where to Stop on the Drive to Meteora:

Around 2 hours in, stop at Thermopylae where you can see the Memorial to Leonidas and the 300 Spartans , as well as stop at the Historical Information Center (open 9am-5pm).

A stop here will only take you about 15 minutes-1 hour depending on your level of interest.

Things To Do in Meteora

Head up to Sunset Rock (known on Google Maps as Meteora Observation Deck) to catch an incredible sunset! For other photo spots, check out this guide on the best view points in Meteora .

After watching an amazing sunset in Meteora, head to town for some delicious Greek food. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the town of Kalabaka, but I recommend Meteoron Panorama .

Where To Stay in Meteora

For this 7 day road trip itinerary in Greece, you’ll stay 2 nights in the Meteora area.

You can choose between Kalabaka (larger town with shops + restaurants) or Kastraki (quaint + quiet village).

Both are nearby and so it really depends on if you prefer a quiet + serene visit or want to experience the local town.

Here are some of the best hotels in Meteora:

Hotel Doupiani House – Boutique hotel in the village of Kastraki with amazing views

Divani Meteora Hotel – Highly-rated hotel in the heart of Kalabaka, near shops, restaurants, and Meteora.

Day 2: Explore the Monasteries of Meteora

Day 2 of your 7 day Greece road trip itinerary is all about the exploring the monasteries.

Keep in mind, it takes much longer than you would expect to visit them, so make sure to get an early start in the morning.

You can either drive up to the monasteries and visit on your own, or opt to take a tour like this one .

The benefit of taking a tour is that the roads can be a bit steep and narrow, so it depends on how comfortable you are with driving.

Also having a guide will provide more information than visiting on your own.

✔️ Book a Guided Half-Day Tour of Meteora

Important Information for Visiting the Meteora Monasteries

• Each monastery has different opening hours + each 1 is closed on 1 day per week. Check the opening times here and have a plan!
• Bring Euros! The monasteries have a small entrance fee of a few euros at each one + so it is essential to bring cash (not card).
• Dress code. There is a STRICT dress code. Women are required to wear dresses or skirts that cover the knees + also must cover their shoulders. I brought my own tie on skirt and tied it on before entering each monastery. If you do not have a skirt, they will require you to borrow a tie on skirt. Men should also wear long pants.
• Bring water! The monasteries have a lot of stairs required and it is essential to stay hydrated.
• Food. We only saw 1 food stand selling hot dogs, etc. I would recommend bringing some snacks or packing a lunch just in case.

Day 3: Drive to Delphi + Explore the Ancient Site of Delphi

Day 3 of your 7 day mainland Greece road trip is all about exploring Ancient Delphi!

Delphi is one of the most important historical sites in all of Greece, and was home to the famous Oracle of Delphi . Delphi is a must visit spot on any Greece road trip.

Driving to Delphi:

The drive from Meteora to Delphi takes about 3 hours. You’ll want to plan to leave in the morning + driving straight there to make the most of your time in Delphi.

Delphi is located in the mountains and does include some curvy roads (only for around an hour or so). The roads are paved and in good condition, but if you aren’t used to mountain driving or are scared of heights it may be a bit nerve-wracking at certain points.

If you are a confident driver or have experience driving in the mountains, this drive shouldn’t be a problem for you. However, it isn’t recommended to drive this route in icy or snowy winter weather.

Additionally, coming from Meteora (north of Delphi) may have less traffic compared to coming straight from Athens (south of Delphi).

Things to Do in Delphi

Visit the Archeological Site and Museum of Delphi

The archeological site and museum is the highlight of Delphi.

At the archeological site, you can visit the famous ruins of ancient Greece. This includes the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, an ancient theater, the Tholos of Athena Pronaia, and more.

The Delphi Museum is located adjacent to the archeological site, and holds artifacts and monuments that were originally in Delphi.

It typically take 3-4 hours to do the site + museum, and you can check the opening hours here . Tickets can be bought on arrival for 12 euros.

Watch the sunset from Delphi Town

After checking into your hotel in Delphi, head to a family-owned restaurant called the Telescope Bar for some drinks + views! They also have a telescope and the sunset is amazing from their balcony.

Looking for more information on Delphi? Check out the post on Visiting Delphi .

Where to Stay in Delphi

On this 7 day road trip itinerary, you’ll stay 1 night in Delphi.

Delphi town is a small town, with great views over the impending valley. There are a few local hotels that are great for a one night stay, such as Nidimos Hotel . There is street parking available and the town is small enough that it is easily walkable.

✔️ Book your Stay in Delphi

Day 4: Drive to Nafplio via Nafpaktos

Day 4 is a day of adventure. You’ll drive out of the mountains, along the coast and into the Peloponnese peninsula. The final destination will be Nafplio, a gorgeous seaside town with a venetian fortress!

Driving to Nafplio

There are 2 different routes you can take to Nafplio. The slightly longer route through Nafpaktos is a beautiful, yet easy coastal drive and is recommended! If needed, set your GPS to Nafpaktos to make sure it takes you along this great route.

The drive to Nafpaktos will take you out of the mountains and along the coast. There is plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. It is also easier driving as you come out of the mountains.

After Nafpaktos, you will cross the impressive Rion-Antirion Bridge and begin driving in the Peloponnese peninsula. The road here is a highway and so it is easy driving, yet still along the beautiful coastline.

Where to Stop on the Drive to Nafplio

Below are the best places to stop on the drive:

Around an hour and a half into the drive, you’ll reach the seaside town of Nafpaktos. This is a great spot to stop for lunch. Interesting spots to see include the Old Harbor and the Venetian fortress that is perched atop the city.

To get to the Venetian fortress, you can walk or drive up. The drive is only a few minutes but is quite narrow, however there are is parking at the top. There is also a lovely café on the way up to the fortress which makes for a perfect lunch spot.

Archaeological Site of Mycenae

A 2 hour drive southeast from Nafpaktos is the Archeological site of Mycenae. This stop is also conveniently only 25 minutes away from the final destination of this day, Nafplio. Plan for around 2 hours to fully explore this ancient site.

The Mycenaeans were an ancient civilization that pre-dated the Greek city states of Athens and Sparta. The Mycenaeans lived during the Bronze age and were said to be fierce warriors and intuitive builders.

This ancient civilization was also an inspiration for Homer when writing The Odyssey. Interestingly, there is little known about the decline of the ancient Mycenaeans.

One of the most famous sites at Mycenae is the Lion’s Gate, which was the entrance to the fortified city. This gate dates back to around 1250 BC, and the lionesses featured symbolize the power held by the Mycenaean kings.

What to Do When you Arrive in Napflio

After a long day of driving + sightseeing, take some time to relax! Take a stroll through the Venetian style city and enjoy some delicious Greek food! At sunset, head to the harbor, where there are plenty of taverns with outdoor seating. This is a perfect spot to watch the sunset !

Where to Stay in Napflio

On this 7 day Greek road trip itinerary, you’ll spend 2 nights in the city of Napflio.

The best place to stay in Nafplio is in the heart of the town, near the harbor. There are several restaurants, shops, and beautiful views over the bay in this area.

Parking can be a bit crowded, but there is typically street parking available and once you have parked, Nafplio is a very walkable city.

Here are a few of the best hotels in Nafplio:

Leto Nuevo Hotel – Elegant rooms with panoramic views over Nafplio

Omorfi Poli – Family-run, boutique hotel in old town

Castellano Hotel & Suites – Luxury option with private balconies and city views

Day 5: Explore Nafplio

Day 5 of your mainland road trip in Greece is for relaxing and exploring the beautiful city of Nafplio.

This city was captured and ran by the Venetians for years, which is why it has some Italian charm to it. There is a magnificent Venetian fortress overlooking the city with some fascinating views.

Fun Fact: Nafplio was actually the first capital city of the modern day country of Greece!

Things to Do in Nafplio

Visit the palamidi fortress.

Visiting this picturesque Venetian Fortress is one of the top things to do in Nafplio. You can choose to walk all the way up from the city, but it is around 1000 steps!

Another option is to drive to the top and explore the fortress from there. The fortress is decently large so you’ll still get some walking in as well as being able to see the amazing views from the top.

Wander the Streets of Nafplio

After checking out the fortress, come back to Nafplio’s old town for some lunch (and maybe gelato).

There are several shops, bars, and resturants which make this the perfect town to stroll around and enjoy a relaxing afternoon after several days of sightseeing.

Feeling more Adventurous? Drive to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a famous Greek archeological site located only a 30 minute drive from Nafplio. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is world renowned for it’s impressive acoustics. The acoustics here are so incredible that you can hear the sound of a pin drop from the stands!

Day 6: Drive Back to Athens via Corinth

On day 6 of your 7 day Greek road trip itinerary, you’ll head back to Athens, making a few stops along the way of course.

The drive from Nafplio to Athens airport will take you around 2 hours. Keep in mind, that there may be traffic, especially as you get closer to Athens. This is an easy drive consisting of mostly highway roads.

Where to Stop on the Drive to Athens

Below are the best places to stop on the drive back to Athens:

Ancient Corinth

Ancient Corinth is an extremely important historical site in Greece, and was a powerful Greek city state before 3000 BC. Later, it became an important site for Christianity as it was mentioned several times in the New Testament due to the Apostle Paul’s mission there.

The site of ancient Corinth includes ruins of the Hellenistic period, as well as castle ruins that can be visited by driving up a small mountain. The ruins can be visited in 1-2 hours depending on your level of interest. If you plan to drive up to the castle ruins, you’ll want to have a few hours as it is a large area.

Corinth Canal

Not too far from the site of ancient Corinth, you will find the Corinth Canal. This impressive canal was completed in 1893 and is what connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. You can view the canal via the main bridge, which offers an excellent view of this impressive sight.

Returning your Rental Car and Arriving in Athens

I recommend returning your car to the Athens airport on this day and taking a taxi into the city center of Athens.

There isn’t good parking in the city and traffic is crazy. If you decide to keep your car, another choice is to stay outside the city center.

Once you arrive in Athens, take the evening to wander around the Plaka neighborhood and try some delicious Greek food.

Where to Stay in Athens

For this itinerary, you’ll stay your last 2 nights in Athens. Below are some of the best hotels in Athens:

Budget Hostel:  Athens Hub Hostel

Mid-Range Hotel with Acropolis View:  Elia Ermou Athens Hotel

5 Star Luxury Hotel:  Hotel Grande Bretagne

Day 7: Explore Athens

On day 7, you’ll take the entire day to explore Athens and then fly out the next morning.

Athens is a city worth visiting and there are many things to do in the Greek capital. Technically, you could spend weeks in Athens but for this itinerary you’ll spend a day seeing some of the highlights.

Things to Do in Athens

Below are some of the highlights that you will want to visit in Athens.

• Visit the Athens Acropolis + see the Parthenon
• Explore the Ancient Agora + Roman Agora
• Spend time in the charming Plaka neighborhood

Why do a 7 day mainland Greece Road Trip?

Are you looking for more adventure in Greece than just going to the typical Santorini-Mykonos-Athens trip? Or maybe you are a history buff or culture lover that wants experience more than just the islands? Then this 7 day road trip through mainland Greece is perfect for you.

Renting a car and doing a mainland Greece road trip is a great way to experience more of mainland Greece. Mainland Greece has fewer tourists + is budget-friendly, yet just as beautiful as the islands.

One of the best things about the 7 day mainland Greece road trip itinerary is that it can also be combined with a few days in Athens and/or a flight to one of the islands if you are planning to spend 10-14 days total in Greece.

Insider Tip: On our road trip through Greece’s mainland we downloaded Audible and listened to stories of Greek Mythology while driving. It’s a unique experience to drive through Greece while listening to the Odyssey + other tales from Greek Mythology!

Summer is peak season and costs do increase, although exploring mainland Greece will be significantly cheaper than some of Greece’s popular islands in the summer. It is also important to know that it can be quite warm with average temps in the 80-90 F range.It is also possible to do a Greece road trip in the winter!

Unlike the islands, which close down almost completely in the winter months, mainland Greece has a year-round population so things are still open, but with cheaper prices and very few tourists. Keep in mind that it does snow in Greece, especially in mountainous areas such as Delphi.

Top Tips for Driving in Greece

• Make sure to have insurance coverage for your rental car
• Driving is on the right side of the road in Greece
• It is common for people to drive fast and aggressively, a common practice is to move over as much as possible to the shoulder to allow local drivers to pass you
• It is not recommended to drive in the city center of Athens. Pick your car up at the airport or outside the city.
• Greece has several highways which are toll roads. These roads are in good condition and well-kept. You will want to have some change or a credit card to pay for tolls.
• Make sure to have an international drivers license. If you are coming from the US, you can get this before your trip at your local AAA office for around $25.

Have a few more days after your 7 day mainland Greece road trip?

Why not return your rental car and fly to the beautiful island of Santorini for a few days! Flights to Santorini are short and it gives you a great way to experience the island side of Greece.

Another great option is to return your car at the airport and take a taxi to downtown Athens to explore the city for a few days.

Amber is the owner and author of Get Lost in Wanderlust, a blog that helps travelers plan incredible trips across Europe from bucket list cities to charming hidden gems. She has a Bachelor's Degree in History and Psychology, and enjoys learning more about the culture and historical significance of each place she visits. When she isn't exploring Europe, she loves reading, writing, and planning her next adventure.

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Road Trip in the Peloponnese – the Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary

Last Modified: February 7, 2024 //  by  Anda //   4 Comments

Want to spend 2 weeks in Greece but can’t decide on an itinerary? We’ve been through that, so I can understand your dilemma. Greece is a country like no other: it’s large, diverse, and visually stunning. A captivating mixture of serene islands, soaring mountains, bustling cities, and impressive archeological sites. There are so many places to visit, but having too many options can sometimes be overwhelming. After many deliberations, we decided that a road trip in the Peloponnese would be the best choice for itinerary. And here is why:

Table of Contents

Why Choose a Peloponnese Itinerary for Your 2 Weeks in Greece

Best time to visit the peloponnese, greece, visa requirements for greece, how to get from the mainland to the peloponnese, renting a car in greece, driving in greece, about this peloponnese road trip itinerary, days 1 to 3 itinerary – athens, day 4 itinerary – delphi, day 5 itinerary – akrocorinth & mycenae, day 6 peloponnese road trip – nafplio, day 7 peloponnese itinerary – argos & epidaurus, day 8 peloponnese road trip – kalamata & koroni, day 9 peloponnese road trip: messene & methoni, day 10 itinerary – mystras & sparta, day 11 itinerary – gythio & monemvasia, day 12 itinerary – tegea & mantinea, day 13 itinerary – astros & ano doliana, day 14 itinerary – return to athens.

Peloponnese is the heart of the ancient Hellenic culture, home to a myriad of important archaeological sites that tell the story of Ancient Greece. Over the millennia many powerful states and empires inhabited this land, from the Spartans and the Romans, to the Franks, Venetians and the Ottomans. All these people left their legacies in the temples, castles, and the cities that you see today. 

Where else can you walk in ancient agoras following the steps of great people like Socrates and Aristotle? Or stand on the rock from where the Apostle Paul first preached to the people of Athens about the one Creator God?

Where else but in the Peloponnese can you visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games? Or wander through the wilderness where the horned god Pan and his nymphs once danced? Wherever you go in this region of Greece you’ll have paths to explore and hidden treasures to discover.

But a road trip through the mainland and the Peloponnese is not only about discovering archeological sites, sunken cities , and Venetian castles. It is also about walking on blissful beaches, visiting quiet monasteries, tranquil seaside towns, and endless olive groves.

Unlike the Greek islands which constantly swarm with tourists, you’ll find plenty of space to breath in this part of the country. So if you are looking for the perfect Greece itinerary, you can’t go wrong with a road trip in the Peloponnese.

Useful Information for Planning a 2-Week Greece Itinerary

The best time to visit the Greece depends a lot of what you want to see and do while there. If you are planning a road trip in the Peloponnese, the best time to do it is in spring or fall. Greece is beautiful in October , April and May, when there is very little rain and the weather is not too hot.

In April and May, or in late September and October the weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures (60ºF – 75ºF) and very little rain. This is a great time for hiking or visiting the archeological sites. Besides, in late May and sometimes till early October you may be even able to swim.

Winters on the other hand are chilly and wet in Greece, therefore not a great time for planning a 2-week itinerary. From November through mid-March you’ll see more rainfall and even some snow up in the mountains, so places like Meteora will be very cold. This is not a great time to visit Greece, as many hotels may be closed for the season.

Summers can be brutal in Greece, with temperatures reaching 100°F/40°C. That’s especially true for the mainland and the Peloponnese, where the scorching temperatures and the severe drought often trigger devastating wildfires.

From mid June to mid September it’s almost impossible to walk outside during the day, or climb up the endless steps of the archeological sites. Summer may be a good time for the islands, but not for the Peloponnese.

Citizens of the European Union can travel to Greece with only a valid ID. No passport or customs formalities are required.

Citizens of the USA, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada only need a valid passport to enter Greece. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Citizens of some countries may need a visa to enter Greece, so to learn if you need one you should contact the Greek Embassy in your country.

The best way to travel to Greece is by plane. There are only 2 small airports in the Peloponnese (Patra and Kalamata) which run mainly in summer. So unless you are headed for the Greek islands, you’ll most likely land in Athens.

Athens Airport (ATH) is the largest and busiest international airport in Greece and is a hub for Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair, Volotea and Sky Express. The airport is located about 30 km (19 miles) east of the city of Athens and is very well connected to the city center.

To travel to the Peloponnese from Athens, you can take the train, the bus, or the ferry from Piraeus Port (which is close to Athens). However, the best way to visit the Peloponnese is by car.

Greece was meant for exploring, and not just by bus or by boat. Visiting Greece by car gives you not only more comfort, but also a lot of flexibility with your 2-week itinerary.

We rented a car at Athens airport upon arrival. Although we didn’t use it in Athens, renting it for the entire time proved cost effective since we didn’t have to pay for a cab to or from the airport.

It is also possible to rent the car in Athens, after you finish exploring the city. There are some car rental agencies in the city center, but their prices are higher than the ones at the airport. But no matter where you rent your car, just make sure you opt for a small and fuel-efficient one that is easy to drive and park on narrow roads.

If you are planning a 2-week road trip itinerary in the Peloponnese, you probably have a lot of questions about driving in Greece. How challenging is it? Are Greek drivers aggressive? How about unmarked roads, or highways signs written with Greek characters only?

Well, when compared to driving in Sicily touring the Peloponnese by car looks like Heaven! The main roads are well maintained, smooth and easy to navigate. Also, except for very few remote places, all roads are marked with Latin alphabet as well. Sometimes even in the tiniest villages!

There are also many toll roads in the Peloponnese, so we used them often as they are less crowded and more convenient. That being said, we also came across winding mountain roads and narrow streets, like in many parts of Europe.

As for the Greek drivers, they are fast but not aggressive. On the contrary, we found them to be very considerate to others. Whenever we reached someone from behind, they always moved over to the right side so that we can pass. 

Our 2 weeks itinerary took us on a loop of all the popular sights throughout the Peloponnese, starting and ending on Greece’s mainland, in Athens. Depending on how much time you have available, you can adjust this itinerary by extending or reducing the route.

Itinerary Summary:  Athens → Delphi → Corinth Canal → Akrocorinth → Mycenae → Nafplio → Argos → Epidaurus → Kalamata → Koroni → Gytheio → Mystras → Sparta → Monemvasia → Messene → Methoni → Arcadia → Mantinea → Tegea → Astros → Ano Doliana → Athens

We designed this 2-week Greece itinerary in such a way that you won’t have to move around unnecessarily. We chose 3-4 towns as a home base from where we took day trips. The sites we visited were within a 50 to 80 km radius (45 minutes – 1.5-hour drive).

Greece Mainland & Peloponnese road trip itinerary

Our 2 weeks road trip itinerary started in Greece’s mainland and continued in the Peloponnese. We spent the first 4 days in Athens, from where we also took a day trip to Delphi . That gave us 3 full days in Athens . This was enough time for visiting the archeological sites, the main museums, and get a glimpse of Athen’s most popular neighborhoods.

Important Sites to Visit in Athens

Despite being kind of a mixed bag, we enjoyed Athens a lot. There are a few important sites that you definitely shouldn’t miss if you visit the Greek capital. They include the Acropolis archeological site and Acropolis Museum, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Ancient Agora, the National Museum of Archeology and Lycabettus Hill.

There are of course many others to visit if you like history and archeology. Also don’t miss the picturesque neighborhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika, as well as the city’s two famous squares – Monastiraki and Syntagma.

Where to Stay in Athens

If you are a visitor to Athens you should aim to stay in one of the walkable neighborhoods like Syntagma, Monastiraki, Plaka, Psirri, or Koukaki. While you won’t be able to walk quite everywhere in Athens, staying close to the City Center will give you easy access to the Acropolis, Agoras, and many of the museums.

• Best 5-Star Hotel in Athens :    Hotel Grand Bretagne
• Best mid-range Hotel in Athens:  Herodion Hotel
• Best Budget Hotel in Athens:  Phaedra Hotel
• Our recommendation : Astor Hotel (clean, centrally located, views of the Acropolis from many rooms, rooftop terrace, reasonably priced)

Delphi was an important ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo. According to Greek mythology, Apollo killed the massive  snake  Python at Delphi. Following his victory, the Greeks erected a temple and an oracle on this site.

The oracle was very famous in Ancient Greece. Pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean would visit it to receive the prophecies of Apollo, delivered through the words of Pythia, the high-priestess of his temple.

Delphi is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in all of Greece, next only to the Acropolis of Athens! For this reason people make it a point to spend a couple of days here, or at least visit it as a day trip from Athens .

After 4 days on the mainland, our road trip itinerary continued across the Corinth Canal into the Peloponnese. We spent the fifth day visiting the Canal, and the archeological sites of Ancient Corinth and Mycenae.

The Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal, which was inaugurated in July, 1893, is an artificial canal cut through the isthmus of Corinth. The Canal links the Ionian Sea with the Aegean, effectively turning the Peloponnese peninsula into an island.

It’s astonishing to realize that this narrow waterway with rocky walls saves ships a nearly 400-mile journey around the tree leaf-shaped cape!

Ancient Corinth & Akrocorinth

The archeological site of Ancient Corinth is just within a short drive from the Canal. In ancient times, Corinth was one of the richest and most powerful cities in the Mediterranean.

The most striking monument you’ll see here is the Apollo Doric Temple, which dates back to around 500 BC. Looking at it you can only imagine how magnificent Corinth must have been in those times!

But the most interesting site to visit in Corinth is actually the Akrocorinth, which is only 10 minutes away from the Ancient Corinth. Here, standing high up on a rock, you’ll see the largest and most important fortification in Greece.

The archeological site of Mycenae holds a lot of history! During the Early Bronze Age this was home to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory – the Mycenaean civilization. According to legend Mycenae was the capital of  Agamemnon , the ancient Greek king who conquered the city of Troy. 

Not much has survived from the Mycenaean civilization though. The two structures still standing today are from the 14th century B.C. One is the Lions’ Gate , at the entrance of Mycenae’s citadel.

The other is the Tomb of Agamemnon – a beehive burial chamber built up of overhanging blocks of masonry. But despite the name, little is known of the persons who might have been buried in this tomb.

Nafplio is the most beautiful seaside town in Greece’s mainland, totally worth including in your 2 weeks itinerary. Nafplio has everything you could want in a coastal town: beautiful beaches, walkable streets, buzzing squares, a vibrant port, an offshore island fort and two hilltop castles. 

We spent 3 days here, which seemed very little considering how beautiful this town is. From Nafplio we took day trips to Argos and Epidaurus and spent a full day to visit the town’s attractions.

Nafplio is home to three important fortresses: the imposing Palamidi castle, the fortress of Acronafplia and Bourtzi Castle. There is also has a lovely seaside promenade worth seeing, very similar to Croatia’s famous Lungomare . This lovely costal alley carved in rock connects the town’s small port with the beach of Arvanitia.

Where to Stay in Nafplio

The Old Town is the most romantic part of town and one of the best places to stay in Nafplio. We also recommend the hotels in the port area, which are just a few steps away from the Old Town.

• Best hotel for those on a budget: Hotel Byron
• Near the Marina: Carpe Diem Boutique Hotel
• Best Old Town location: Aetoma Hotel
• Best luxury hotel: Nafplia Palace Hotel
• Our recommendation : Amphitryon Hotel (boutique hotel with stunning water views, excellent location, convenient parking and within a few steps from the port, the beach and the Old Town).

Argos claims to be the oldest city of Greece. There is indeed evidence of an old settlement in this area that dates back to the Neolithic (around 5000 BC). This town is just a short distance away from Nafplio (12 Km) and it’s really worth visiting.

The top attractions to visit in Argos include the Archeological Site of Fort Larissa, the Ancient Theatre of Argos, and the Byzantine Museum of Argolis.

Downtown Argos is also nice to stroll if you want to see the Statue of Hercules, near the old town hall. This is exact copy of the statue created by the ancient Greek sculptor Lysippos.

Another beautiful stop on our 2 weeks Greece itinerary was the ancient city of Epidaurus, famous for its perfect-acoustics theater. This UNESCO’s World Heritage Site is part of the  Sanctuary of Asclepius , the Ancient Greek god of medicine. 

But few visitors know that just a little beyond the renowned Theater there is an ancient sunken city . Although not a huge site, the underwater city of Epidaurus is fun and easy to explore. The ruins are very close to the shore and just 2 meters below the sea level.

If your trip through the Peloponnese takes place in summer, when the water is warm enough to swim or snorkel, you should make it a point to visit this site. 

From Nafplio, our road trip itinerary continued to Kalamata, another town that we used as a home base for our day excursions in the Peloponnese. We stayed here for 4 days and visited the towns of Koroni, Gytheio, Mesene, Methoni, Mystras, Sparta, and Monemvasia.

The town of Kalamata is mostly famous for being home to the best olive type in the world, the ‘ Kalamata Olives ‘. There is not a lot to see here, other than the port area, the old town, and the ruins of a small castle.

The Castle of Kalamata sits up on a hill overlooking the historic center. The structure that you see today was built by the Franks in the 13th century, on the ruins of a Byzantine fortress.

Within the castle walls there is a small chapel devoted to Virgin Mary which dates back to the 6th century A.D. Also, at the top of the hill there is a water reservoir which contains the ruins of an ancient temple. 

Where to Stay in Kalamata

There is a good range of accommodation in Kalamata. You can choose from small hotels and Airbnb apartments, to elegant hotels and resorts. As far as the best area, it depends on the purpose of your visit. The old town has better food choices, while the seafront is nicer and closer to the beaches.

We stayed at Grecotel Filoxenia , a mid-range hotel with a private beach. This hotel is also very close to the highway, which makes it easy to get in and out of town. That’s extremely convenient if you are using Kalamata as a home base for taking day trips in the Peloponnese.

Koroni is a small and unassuming beach town with a nice waterfront and sheltered harbor, full of colorful fishing boats. What made us add it to our itinerary was actually a picture of its hilltop citadel that we saw in a Greece Travel Magazine. And we did not regret visiting it.

This impressive fortification existed since the 7th century AD. But the structure of Koroni castle that you see today was erected much later by the Venetians (13th century). A series of wide, paved steps lined with white-washed houses lead to the main gate of the castle.

Inside the castle you’ll see the church and cemetery of Agios Haralambos and the interesting “old-calendar” monastery of Agios Ioannis. Next to the monastery are the ruins of Agia Sophia, a beautiful Byzantine church built in the 12 th  century over the remains of an ancient temple.

On the 9th day of our itinerary we drove to Messene and Methoni, two of the major sites in the Peloponnese.

Ancient Messene is often overlooked by tourists, although it’s one of the most impressive archeological sites in Greece. The only explanation is that probably not many people know about it, although the site is quite large and extremely well preserved.

Messene is set in a stunning location and includes a a great deal of structures. There is a small theater, several temples, a large stadium, the Sanctuary of Zeus Ithomatas, a basilica, the restored Saithid Mausoleum, a grave monument and several mosaics.

The sea-castle that dominates the small village of Methoni is still one of the most most beautiful castles in Greece. The castle – actually a fortified city – was built by the Venetians around 1209, on a rock that penetrates into the sea.

Access to the castle is by a stone bridge built over a moat. Inside the fortification are the ruins of the houses where the Venetian lords lived, paved streets, remnants of a Turkish bath, and a Byzantine church. While the majority of the site is in ruins, you can still get a sense of the once majestic structures. 

The highlight of the castle is undoubtedly the Bourtzi , an octagonal tower that you will arrive at after walking through the castle interior. Another interesting feature to look for are the carved winged lions, a symbol of the Venetians’ power.

Mystras (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is by far one of the most spectacular sites we visited in the Peloponnese. There is a reason why they named it ‘ The Wonder of Morea .”

Mystras was a major center during the late Byzantine empire and its remarkable architecture and religious artwork attest to its importance.

The site is really big, so you should try to arrive here early. Also be prepared for some serious hiking. In addition to the castle, there is a wonderful collection of churches in Mystras. Some are collapsed ruins, but others are intact and showing their age beautifully. There is also a functioning convent.

The nearby archeological site of Sparta is another important destination in Greece worth adding to your 2-week Peloponnese road trip itinerary. The kingdom of Sparta was famous for its military discipline, which gave it strong advantage over other Greek city states.

Unfortunately, the site was already closed when we arrived. From all we could see from outside the gate, there is not much left of Sparta’s days of glory. Even so, if you are in the area I encourage you to visit Sparta.

Gytheio (or Gythio) is a pretty coastal town with a very authentic atmosphere, great tavernas and long sandy beaches. While Goth may not be a major site in the Peloponnese, we added it to our road trip itinerary for two reasons.

One was the tiny island of Cranae , which you can easily reach on foot by crossing a small pier at the southern part of town.

The island is closely associated with the Greek mythology. According to legend, Cranae was the place where Paris of Troy  brought Helen after abducting her from her husband, King Menelaus of Sparta. The two lovers spent their first night together on this island before departing for Troy, thus igniting the  Trojan War .

The second reason to visit Gythio is the Agios Dimitrios shipwreck , an imposing cargo ship from the 20th century that lies abandoned near Valtaki beach.

There are some stories that connect the ghost ship to some illicit trade and cigarettes contraband. But in reality, the cargo ship docked in an emergency in the port of Gythio as the captain fell ill.

Due to financial problems, the owners basically abandoned the freighter in the port, from where a storm swept it away. Eventually the abandoned ship washed up on the beach of Valtaki, where it has been since 1981.

Monemvasia was one of the most memorable places we visited during our 2 weeks in Greece, so I wish I planned more time for it on our itinerary. This is a breathtaking medieval castle-town surrounded by crystal-clear waters and unforgettable views.

The main attractions in Monemvasia are the medieval town inside the castle walls, and the crumbling ruins of the ancient Byzantine fortress perching on the very top of this huge iceberg-shaped rock. Monemvasia was once a very powerful city in Greece, and all these remnants are a proof of that.

In the lower section of Monemvasia the buildings are still intact and inhabited by locals. The narrow streets are paved with cobblestone and lined with souvenir shops and tiny eateries. There are a couple of nice churches to visit in this section.

To reach the upper part you’ll have to climb up many steeps stairs, some of which are literally hanging on the walls of the fortress. But the effort is well worth it.

In this part of town you’ll discover the beautiful church of Agia Sofia, as well as many old structures that have been abandoned but are still in good shape.

We spent the 12th day our our 2-week Greece itinerary visiting the beautiful region of Arcadia. Surrounded by mountain ranges, Arcadia is an idyllic haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike.

This part of the Peloponnese is home to many beautiful villages and small monasteries, like Kaltezon monastery in the village of Valtesi.

The monastery was the site where the Greek revolutionaries met before fighting the Ottomans at the Battle of Valtesi.

 If you are interested in ancient Greek history, archaeology and architecture, a visit to Tegea is worth the effort. Tucked into a quiet residential area, the Tegea archeological site includes the remains of the Sanctuary of Alea Athena.

We also stopped for a wine-tasting tour at Tselepos Winery , famous for their sparkling wine of light lemon-green color and delicate aromas of citrus flowers.

READ NEXT: Ithaca, Greece: the Island of Unspoiled Beaches and Myths

One of the places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Arcadia is the unusual Greek Orthodox Church of Agia Fotini , in Mantinea.

This is a very strange looking church, kind of a hodge-podge of styles. However, we found very interesting and unique, unlike any other Christian churches we’ve ever seen. There are beautiful pebble mosaics on the floor and red-brick walls and ceilings.

Right across from the church is the archeological site of Mantinea which is not very big, but it’s worth seeing if you are there already.

Tegea and Mantinea are only an hour away from Kalamata, you can easily visit them on a day trip. But if you decide to stay here overnight, a good place to stop is in Tripoli, the first capital of Greece and the current capital of the Peloponnese region. The area around Tripoli is so stunning that it has been nicknamed “The Switzerland of Greece.”

For dinner we recommend Villa Incognito , an awesome restaurant in Tripoli’s old town. You absolutely need to visit this restaurant if you appreciate fine dishes and awesome greek wine!

Astros is another beautiful beach town in the Peloponnese with friendly and hospitable locals, clean, calm waters and a nice Greek village atmosphere. Located just a 25-minute drive from Nafplio, Astros has a lovely harbor, several tavernas, a few shops and beautiful beach for sunbathing.

Up on the adjacent hill, you can hike to the ruins of Paralio Astros Castle from where you get beautiful views of the town below and the entire gulf.

It was pretty quiet in May when we were there, but would imagine gets pretty busy in high season. Would be a good base to stay and explore the area.

Another beautiful town to visit in this area is Leonidio , just 29km away from Astros. We didn’t include it in our itinerary for time reasons, but it’s also a nice seaside destination if you are close by.

Monastery of Loukou

Another interesting place we visited on this road trip was the historic Monastery of Loukou, one of the most picturesque in the Peloponnese.

The monastery is famous for its marvelous 16th century frescos, but also for its scenic location on a spot surrounded by woods and olive groves. Close to the monastery are also the remains of a Roman villa that belonged to the Roman senator Tiberius Claudius. 

Ano Doliana

One of the lesser know destinations in the Peloponnese is the lovely mountain village of Ano Doliana. The village, which was entirely built out of stone, sits at an altitude of 1000 meters (3280 feet.

In the old times, Ano Doliana was primarily inhabited by shepherds who pastored their herds around the open areas of the land. Nowadays only a handful of people reside in the village full time. Most of the residents come here only in summer and for the rest of the year move down in Kato Doliana, which enjoys a milder climate.

In 1821, during the Greek War of Independence, Ano Doliana was the scene of the Battle of Doliana. To this day, the villagers still celebrate every year the victory of the Greek revolutionaries against the Ottomans at the Battle of Doliana.

If you visit Ano Doliana don’t miss the small Historical and Ethnographical Museum which has a beautiful collection of artifacts. There are also a few nice nice churches in town, an ancient marble quarry, and a beautiful old school/turned hotel ( En Dolianis Hotel ), where we stayed for one night.

Our road trip in the Peloponnese ended in Athens, so on our 14th day we drove from Ano Doliana to the airport. The drive is only 2.5-3 hours long, but since this was the day of our departure we weren’t in the mood for more explorations. We planned a 2 week long and extensive itinerary that covered many wonderful sites in Greece’s mainland and the Peloponnese.

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

William Ingersoll

October 20, 2023 at 4:05 pm

Thanks for putting this together. Outstanding trip. You have me hooked. One question, was there a reason that you skipped Olympia?

October 21, 2023 at 10:14 am

We didn’t enough time to visit both Olympia and Mesene, so we chose Mesene because it’s a way more impressive archeological site. Olympia it’s mainly famous for being the site where the Olympic games started, but there not must left of it today.

June 13, 2023 at 9:23 pm

What an incredible trip! Thank you for this thoughtful and detailed itinerary. And your photos are stunning, Anda!

June 13, 2023 at 9:37 pm

Thank you, Priscilla. I appreciate your thoughts.

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An Overly Ambitious (but Doable) 6 Day Greece Road Trip Itinerary

Only have one week in Greece? Read on for the perfect Greek mainland road trip guide!

Wow that was a mouthful! Let me start by saying that we were ambitious (perhaps ridiculously so) when putting together and following this itinerary, so while it can be done, it involves driving for long stretches and covering a lot of ground. The upside is that you get to see key historical and archaeological spots around Mainland Greece in under a week! Would I do it again? Yes. But I’d probably add an extra day on either end of the itinerary.

I bet you’re wondering, “why 6 days? why not 7? why not 5?” Well, we did it this way because 1) we only had a few days to spare between 2 weddings that we were attending (apparently the summer of 2016 was the year to get married!) and 2) I was desperate to see as many of the top archaeological and historical sites as we could in the time we had. If you’re not pressed for time then you can easily turn this into a 7 day road trip in Greece itinerary by adding more time in each of the cities, and allowing for later starts during the day.

The key is to surviving this road trip in Greece is to have someone to split the drive with you, and make sure this person doesn’t mind you belting out Citizen Cope songs for hours on end. If you only have one week in Greece and want to see the major sights in Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Athens and Thermopylae on the Greek mainland, read on!

(If the map doesn’t load please click here instead )

The best time to visit Greece

The best time to visit Greece is in late spring or autumn when the crowds are less hectic. The crowds are at its worst during July and August – however, we were there in mid-July and while it was sweltering hot, it was still manageable (although it did feel like the entire population of Europe was at the Acropolis with us). There are also good ways to avoid the crowds – read my individual guides to Athens , Olympia , Meteora , Delphi and Santorini for more region-specific travel tips!

Essential tips for driving in Greece

• While we were able to drive on our road trip in Greece on our overseas licenses, you may need to show the police an International Driver’s Permit if you’re pulled over, so I would recommend getting one before your trip.
• Driving in Greece is really manageable – the highways are new and in great condition.
• Google Maps works very well in Greece and that’s what we ended up using. However, you’ll have to add 1 hour to the “estimated drive time” – it ALWAYS takes longer!
• Make sure you have some change for the many, many toll booths along Greece’s highways.
• There are plenty of pit stops and gas stations along the way (at least one every 45 minutes to an hour) and the bathrooms are very clean.
• Don’t be surprised if local drivers zoom past you – it doesn’t seem like anyone abides by speed limits (but you should!).
• Tailgating is also a big issue, don’t let it intimidate you – just stay in your lane and keep your eyes on the road.
• Drive on the right hand side of the road and overtake on the left.

Looking for the best prices for rental cars around the world? Click here to book your rental car ahead of your trip. Bookings can be cancelled or amended if your plans change!

Day 1 and 2: Athens

Once you arrive in Athens, hop on an express bus or metro and head to Syntagma Square. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, and is sometimes referred to as the cradle of Western civilization. The arts and philosophy thrived here, it is steeped in culture and ancient history, and its landscape is dominated by the stunning Acropolis.

Like most things in Greece, there is a tale behind how the city got its name and the myth goes something like this: the city was prosperous and beautiful, but did not have a patron god that it paid tribute to. Athena, goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, god of the sea, both contended for the title by offering a gift to the citizens; Athena gifted an olive tree and Poseidon offered a salt water spring. The citizens chose to accept the olive tree and so the city was named after Athena.

Spend 2 days strolling from ancient site to ancient site, and grab a sunset cocktail on one of Athens’ many wonderful rooftop bars. Don’t miss the National Archaeology Museum, the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus or Temple of Hephaestus. Click here for my Athens city guide!

Where to stay in Athens : A for Athens . It is the perfect base to explore all the historic and archaeological sites in the city, and the rooftop bar offers an incredible view of the Acropolis. Click here to check rates and availability A for Athens or click here to see other highly rated hotels in Athens! Looking for more options for highly-rated boutique hotels in Athens? I would also personally consider staying at Niche Hotel Athens (offers a range of rooms, not to mention the communal terrace bar with a view), Electra Metropolis (upscale Athens boutique hotel with a small rooftop pool and sun terrace) and Ergon House (a design hotel with stunning rooms and a rooftop bar with views of the Acropolis).

Day 3: Olympia

In the morning, check out of your hotel and pick up your pre-booked rental car in Athens (we went with Kosmos and it cost approximately €200 for 4 days). Olympia is a 3.5 hour drive away from Athens, and it is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Once you have checked into your hotel, grab a bite to eat and then head out for your day of sightseeing.

Olympia was once the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece and is home to the sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings erected around it, including the Temple of Hera, the gymnasium, the Philippeion, athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings and other lay buildings and monuments. It was also home to a 13-meter-tall statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is believed to have been destroyed in a fire.

There are a number of ruins and museums you can explore once you arrive: the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, the Archaeological Site itself, the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity and the Museum of the History of Excavations in Olympia. Olympia is an amazing, unmissable place to visit for history, mythology and sports aficionados! Click here for my guide to Olympia!

Where to stay in Olympia, Greece: Hotel Europa . The hotel is a quick 3-4 minute drive away from the archaeological site, has free parking, incredible staff and a beautiful pool. Click here to check rates and availability at Hotel Europa . Looking for more options for where to stay in Olympia? I would also consider staying at Olympion Asty Hotel . Reviewers love the pool with a view and the comfortable rooms. There is plenty of parking on-site for those who are self-driving. Click here to check rates and availability at Olympion Asty Hotel or click here to check rates at other highly rated hotels in Olympia!

Day 4: Drive from Olympia to Meteora

After a wonderful night’s sleep at Hotel Europa , get an early start and head to Meteora. It’s going to be a loooooooooong day of driving and you’re unlikely to want to do any sightseeing on this day given the arduous journey. It will take you anywhere from 6 to 8 hours depending on how many stops you make – it took us 7 hours door-to-door from Olympia to Meteora. Once you get to Meteora in the afternoon, settle into your room and grab an early dinner, then get a good night’s rest.

Where to stay in Meteora : Pyrgos Adrachti Hotel . The hotel is only 1 kilometer from the closest monastery should you wish to walk, or a 5 minute drive away from where the other monasteries are located. Click here to check rates and availability at Pyrgos Adrachti Hotel or click here to see other highly rated hotels in Meteora! Looking for more options for where to stay in Meteora? We would also seriously consider staying at The Storyteller (a stylish boutique hotel with modern rooms), 1951 Suites (a renovated traditional house offering rooms with a view) and Tsikeli Boutique Hotel (an adults-only hotel in Meteora with cozy and tastefully-decorated rooms).

Day 5: Explore Meteora

Once you have regained feeling in your butt and legs, spend the day hopping from monastery to monastery admiring the otherworldly landscape. Meteora is one of the best places to see in Greece and is located in the central region of the mainland.

Monks settled on these “columns of the sky” centuries ago, and “Meteora” became the name they gave to the monolithic columns that seemingly pierced the clouds and sky. The name, “Meteora”, roughly translates into “suspended in air”.

Meteora is home to 6 monasteries and nunneries precariously perched atop massive rock pillars. What’s truly amazing is that these 6 monasteries are still active sites of worship! Spend the day exploring the grounds of these monasteries – they feature spectacular churches, preserved frescoes, beautiful gardens and more. Click here for my guide to Meteora!

Day 6: Visit Thermopylae, Delphi and Athens

I told you this itinerary was insane, are you still with me? At this point I had to wonder if we were insane, but we survived (and absolutely loved) the trip so I promise you it’s worth it! Get going from Meteora bright and early and drive southbound for 2 hours towards your first stop of the day: Thermopylae . Doesn’t ring a bell? What about the Hot Gates? Still drawing a blank? How about Gerard Butler and the 300 Spartan warriors? Yes, I’m talking about 300: the movie. Thermopylae is where the narrow mountain pass once stood, and where the Greek forces fought against the Persian invasion. Being the massive nerds that we are, this was added to our itinerary fairly last minute.

Thermopylae is a 2.5 hour drive away from Meteora. There are 2 key sights here (we skipped the museum) – check out the statue of King Leonidas and the memorial site for the Spartans and Thespians. Although you only need to spend 20-30 minutes here, it was worth it to us because it is on the way to Delphi, but you could opt to skip it if you are short on time or would rather head straight onto Delphi.

Hop back in the car and drive for another 1.5 hours to get from Thermopylae to Delphi , the sanctuary of the most famous Oracle in all of Greece. It was also once considered by the Greeks to be the centre of the world! There are a number of sites and a museum located in Delphi: the Sanctuary of Athena, the Temple of Apollo, the Delphi Stadium, an ancient theatre and the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

Give yourself a few hours to explore Delphi properly. Click here for my guide to Delphi! Once you’ve picked your jaw up off the floor, hop back in the car and head back to Athens (a 2.5 hour drive). We arranged to drop the car off at Athens International Airport to catch our flight to Santorini, but you could also opt to stay in the city for another night to sleep off all the driving. Alternatively you could stay the night in Delphi if you are spending 1 week in Greece.

Where to stay in Delphi: Click here to check accommodation options and current rates in Delphi!

That’s it! You won’t believe how quickly 1 week in Greece goes. If you follow this Greece trip itinerary you’re guaranteed to hit most of the top archaeological sites scattered around the mainland, and obviously you can also do this road trip in reverse. If you have a few days to spare, you may also want to head to Mount Olympus for some breathtaking hikes. Have you been to Greece before? Am I missing any major sights? Let me know in the comments section below.

Embarking on a road trip in Greece? Book your rental car ahead of your trip – b ookings can be cancelled or amended if your plans change! Click here to book your rental car in Greece.

You might also enjoy:

• For more Greece travel inspiration check out this photo gallery to stoke your wanderlust
• Wandering what to see in Athens?  Here are 7 archaeological sites and museums not to miss
• Immerse yourself in the history and origins of the Olympic Games.  Read on for what to do in Olympia, Greece
• Once considered to be the centre of the world, the  ancient sanctuary of Delphi  is a great day trip from Athens
• These  hanging monasteries of Meteora  are suspended in the sky – you’ll have to see it to believe it
• Planning a trip to Santorini? Here are the  best things to do in Santorini and tips on where to stay

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44 Comments

I am renting a car in Greece in January and am finding this guide quite helpful! I might have some more specific questions while planning!

I’m glad that this guide has been helpful, Susanna!

Great pics. Good information.

Thanks for checking this out!

I think Now I will have to travel this place.

Greece is amazing – I hope you get to visit soon!

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Road Trip Greece Itinerary – Thessaloniki, Athens, Halkidiki & Greek gods!

Table of Contents

Road Trip Greece Itinerary – Thessaloniki, Athens, Halkidiki & Greek gods!

After my stay in beautiful Bulgaria , I felt it was time to relax on a white sandy beach, with a cocktail in my hand as I enjoy my view over the crystal blue shorelines. I drove through Serbia and Macedonia to eventually arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece .

During my Greek road trip adventure I visited the homes of some ancients Greek gods, did I relax on one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece, stayed the night at a real local family camping and did I escape a forest fire in Athens!

(Related: Road trip in Ukraine )

Road Map of Greece – My Route

On this road map of greece you can see my road trip route. I started in Thessaloniki and drove to Athens afterwards. Of course I did a few day-trips in between and eventuele drove back up North to cross the border into Albania.

Hiring a Car in Greece

Renting a car in Greece is not that difficult. You are in need of an EU or international driver’s license and you need to be 18 years old. All the international car rental companies are present at the airports. The routes are well maintained and traffic is overall calm with exception of the big cities. It is not recommended to visit Athens center with a car as it is notorious for its traffic jams.

Driving tips:

• Speed limits are 50 km/h on urban roads, 90 km/h on non-urban roads, and between 110-130 km/h on the highway
• Using a cellphone is only permitted with a hands-free kit.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.

Thessaloniki

When planning the trip I saw that the city of Thessaloniki would be the first city I would cross when passing the border. That it was right next to the ocean and just a small hour drive away from the famous Halkidiki beaches helped a lot. “Perfect!” I thought. “ I just need to find a good accommodation and I am ready for my relax time..”

Then reality said: “Yeah.. How about no?”

Once I arrived close to Thessaloniki I learned one thing really quickly: Do not underestimate the crazy traffic jam’s Greece has to offer!

The last 10 kilometers took me over 2 hours and the small (one directions) roads downtown were a challenge to say the least.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXldD3rAHCY/?taken-by=theroadtripguy

Thessaloniki parking

After searching for almost one hour for a parking spot, I came across an underground parking place right next to a small bakery. It happen to be an amazing place with a great owner. He asked me: “What is this Road Trip Guy? It is such a beautiful green car!”   “Where are you from?”

We started talking and I learned about Georgio owning a parking business in Thessaloniki that he inherited from his father. He told me:

“It is a great business, but I am really happy the tourists are slowly coming again. It has been a difficult few years due to the recession and I was not sure if the tourist would ever come again.That was really a scary time, but thankfully all is getting better now.”

He knew the owner of the hotel that I was staying at and offered me right away a 20% discount on my parking fee. I was pleased with his service and happy that I learned more about the hard times of the Greek recession from a parking lot owner. Totally unexpected, but exactly why I am doing this road trip. To meet new people and learn about their lives and cultures first hand.

Price = 12 Euro per day (including discount)

Thessaloniki parking location : 

Things to do in Thessaloniki

Although the city itself does not have the nicest beaches, the port town does offer a wide variety of activists during the night including great traditional greek restaurants and bars with live music. It was great, as this city avoided the mass “all inclusive” tourism and seemed to focus more on local tourism and tourists from surrounding countries Macedonia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.

Along the boulevard was a 5 km track that came across White Tower and was great location to get some of my morning runs in. I highly recommend visiting the White Tower for the amazing view over the marina and city, but all the eduction signs and text is in Greek. Right next to the boulevard you will find many drink cruises that offer you a 45-minute cruise fi you buy a few drinks at their bar. I highly recommend this as you basically get a free cruise for just 2 beers!

The Aristotelous Square is just 500 meter from the White Tower and is full of restaurants and delicious ice-cream shops. It does get really busy in the evening, but the atmosphere was very relaxed.

Visiting Halkidiki Beach: The most beautiful beach of Greece

Halkidiki is a region in northern Greece known for its jutting peninsulas, which features some of the most amazing sandy beaches and Mediterranean forest of Greece. Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula, is the most developed, offering modern resorts and nightclubs.

The region’s notable archaeological sites include Stageira, Aristotle’s birthplace, and Olynthus, known for its well-preserved mosaic floors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXnMtccgdUN/?taken-by=theroadtripguy

I set my sights on staying at Sithonia, which according to the reviews had the most stunning private beach and a good beach club for beverages and drinks. I arrived with Louie and the parking was free and a bed with umbrella was just € 5,-. There is no entry fee. The beaches are indeed beautiful and don’t forget to bring your dive mask and snorkel as you have miles and miles of beautiful crystal clear water with a nice variety of aquatic life and rocks.

If you are planning to purchase your own beach supplies, I recommend buying a quality beach umbrella and towel. It will make your day just chilling in a Greek paradise that much easier!

Greece Toll Road & Gates

Driving from Thessaloniki to Athens was frustrating. This is just an understatement as I stopped counting the amount of toll gates we had to pass. Keep in mind that none of these toll gates take cards so always have Euro’s with you in cash .

I most have encountered at least 12 gates and all with massive lines. But I guess that is the price you pay for traveling by car in the high season. I decided to make stop at a remote village to relax for the night. Little did I know I would end up in one of the best accommodations of the trip!

Camping Sikia – A hidden treasure of Greece

Camping Sikia is located in the Kato Gatzea municipality and is a run as a family company by two sisters. The camping is located right next to the sea and you have two private beaches where you can relax during your stay.

As the camping is located uphill you will have amazing views over the cliffs and stunning sunsets. Take your time in the family restaurant , next to lagune, and enjoy their local fish dishes and excellent grill. It was a good relax and since I only paid € 22,50- per night, it was also very affordable.

Visiting Athens. Home of the gods!

Finally, it was time to visit some amazing archeology! I started at the temple of the olympian Zeus. If you don’t know who Zeus is, he is the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion, who ruled as king of the gods of Mount Olympus. He is also the father of the demi-god Hercules after cheating on on Hera with a mortal woman. Such a naughty guy!

Price: € 6,50- Time: 1 hour

Visiting the Acropolis

This place was the most busy and also expensive. The price is € 20,- per person, but if you visit during the winter (1st of november till 1st of april) you get a 50% discount. Students and children pay just € 10,- . With this ticket you can visit the Citadel, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Dionysus Theatre and some other sights. It is worth it, but do not go in the middle of the day as the sun will be too much. Several people had to get extra help due to overheating.

There is a special package ticket which cost € 30,- , but that is only feasible if you wish to see all the sites. Also check before hand if they are doing any renovations as I did not check before and once I arrived on top I could not take any decent pictures without showing ugly construction materials.

To be honest, I would just pay for the tickets separately. Use the extra money that you save and go have a nice dinner in the city.. With a view of course!

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10 thoughts on “ Road Trip Greece Itinerary – Thessaloniki, Athens, Halkidiki & Greek gods! ”

Love your picture of Hadrian Gate at sunset. The tip about the Acropolis is also worth knowing and on this basis, I would aim to visit out of season when it will be quieter and cheaper. Thanks for the heads up

Haha oh no I hate arriving in a big city to find terrible traffic! That happened to us in Lucerne- we could see our hotel yet it took us an hour to get the last kilometre because of construction and rush hour.

I’ve visited a couple of areas in Greece but there’s so much to see and I think a road trip would be a great way to see more of it. What an amazing mix of history, nature and culture.

Loving the sounds of this road trip. I been to Greece before but never done anything outside the big cities. Now you given me a few ideas. Not sure that I wanna drive into Athens mind you. Traffic sounds pants.

This definitely makes me want to explore more of Greece. I’m living in Albania currently so there really is no excuses as it’s so close! Great post 🙂

Your road trip seems like quite the adventure! Thanks for the pointer about the toll roads, I probably wouldn’t think to take cash. I’m a little envious of your trip and can’t wait to visit Greece myself!

We are big-time road trip lovers and can very well imagine the frustration one gets after getting struck in the traffic. But doing this 25000 km road trip in Europe will be like a dreaming coming true. Hopefully, someday for sure.

This is what you call an epic road trip. Not only because of the distance covered but you are travelling through Greece. Must have been an incredible experience indeed. Greece for me is the stuff that dreams are made of. Athens is a place I would love to get to someday. Greek history, mythology, and the ancient Greek culture have always fascinated me. Loved reading your post.

We were so close to Greece this summer but could not work it into our plans. While I am not sure we would do a road trip there . I have seen and read enough about Halkidiki beach and Athens to make a beginning to plan. Your tips on cheapest time to visit is quite useful.

Oh I absolutely love Greece! Especially the beautiful water surrounding it… I would also love to stay at Sithonia–your photo is completely stunning! On our trip to Greece included Athens and Santorini. We never used a car so we didn’t have to deal with the traffic. We only used buses and subways — it was a pretty nice way to get around.

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A Greece itinerary for the ultimate summer holiday

The myths are true - Greece vacations are just magical! The blue Aegean Sea, whitewashed houses, delicious food and wine, and the smell of night-blooming Jasmine await.

I have been to Greece many times and absolutely love the country. After quite a few road trips I am sharing my favorite Greece itinerary with you. In addition, a 10-day Greece itinerary to see some of the best Greek islands.

In this article

How to get to Greece?

What is the best mode of transport for your greece itinerary, best time for your greece itinerary, average budget for a greece itinerary, greece itinerary 7 days - from central to east macedonia, greece itinerary 10 days - greek highlights tour.

At the moment the only direct flights from the US fly to Greece’s capital Athens. You will pay an average of $1090 for a roundtrip from NYC to Athens and $1192 for LAX to Athens (Data sourced through the KAYAK comparator search tool).

From Athens, you can either take a domestic flight or in some cases a car ferry to many other Greek destinations and islands.

If you are already in Europe, chances are you can get direct flights to Thessaloniki or Crete as well. However, the flight schedule will depend on the season and direct flights are usually only available in summer.

Regardless of where you are coming from, all U.S. citizens need to familiarize themselves with the new ETIAS requirements for travel to Europe.

Greece is best explored with your own rental car. Except for the big cities and some intercity bus connections, there is very little public transport in many places.

When heading to the Greek islands you can also use an extensive ferry network. Many of the ferries also allow cars so you won’t even have to get a new rental car. Some ferries run very frequently on any given day during the summer months, others only have once-a-day departures. Check when putting together your Greece trip itinerary so you can plan accordingly.

The good news when driving in Greece: Since 2021 a new legislation has allowed US drivers to use their domestic driver’s license in Greece if staying less than six months. Remember that Greece uses the metric system and familiarize yourself with traffic laws when driving in Europe.

Our data shows that summer months are the absolute best in Greece and from June to July temperatures soar up to 82 degrees (data sourced on weatherbase.com ). However, keep in mind that the increased popularity also means more tourists and steeper prices. Especially when the other European countries start their summer holidays things can get crowded.

A personal tip so you don’t have to repeat my mistakes: When going to Greece during the summer make sure to book a rental car for your road trip with AC!

Shoulder season is in late April and May as well as in autumn from September to early October. Afterward, Greece gets less busy and prices drop as well as temperatures. While great if you are on a budget, touristic infrastructure also becomes limited in places. This means fewer or no ferry connections, fewer open hotels, and reduced hours for sights and restaurants.

Are you ready to book your flights and start your Greece vacation? Before you click ‘book flight’ have a look at the prices I have put together for you. This will give you an idea of how much you need to budget for your Greece itinerary.

• Average price for a double room in Athens: $147 per night
• Average price of a bed in a hostel in Athens: $44 per night
• Average price of a rental car in Athens: $52 per day
• Price for a gallon of gas in Athens: $7.56*

*As of March 2024, source: numbeo.com

These are average prices based on data collected and can vary between different locations in Greece. For a 10 days in Greece itinerary covering up to 500 miles (ca. 17 gallons) with a rental car the total budget will be approximately $1060. These are the cost per person based on two people sharing a double hotel room and doesn’t include your international flights.

You will also need to add costs for domestic ferries or flights for some legs of these itineraries. Prices will vary by season, route, and how far in advance you book.

Your Greece itinerary for 7 days officially starts in Thessaloniki. Alas, if you are coming from the US you will need to fly into Athens first and then take a domestic flight. If you are already in Europe you can usually find direct flights to Thessaloniki.

Day 1 & 2: Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Athen’s much cooler little sister. While there is plenty of history to explore thanks to a 315 BC founding date, there is also a thriving young art scene. Plenty of students and some of the most innovative restaurants add to the atmosphere.

There are also some amazing beaches not far. If you want a proper beach holiday head to Halkidiki, the oceanside weekend destination for the city folk.

Hotel in Thessaloniki: The Modernist is a cool, little city hotel with the best breakfast

Beach promenade

Most visitors will start their Thessaloniki trip on the beach promenade. You will see locals go for a run, some even fish, and quite a few tourists as the promenade is home to two of Thessaloniki's most famous sights. First up is the historic White Tower, a building with a gruesome but interesting past. Next are the Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos, an incredibly cool artwork right by the water.

Museum of Photography & Port

Plenty of gritty interesting industrial space awaits at the Port of Thessaloniki. Just follow the promenade and you can’t miss it. It is also home to the Museum of Photography which hosts modern exhibitions.

Don’t forget your camera when you stroll around afterward, as the port is home to fascinating motifs for your own pictures. Later, the Kitchen Bar is a good place to chill, have a coffee or a sneaky glass of Greek wine.

Day 3 & 4: Kavala

Distance from Thessaloniki: 95 mi - less than 2 hours

Once you step into Kavala you feel like you are going back in time. The city’s past is turbulent thanks to Byzantines, Ottomans, and pirates. It is also home of Mohammed Ali who later became what is considered the founder of modern-day Egypt.

Kavala is also known as the center of tobacco production in Greece and is an all-around historic gem.

Hotel in Kavala: The Anthemion House, located in the old city close to all the sights

Leave your rental car at Mohamed Ali Square because Panagia, the old city of Kavala, is best explored by foot. Start by visiting the house, now a museum of Mohammed Ali as well as his beautiful Imaret. The old Islamic school is now a very stunning hotel.

After that you can make your way up cobblestoned roads to the castle. From the top of its tower, you have a panoramic view of Kavala.

Mud Bath of Krinides

For a special kind of wellness head to Krinides. Mud bathing is great for the skin and joints and has been done for ages in the area. First you will see a doctor who will advise on treatments before you enter a huge pond of mud. You basically float on the mud, a weird and wonderful feeling. If you want you can also book massages on the property.

Expert tip: Make sure to pack an old bathing suit or swim trunks as the mud is very hard to get out of fabrics.

Day 5 & 6: Thassos

Distance from Kavala: 30 mi - 2 hours including car ferry

Thassos is also known as the Emerald Island and an absolute stunner. And that says something considering how many beautiful islands Greece has to offer. Thassos is also known for its bright white marble which is world-famous and was even used to retile Mecca. There are quarries all around as well as dark green forests, beautiful beaches, and of course some crystal clear water.

Hotel in Thassos: Angelica Hotel, a seaside retreat right by the Harbor

Marble Beach

Marble Beach, also called Paralia Saliara, is made entirely of marble sand and rocks. The sand is almost too bright here and feels like powdered sugar. A good pair of sunglasses is a must!

Getting there is no easy task as you are driving on steep white sandy roads and your rental car will need a wash afterward. But it is worth it because the bay has a fun beach club and is just oh-so-beautiful.

Island boat trip

A boat trip around the island is a very special experience in Thassos as much of the island’s charm can only be discovered from the water. For example, the ancient ruins of Aliki that are also considered the first marble quarry of Thassos.

Then there is an island inhabited only by goats, an old iron ore factory, and Giola. This is a natural rock pool in the south you can jump into if you dare.

Day 7: Thessaloniki

Distance from Thassos: 140 mi - 4 hours including car ferry

To get back to Thessaloniki you first take the car ferry from Thassos back to Kavala. Make sure to check the departure times before though the ferry does go quite frequently during the summer season. From the port, you will head to the airport in Thessaloniki where you can drop off your car.

Just like at the beginning of your Greece travel itinerary, you will need to catch a domestic flight from Thessaloniki to Athens now. If you can’t make all your connections in one day, it might be better to book your international flight for the next day. There is a lovely Sofitel hotel directly in Athens airport where you can spend the night.

This trip takes you to some of the best-known places in Greece. While you can road trip the entire itinerary you will need to budget extra time for some lengthy car ferry rides. An alternative is to book domestic flights from one destination to the next and get a new rental car in each place.

If you have enough time you can also expand this to a Greece itinerary for 14 days. In this case, I recommend you add an extra day for a day trip from Athens and three more days in Crete. This being the largest Greek island there is so much to do and see, I promise you won’t get bored.

Day 1 & 2: Athens

Your Greek vacation starts in Athens, the country’s historic but cool capital. There are archeological sites everywhere making it one of the most important European cities for those interested in ancient history.

However, Athens is anything but dusty and there are rather hip areas like Psyrri and Exarchia as well as an innovative food scene.

Hotel in Athens: Acro Urban Suites , a simple hotel in the middle of the Plaka

The Acropolis is the most famous sight in Athens and landmark of the city. The ancient citadel towers over the streets of Athens. It is an absolute must-see even if you are not particularly into history.

It comprises different buildings with the Parthenon being the most significant one. You can go on your own or do a tour - this might be a better option to gain more insight into the history and meaning of the Acropolis.

Expert tip: Go as early as possible especially if you are traveling during the summer months. It is always crowded here but at least in the morning, you can avoid the worst heat.

Plaka is the old town of Athens and located at the foot of the Acropolis. Its cobblestone streets are steep but incredibly picturesque. There are also cute cafes and restaurants everywhere and it is the perfect place for a glass of wine and to soak up the atmosphere of Athens.

Day 3-6: Crete

Distance from Athens: 250 mi - approximately 11 hours with the car ferry

Crete is Greece’s largest island and yet somehow feels a world away. Cretans are proud of their heritage and proud to be a bit different. Personally, it is my favorite Greek island as there is just something very special about it. A long coastline with stunning beaches, mountain paths, and the most incredible food said to be one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.

Hotel in Chania: Fagotto Art Residences , a cute boutique hotel in a historic building by the Venetian Harbor

Chania’s city center is historic and cute with buildings and restaurants dotted around the Venetian Harbor. This is a great place for a stroll during sunset. There are plenty of incredible restaurants that show off the best of Cretan cuisine.

In the morning you should head to one of the city beaches. While these are not the best beaches you will find in Crete, they are convenient and offer a glimpse into local life. Usually, you will see many senior citizens gather in the calm waters early in the day to have a chat with their friends.

Botanical Park & Gardens of Grete

The Botanical Park & Gardens are a truly special place especially for plant lovers. Surrounded by mountains and olive groves you can find three different climate zones and their flora here. This includes alpine, tropical, and Mediterranean plants. Walking through the garden is like walking through an enchanted paradise.

They also have an incredible and super local restaurant that only uses produce from Crete - you won’t even get a Coke. Instead opt for Romeiko, a wine made from an indigenous Cretan grapes.

Balos Beach

It may look like a Caribbean lagoon but Balos Beach is still firmly set in Crete. It is one of the best beaches in Greece and for good reason. The water is shallow, warm, and sparkly turquoise and the sand is white.

To get there you can book an organized boat trip or go on an adventure. Reaching Balos from land is not easy as it requires a dusty car ride and a hike. Make sure to check with your rental car company that your car is adequately insured.

Day 7-9: Santorini

Distance from Crete: 90 mi - 2 hours with the car ferry

Santorini, also called Thera, is an island known for its wine, over-the-top romantic sunsets, and a lot of glitz and glamor. It is also a mostly submerged caldera with its volcano in the middle, one of the few active ones in Europe. You will probably start your trip in the capital Fira before making your way to Oia. This village is home to houses carved into lava rock and probably the best-known postcard picture of Santorini.

Wine tasting

While you may think that every Greek island is a wine island (and you wouldn’t be that wrong) Santorini takes the cake. Excavations show that wine-making was already a thing here in prehistoric times.

The lava stone, hot temperatures, and strong winds make for a very special terroir. You will find vineyards and wineries all over the island where you can go for a tasting and to learn more about the Santorini grapes.

Volcano visit

You can visit Santorini’s volcano which is located on the islet Nea Kameni. You will need to take a boat to get there before you go on land to explore the bizarre volcanic landscape.

From the water, you also have a great view of the caldera that is Santorini with its traditional white houses on top. Should you get cold you may want to take a dip in the volcanic hot springs on the islet Palea Kameni.

Day 10: Athens

Distance from Santorini: 190 mi - 5 hours by car ferry & 1 hour to the airport

From Santorini it is quite a distance to get back to Athens by ferry. Then it is another one-hour drive from the port to the airport. Make sure to add a buffer to your travel time so you won’t have to worry about catching your flight. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car in Santorini and take a quick domestic flight to Athens.

If you want to explore more check out our Greece travel guide and have a look at these six amazing Greek islands to prolong your vacation.

The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.

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Quiltripping

Life is a patchwork of experiences

My Halkidiki Road Trip Itinerary Lets You Discover This Wonderful Greek Jewel

Use this Greece Halkidiki road trip itinerary to help you discover the best things to see in the Sithonia, Kassandra and Mt. Athos peninsulas.

Last Updated on 12/21/22 by Rose Palmer

I was excited to experience the other side of Greece, the Greece beyond Athens and the Cycladic islands in the Aegean.

After a lovely Greek Island cruise followed by a few days in Athens, I was ready to explore Greece off the beaten path. I had read that Halkidiki had its share of Greek historic sights as well as an unlimited variety of beautiful beaches – my perfect combination for an ideal getaway.

Halkidiki is a peninsula in northern Greece that is part of the Central Macedonia region. Off this big peninsula, three smaller peninsula fingers jut out into the Aegean. Each of these smaller peninsula fingers, Mt. Athos, Sithonia and Kassandra, has its own geography and personality that I was eager to discover.

My Halkidiki Road Trip Itinerary

• Day 1  – Travel to Halkidiki  from Athens

Day 2 – Discover ancient history at Olynthos and the UNESCO listed Archeological Site of Philippi

• Day 3 – Explore the beaches of the Sithonia Peninsula
• Day 4 – Take a cruise to explore the UNESCO listed Mt. Athos and then head to the Kassandra Peninsula
• Day 5 – Beach and pool time and a thermal bath
• Day 6 – Relax with more beach and pool time
• Day 7 – continue on to next travel destination

Day 1 – Travel to Halkidiki

I chose to drive from Athens to the Halkidiki peninsula, but it would be just as easy to fly there – the Thessaloniki airport is the gateway for this region of Greece. I picked up a rental car at the Athens airport and then drove the 6 hours to Halkidiki.

The drive was easy, even in the rain. The main motorway that runs between Athens and Thessaloniki is a well maintained, multi-lane toll highway. Speed limits were clearly posted, though I usually did not reach the 120 km/hr (75 mi/hr) max speed. I stayed in the right hand lane and did not mind letting all the faster cars pass me.

The highway was well maintained and had many rest stops available with very modern and clean space age looking rest rooms. Toll stops were frequent but it was easy to pay with my credit card – I just had to make sure I was going through an open lane with an attendant in the booth.

If you do not want to drive, there are also many direct flights from Athens to Thessaloniki, and from there it is an easy and quick 1 hour drive to the Halkidiki peninsula.

The Leonidas M emorial at Thermopylae

Two hours into the drive, I stopped at the Memorial of Leonidas and the 300 Spartans in Thermopylae. The memorial and associated museum was right next to the highway which made it easy to get to.

In 480 BC the pass at Thermopylae became a critical battleground between the small defending Greek army and the massive, invading Persian army. The Greeks were led by Spartan King Leonidas who through his leadership managed to hold off the invaders for three days.

Ultimately, it was the treachery of a local resident who led the Persians via a shepherd trail through the hills which allowed them to get behind the Greek troops. Despite being outflanked, Leonidas and his remaining men fought to the death to protect the pass. Though the Greeks lost this battle, their deaths inspired the rest of the Greek army to eventually oust the Persians from their homeland.

Even though the Battle at Thermopylae happened 2500 years ago, it continues to inspire to this day, providing an example of the heroic persistence of a few against the overwhelming odds of many. The 2007 movie “The 300” was based on these events.

The stop to see the Leonidas statue and the museum was a nice stretch of the legs. The Museum had a modern digital display in English that explained the details of the battle over the course of the three days. The attached café also made for a nice lunch break.

The Philoxenia Hotel

My first day’s drive ended as I checked in to the Philoxenia Hotel , which was ideally situated at the top of the Sithonia peninsula. This was my home for the next three nights as I explored this part of Halkidiki.

The Philoxenia Hotel had everything I needed for my stay. The room was clean and comfortable, the bathroom was updated, there was a small fridge and plenty of charging outlets.

The resort had two pools though I did not get a chance to use them since I was out exploring all day. It was also within an easy walk to the beach which had many beach bars and restaurants.

The resort also offered a large buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food choices were extensive and seemed to appeal to the varied international clientele that were staying at the hotel.

A Visit to Olynthos

Just a short 20 minute drive from the Philoxenia Hotel was the archeological site of Olynthos. The reconstructed site shows the orderly layout in which the city was originally designed. Many plaques describe the architecture of the buildings as they would have been when the city was inhabited.

Olynthos was settled in the 7th century BCE and thrived for a few hundred years until it seemed to threaten the power base of the Macedonian King Philip II. In 348 BCE Philip invaded the city, razed it to the ground and sold the population into slavery. The city never recovered after that.

The UNESCO Archeological Site of Philippi

An easy two hour drive from my hotel took me to one of Greece’s most important UNESCO World Heritage sites, another piece of history related to King Philip of Macedon. The Archeological Site of Philippi preserves 16 centuries of cultural evolution that spans three major periods of local history: Hellinistic, Roman and Christian.

It was a pleasant afternoon exploring the ruins and museum and learning about the history of the site. You can read all about my visit in my story Beyond the Archeological Site of Philippi, Greece .

Day 3 – Explore the history and beaches of Sithonia

With about 100 beaches lining its coastline, the Sithonia peninsula is a beach lover’s dream. With only one day to experience its treasures, I had to be selective. A major road circumnavigates the coast of the peninsula and I used this to find my adventures.

My first swim break was at the lovely Koviou beach where I set down my towel and got a taste of the refreshing sea. I then continued my drive and stopped at a few more of the many other beaches that line the squiggly coastline, ending with a fabulous sunset at Karydi beach.

Besides beaches, there is also plenty of history on this peninsula, because this is Greece and there are historic sites everywhere. I made a brief stop at the Basilica of Sophronios in the town of Nikiti to see the remains of a 4 th century church with a beautifully preserved floor mosaic.

The ancient castle of Toroni was also a very picturesque location near the point of the peninsula.

You can find all the details of my Sithonia day of discovery in my post Discovering the Best Beaches in Sithonia, Greece, With a Grain of History on the Side .

Day 4 – Mt. Athos and then drive to Kassandra

Halkidiki’s northern most peninsula finger is Mount Athos. Unlike its two neighbors, Mt. Athos cannot be visited easily by tourists and women cannot step foot on land there at all.

Mt. Athos has been a religious and pilgrimage site for the Christian Orthodox church for over a millennium. The mountainous geography houses 20 monasteries that is home to male monks only – females have never been allowed here. Even male visitors are limited each day and need to apply for a permit to see the monasteries in person.

Mt. Athos is also one of Greece’s many UNESCO listed World Heritage sites. Tour boats take tourists along the western coast of the peninsula where the waters are more calm. For me it was an easy drive to the coastal town of Ouranopoulis from where I took a dedicated Mt. Athos tour. The boat cruised along the shoreline and back for about 3 hours and allowed us to see eight of the monasteries from a distance.

To learn all about my Mt. Athos tour, please read my post How to Visit Mt. Athos Greece – Even If You Are a Female .

From Ouranopoulis it was an easy few hours drive to my final Halkkidiki stop – the Blue Bay Hotel on the Kassandra peninsula.

Day 5 and 6 – Pool and Beach time on the Kassandra peninsula

The two days I spent relaxing at the Blue Bay Hotel were a lovely little break in the middle of my busy 4 week Greece tour. The resort had everything I needed: a beautiful and comfortable room looking out over the ocean, an on site restaurant that provided delicious meals all day and two pools with plenty of lounging options.

I did take a little time to drive around Kassandra to get a flavor for this area of Halkidiki, but mostly, I just enjoyed the sun, warm breezes and an occasional dip in the water.

After these two days, I felt rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of my very busy Greece travel schedule. Lesson learned – plan some down time in the middle of a long trip.

I’ve written in more detail about my stay at the Blue Bay Hotel in my story My Perfect Two Day Halkidiki Resort Experience .

It was truly a pleasure to tour this lesser traveled region of Greece and discover its historic places, culinary delights and relaxing beaches. I highly recommend adding a trip to Halkidiki to your Greek road trip itinerary.

Day 7 – Travel to nearby Thessaloniki

From Halkidiki, my Greece road trip took me to nearby Thessaloniki where I spent three days exploring the sights in Greece’s second largest city. You can read all about it in my post How I spent a Wonderful 3 days in thessaloniki, Greece.

Please note that my visit to Halkidiki was part of the promo campaign “Urban Centers of Central Macedonia, Greece” and my stay was hosted by the Philoxenia Hotel. All content and opinions are my own and are a reflection of my personal experiences.

Other Greece stories you may also enjoy reading:

Two days on the island of Hydra :  My Lovely Two Days on Hydra Island, Greece 

A Greek island sailing cruise with Running On Waves :  Cruising in Style to the Most Beautiful Islands in Greece

Thanks for visiting.

Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

My Big Fat Greek Road Trip

My Big Fat Greek Road Trip covered 1520 Kms from Athens to Thessaloniki and back during the Easter period. This 11 day trip took in mountains, monasteries and plenty of lovely Greek food! Planning a Greek road trip of your own? Read on for some travel inspiration. 

As regular readers may know, a bicycle is my preferred mode of transportation. Sometimes though, circumstances dictate  otherwise, and My Big Fat Greek Road Trip saw us use a car for the duration of our 11 day trip.

The plan, was to spend a little time with the Mrs family in Arachova for the Easter weekend , see some of central Greece, and then finish up in Thessaloniki to stay with her brother. After our time there, we would then drive back from Thessaloniki to Athens.

Planning the road trip in Greece

The Greek road trip was divided into four stages, which I will describe below. As this is just a summary, I won't go into too much detail of sites such as Delphi , but you can expect individual blog posts about them over the next couple of weeks.

You might also be interested in this detailed post about the best places in Greece to see on a road trip .

Big Fat Greek Road Trip Itinerary

Athens – Arachova – Osios Loukas monastery – Delphi – Gravia – Kalambaka – Meteora – Trikala – Pyli – Elati – Pertouli – Kalliroi – Doliana (Iera Moni Timiou Stavrou church) – Vergina – Thessaloniki – Nea Michaniona – Athens

Total kms = 1520 Total Days = 11.5

Find car rentals at: Discover Cars

The mountain town of Arachova is located about 170 Kms to the north-west of Athens, and driving there took us around 2 hours. It is the most popular winter sports destination in Greece, and the town has a touristy feel to it.

Hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants are at their busiest during the peak months between December and March, when the slopes of Mt. Parnassos attract a mainly Greek skiing and snow-boarding crowd. It is also a busy place during the rest of the year, due to its close proximity to the magnificent archaeological site of Delphi .

Arachova was to be our home for 4 nights, staying with the Mrs aunt for the Easter period.

During our time in Arachova, we visited a couple of nearby places of interest. Delphi was one of them of course, and you can read about The Temple of Apollo and Sanctuary of Athena here . Another place, was the Osios Loukas monastery which was a 20 minute drive from Arachova.

Greek Easter

Easter was the ‘main event' during our stay in Arachova though. It is religiously and culturally more important to the Greeks than Christmas, and is a chance for family and friends to eat and drink well. Really well! You can read about that in more detail here >> Greek Easter 2015 – The Fast, The Feast, and the Curious .

We had a great time in Arachova, but after 4 nights there, it was time to continue on with our Greek road trip.

Kalambaka and Trikala

We had planned to visit Karditsa and the nearby Lake Plastira on the way up to Kalambaka. Due to a late start and good-byes, we didn't have the time though, so it's on the list for the next trip!

Kalambaka is another town geared up for tourists, with plenty of accommodation to choose from. This is the place to stay when visiting the Meteora monasteries , which we did the next day. Take a look here for the best places to stay near Meteora .

The Monasteries of Meteora

The monasteries of Meteora are perched on the tops of beautiful and improbable rock formations. There are a number of walking routes which can be used to get from one monastery to the other, but the car gave us a little more freedom and access to better viewpoints.

It would also have been a challenging but rewarding area to cycle around. In fact, I later did this in 2018 – Go and check out my YouTube channel!

Related: Road trip food ideas

After spending the day at Meteora, we then drove on to nearby Trikala where we would stay over night in a central hotel. We could have stayed an extra night in Kalambaka, but we met up with friends in Trikala for a meal, so it made more sense to stay there for the night.

Note – Trikala is the most bicycle friendly city in Greece. It's not bad for pedestrians either – The traffic actually STOPS at crossings to let people walk across the road!! Crazy, I know!

On leaving Trikala, our Greek road trip then took us up through a valley, with snow capped mountains on either side. This is a part of Greece that travellers would find hard to see without transport of their own.

As we went up into the mountains, I couldn't help but think what a great cycling route it would make. It would be hard work, but thoroughly rewarding!

With limited time on our hands, the car was a better option though. There was very little traffic on the road, and we managed to hit a sweet time of year.

The mountains still had snow on, the weather was warm, and there was a distinct lack of other tourists. This was evident when we arrived at the hotel in Kalliroi – we were the only people there!

Thessaloniki

After leaving the hotel, the Greek road trip took us to Thessaloniki , where we would stay with the Mrs brother for a few days. Along the way, we stopped off at Vergina to visit the museum there.

This unique place is actually built on the top of the tombs of Alexander the Great's relatives. It both protects and displays them, and is a really interesting place to spend a couple of hours. The no-photos allowed rule is a bit annoying though!

Our time in Thessaloniki was spent with family, visiting the beach, and even going to a basketball match.

Going back to Athens

Finally, it was time to leave, and we started the 500 Km drive to Athens from Thessaloniki. We had planned to stop off at Dion on the way, but again, that will have to wait for another Greek road trip.

During the journey back, we noticed two things. Firstly, that there are a lot of toll roads! Secondly, there is a tremendous amount to see and do.

It also got us thinking about travel, the future, and a possible 4WD trip around the world. That's probably something I will write about much later on though!

Related: Travelling by Car: Advantages and Disadvantages

Stats from the road trip in Greece

I know some people are into stats and stuff like that, so here is a break down of what we spent during our Greek road trip. These figures are based on two people using a car we already owned.

It was never intended to be a ‘budget' trip, and we ate and drank exactly what we felt like. Keep in mind that a lot of accommodation was ‘free', and that we were also treated to more than our fair share of meals. (Greek hospitality towards family and friends never ceases to amaze and humble me).

Still, these stats should be useful for anyone else planning a road trip through Greece.

Accommodation

Nights spent at Auntie's = 4 Nights spent at  Brother's = 4 Nights spent in budget hotels = 2 Nights spent in non-budget hotels = 1

Supermarket food / coffees = 22 Restaurant food = 95 Alcohol = 10 Chocolate = 5 Tolls = 41 Fuel = 147 Accommodation = 135 Ticket for church = 2 (A student card comes in handy sometimes!)

Total = 457 euro

Cost per Day = 39.73 Euro Cost per Km = 0.30 Euro  (I put this out of habit from bicycle touring!)

You might also be interested in this travel guide: Athens to Thessaloniki travel guide

If you are planning a Greek road trip, and would like some advice, please get in touch. If you've been on a Greek road trip of your own recently, I would also love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below.

34 thoughts on “My Big Fat Greek Road Trip”

Hi Dave, We are planning on a trip to Greece from Australia next May/June 2023. My husband will be competing in a sailing regatta which is being held at Iraklitsa Kavala, we are retired so don’t have any time constraints we thought maybe 4 to 5 weeks including the week long regatta. Would appreciate any information on our proposed itinerary.

Fly into Athens pick up hire car, drive north/east stopping at places of interest for a few nights arriving in Kavala on Wednesday 24th May departing 3rd June, we thought we would drive to Thessaloniki then down to Chalkidki region (Kassandria) and (Sithonia) a Greek acquaintance of ours referred this region as the 3 fingers, we would drive across to Corfu and then make our way back to Athens to fly home.

Cheers, Ann

Sounds like you’ll have a great time! A couple of quick observations and suggestions: Include Delphi on the way from Athens Drop by Meteora on the way to Kavala Going to Corfu – your car hire company might not allow your vehicle to be taken on the ferry. Check with them and about a potential drop off point if you can leave it at the port. You could rent another car in Corfu.

My 2 week Greek road trip was our best vacation ever.

Athens to Kalambaka and Meteora for 2 nights; on to the Pelion Peninsula for 4 nights in Cherefto, a beautiful, relaxing and totally unspoiled place. Then to Galaxidi for two nights to visit Delphi, Arachova and Loukas. We drove around the Peloponese to visit ancient Olympia on the way to Kardamili on the Mani Peninsula for 3 nights – great hiking and beaches. We visited Mystras en route to Napflion where we spent our last three nights. It was an amazing trip.

Now I am planning a 2 week road trip through Crete in May. Noted your suggestions!

Looks like you’ve had a wonderful roadtrip in Greece. I will be travelling to Greece with my husband this early November. We will be doing a roadtrip from Athens to Delphi – Kalabaka – Larissa – Portaria – Milies and back to Athens. There’s a lot of interesting places to explore but with the limited time, that is all we can cover for the trip.

What is your view of having to drive back to Athens at night? Is it safe?

Hi, By the point you are driving back into Athens, you will be well used to Greek driving, so you should be ok! I would say that you’ll need to keep a close eye on signposts, and switch Google maps on for some section. Have a great road trip in Greece!

Hi ..we are 6 couples who want to get to Sofia from Athens ….we thought of driving from Athens to thesalloniki ..stay the night there and next day morning leave for Sofia …can you suggest what would be the best possible route for us and what would be the good enroute sights to stop at …thanks in advance

Hi Tanya, My advice would be to drive to Meteora and stay the night there (and do your sightseeing of course – fantastic area to visit!), rather than stay in Thessaloniki. The next day you could stop off at Thessaloniki for lunch before heading to Sofia. There’s a lot to see on the route, so you might just want to restrict it to Meteora as described above. The other places you could consider (if you haven’t seem them) along the way include: Delphi and Vergina

Hi Dave I very much enjoyed your informatine and interseting blogs, I do something similar for my freiends nad family when we do a oroad trip. We have now complted 5 each one lasting 2 months the last one was South Africa , usually go in September and October. I am now considering Greece and will use your blogs to develope a route, We are not big fans of the cold so would want to be leaving the warmest parts for October, I am thinking of also going to some greek Islands as part of the trip. We will hire a car when we have finished Athens the head off to explore. Do you think a budget of 50 Euro a day for food, petrol, fun, is reasonable?

Hi Brian, I hope you are well – it sounds like a great road trip you are planning! Two months would be a good amount of time to use, and you’ll get to see a lot. In terms of budget – For two people, we average between 60 and 75 euro per day. With two months though, you can stay longer in each place, thus lowering costs. This wouldn’t include the car hire of course. When planning your trip, you might want to consider the island of Crete as your last destination. It stays warmer a little bit longer, and is the largest island in the country with plenty to discover. When swapping to islands, depending on how much gear you want to haul around, you might find it easier to swap cars than use the same hire car throughout. Happy travels!

Hi Dave, what an interesting read, thank you! I’d like to travel to Greece in May/June, and I’m doubting between an Athens-Thessaloniki road trip or visiting the peninsula of Peloponnesos (I can fly to/from Athens and Thessaloniki). What I like to do on holiday is trekking/hiking, find quaint beaches for a swim, eat loads of good food, see some cultural highlights. What I love is discovering small not too popular places with friendly people. What would you recommend? 🙂 Thanks in advance! Greetings, Kim

Hi Kim, Both ideas have merit, but I’d be more inclined to recommend the Peloponnese as your road trip, as it definitely ticks all the boxes you mentioned!

Great resource, thanks Dave. You didn’t say where you got the car. We will be renting from Athens airport to drive to Thessaloniki. Any advice on rental company? How much were the tolls???

Hi Edie, Hope you are well! The car was our own (and in actually broke down somewhere along the way :D). Rental companies are all going to roughly offer the same prices for the various car sizes. The only thing I would suggest, is if you can only drive automatic, you might want to reserve a suitable vehicle well in advance. Hertz among other have car rental at the airport – and you can easily book them online before you go. Tolls to Thessaloniki – Allow up to 40 Euro extra (and even then it might not be enough)

How were the roads? Wondering because I get car sick and I’m planning to someday do the journey. Were they windy or lots of up and down or turns? Thanks in advance!

Greek roads tend to vary, but certainly, there are some areas where the roads are very windy. Crete is particularly notorious for this.

hi. wonderful to read your trip itinerary and expenses. we are planning to visit Greece in second week of May. We are planning to drive and we are there for 10 days. our main aim is to explore new place and enjoy the best on our family vacation. we are travelling from INDIA and would want to explore at maximum . Me and my husband and my 9 year old daughter are really looking forward to this trip making it one of the best one.

If you have any suggestions or some must see or must do list .. please share. my list goes like this. Athens – delphi – corfu – meteora – thessaloniki – peloponnese – santorini -samaria gorge – mykonos – rhodes – athens with the above list we might have to skip one or two places i guess… but lets see.. i still have to explore my route, day wise itinerary and hotels bookings. it is not a tight budget trip but fairly luxurious is better way to define it.

Give your suggestions. It will help us a lot.

Hi, With just 10 days, there is not enough time to do the itinerary you suggest. Difficult to suggest anything until you narrow it down a little more. The traditional 10 day itinerary for Greece Might be Athens (with visits to delphi and meteora), Santorini and Mykonos. This way, you would only need a car for half the time of course. Good luck with your Greek vacation planning!

Hi Dave, thanks for your very helpful blog!!! I’m in a similar boat as Nirali above b/c we have 10 days, but would like to focus mostly on historic landmarks. I saw your recommendation above for itinerary. My question is: should we stay in Athens all nights except for maybe 1 (Thessaloniki, which is further), since it appears from your blog that most places can be day trips from Athens?

Hi Rodica, If you want to focus on historic landmarks in Greece , you could visit many on day trips from Athens. It does really all depend though. If you are after historic places in 10 days on the mainland, I think moving around makes more sense though. I’d suggest something like Athens – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Methoni and Koroni Castles – Ancient Olympia – Nafpaktos – Delphi – Meteora -Athens There’s a lot of variations though – it really does depend on how comfortable you are with driving, and your exact priorities.

A road trip in Greece seems like a perfect idea, especially seeing the Meteora! Your post is so motivational, Dave!

Do you speak Greek? We are doing a 3 week road trip roughly following yours in May. Did you use google maps, buy a road atlas or do anything else that you would recommend for a non-Greek speaker? Thanks

Hi, My Greek is very limited. Google maps and/or a GPS will be fine (you can pick up SIM cards for your phone for free, and I buy a gig of data per month for 6 euro through WIND). You will find that most people speak a degree of English no matter where you are. My main advice is to mentally prepare yourself for the traffic in Athens if you intend to drive there!

Great travel/road trip blog post! I’m looking to plan a road trip of my own in Greece and will definitely use your recommendations! Also, the budget at the end was very organised and easy to follow – very useful!! Thanks, Natalie

Hi Natalie, Glad you found it useful! I’m sure you are going to love travelling through Greece! When you get further into your planning, if you have any questions, just drop me a line/ leave a comment. I’ve got tonnes of other information on here that is not always easy to find. Also, I’ve been living in Athens for a couple of years now, and so have some great contacts if you need them. Cheers! Dave

hi dave would like to do three weeks touring greece with a rental car Athen 2 nights santorini3 nights zakynthos 2 nights mykonos 3 nights Arachova 2 nights thessaloniki 2nights athens 2 nights

no idea which order should do it in or if its doable

Hi Derek, I’d say you should consider leaving zakynthos out altogether, as it’s in an island chain far away from Santorini/Mykonos and you’d waste time traveling to it. I’d suggest landing Athens, hiring a car at the airport, then drive Arachova – Delphi – Meteora – Thessaloniki – Athens Then boat or fly to Santorini/Mykonos And the finish in Athens for 2 nights. If you want to throw another island in, consider Tinos Note that it will be cheaper to rent a different car on each island than to pay the extra ferry fees for the car each time.

I will be in Thessaloniki dec22-25th then taking 2-3days to drive to athens. Do you have a route you would recommend considering the time of yr? We would like to ski one day along the way. I read the post above and wondered if the roads will be bad this time of yr and your opinion of don’t miss sites along the way. We are farm living,outdoorsy Texans who would love a route with active farms or just beautiful scenery etc.once we arrive in Athens we will spend 3-4days there then on to Istanbul. Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated. Also do you feel it’s safe there right now?much love,Leann

Great to hear from you! Lovely to hear you are going to spend some time in Greece at the end of the year! First- safety. Yes, it’s absolutely safe here! The political problems are not social ones. In fact, I would rate Greece as one of the safest, most welcoming countries I have ever visited/lived in. The route then – This time of year will be surprisingly cold. (Which as you want to do some skiing, I guess you already know!). I would choose a route something like this – Mount Olympos – Meteora – Trikala – Delphi – Arachova-(skiing)-Athens The roads for this route will be generally clear. Getting off the beaten track in altitude on minor roads might be an issue. However, all roads at altitude have signs indicating their condition, and if they are closed due to snow fall. In terms of farming – I’m sorry. I can’t be of much help here. Farming occurs of course everywhere in the countryside. It is rare though, to see it on the massive, industrial scale of the USA. The time of year, means you won’t see a lot growing either. That said, you will see plenty of flocks of sheep/goats at the side of roads and sometimes on the road – Keep your eye out as you go around blind corners !

Hope this is all of some help Have a great trip!!

Thanks Dave! this is helpful as i’ll be doing Athens to Thessaloniki in a couple weeks by car. question — if you only had 2 days, which places would you visit and stay the night at?

I think that the trip should probably be – Athens – Delphi (stay the night) Meteora (stay night if possible if not continue) – Thessaloniki.

This would give you the real highlights along the way… and still leave plenty left for when you return next time to visit!!!

Loved your blog and planning this almost same exact road trip in October, although our places to stay do not involve relatives, rather Airbnb’s. Besides the monastery’s, and other great suggestions for sightseeing along the way?

Thanks so much <3

Hi Jen and Tom, Glad you found the post of some help, and I hope you really enjoy your time in Greece! One place that is recommended to visit, is The Cave of Theopetra, which is 4 km away from Meteora. We didn’t have a chance to visit, but hopefully we can go back the next time we pass through. The other place to try which I did mention but again couldn’t get to would be Lake Plastira near Karditsa.

I hope you have a really good trip!! Dave

Really enjoyed your article and your photos. As you seem well tuned to Greece, one question please. Most articles and blogs I have been reading seem to warn against driving in Greece. I’ve driven in most of Europe, most recently Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina…all without incident. I was warned about the Amalfi Coast road, but did not find it as threatening as many penned.

Did you find it “safe” to drive in Greece? Any suggestions about driving in Greece”

Thanks, Scott

If you have experience in driving in Croatia and Bosnia, then I would say that you would be absolutely fine in driving through Greece. Countryroads can have many tight switchback turns due to the mountains, so some vigilance is needed for traffic coming out across the lane. The motorways are fine (although the amount of tolls is irritating!). Driving in Athens is a lot different though! I suppose city traffic is always kind of crazy, but here it is something special! There are also some strange ’round-about’ rules, which are probably worth checking on.

On the whole, driving in Greece is probably comparable with Italy i would say.

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Road trip in Crete: The best itineraries for 4, 5, 7, 10, and 15 days

Visiting crete by car: the 5 best road trip itineraries.

You’re planning to do a road trip in Crete ?

Great idea!

Visiting Crete by car is the best way to optimize your itinerary , discover the most beautiful beaches such as Elafonissi or to reach the starting point of the hike in the Gorge.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this travel guide with the 5 best road trips itineraries in Crete depending on the duration of your stay (5, 7, 10 days and 15 days).

For each duration, I will give you a summary of the itinerary as well as the link to read the detailed itinerary article.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Crete depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Let’s plan your road trip in Crete!

What’s the best airport to start a road-trip in Crete?

Which port to choose to make a road trip in crete, rent a car for your road trip in crete, road trip in crete: 4 or 5 days, road trip in crete: a week in the west, road trip in crete: 7 days in the east, 1) chania and its surroundings (5 days), 2) preveli and matala (1 day), 3) heraklion and its surroundings (2 days), 4) rethymnon (1 day), 1) west crete (6 days), 2) east crete (5 days), 3) south crete (3 days), where to stay in crete during your road trip, when should you go on a road trip in crete, road trip in crete with a travel agency, renting a boat in crete, you’re traveling to crete these articles will help you.

Crete has 2 international airports:

• Chania in the West
• Heraklion in the East.

These 2 cities are therefore the most practical ones to travel around Crete by car and to make a circuit, that is why I chose to start all my tours in Crete either in Chania or Heraklion.

You can go to Crete by boat from many Greek islands located in the Cyclades ( Santorini , Naxos , Paros , Mykonos, Tinos ) and from the island of Rhodes .

It is also possible to go to Crete by ferry from Athens . The journey is quite long, but if you are interested, here is the information you need:

• Chania is connected by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens. However, it takes 9 hours for the crossing.
• Heraklion is connected by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The crossing takes between 8.5 and 9.5 hours.

Compare prices for ferries to Crete by clicking on the button below:

There can’t be a road trip without a car! And since, unlike in Corsica , even when you arrive by ferry, you cannot come with your personal vehicle for this itinerary in Crete , you will have to rent a car.

In order to benefit from the best rates and to have the choice of the category, you must book your car as early as possible.

You must use Rentalcars.com which allows you to directly compare the prices offered by all the rental companies present at the airport of Chania or Heraklion.

It’s really convenient and fast to check the cheapest options , the best reputation and the conditions offered (unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, etc.).

Rentalcars also offers their comprehensive insurance coverage (covering the expenses incurred in the event of an accident or theft). If you do not have insurance included with your credit card, it is a good option to take it because it is much cheaper than the one offered by the rental company.

Finally, you should know that for some rentals, the free modification or cancellation are available until 24 hours before your departure.

To compare car rental prices in Crete now, click on the green button below:

If you only have a few vacation days and have chosen a short stay in Crete , you must stay in one place and discover the surroundings through small one-day car trips.

To visit West Crete during your road trip, you will have to arrive in Chania. 

To visit East Crete by car , the best way is to start from Heraklion.

I have prepared all the details to organise your stay in Crete for 4 or 5 days depending on your city of arrival.

For each option, you will find my recommendations for daily activities so as not to miss out on the unmissable places of interest and my selection of the best hotels to stay during your holidays in Crete.

To read this guide, just click on the following link: Itineraries recommended for a short stay in Crete.

Here’s an example of a road trip from Chania to visit West Crete by car for a week.

On the agenda for this 1 week road trip in Crete:

• Chania (1 day)
• The lagoon of Balos (1 day)
• Samaria Gorge (1 day)
• Elafonissi beach (1 day)
• Akrotiri (1 day)
• Rethymnon (1 day)

First day – Exploring Chania on foot

• The covered market
• The Greek Orthodox Cathedral
• The Old Venetian Port
• The Fikras fortress and the maritime museum
• The religious buildings
• Eastern Gulf beach or Agii Apostoli/Iguana Beach , which are located next to each other.

I have designed a 1 day tour of Chania for you in this article: Visit Chania.

Day 2 – Discovery of Lagoon of Balos, one of the most beautiful places on the island.

For more information, read my dedicated article: Visit the lagoon of Balos.

And if you just want to book your cruise to Balos now , click on the green button below:

Day three of this one-week road trip in Crete – Samaria Gorge hike

For a complete description of the route and all the detailed practical information, you must read my dedicated article: Samaria Gorge: the definitive guide.

For day four , head for the other unmissable beach during your week-long road trip in Crete: the famous pink beach of Elafonissi!

The information you need to go to this beach is here: Guide to discover the beach of Elafonissi.

On day five , head to the Akrotiri peninsula where you can discover:

• Stavros beach
• Agia Triada monastery
• The Governto Monastery
• Seitan Limani beach
• Marathi beach.

Day 6 – Visit Rethymnon , where you can explore its beautiful historical centre on foot.

Then go to the Agia Triada monastery for a short visit before spending the rest of the day at Lake Kournas.

Day 7 – End of the holiday, go to the airport of Chania for the return trip.

Do you want to go on a week-long road trip in Crete? Please read my detailed article: One-week itinerary in Crete.  

Very practical, you will also find lots of good deals and hotels to stay in Chania.  This is the best way to organise your trip easily! 

For those who prefer to go on a 7-day road trip to Crete to explore the East of the island instead, you can consider this itinerary: 7-day itinerary in Crete. 

If you are arriving in Heraklion , here are the places that you must visit during 7-day road trip in Crete: Heraklion, Knossos, Elounda, Spinalonga, Sitia, Chrissi and Matala.

I have prepared a summary of this road trip so you can to organise your days for a 7-day trip to Crete:

• 1 day in Heraklion to visit the city and especially the 2 must-see sights of a tour in Crete: the archaeological museum and the palace of Knossos. 
• 1 day to explore the Lassithi plateau, with visit to the Zeus cave
• 1 day in Elounda to go on a cruise to the island of Spinalonga and swim at the beach of Kolokitha
• 1 day to reach Sitia with visits to the Voulisma beach , the village of Mohlos and a hike in the Richtis Gorge
• 1 day to explore the most beautiful beaches of the East , an unmissable part of a 7-day road trip in Crete: the beaches of Itanos, Vai beach , the sublime beaches of Xerokampos . And if you want to add a little more athletic activities, you must go on the Zakros Gorge hike.
• 1 day to reach Matala with an optional boat trip to Chrissi Island. 

Wondering where to stay during this 7-8 day Crete road trip ?

The list of the best hotels for each leg can also be found in my detailed itinerary (click here)!

In addition to my itinerary, you can also read my specific articles on some of the places to visit during your road trip to East Crete:

• Heraklion: The 13 places to visit
• Palace of Knossos: The guide to visit the most famous archaeological site in Crete

Road trip in Crete: 10 days

For this itinerary , I would suggest a road trip to visit Crete by car in 10 days.

This route starts in Chania (but you can also change it easily if you arrive in Heraklion) and allows you to complete a circuit to explore the West of the island and a part of the East.

This circuit is very complete and offers a good combination of cities , beaches and hikes.

On the agenda of this 10-day road trip in Crete:

• Akrotiri peninsula

I will summarise the main parts of this road trip below but all the details can be found here: 10-day itinerary in Crete.

Let’s start this 10-day road trip in Crete with a visit to Chania . As it is quite small, one day is enough to discover the main tourist attractions.

Day one – Things to see in Chania:

• The old town
• The Old Port
• Fort Fikras
• The lighthouse of Chania

Spend the night in Chania.

To organise your trip to Chania in the best possible way, ready my article: The 15 things to do in Chania.

The second day , continue this 10-day road trip in Crete, going all the way West to the lagoon of Balos.

You will discover a superb stretch of turquoise waters and white sands where it is impossible not to swim!

As there are several little things to know when you go to Balos by car or boat, you really must read my complete guide to the lagoon, which you can find here: Visit Balos Beach.

Spend another night in Chania.

For day three , you must go hiking in the Samaria Gorge.

It is the best- known hike in Crete and is 16 km long. It takes between 5 and 7 hours to walk the entire path that first passes through the forest before reaching the bottom of the Gorge.

As this must-do during your road trip in Crete cannot be just done impromptu and requires some organisation, you can find my complete guide to prepare for everything here: How to visit the Samaria Gorge?

Day four, go to Elafonissi beach , in the south-east of the island for a relaxing day on one of the most beautiful beaches of Crete . After yesterday’s walk, you deserve to relax by the turquoise waters.

Here are the details:   Elafonissi: the definitive guide.

Stay another night in Chania.

On day five , you must explore the Akrotiri peninsula, which is just outside Chania. Here you will find several beaches including the famous Seitan Limani cove and 2 monasteries you must visit: the Agia Triada monastery and Governto monastery.

Spend one last night in Chania.

On day six of your road trip in Crete, it’s time to leave Chania to continue exploring the island for a while.

On the agenda:

• Stop at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge
• Visit the Preveli monastery
• Swimming at Preveli beach, ranked among the most beautiful beaches on the island
• Visit to Matala and its caves.

Overnight stay in Matala.

On day seven , you must visit one of the best known cities of the island: Heraklion. 

During your walk in the historical centre, you must visit the historical museum of Crete, the fortress of Koules, the rue 25 Avgostou and especially the archaeological museum of Heraklion. Crete’s most famous museum is home to many objects covering a vast period and is really excellent.

You’ll end the day with another iconic visit: the archaeological site of the palace of Knossos, which in the Minoan era, had vast royal apartments, residences of priests, thermal baths… 

You will find information about Knossos and Heraklion in my 2 articles:

• What are the things to do in Heraklion?
• Visit the Minoan Palace in Knossos.

Spend the night in Heraklion.

Day eight , hit the road to go to Elounda where you will embark on a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga . Here you will discover its fortress and the old buildings that were used to house lepers during the epidemic that struck around the 1900s.

In the afternoon , still in Elounda, you must go swimming at Kolokitha beach . This is one of my favourite beaches of this 10-day road trip in Crete!

To return to Heraklion in the late afternoon, take the road that passes through the Lassithi plateau. You will be able to stop at the cave of Zeus, where the famous Greek god is said to be born.

Spend one last night in Heraklion.

On day nine, the penultimate day of your 10-day Crete road trip, leave Heraklion for Rethymnon.

On the way, you can stop at 3 places:

• The Melidoni cave is really worth the visit for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
• The village of Margarites , famous for its many pottery workshops
• Arkadi monastery and its 16th century church.

Once you arrive in Rethymnon, you will have plenty of time to peacefully explore the old town. It is not very big but it is really nice to walk around the alleys lined with shops and taverns.

For all the details about Rethymnon, please read my dedicated article: Visit Rethymnon.

Spend the night in Rethymnon or Chania if your flight takes off early in the morning.

Day ten marks the end of this road trip in Crete!

If you want more details about this 10-day road trip in Crete , please read our detailed article: 10-day itinerary in Crete.

You will also find our list of the best accommodations for each leg. As you’ll see, planning your 9-10 day trip to Crete is fast and easy!

Road trip in Crete: 2 weeks

If you have 15 days for a road trip in Crete , this is really the best option because you’ll be able to explore the entire island!

This 2-week road trip in Crete that I propose leaves from Chania, in the West but you can start from Heraklion and complete the same circuit.

All the details for organising this drive around Crete can be found in my article: 2-week itinerary in Crete.

I’ll give you a short summary of the journey legs below:

For this two-week road trip in Crete, you must start at the West of the island for 6 days.

Day one – Discover the city of Chania on foot: the market, the cathedral, the old town, the Old Port, Fort Firkas and the lighthouse.

You will certainly have time to see a majority of the things I discuss in my Best Places to See Chania.

Day Two – Lagoon of Balos

Cruise from Kissamos to Balos can be booked here:

This is a must-see sight on this 2 week road trip in Crete!

More about Balos in my article: Visit the lagoon of Balos.

Day three – Samaria Gorge

The information to prepare for your hike can be found here: Visit the Samaria Gorge.

On day four of your 15-day road trip to Crete will be devoted to relaxing on the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi.

More information can be found here: Visit Elafonissi.

Day 5 – Drive to the Akrotiri peninsula with stops to visit monasteries and swim at the Seitan Limani beach.

Day 6 – Visit the Kournas lake before reaching the city of Rethymnon for a pleasant walk in the city. In the afternoon, visit the Arkadi monastery, the potters’ village of Margarites and the Melidoni cave.

I have explained everything in this article: What are the things to do in Rethymnon?

For the rest of your 15-day road trip in Crete, you will now explore the Eastern part of the island.

Day seven – Visit to the city of Heraklion : the historical museum of Crete, the fortress of Koules, the archaeological museum and the palace of Knossos.

More about Heraklion in my post: The guide to visit Heraklion.

Day eight – Travel from Heraklion to Elounda via the Lassithi plateau.

On day nine , you must take the boat from the port of Elounda and visit Spinalonga island. In the afternoon, you can swim at Kolokitha beach.

Day 10 – Today, you’ll continue this 15-day road trip in Crete by going further East, towards Sitia. On the road, you will discover the splendid Voulisma beach before stopping for lunch in the seafront hamlet of Mohlos and continue with a small hike to the Richtis waterfall.

Day 11 – Enjoy the beaches of the East , some of which are ranked among the best of Crete’s most beautiful beaches. My recommendations: Itanos, Vai and Xerokampos. The more motivated among you can also go hiking in the Zakros Gorge.

On day twelve , continue this two-week road trip in Crete by heading south. From Ierapetra you can take a boat that will take you to spend the day on Chrissi island. 

At the end of the day, take the road to Matala , famous for its caves carved into the cliff at the water’s edge. Matala also has 2 beaches.

On day thirteen , here are the places you must visit:

• Triopetra beach
• The Kourtaliotiko Gorge
• The Preveli beach, another unmissable and beautiful beach during a road trip in Crete!
• Preveli monastery.

At the end of the day, you will arrive in Plakias for the night.

Day 14 – Today you can choose between one last hike in a Gorge (Imbros for example), a boat trip from Hora Sfakion, a day at the beach or water park or a a super quad bike trip (book here!).

On day fifteen, the last day of this 2-week road trip in Crete: head to Chania airport to end the holiday!

And remember, this road trip is explained in detail in our article:  15-day itinerary in Crete .  You will also find plenty of tips and our selection of the best accommodations according to your budget for each leg.

There you go! You now know where to go and what to see during your road trip in Crete . Now all that’s left is accommodation for each leg.

So I’ve selected the best accommodations in Crete for each step.

They are categorised by city and budget and are already included in the articles I just mentioned, which list the various available routes depending on the length of your stay.

You can also click here (alphabetical order):

• Elounda: all the best places to stay
• Heraklion: the best hotels
• Chania: list of the best accommodations
• Matala: where to stay?
• Plakias: my accommodation suggestions
• Rethymnon: the best places to stay
• Sitia: the best hotels

For a road trip in Crete , you must go during months of May – June – July – August – September and early October.

This is when you can make the most of your stay thanks to the many attractions of the island: beaches, hiking, natural landscapes, walks in historical centres and boat trips.

And of course, it won’t surprise you that July and August experience the highest volume of tourists . If you have decided to make your road trip to Crete in summer, you must book your accommodation and activities in advance .

To visit Crete by car, the best time is the month of September . The summer holidays are over, so there are fewer people but it is still as beautiful and warm! September indeed is the best month for a road trip in Crete.

Note that between October and the end of April:

• Boat trips like the one from the lagoon of Balos are not operational
• The Samaria Gorge is closed
• The water is too cold to swim
• Many hotels and restaurants are closed.

Going on a road trip in Crete in winter is not a great idea!

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Crete by yourself. (All my Crete guides are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Crete tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Crete tours by clicking the button below:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Crete, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Crete? 😊

So what have you planned to see on your road trip in Crete?

Discover all my articles about Crete : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Crete are listed there.

• 27 Best things to do in Crete : All the best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
• Itinerary: One week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit Western Crete
• Itinerary : 7 days in Crete – The best itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Crete – How to visit Crete in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Crete – The perfect itinerary for 14-15 days in Crete
• Road trip to Crete: The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 15 days
• Chania : The 15 best places to discover
• Heraklion : TOP 13 places to visit
• Rethymnon: The 13 best things to do
• Balos Beach : All my best tips to visit Balos Lagoon!
• Elafonissi Beach : The definitive guide to discover Crete’s famous pink sand beach
• Palace of Knossos: The definitive guide to visit the most famous archaeological site of Crete
• Samaria Gorge : How to plan the best hike in Crete
• Where to stay in Crete? The guide to the best hotels, ordered by city and budget

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Greece, from a local

• I'm from Athens, and I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes while traveling to Greece .
• Pace yourself if you're planning on staying out at the bars and clubs all night.
• It's worth it to do some research on smaller islands and local cuisine before your trip.

Thanks to its ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and incredible food, Greece is one of the top tourist destinations. In 2023, over 32 million people visited.

I was born in Athens and currently split my years living between the US and Greece , so I've spent plenty of time in the beautiful European country.

Here are 10 things I think tourists should know before visiting.

There’s so much more to see in Greece than the popular islands.

It seems like everyone visits Mykonos, Santorini, and maybe Paros, but Greece has over 220 inhabitable islands. Plus, most of them are more budget-friendly than the popular spots.

I recommend looking into places like Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi (also known as Paxos and Paxi), or Folegandros.

The Greek mainland is also beautiful. There's a lot to see there, from UNESCO sites at Delphi and Meteora and the turquoise waters of the Peloponnese to the stunning mountains and villages of Epirus.

Athens is more than the Acropolis.

Athens has great nightlife , restaurants, museums, and cool neighborhoods like Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati.

Tourists who just swing by to check the Acropolis off their list are missing out. I've always found it to be one of the liveliest cities in the world.

You don’t need to tip 20%.

Greek servers generally rely on hourly wages, so there isn't the same tipping culture as the US .

I normally just round up the bill or leave a couple of Euros on the table as a tip — unless I had exceptional service or dined at a more formal (and tourist-oriented) restaurant.

Pace yourself when drinking alcohol.

A lot of travelers take advantage of Greece's lax attitude toward alcohol restrictions. Coupled with the fact that Greek bars and clubs close pretty late (like 4 a.m. late), some tourists get sloppy.

Locals usually intersperse drinks with food and water so they can last the whole night, and I recommend tourists do the same.

Slow down and take Sundays off.

Greeks have a pretty relaxed relationship with time — people often arrive late and stores may open half an hour after they said they would.

Service in Greece can seem slow to people from more fast-paced places, especially on the quieter islands . A lot of stores and supermarkets are also closed on Sundays, even in Athens.

I know this can be annoying at times, but I recommend just enjoying the slower pace of life.

Don’t try to visit too many islands on one trip.

So many people ask me if they can fit four or five islands into a seven-day trip, and I never recommend it. Take your time and enjoy each destination for at least a couple of days.

Half the joy of the Greek islands is getting to destress. If you're hopping from ferry to ferry and running around to cover the highlights, you'll miss out on the best parts of the country.

Be sensitive about natural disasters.

I never thought I'd have to say this, but I have seen multiple tourists in the last few years posting about how "pretty" the skies or sunsets are thanks to the glow from raging wildfires .

At a time when a lot of Greek people are wondering if their houses are still standing or their loved ones have gotten to safety, it's a pretty insensitive thing to do.

Don't skip out on experiencing a traditional taverna.

Athens and other popular Greek destinations now have a lot of upscale restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. But make sure to eat in a traditional taverna at least once.

A taverna is a casual restaurant with family-style dining. Diners can spend hours in them chatting with friends while sharing food paired with some great wine or ouzo (a Greek aperitif).

Greek food is more than just gyros.

Well-known dishes like gyros and souvlaki are truly delicious, but Greek cuisine is so much more than that.

For example, a lot of Greeks start their day with a tiropita (cheese pie) and freddo coffee. Each region also has local specialties that I recommend inquiring about.

In tavernas, popular menu items include calamari, octopus, all kinds of fish, grilled and fried cheeses (like saganaki and halloumi), and side dishes like fava.

Learn a few local words.

Most younger Greek people understand English, but you may run into problems communicating with older people — especially in more rural areas.

Even if a local person can understand you, I think it's nice to learn a few simple words and phrases like "good morning," "thank you," and "how are you?"

It's nice when tourists make a little bit of an effort.

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