road trip uk to greece

Europe Road Trip Adventure: UK to Greece

A Europe road trip? That would be great! Those were our words at some point, and we noted to do that “some time.” Well, “some time” came soon enough. Read along.

Table of Contents

How all started with our Europe Road Trip

We had no idea where to go five days before New Year’s Eve. On Facebook, a friend mentioned arriving in London, the United Kingdom, with his wife to stay there for years. I congratulated them, and he asked me if I knew someone to return their (left-hand drive) car to Greece.

Lights and wires switched in our heads… You can imagine what happened! We said we would bring it back! We combined it with a road trip through France, Italy, and Athens, Greece .

We booked airplane tickets on the spot and planned our Europe road trip from London to Athens. We would spend New Year’s Eve in London, leaving for France on January 1st!

Ready! Pack! Go!

What To Pack For A Road Trip in Europe

So, we were thinking about how to pack for such a trip. It would be a slow drive, taking around seven days back. Seven days may seem enough, but it is not… It was an easy decision since we would arrive in the UK by plane and then we had a car to put everything in. So… 2 luggage’s, laptops, etc.

Having a car is an excellent opportunity to take more clothes, especially in wintertime (our trip). It is more challenging to do the same by bike, where extra items are an issue to carry around.

Brainstorming For Road Trip Ideas

There we were, doing a more detailed research of places to go. The key factors -essential on a road trip- were:

• Driving time per location and sightseeing, along with accommodation. Driving time must be well calculated since it can be tiresome. We had some 7-hour driving time at some points.
• The distance between London and Bari (Italy) is 2076km. Bari is the port to take the ferry to Greece.

Driving time is 21 hours under good conditions. That driving time is not divided into the same intervals. Some locations demand 5-7 hours driving time, while others 2-3; in wintertime in Europe…

We didn’t spend time in London as we often go there.

Itinerary for our Road Trip in Europe

We concluded this itinerary by checking lots of hotels, guesthouses, and sightseeing options. We would take the Euro-tunnel to France and then:

Calais (a couple of hours touring time): Nice for a few hours to see the main colorful squares. You bump to Calais right after the Euro-tunnel, so why not?

Le Mont Saint Michel (stayed in Pontorson): A fantastic castle city. Unreachable since a couple of years ago, during high tide, but now it is OK after making a bridge to walk through. Do explore the whole of this place.

Lyon : Explore the old city. This is where everything is. Lyon is roughly divided into new and ancient towns. The new one is for administration and offices. We stayed in the old city. Before arriving in Lyon, we visited Rouen.

Verona : You need one day there at least. Visit Juliet, eat gelato, walk and walk and walk all over the city. Stay in the old town.

Firenze (Florence): Stay more than one day. Stay three, at least. The old city is a walk-through museum with tons to see in and out of different locations. It is 1 hour from Pisa, so…

Pisa : It is a fantastic place. Our facial expressions when we saw the tower? I can’t describe it. Make sure to explore the history of whatever you see, as there is more than the tower itself.

San Marino (a few hours touring): Spend 3-4 hours and visit, but we wouldn’t suggest spending more time there.

We didn’t stay in San Marino but explored this tiny independent country. Then we moved to Bari, Italy, for the ferry to Greece (this takes almost a day to cross). Click on the links to read about our experiences in each city.

Driving in Europe

It was a bit difficult to get out of the UK since -as you may know- driving is on the left, and we had a car with the steering wheel on the left. In London, it is on the other side. We managed to arrive in Kent with caution and slow caution and take the Euro-tunnel.

Yet, the GB government takes care of that. You get prepared with signs to point the driving side change on the road to Calais, France. The same happens when you come from France. The signs show what you need to do as you approach each country.

We needed a special European driving license on top of our country license. This cost around 50 euros as we issued that in Greece.

Other than that, all others were the usual ones, except… tolls—lots and lots of tolls all over Europe. You need a unique budget for that. If you decide on a European road trip, consult the classic website: ViaMichelin. We used ViaMichelin to calculate all costs, excluding food and accommodation.

Europe Road Trip Costs

We booked accommodation that was not cheap but rated above nine on Booking.com. The total cost for this trip was somewhat less than 2000 euros. That included everything around 700 of that cost related to tolls and gas.

In some destinations, we found great bargains for accommodation. Yet, in others, 200 euros per room per night was the “cheapest.” That was Lyon. A beautiful guesthouse in Pontmorson was less than 50 euros. We found a great room in Verona, inside the old city, and it was a massive room with huge space and bathrooms (plural). A huge homemade breakfast was also included.

We ate at different places depending on the driving time and location. When we left France from Lyon towards Verona, we had lots of driving time there through the Alps. We tasted pizza in gas station restaurants, and it was fantastic.

The cabin for two persons and the car cost on the ferry was pretty considerable. Yet, you can’t stay around 24 hours on a ship without sleeping since all lights are bright in the boat sitting areas.

Europe Road Trip Essentials & Tips

There is a list of things you need during a road trip. It is different when you are a couple and much different when 3 or 4 or more. Some key points are:

Make sure your vehicle is in top condition . Check everything; oil, filters, tires, breaks, electrical stuff. Do a thorough check.

Share driving time . As mentioned, driving time will be extended unless you want to stay in many more places along the main route. When two people drive, it becomes easier. Make sure to have a USB stick or CDs with music. Going through some of the countryside of France or/and Tuscany Italy can be a dream with music.

Navigation : The Alpha and Omega. It would help if you had a digital way to navigate. Forget books and printed maps. We used CoPilot software loaded in one of the smartphones in an extra sim. We additionally loaded the European maps needed for the trip.

Free-roaming in Europe was not an option (as it is now), so imagine the costs if we wanted to navigate with, i.e., google maps. In our opinion? Don’t use your mobile phone. We had good reception almost all the time, but it was not so good in some locations, and we did some “rounds.”

It is better to have a designated GPS road navigation device and use it only for that. Even better? Have both from the above mentioned. It is good to have a backup or (have the extra money) to buy along the road. Yet… if you get lost at night crossing the Alps, it is not that comfy…

Proper GPS software/device will also alert you for POIs (Points of Interest). Plus, it will “beep” alerts when you exceed the speed limit.

Respect road signs and info . More than the speed limits, when you see a sign saying “next gas station in X Km/Miles,” do believe that. Out of gas in remote locations is not that funny. France and Italy are well organized on road safety/services, but why risk that? Moreover… why pay for services you don’t need? Pay attention.

Have an extra budget. You may think you figured it all out, but you don’t. Unexpected costs will pop at different times. We “lost” some of our budgets while putting gas in a Total gas station, and the system charged us 300 euros. A “reserve credit” for the upcoming Total gas station. That was stupid (in our minds), and we called the bank for a refund.

Have cash, not only credit/debit cards . Not everything works with credit cards; yes, they take cash along your trip. A credit card may get lost or damaged. For some weird reason, your bank may decide to deny charges if they think someone hacked your card. Your bank doesn’t know you are changing between different cities in a short time.

Imagine being in a foreign country, on the road, without money. Not good.

Money in general : Do not make the trip if you don’t have enough (plus some more) money to cover it. Driving between European countries needs money, and you can’t do it for free or skip “something.”

Car rental : We didn’t need much on this road trip in Europe, but we did that in another where we drove through Cote D’ Azur, France. Renting a car to drive 2200km costs a lot. Make sure you rent a new vehicle, not an older one, even if it has gone through all the service controls, etc. Ask for a new car all the time.

Eating & drinking : If it looks suspicious, avoid it. Ask the locals where to eat real, local food. Some gas stations serve gourmet food or/and snacks.

Conclusion for this Road Trip in Europe

It was a fantastic experience, with a few ups and downs. They were few as we planned that well, and we had no big surprises along the way.

Make sure to find out if you need an international driving permit . 

Planning a Europe road trip or elsewhere? Let us know.

Also read: Traveling To Greece On A Budget and Best Lightweight Luggage For Europe .

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Road trip in Greece: The best itineraries for 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

Visit greece by car: the 7 best road trip itineraries.

You’re planning to do a road trip in Greece ?

Great idea!

Visiting Greece by car is the best way to optimize your itinerary and discover all the must-see attractions of the country.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this travel guide with the 7 best road trips itineraries in Greece depending on the duration of your stay (3, 5, 7, 10 days, 2 and 3 weeks and even 1 month!).

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 Greece depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

What’s the best airport to start a road-trip in Greece?

Renting a car for a road-trip in greece, 3 days in greece, road trip in greece: 4 or 5 days, road trip in greece: 1 week (athens + santorini), road trip in greece: 7 days (athens + peloponnese), 1) athens (3 days), 2) mycenae / epidaurus / nafplio (1 day), 3) palamidi fortress / monemvasia (1 day), 4) mystras / olympia (1 day), 5) delphi (1 day), 6) the meteora (1 day), 7) thessaloniki (2 days), 1) athens (2 days), 2) peloponnese (3 days), 3) delphi (1 day), 4) the meteora (1 day), 5) thessaloniki(1 day), 6) santorini (3 days), 7) another greek island (3 days), 8) return to athens or santorini (1 day), 1) central greece and peloponnese (8 days), 2) the greek islands (13 days), 1) central greece and peloponnese (12 days), 2) the greek islands (12 days), 3) rhodes (4 days or more), where to stay in greece during your road trip, when is the best time to do a road trip in greece, greece tours, renting a boat in greece, cyclades (greek islands).

There are numerous national and international airports in Greece. The most important ones are located in:

• Athens , Greece’s capital city
• Thessaloniki , if you want to discover the North of Central Greece
• Santorini , in the Greek Islands
• Mykonos, also in the Greek Islands
• Rhodes , in the Dodecanese archipelago
• Corfu, for the Ionian Islands
• Heraklion , in Crete

All my recommended itineraries in Greece are starting from Athens. It’s the best choice if you want to discover Greece by car, for a short stay or a long holiday!

You’ve guessed it, it’s impossible to plan a road trip in Greece without renting a car.

You should rent your car directly at the airport when you will arrive. As there are many car rental companies at the airport, it’s where you will get the best price.

You should also book your car in advance, so you won’t have a bad surprise when you will arrive. It will also give you the opportunity to choose the car you want.

If you’ve already read some of my articles, you know that I always rent my cars on Rentalcars.com website , whether I’m in Andalusia, Sicily , Canada or even Thailand .

This easy to use website allows you to compare prices and customer reviews between all the national and international rental cars agencies located in Athens’ Airport for example.

You can also choose the “Full Protection Insurance”,   and get complete excess refund in case of accident or theft. It works for every single scratch on your vehicle.

If I recommend it, it’s because I know this insurance works perfectly: they refunded me more than 1200€ to date!

Rentalcars also offers the “Best Price Warranty” : if you find the same car cheaper elsewhere, they will refund you the difference.

And last but not least, you can modify or even cancel your booking for free. As it doesn’t commit you to anything, you should book your car as early as possible to get the best price.

Simply click the button below to compare rental cars prices:

If you’ve decided to spend a long weekend in Greece, then you should focus on one city or one of the Greek Islands.

You will have the choice, as there are several international airports in Greece.

You will find every details to plan your 3 days holiday in Greece, depending on where you arrive (Athens, Santorini, Rhodes or Thessaloniki) in my article: Recommended itineraries for 3 days in Greece.

For each itinerary, you will find a day by day program and a selection of the best places to stay during your long weekend!

If you want to do a 4 or 5 days road trip in Greece, it’s easy: you just have to read my article: The best itinerary to visit Greece in 4-5 days.

During your tour, you will discover:

• Athens (1 day)
• Saronic Islands (1 day)
• Peloponnese (1 day): Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio
• Delphi (1 day)

In the article, you will find every details to plan your trip to Greece , with the best things to do for each day and the best accommodations.

You will find here a recommended road trip itinerary to visit Greece by car in 1 week.

This one-week road-trip in Greece takes you to Athens et Santorini.

• Athens (3 days)

For your 2 first days – get around Greece’s capital city on foot and visit:

• The Acropolis
• The Acropolis Museum
• Plaka district
• The Ancient Agora
• Monastiraki
• Mount Lycabettus
• Syntagma square

Third day – Choose a 1-day tour in Athens’ surroundings:

• Visit the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion
• Visit the Saronic Islands
• A full-day Mycenae and Epidaurus trip
• A Day trip to Delphi

You will find an itinerary to visit Athens and its surroundings in 3 days in my article: The 20 best things to do in Athens.

• Santorini (3 days)

4th, 5th and 6th day – Discover Santorini and its best points of interest:

• Fira, with its white and blue houses, a typical postcard landscape
• Oia, the best place to enjoy the sunset
• A beautiful hike between Fira and Oia
• A cruise around Santorini
• The picturesque villages of Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio
• The Archaeological sites of the Ancient Thera and Akrotiri
• A Wine tour, to discover Santorini’s vineyards
• The island’s most beautiful beaches.

For more details about the best things to do in Santorini, you can read my article:   Visit Santorini: The definitive guide.

7th day – End of your itinerary, it’s time to go back to the airport and take your return flight.

If you want to do a 7 days road trip in Greece, you should read my detailed article: 1 week in Greece: recommended itinerary.  

You will discover all the best things to do and best places to stay in Athens and Santorini. It’s the easiest way to plan your trip to Greece!

If you’re spending a week in Greece and don’t want to visit Athens and Santorini, you can choose a 7 days road trip in Central Greece . You will find the detailed itinerary in my article: 7 days in Greece: The Best Itinerary.

During this 6, 7 or 8 days road trip in Greece, you will discover Peloponnese ‘s most famous cities and archaeological sites: Athens, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Monemvasia, Mystras, Olympia and Delphi.

Here is a summary of this road trip:

• 2 days in Athens : you will visit the Acropolis and its Museum, Plaka and Monastiraki districts, the Agora, Mount Lycabettus and many more beautiful places!
• 1 day to visit the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus , and the lovely seaside city of Nafplio
• 1 day to discover the Palamidi Fortress and the hidden village of Monemvasia
• 1 day in Mystras (in the morning) and a visit of the archaeological site of Olympia in the afternoon
• 1 day in Delphi, one of the places I enjoyed the most in Greece
• 1 day to return to Athens

And if you’re looking for the best places to stay during this 7-8 days road trip in Greece, you will find all the best hotels in Peloponnese in my detailed itinerary (click here).

If you want more details about the things to see in Peloponnese, you can read my article: Visit Peloponnese: the 15 must-see attractions.

Road Trip in Greece: 10 days

You’re spending 10 days in Greece? Then, how about a road trip in Central Greece to discover some of the country’s best places to visit?

This road trip s tarts in Athens and ends in Thessaloniki. When booking your car, don’t forget to choose a rental company that won’t charge you if you drop off your car at a different location (It’s easy, you can see it directly on Rentalcars.com ).

During this 10-day road trip in Greece, you will discover:

• Peloponnese
• The Meteora
• Thessaloniki

Let’s start this itinerary in Athens. If you want to discover all the city’s must-see attractions, you should stay there at least 3 days.

On your 1st day in Athens, you will visit:

• Monastiraki district
• Philopappos Hill
• Gazi district

During your 2nd day , visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus . Take a stroll and relax in Zappeion Park and the National Garden, then reach Syntagma Square. There, the Changing of the Presidential Guard takes place every hour.

From Syntagma Square, reach Ermou street to do a bit of shopping, and visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

End your day on Mount Lycabettus, one of the best places to admire the sunset in Athens.

For your 3rd day , you should visit Athens’ surroundings and choose between these 2 one-day trips:

If you want to plan your trip to Athens, you can read my article: Visit Athens: the definitive guide.

The next day (on your 4th day) , continue your 10-day road trip in Greece, and drive to Peloponnese.

There are 4 points of interest you should see during your 1st day in Peloponnese. You should visit them in this order:

• From Athens, drive for 1 hour to see Corinth Canal
• Then, go to Mycenae, the former home of King Agamemnon
• Visit the archaeological site of Epidaurus and its famous theatre
• Then, reach the city of Nafplio and spend the night there.

If you want more details about Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio, you can read my article: The 15 best things to do in Peloponnese.  

On your 5th day , in the morning, end your stay in Nafplio with a visit to the Palamidi Fortress. There, you will enjoy splendid views of Nafplio and the sea.

Then drive for 3 hours to reach the hidden village of Monemvasia. Take a stroll in its beautiful paved alleys , and get back in your car to reach Mystras , the last stop of your day!

For the 6th day of this road trip in Greece, you will spend a last day in Peloponnese.

You should get up early, as you will have a really busy day!

In the morning, discover the beautiful ancient city of Mystras. You will be amazed by its many churches, monasteries and convent, located in the heart of nature. This UNESCO World Heritage site was well restored and is the perfect place for a nice stroll.

Plan at least 3 hours to explore the site.

In the afternoon, you will visit another renowned ancient site: Olympia (a 2-hour drive from Mystras). If you arrive in Olympia around 3 or 4 p.m, you will have time to visit the archaeological site as well as the museum located nearby. Both are included in the 12€ entrance ticket.

You should also visit the Historical Museum of the Olympic Games (the entrance is included in your ticket too).

Spend the night in Olympia.

The 7th day of your road trip in Greece will now take you to Delphi.

There, you will discover the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the Theatre and enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Spend a night in Delphi.

During your 8th day , you will visit the Meteora.

You will be amazed by these impressive monasteries built on top of huge rocks. It’s clearly one of my favorite place in Greece!

You can visit the interior of 6 monasteries, for 3€ each. Visiting one is enough, and the best one is for sure the Monastery of Great Meteoron. It is by far the biggest and most impressive.

It’s now time to end your 10-day road trip in Greece with the city of Thessaloniki. You will spend 2 days here.

On your 9th day , visit Greece’s 2nd largest city.

If you’re spending 1 day in Thessaloniki, here are the best things to do:

• Modiano Market
• Egnatia Street
• The many churches
• The varied museums
• The White Tower
• Thessaloniki Waterfront

For more details, don’t forget to read my definitive guide about the city: The 12 best things to do in Thessaloniki.

On your 10th day , it will be time to fly back home!

If you want more details about this 10-day road trip in Greece, you should read my detailed article: Visit Greece: the best 10-day itinerary.

You will also find a list of the best places to stay for every city. It will be really easy to plan your 9-10 days trip to Greece! 

Road trip in Greece: 2 weeks

You’re planning a 15 days road trip in Greece? Then, you’re lucky: you will have enough time to visit Central Greece and the Greek Islands!

This 2 weeks road trip in Greece also starts from Athens.

You will find every details to help you plan your road trip in Greece in my article: 2 weeks in Greece: the best itinerary.

Here is a short summary of this itinerary’s main stages:

Let’s start this two weeks road trip in Greece with 2 days in Athens.

You will have enough time to see all the best places to visit listed in my article: Visit Athens: The 20 Must-See attractions.

1st and 2nd day – the best things to do are:

• Plaka and Monastiraki districts

During the next 3 days of your 15 days road trip in Greece, you will discover Peloponnese.

3rd day: Visit the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus and spend the night in Nafplio.

4th day: Discover the Palamidi Fortress located above Nafplio + visit Monemvasia + Spend the night in Mystras.

5th day: discover the beautiful ancient city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site + visit the archaeological site of Olympia.

The 6th day of this 15 days road trip in Greece takes you to Delphi. In the morning, you will drive for 3h15 to reach Delphi from Olympia, but don’t worry: time will just fly by, as you will enjoy beautiful landscapes during your journey!

Spend the afternoon in Delphi , and visit this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and its museum.

For your 7th day , you should go to the Meteora, and admire the impressive monasteries built on top of Huge rocks.

It’s clearly a must-see attraction during this 2 weeks road trip in Greece.

8th day: drive to Thessaloniki, drop off your rental car and fly to Santorini island.

If you are visiting Greece in 15 days, you will have enough time to spend a few days in the Greek Islands.

You should start your itinerary in Santorini and spend 3 days there.

During the 9th, 10th and 11th days, you will explore the beautiful romantic island of Santorini. For the details, don’t forget to read  my definitive guide about the most famous Greek Island: Santorini: The definitive guide.

You will also find a selection of all the best places to stay in Santorini.

During your trip, you will also have time to discover another Greek Island.

For your 12th, 13th and 14th day , spend 3 days on one of these islands:

• Amorgos , if you’re an hiking lover
• Naxos , the best place to relax at the beach
• Paros , if you want to discover picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and a few marked trails.

If you want to discover my best 3-day itineraries for each island, you can click on the links above.

Your 14-15 days itinerary in Greece is already over! For your last day , you will have to get back home.

You will have the choice between:

• Take the ferry to Santorini, then fly back home.
• Take the ferry to Athens, then fly home.
• From Naxos or Paros , you can also fly to Athens then fly back home.

You can find this detailed road trip in my article: The best 14-15 days Greece itinerary, with all my best tips and a list of the best places to stay depending on your budget.

Road trip in Greece: 3 weeks

You’re planning a 3 weeks road trip in Greece? That’s perfect 😃: during your holidays, you will discover 2 completely different atmospheres:

• Central Greece and Peloponnese
• The Greek Islands

I’ve made a detailed day to day itinerary to help you organize your three weeks road trip in Greece: The best itinerary to visit Greece in 3 weeks.

In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Greece. The best things to do, how to get from one place to the other and the best places to stay during your trip.

Here is a brief summary of this itinerary:

During your 21 days road trip in Greece, you will have 8 days to discover the best of Peloponnese and Central Greece.

Day 1 and 2: Athens

Day 3: Mycenae / Epidaurus / Nafplio

Day 4: Palamidi Fortress / Monemvasia

Day 5: Mystras / Olympia – 2 of Peloponnese’s most famous tourist sites.

Day 6: Delphi , where the Oracle of Delphi (the Pythia) transmitted Apollo’s directives from Gods to humans

Day 7: The Meteora and its impressive monasteries built on top of huge rocks.

Day 8: Thessaloniki

After 8 days in Central Greece, continue your 3 weeks road trip in Greece and discover 4 islands of the Cyclades archipelago . You should spend 3 days on each island (travel time included).

Days 9, 10 and 11: You will explore the romantic island of Santorini , see its most famous tourist sites and even do a boat trip.

Day 12, 13 and 14: Take the ferry to Amorgos . The island is a real hiker’s paradise, with its many marked trails!

Day 15, 16 and 17: The ferry will take you to Naxos . There, you can relax and take a dip at beautiful beaches.

Day 18, 19 and 20: The last Greek Island you will visit is Paros . Enjoy its many beaches, picturesque villages and beautiful marked trails!

Day 21 : Your 3 weeks road trip in Greece is already over. Take the ferry to Santorini or Athens, then fly back home.

The ferry is the  only way to go from an island to another  in the Cyclades.

If you want to check the rates and schedules as well as book your ferry tickets in advance, click the button below:

And if you want to read my detailed article about this 3 weeks itinerary in Greece, with all the best things to do and best places to stay , click here .

Road trip in Greece: 1 month

If you’re lucky enough to do a 1-month road trip in Greece, then you’re at the right place!

During this 1 month itinerary in Greece, you will visit Athens , Peloponnese and most of Central Greece.

Then, you will go to the magnificent Greek Islands  and their postcard landscape: Santorini, Amorgos , Naxos and Paros.

You will end this one-month trip to Greece in the Dodecanese island of Rhodes.

If you want to plan your trip to Greece , you will find every details in my article: 1 Month in Greece: the ultimate itinerary. For each day, I will tell you more about the best things to do , how to get from one place to the other and the best places to stay.

It’s clearly the easiest way to plan your 1-month road trip in Greece!

For the 1st part of this one-month road trip in Greece, you will spend 12 days in Peloponnese and Central Greece.

Day 1 and 2: Get around Athens on foot. There, discover the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, and take a stroll in the beautiful Plaka and Monastiraki districts.

Day 3: Do a  Cape Sounion Tour , to see the temple and admire the view of the Saronic Gulf.

Day 4: It’s time for a  full-day tour to the Saronic Islands : Visit Hydra, Poros and Aegina.

Day 5: Start your road trip in Peloponnese and visit the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. End your day in Nafplio and spend the night in the city . There, you can enjoy the beautiful old town and relax at the beach.

Day 6: In the morning, visit the Palamidi Fortress (located above Nafplio), then go to the village of Monemvasia. At the end of the day, drive to Mystras and spend the night there.

Day 7: Discover the many churches and monasteries in Mystras, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire. Then, drive to Olympia , and visit the archaeological site and the museum.

Day 8: In the morning, drive to Delphi. Then, visit the ancient site and the museum.

Day 9: From Kalambaka, follow the narrow road to the Meteora to discover the 6 monasteries built on top of huge rocks. It’s clearly one of the must-see attractions during this one-month road trip in Greece!

Day 10 and 11: Go to Thessaloniki for the 3 next nights. When visiting Greece’s 2nd largest city, you will discover the White Tower, many churches and museums, and a beautiful waterfront promenade.

Day 12: Drive to Thessaloniki’s Airport, drop off your rental car and fly to Santorini.

Now that you’ve seen most of Central Greece, it’s time to continue this 1-month road trip in Greece in the Cyclades archipelago. You should spend around 3 days on each island, to discover all the best places to see.

During these 12 days, you will visit 4 Greek Islands: Santorini, Amorgos, Naxos and Paros.

Day 13, 14 and 15: Start your Cyclades itinerary with the world famous Santorini island. You will find every details to visit Santorini in 3 days in my article: Visit Santorini: the definitive guide.

Day 16, 17 and 18: Take the ferry to reach Amorgos , the perfect island for hiking lovers.

Day 19, 20 and 21 : Go to Naxos and discover its magnificent beaches.

Day 22, 23 and 24: the last Greek Island you will visit during this one-month itinerary in Greece is Paros. There, you can visit picturesque villages, take a stroll in Paros Park, and relax at the beach.

If you want to check the schedules and book your ferry tickets, click the button below:

Now that you’ve discovered the best of Central Greece, Peloponnese and the Greek Islands, it’s time to end this 1-month road trip in Greece in the Dodecanese.

During these last days in Greece, you will visit the island of Rhodes. You can fly there from Athens or Santorini.

What are the best places to see in Rhodes?

• The Medieval city of Rhodes , one of the most impressive fortified city I’ve ever seen!
• Mandraki,  Rhodes’ modern city
• The Acropolis of Rhodes
• Lindos and its Acropolis
• Saint Paul’s Bay
• The island’s numerous beautiful beaches
• Tsambika Monastery, and the beach named after it
• The Valley of the Butterflies
• The Ancient site of Kamiros
• The castles of Kritinia and Monolithos

If you want to plan your trip to Rhodes, you should read my article: Visit Rhodes: the definitive guide.

If you’re staying in Rhodes for a few days, you can also do a 1-day trip to discover Symi, another famous island of the Dodecanese archipelago

You can book it directly here.

To plan your 1 month trip to Greece, don’t forget to read my detailed itinerary: The best itinerary to visit Greece in 1 month.

Now that you know all the best things to do during your road trip in Greece, it’s time to answer an important question: where to stay at every stage of your journey?

After a long day exploring the country, you will probably want to get a good night’s sleep (and a hot shower of course! 😅).

You will find here a list of all the best places to stay in Greece, for each city you will visit during your road trip. Everything is detailed in my itineraries.

You can also click directly here to find the best hotels: 

In Central Greece:

• The 5 best hotels in Athens
• The best places to stay in Delphi
• Where to stay in Meteora
• The best accommodations in Thessaloniki

In Peloponnese:

• Where to stay in Nafplio
• The best places to stay in Mystras
• The best hotels in Olympia

In the Greek Islands:

• The best hotels in Santorini
• Staying in Amorgos
• The best accommodations in Naxos
• The best places to stay in Paros

In Dodecanese:

• The best places to stay in Rhodes

If you want to do a road trip in Greece, and if you only want to visit Central Greece and Peloponnese, you should plan your holidays during Spring (April – May – June) or Autumn (September – October)

You will enjoy nice weather and the roads are less crowded than during the summer holidays.

You shouldn’t do your road trip in Central Greece during Winter: the weather is often cold with heavy snow episodes.

If you’re planing to visit the Greek Islands during your road trip in Greece, then you should go there in May / June, or in September / October. If you’re not bound by school holidays, you should really avoid July and August, as the islands are very crowded and the weather is very hot.

Between November and March , it’s quite difficult to visit the Greek Islands, as there are not many ferry connections, and the boats won’t sail in case of bad weather. Most of the hotels are also closed.

If you want to do a full road trip in Greece and visit Peloponnese, Central Greece, the Greek Islands and even Rhodes (as in my 1-month itinerary), you should plan your holidays in May / June or in September / October.

And if you want to enjoy the beaches and swim during your trip to Greece, the best month for your road trip is September. That’s what I did, and it’s clearly the best month to visit Greece by car!

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Greece by yourself. (All my Greece articles are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Greece tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Greece tours by clicking the button below:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your trip to Greece, 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 Greece? 😊

And you, now that you know what to see: where do you want to go and what do you want to visit in Greece?

Greece travel guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
• The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
• Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!
• Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
• Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit
• The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
• Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades
• Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
• Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
• Naxos: Top 10 things to do
• Paros: The 10 best places to visit
• Santorini: The definitive guide
• Tinos: The 10 best things to do
• Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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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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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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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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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.

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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?

• Unique Things To Do In Greece With Kids
• How To Tip In Greece
• Car Rental And Driving Tips For Greece
• Where To Stay In Crete
• What To Expect & Do In September In Greece
• Things To Do In Greece During The Winter
• Packing Tips For Greece
• Things To Do And Eat During Easter In Greece
• How To Travel Greece On A Budget
• How To Get From Santorini To Crete
• Things To Do In Corfu For Families
• Best Cave Hotels In Greece
• Where To Stay On Corfu
• Greek Island Groups – Everything You Need To Know
• Mainland Beaches In Greece Not To Miss

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

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London to Greece drive

London to greece road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from London to Greece. If you're planning a road trip to Greece, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in London drive for about 4.5 hours

1:22 pm   Brussels stay for about 4 hours and leave at 5:22 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 8.5 hours find more stops

11:00 am  leave from Frankfurt drive for about 2 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 2 hours find more stops

8:00 am  leave from Europe drive for about 6.5 hours

2:16 pm   Budapest stay for about 4 hours and leave at 6:16 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 10 hours

10:00 am  leave from Belgrade drive for about 2.5 hours

12:36 pm  eat at Niska Tvrdjava stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:36 pm drive for about 5.5 hours

7:19 pm  arrive at Greece

day 4 driving ≈ 8.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Brussels   (207 answers)     Manneken Pis   (12 mentions)     Grand Place   (11 mentions)     Atomium   (10 mentions)     Grand Place   (10 mentions)     Pierre Marcolini   (6 mentions)     restaurants around Brussels:         Delirium Cafe         Godiva         Hortense Spirits & Cocktails         Moeder Lambic         Poechenellekelder     questions about Brussels:         Belgian nightlife? bar + electro-music nightclub in Brussels         Going to Brussels for Magritte, what else should we do?         Can you recommend some good places to see Art Nouveau in Brussels?         How to spend a week in Brussels?         Good places to visit overnight near Brussels Frankfurt   (79 answers)     Cider Taverns in Sachsenhausen   (2 mentions)     Städel Museum   (2 mentions)     Frankfurt Cathedral   (2 mentions)     Römerberg   (2 mentions)     questions about Frankfurt:         What's fun in Frankfurt?         Is a 4.5 hours layover at FRA enough time to explore Frankfurt?         Must sees/do in Frankfurt, Germany???         Dinner Sunday Nigth         4h 45m layover, enough to meet a family member for a bite in concourse? Europe   (209 mentions)     questions about Europe:         Best City for Christmas Markets in Europe?         12-15 day trip to Europe         Fashion Trends & How to Pack Light         What is the best place to vacation in Europe?         Looking for a nice summer holiday destination Budapest   (175 answers)     Széchenyi Thermal Bath   (13 mentions)     Szimpla Kert   (13 mentions)     Parlament   (12 mentions)     Széchenyi Thermal Bath   (11 mentions)     Buda Castle   (11 mentions)     restaurants around Budapest:         Gerbeaud's         New York Kávéház & Étterem         Centrál Kávéház         Fülemüle Étterem     questions about Budapest:         What are the 5 things you HAVE to do when you are visiting Budapest?         Must see architecture in Budapest?         Cold War relics in Budapest?         Places to see in Budapest for a solo female traveler         Small city or Village to visit near Budapest Belgrade   (22 answers)     Kalemegdan   (8 mentions)     Ada Ciganlija   (5 mentions)     Nikola Tesla Museum   (5 mentions)     Knez Mihailova   (4 mentions)     Cathedral of Saint Sava   (2 mentions)     questions about Belgrade:         What's the best neighborhood in Belgrade for a first time visitor?         Café culture in Belgrade         vacation duration Niska Tvrdjava   (2 mentions)

What are some things to do in Greece?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Greece. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Greece.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Greece to London drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from London to Greece . Or get a full London to Greece flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know London well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about London!

More info on this route:

road conditions from London to Greece

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

The Ultimate 2-Week Greece Road Trip Itinerary

Experience Greece in all its glory by driving around the country in 2 weeks with this road trip itinerary. 7 stops, endless fun.

While many people think of Greece as the ultimate island destination, with Mykonos and Santorini headlining honeymoon itineraries , it’s also a fantastic road trip destination. The mainland of Greece, from Athens to Thessaloniki via Meteora, Delphi, or the Peloponnese, offers up an amazing array of unique stops.

Below is the ultimate 2-week Greece road trip itinerary, beginning with the mainland and ending on the islands. Begin your ultimate Greece road trip in Thessaloniki. You can fly into here from most cities across Europe or connect in Athens. 

1. Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, in the north, is Greece’s second-largest city and the capital of the Greek region of Macedonia. It was founded as a Roman city in the 1st century BCE by Cassander of Macedon. Under the Byzantines, the city flourished and was the second largest and wealthiest city in the empire.

Today, Thessaloniki is considered Greece’s cultural capital, with yearly art and film festivals. It also features numerous Roman and Byzantine ruins, plenty of street art, and has been named as one of the best mid-size European cities.

What to see and do in Thessaloniki

• Ano Poli: Ano Poli, or upper town, is part of the original city layout. In 1917, a large fire destroyed much of Thessaloniki, and the city was rebuilt according to a Byzantine city plan. Ano Poli was not destroyed, however, and remains the most traditional Greek and Ottoman part of the city. 
• Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments: Thessaloniki has many paleochristian and Byzantine monuments, because of its importance as a Byzantine administrative center. The most well known is Hagios Demitrios, or the Church of Saint Demetrius, which was damaged by the fire in 1917 and later by World War II bombing. Hagios Demetrios is the largest basilica in Greece and has since been rebuilt.
• Street Art: Thessaloniki is a vibrant second city and is popular with street artists and street photographers. In 2017, it hosted its first street art festival, drawing many artists and musicians; since then the city has been considered the cultural capital of Greece and is one of Europe’s best mid-sized cities.

Insider’s tip: To make the most of this road trip itinerary, rent your car after exploring the city and before moving on to the next destination on this itinerary.

2. Halkidiki

From Thessaloniki, drive around Halkidiki, which comprises three peninsulas on the northeastern coast. It is the birthplace of Aristotle. 

The three peninsulas of Halkidiki are known as Kassandra, Sithonia, and Agion Oros : 

• Kassandra is the furthest south peninsula, closest to Thessaloniki, where you will find the largest towns and most developed infrastructure. 
• Sithonia is less developed and perfect for outdoor lovers. 
• And Agion Oros , the northernmost peninsula, is home to Mount Athos, a monastic state which only men are allowed to enter.

Halkidiki is also known for its beaches, thermal spas, mountain villages, and the monastery of Mount Athos.

Top 3 things to do in Halkidiki

• Halkidiki Beaches: You must visit the beaches of Halkidiki!  Some are made up of rocky coves, while others are much more developed and have shops or bars along the beach. Some of the most popular beaches include Kavourotripes, Alykes on Ammouliani Island, Karydi in Vourvourou, and Possidi.
• Mount Athos: While you can’t visit Mount Athos by land unless you are an Orthodox Christian male with a special permit, anyone can see the monastery from the sea. Boat cruises depart daily from Ouranoupoli or Ormos Panagias and half-day tours take 3-4 hours. 
• Visit the Thermal Spa: Halkidiki is known for its healing waters, in particular, the spa at Agia Paraskevi, on a cliff overlooking the sea. It has been said that this thermal spa can heal arthritis, skin inflammations, and other chronic disorders. They also offer hammams, hydromassage treatments, saunas, and swimming pools.

From Halkidiki, drive south to Meteora. Meteora is located in the Plains of Thessaly and is home to six Eastern Orthodox monasteries, all built on top of natural sandstone pillars. 

The earliest monasteries were built around the 14th century, though there is evidence for human settlement as far back as 50,000 years ago and evidence of monks living there from the 9th century. The original access to the 24 monasteries was only by ropes or ladders that could be removed, for security.

Today, it is easier to visit the monasteries , as there are now staircases built into the rock. There are only 6 monasteries remaining.

What you cannot miss in Meteora

• Monastery of the Holy Trinity : Built in 1475, this is one of the six remaining monasteries. It is inhabited by just four monks and is located atop the cliffs. 
• Old Hermitages : Many monasteries were destroyed by the Ottomans or fell into ruin. However, what many people don’t know is that prior to the monasteries there were small hermitages that housed the early monks. Some of the more well known include the Doupiani and Badovas hermitages. You can visit these with a tour guide.
• The Pindos Mountains : Explore the Pindos Mountain range, home to not just the monasteries but also small villages and flowing streams. 

After leaving Meteora, drive to Delphi, home to the ancient Oracle and today an incredibly impressive set of ruins. Once considered the center of the world, and marked with a stone called the omphalos (navel), Delphi is notable for its importance to Ancient Greek city-states and there are many monuments built by the various governments. For this reason, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is Delphi famous for

• Temple of Apollo : The Temple dedicated to Apollo at Delphi was located at the heart of the sanctuary. The ruins we can see today are actually the ruins of the third temple built in the 4th century BCE. This temple was damaged by the Romans and later destroyed by Christian zealots in an effort to stamp out paganism.
• Treasury of Athens : The Treasury of Athens was built at Delphi to commemorate their win at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. It is located directly below the Temple of Apollo on the Sacred Way, meaning that all who went to the temple passed it. Its location signified the importance of the city-state of Athens. A treasury would have held votives and offerings from the city-state to the god, and there were other treasuries at Delphi and other sites around Greece.
• Archaeological Museum of Delphi : The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is one of the most visited museums in Greece. It is located outside the sanctuary. Some of the most important artifacts in the museum include the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury, the Charioteer of Delphi, and the Metopes of the Treasury of the Athenians.

Delphi is only a few hours north of Athens, which is your next stop. The capital of Greece is one of the greatest capital cities in history. Early settlement dates back to 1400 BCE, while evidence of humans dates back to between the 11th and 7th century BCE. 

Today it is a sprawling city that blends the ancient and modern and is a must-see on your ultimate Greece road trip. 

Insider’s tip: Return your rental car here before exploring, you can explore the city using its public transport network and on foot.

Athens highlights

• Acropolis and Acropolis Museum : the Athens Acropolis is one of the most prominent symbols of Antiquity. It sits on a rocky outcrop above the city and is home to a number of building ruins. The most important structure atop the Acropolis is the Parthenon, but there are nearly 20 other buildings. The entrance to the Acropolis is through the Propylaea, a monumental gateway that marks the end of the Sacred Way. Other buildings or structures here include the Theatre of Dionysus, the Erectheum, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
• Ancient Agora : the Ancient Agora is the best-known example of a classical agora. It is located northwest of the Acropolis. If the Acropolis was the spiritual heart of the city, the agora was considered the commercial heart of the city. It was here that the merchants met, some people lived, and where assemblies would have taken place.
• Temple of Zeus : The Temple of Zeus is a temple in the center of modern Athens. It was begun in the 6th century BCE but was not completed until the 2nd century AD. The temple almost immediately fell into disuse but while it was active it was the largest temple in the Roman Empire. Today just 16 columns remain yet it is one of the most important ruins in the city.
• Explore Plaka : walking through Plaka is surely an experience you can’t miss. This is the oldest neighborhood in Athens. The streets are narrow and the labyrinth is home to tourist shops, cafes, tavernas, galleries, and more.
• Benaki Museum : The Benaki Museum, located within a historic mansion in Athens, houses Greek works of art from prehistoric to modern time. While its focus spans Greek culture over its history, the Benaki also has an extensive Asian art collection and houses a restoration and conservation workshop.

6. Mykonos island

From Piraeus, the port of Athens, take a ferry to Mykonos. This takes around 2-5 hours depending on the ferry but can take up to 24 hours if you take a slow boat.

Mykonos is quite possibly the most famous of the Aegean islands and a paradise for everyone from celebrities to backpackers. Hora is a vibrant town where you can spend both time and money in the many designer boutiques or hip restaurants.

The island of Mykonos is well known for its sunsets and parties, but it has a quieter side too . You can rent a car or scooter to get around Mykonos, and this can be done on arrival. 

Best things to do in Mykonos

• Alefkantra aka Little Venice : this 18th-century district in Hora transports you back to Italy, with its Italianate mansions and delightful balconies overlooking the sea. Mykonos’ famous windmills are just above you. Alefkantra is where the sea captains of the 18th and 19th centuries lived and the neighborhood remains a charming, quiet, residential area.
• Ano Mera : Mykonos’ second city is located in the center of the island and is much quieter than its sister Hora. Go for the beautiful 16th century Panayia Tourliani monastery, known for its wood-carved iconostasis.
• Ftelia : history buffs must visit this Neolithic settlement just north of Ano Mera. It also has a 14th century BCE Mycenaean tomb.
• Beaches of Mykonos : Mykonos has many wonderful beaches. If you have a car or scooter you can explore at your leisure. Some of the beaches are organized with umbrellas, chairs, etc while others are unorganized and you should take what you need with you.

Editor’s tip: Once you are done with the Aegean sea, why not keep exploring the Mediterranean with an Adriatic sailing adventure ? There are over a thousand Croatian islands  waiting for you!

7. Santorini

Take the ferry to Santorini, one of Greece’s most well-known and popular islands. This will take around two hours. The glimmering whitewashed buildings of Fira (Thera), Oia, and Imerovigli look out over the sea and provide incredible – and very romantic – sunset views. 

Spend a few days here to explore the island’s east coast, visit the many wineries, and enjoy the rich history and landscape. To get around the island, rent a car in Fira.

Before heading back, if you have extra time, consider taking an Ios day trip – easily accessible by ferry from Santorini year-round-  to explore its scenic beauty

What to do and where to go in Santorini

• Hike the trail between Fira and Oia : The hiking trail between Fira and Oia is a popular one, especially around sunset (end in Oia for the best views) but it also helps you work off all that great Greek food – one of the best cuisines in the world – and wine! The trail winds along the caldera rim and has epic views of the sea.
• Take a volcano cruise : Santorini is known for its volcanic activity – after all, the eruption of Thera is the eruption that ended the Minoan civilization on Crete. The best way to experience the volcanic activity in Santorini is to take a cruise out to the smaller volcanoes in the caldera for a hike up the volcano and a swim in the hot springs.
• Visit Akrotiri : Akrotiri is a Bronze Age Minoan settlement, with evidence of habitation into the 5th millennium BCE. It was destroyed in the 16th century BCE eruption that wiped out the Minoans. Akrotiri was first excavated in 1867 although modern excavations in the late 1960s revealed the extent of the site. Akrotiri is considered the source of the Atlantis myth.

Greece is a great road trip destination, even on the islands. 

• If you can include the amazing mainland sites like Delphi, Meteora, and Athens, you really get a great sense of the history and culture of Greece. 
• The islands add yet another dimension – they have extensive history and influences but also showcase the beautiful modern way of life. 

Using this ultimate Greek road trip itinerary, you will experience the best of both worlds. Enjoy!

Chrysoula is a travel blogger born and raised in Athens with a professional background in Tourism and Marketing. Through the pages of Athens and Beyond , she wants to help visitors make the most of their trip to Athens and show them how to navigate the city like an insider.

11 BEST Road Trips In Greece For 2024

Want to find the most epic road trips in Greece and its Islands for your next trip?

You are in the right place!

Greece is one of the most amazing getaways thanks to the amazing weather, stunning views and incredible food.

And even though you can see a lot by public transport, exploring the sites by car allows you to see so much more.

I always love Greek road trips because it is my favourite place to drive and there are so many places to see!

But which are the best?

Keep reading to find the ultimate driving routes that Greece has to offer for your next trip!

📍Before we get started, I get asked a lot about where to get the best rental car when visiting Greece and the Islands .

I always use and recommend Discover Cars – they offer the best rates and have never let me down!

✅ Check Out Reviews & Prices For Discover Cars Here!

The Best Greece & Greek Island Itineraries:

1. santorini road trip.

🚗 Road Trip Route: Oia – Fira – Akrotiri – Perissa – Fira 

⏰ Duration: 6 Hours – 1 Day

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Hotel Anessis

A great road trip in Greece is travelling around the stunning Island of Santorini.

If you don’t want to hire a car, you can follow this amazing route in  Santorini by ATV , taxi or bus.

The easiest route around the island covers a distance of approximately 40km, taking 6 hours with stops.

Oia is one of the most popular places to start this journey and is a fantastic place to stay!

The prehistoric town of Akrotiri is a highlight that should not be missed! These are ruins of an ancient village that was buried by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.

The large parking area also makes this a really easy place to visit!

After Akrotiri, take the short drive to Akrotiri Lighthouse along the coast road. There are a couple of places where you can pull over and take in the views.

If you have time, try and spend a few hours at Perissa and visit its large black sand beach. It’s a good place to stop and take a break for lunch because it has several beachside cafes and bars.

Just make sure that you do not keep your beach shoes on when you start driving again as you may be fined!

🍷 For the best time in Santorini, I recommend this Santorini Wineries with Tapas Tour!

2. Pindus Mountains Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Ioannina – Vikos Gorge – Papingo Rock Pools – Papigo Village – Ioannina

⏰ Duration: 4 Hours – 1 Day

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Frontzu Politia Hotel

If you are looking for the most naturally stunning drives in Northern Greece, this is the one for you!

This area of Greece is criminally underappreciated and not visited by many. It is also home to the incredible Pindus Mountain Range.

So for anyone planning on renting a car in Greece , make sure you add this route to your itinerary!

Close to the border with Albania, the Pindus Mountains stretch for over 160 km and represent one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Southern Balkans. 

The best place to begin is in the city of Ioannina, a very scenic hour and a half drive from the heart of the mountain range.

Along the way, you will encounter many breathtaking views, heart-stopping hairpin bends and stunning natural beauty. 

Vikos Gorge is one of the top places to stop and is listed as being the ‘deepest gorge in the world relative to its width’ by the Guinness Book of records. 

After exploring the gorge, head back towards the main road that takes you towards Papingo Rock Pools.

You will find impressive tiered rock pools surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs which are the perfect place to take a break and cool off.

 One place you will not want to miss is the mountain village of Papigo. You will find authentic, hearty Greek meals with the most epic views!

 The driving part should only take around 4 hours so makes a fantastic day trip from Ioania and even Athens!

But if you have more time, you can easily spend an entire day exploring all the stops on this amazing road trip in Northern Greece.

3. Ancient Argolis Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Athens – Nafpilo – Mycenae City – Nemea – Epidaurus

⏰ Duration: 4 Hours – 2 Day s

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Impero Luxury Suites Nafplio

With its diverse landscapes and stunning views, this area of the Peloponnese region is one of the most popular places to rent a car and explore the sites.

But even if you don’t drive, you can use public transport to explore the incredible route from Nafpilo to all the historical sites easily.

Situated around two hours by car from Athens, you will find the picturesque town of Nafplio. Found in the Peloponnese region, it is full of rich history and beautiful architecture. 

From here you will be able to discover the region of Argolis from Nafplio and explore some of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

The most popular place to visit on this route is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae, the city where one of the most important ancient civilizations flourished.

🏺 I recommend booking this tour of Mycenae!

From there, make sure you head to Nemea to enjoy a tasting of the world-renowned Agiorgitiko wine .

On your second day, the archaeological site of Epidaurus awaits, just a 30-minute drive from Nafplio.

Apart from the sanctuary of Asclepius, one of the most celebrated sanctuaries in Ancient Greece, the highlight of the archaeological site is the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, which is famous for its excellent acoustics.

2 days is suggested so you can visit all the historical sites with plenty of time. But if you are rushed for time, you can easily explore this region in a day!

4. Athens-Delphi and Meteora Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Athens – Pieras – Corinth – Temple of Olympian Zeus and Mount Parnassus – Delphi – Arachova – Kalabaka – Meteora 

⏰ Duration: 8 Hours but doing it over 2 days is recommended

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Divani Meteora Hotel 

Like many of the great greek road trip itineraries, Athens is a fantastic place to start!

And if you want to explore Greece by car from Athens, This short trip to Delphi & Meteora from Athens is totally worth doing.

It is one of the most scenic road trips in Greece as it passes through farmlands, rustic Greek villages, and mountains.

This is also one of the most popular day trips from Athens because there are plenty of things to do on this Delphi And Meteora Tour and it only takes a few hours!

This drive will probably take around 8 hours. But it is much more enjoyable if you spend a day or two exploring the main stops along the way.

There are many scenic stopovers between Athens and Delphi like Piera or the port city of Corinth, for a historical tour.

For the best views, stop by the many mountains overlooking the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Mount Parnassus. 

But Delphi is the main site you will want to see on this drive. Home of the ancient oracle of Delphi.

🏛 Book your tour of Delphi with a local guide here!

It is located at an altitude of more than 1,600 meters (5,250 feet), so it’s a good idea to visit in the winter when the weather is cooler. The views are spectacular!

Meteora is the final stop on this ancient greek road trip and is 4 to 5 hours away from Delphi. To make your trip even better, stay the night stay at Kalampaka.

Kalampaka is a small Greek town surrounded by rocky cliffs and monasteries on hilltops. And there are some amazing villages to visit on the route to it like the hilly village of Arachova.

The next day after having a quick breakfast in Kalampaka, do a monastery tour in Meteora and return to Athens on the same day. 

5. Athens-Lefkada Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Athens-Corinth Canal – Antirio Bridge-Preveza- Lefkada

⏰ Duration: 5 Hours

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Crystal Waters

The island of Lefkada is linked to the Greek mainland by a bridge, making it the perfect day trip from Athens!

This road trip from Athens will take roughly 5 hours and the first stop is the famous Corinth Canal.

This canal cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland.

It is one of the most amazing places to stop to take photos so make sure you take your camera or phone!

If you continue your drive along the coastal road and cross the impressive Antirio Bridge continuing your trip towards the island of Lefkada.

I highly recommend you make a small detour and head towards the quaint town of Preveza before you reach Lefkada.

It is lined with a small marina and charming alleyways dotted with traditional taverns serving the freshest seafood and other delights from the Ambracian Gulf.

The shrimp here is delicious and paired with a chilled glass of ouzo it is an absolute treat!

Once you reach Preveza you will not want to leave thanks to its pristine beaches and natural beauty. You can easily enjoy a vacation of a lifetime here but you will not regret finally reaching Lefkada.

6. Tinos Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Tinos Town – Volax – Panormos Bay – Pyrgos – Tinos Town

⏰ Duration: 1 Day

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Big Blue

Another one of the best road trips in Greece is around the island of Tinos. 

Tinos is one of the quiet Greek islands and is located in the Cyclades archipelago close to the islands Andros, Mykonos and Delos.

A trip around Tinos is the best way to get to know the island. With barely 200 square kilometres in size, you can easily see most of the island in one day. 

Start in Tinos Town (Chora), the island’s capital. Along the waterfront, you will find great lounge bars to chill, a lot of souvenir shops and, of course, restaurants with Greek and international cuisine.

Follow the road to the north when you are ready until you get to Volax and explore the changing landscape around this tiny village.

When you continue the road up to the very northeast, you’ll find yourself in Panormos Bay – a lovely harbour town with a nearby beach. 

On your way back to Tinos Town, make sure to plan a stop in the gorgeous art village of Pyrgos.

And try to keep your eyes open while passing through Tarampados Valley to spot the iconic dovecotes of Tinos!

7. Peloponnese Peninsula Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Athens – Epidaurus – Nafplio – Mycenae – Monemvasia – Limeni – Sparta – Olympia – Delphi – Athens 

⏰ Duration: 7-10 Days

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Mavromichalai Historic Hotel

One of the most historic road trips in Greece can be made on the stunning Peloponnese Peninsula!

The area is known for having beautiful beaches and stunning mountains, but the main draw here in this part of Greece is the archaeological sites.

Here you will find some of the most famous historical sites on the planet, including Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Messene, Mystras, Sparta and Acrocorinth.

Starting and ending in Athens, this driving route is about 1200km on a mix of motorways and rural highways. Give yourself at least one week to complete it (10 days is more relaxing).

Visiting these ancient sites is the highlight of this itinerary, but the Peloponnese peninsula offers more than just history.

There are endless beautiful coastal villages to explore, such as Limeni and the charming medieval city of Monemvasia.

And the Cities offer their visitors so much too!

Naflpio has the most amazing food and you can learn all about Olive production in Kalamata. So make sure you bring a travel cooler and stock up on some amazing delights.

This truly is the best road trip on the Greek mainland because it offers something for everyone!

8. Cycladic Islands Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Athens-Milos-Paros-Naxos

⏰ Duration: 9 Days

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Mavromichalai Historic Hotel & Argonauta Hotel

The Cycladic Islands of Naxos, Paros and Milos are best explored by car on an epic 9-day Greece road trip.

Driving around each island should only take a maximum of 1.5 hours, for a total of 4.5 hours of car time.

This road trip starts by boarding the ferry at Piraeus Port, west of Athens. This is one of the scenic ferry rides across the azure waters of the Aegean Sea so enjoy the ride!

The first stop on your Greece itinerary will be the underrated island of Milos.

There are many highlights to see when visiting Milos like Sarakiniko Beach, Plaka’s charming alleyways and exploring the stunning views over the island.

When you have had a taste of Milos, head towards Paros.

Paros has amazing things to do like visiting the vibrant seaside village of Naoussa. You can easily make a full-circle around the island, stopping in Lefkes, Chrisi Akti and Aliki. 

Naxos is the biggest island in the Cyclades and will be the last stop of your epic adventure and the most relaxing.

After exploring Naxos Chora’s historic centre, make your way to Agios Prokopios for a couple of days of beach hangs. If you are up for it, drive up to your quaint hilltop towns of Halki and Filoti.

9. Crete Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Chania- Rethymnon- Plakias- Matala- Heraklion

⏰ Duration: 5 hours to 7 Days

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Anna Plakias Apartments

Crete is the largest island in Greece, so the best way to experience the island is by renting a car.

This is the perfect road trip itinerary for anyone visiting Crete because you can make it as short or as long as you like!

(Just make sure you bring a good road trip bag so you get some of the best local products on your trip!)

This underrated island has many fantastic beaches, chic small towns, and historical sites to see along the way.

It takes about 4-5 total hours to complete, but there is so much to do and see along the way that you should take at least seven days to complete the journey. The total distance to travel is 234 kilometres. 

Three of the best things to do along the way include exploring the historic port of Chania, trekking to Preveli Beach , and booking tickets to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace. 

And after you have spent time exploring, make sure you relax at Plakias beach!

😍 I recommend booking this food tasting tour for your Crete trip!

10. Rhodes-Kos Island Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Lindos- Rhodes Town- Kos Town- Pyli- Antimachia- Therma Beach

⏰ Duration: 4 Hours-2 Days

🏨 Best Place To Stay: OKU Kos, Marmari

Did you know there is currently no Uber in Rhodes and many of the other Islands?

So the best way to get around is by car!

And In under 4 hours, you can do the ultimate Rhodes and Kos tour and see some incredible sites.

Before you head over to Kos, you need to Rhodes Town and the village of Lindos.

The ancient city is home to some incredible sites, including the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Acropolis of Rhodes.

And Lindos is a must-visit place. This picture-perfect village is one of the most iconic sites on the island!

Once you reach Kos, the one stop you need to visit is the traditional windmill of Antimachia . It is such a fun experience!

Some other places you should add to your Kos itinerary are ancient Pyli, Ktima Akrani vineyard and the Therma beach.

Even though you can do this drive in a day, staying in Kos for a night or two is worth it!

11. Corfu-Paxos Road Trip

🚗 Road Trip Route: Sidari – Lakones – Ermones – Corfu Town – Gaios – Plakes Beach – Paxi

⏰ Duration: 1-2 Days

🏨 Best Place To Stay: Acanthus Blue Hotel

The Corfu to Paxos drive is one of the best you can do for so many reasons!

This is a great day trip from Corfu because you can see so much in just a few hours. And renting a car in Corfu is super easy too, even if it is just for the day!

Both islands can be seen by car in just a few hours so you can make this itinerary as short or long as you like!

The whole journey takes around 5 hours but I do recommend taking at least a day to do it.

One of the top spots to visit on this road trip is Corfu’s famous Canal d’Amour. This is one of the most scenic areas popular for swimming and snorkelling.

Before leaving Corfu, you should visit the villages of Lakones and Ermones. From these villages, you’ll get an amazing view of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian coast!

Taking the ferry from Corfu takes about 50 minutes depending on which service you use. The journey is the perfect way to see more of the Ionian Sea.

Paxos is known for its crystal clear waters, stunning beaches, and vineyards so you should make the most of it!

Make sure to visit the Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa on your Paxos tour – this iconic landmark with stunning architecture will make your trip complete.

Final Thoughts On The Most Epic Greece Routes

So there we have it, the ultimate places to drive throughout Greece and its Islands!

No matter your timescale, budget or driving ability, this list provides something for everyone.

With everything from history tours to beach spots, all of these itineraries combine the very best of what Greece has to offer.

And what makes all of these routes great is that you can even do them using public transport!

Whether you are visiting Greece for a few days or a year, you can easily do these drives on your next trip.

And the waters around Greece are shark-free so make sure you pack a snorkel for your road trip!

I hope you found this article useful! To make the most of your trip, here are more helpful posts:

✔️ Can You Drink The Water In Greece?

✔️ What To Wear In Europe & What To Avoid (By A European)

✔️ The Best EasyJet Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight

✔️ Driving To Corfu From The UK Guide

✔️ Everything You Need To Know About Parking In Corfu Town

Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.

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How to drive to Greece

• 27 December 2021, 6:00am
• From Spectator Life

Simon de Burton

Readers of a certain age might recall the days when people ‘went for a drive’ as a form of pleasure. Yes, as unbelievable as it sounds now that combustion-engined cars are demonised, fuel prices are at an all-time high and unwittingly straying into a ‘low emission zone’ can cost you the price of a plane ticket to New York, there really was a time when people got behind the wheel and went somewhere simply for the joy of it.

And do you know what? I still do. Yes. I am shameless. I still love that feeling of slipping into the driving seat, shutting the door and heading off on a vehicular adventure. I don’t mean, I hasten to add, some soul-destroying commute into London in which every tedious mile is overshadowed by thoughts of Sadiq Khan’s looming visage. (Have I paid the congestion charge?; Am I ULEZ compliant?; Did I really just see the speedometer register 22 mph?; Is my Ringo app going to work ?; Can I avoid filling-up with London-priced petrol?; Will the car be allowed to remain where I park it?)….

No, I mean a real, proper drive in the now largely forgotten style for which marques such as Bentley, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Maserati built their ‘grand tourer’ cars of the ’50s and ’60s. A drive which doesn’t just involve crossing charging zones, but entire countries. My favourite destination of all for a ‘trip out’ is the Greek island of Corfu, a journey of approximately 1,200 miles from my home in Devon via the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry, France, over the Alps and into northern Italy before catching boats two and three from Ancona to Igoumenitsa and Igoumenitsa to ‘Kerkyra’. In the old, old days (2019) people used to scoff at my way of travelling, ‘wasting’ three or four days on a trip that could be dispatched by jet in as many hours. How they loved to tell me that the price of the ferry ticket one way alone was more than an Easy Jet return, of how the journey must ‘eat in’ to the time away, how ‘boring’ it must be to have to drive so far – and how their kids ‘would never be able to do it’.

But now that everyone is banging on about ‘slow living’ and the moral repugnancy of plane travel, perhaps it doesn’t seem so daft to embark on a gentle trans-continental drive, taking in the sights and sounds along the way and living by nonagenarian round-the-world motorcyclist Ted Simon’s mantra that ‘the adventure is the journey’.

Indeed, I’ve discovered that the key to the whole thing is to adopt a fluid approach. Booking ahead is a recipe for disaster, because it immediately creates the tension that comes with having to be at a given place at a given time.

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Such free-wheeling can cause problems when it comes to finding accommodation (which is why an old Vauxhall Vivaro van is my favoured vehicle for the Corfu run), but maintaining a strict rule to secure somewhere to stay well before dark usually avoids having to sleep in a car – which is invariably awful – and the inevitable arguments that ensue. (Opting to camp or taking a tent as back-up is always a good idea).

It’s also worth exercising restraint. So don’t be in a rush to get anywhere, let alone to the ultimate destination. My way of doing this is to avoid motorways whenever possible, choosing instead to meander along the often delightful, toll-free backroads of France and Italy and to conquer the mountains by road (not tunnel) at my own sweet pace , stopping off for lunch – often a waterside picnic made with ingredients bought en route – or a reviving draft of coffee, preferably made using that brilliantly simple and simply brilliant water boiling device, the Kelly Kettle.

My typical drives start with an overnight ferry from Plymouth, which lands at Roscoff at around 8 a.m. A little after 10.30, I can be breakfasting in the historic city of Rennes before setting-out on a big push to Auxerre which is a run of around 280 miles – a good six hours on small roads. 

I’ll either sleep in the van or, if feeling extravagant, try to book a room en route at the delightful Petit Manoir des Bruyeres, a tiny Burgundy chateau at nearby Villefargeau – and, if feeling rich, I might even pay a visit to chef extraordinaire Pierre Boussereau’s restaurant, Le Jardin Gourmand .

Following one of the Petit Manoir’s typically fabulous breakfasts, an early departure gets me on the road to the Italian border, skirting Switzerland and heading for the Mont Cenis pass – a spectacular drive in the spring and summer, with a climb of more than 2,000 metres that connects Val Cenis in France with Susa in Italy. Lunch (bread and cheese bought along the way) usually happens somewhere near the shore of the impressive Lac du Mont Cenis, from where it’s a short, 20km jaunt to a favourite campsite at Salbertrand in the Susa valley, Camping Gran Bosco. Open 365 days a year, its a Mecca for walkers and off-road drivers and motorcyclists and has one of the best oven-fired pizza restaurants I’ve ever visited.

I never tire of waking up there and opening the van doors to the sight of blue sky and mountain peaks before picking-up fresh croissants from the pizzeria, sparking-up the Kelly Kettle in order to make coffee  and then setting off towards Turin and the rest of the final, 400-mile leg. I’ll sometimes stop in or near Bologna (about four hours away) but I often carry on driving, lunching on the hoof and, all being well arriving near Ancona in time to check-in at one of the area’s many campsites which can be found both along the coast and up in the hills. And after that, it’s off to the ferry…. Google Maps is invaluable for navigating the often tiny roads that offer the best routes and sights, and for finding places to stay – be they hotels, campsites or air b ‘n’ b spots. But it’s also essential to take a decent ‘traditional’ map, if only to get a clearer picture of where you actually are in the world at any given time.

And if you’ve never used a long-distance Greek/Italian car ferry before, the advice is to arrive at the port as early as possible ahead of the advertised departure time in order to buy your ticket – and then to remain unfazed when news comes in that the boat has been delayed for several hours. Or, perhaps, until another day…

Once aboard, it’s also necessary to adjust one’s perceptions of safety. Whereas the operators of cross-Channel ferries are sure to leave polite gaps between cars to ensure easy egress for all drivers and passengers, no inch of a Greek ship’s load area is left unused. It is not unusual, therefore, to see people exiting their automobiles via the windows….. Ensure, too, that you feel confident in your vehicle of choice. My first drive to Corfu in the Vivaro should have been a landmark bonding experience with my then 13-year-old son. Instead, it was fraught with (my) angst as the van had been bought just a few days before – with 190,000 miles on the clock – from a vendor who had only owned it for 10 days.

It’s status as an untried, untested, unknown quantity was far from conducive to a relaxing journey, but it proved faultless and is now maintained to the Nth degree to ensure our Greek odysseys don’t turn into mechanical tragedies.

For many, of course, such a journey simply isn’t feasible due to the constraints of work commitments and allotted holiday time – but since ‘WFH’ with a laptop is now so widely accepted, what’s the difference if you do it from the road?

After all, I bet Homer would have been a digital nomad had he been given half a chance…

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

How to plan a road trip in Crete (by car) – Guide + Itinerary Tips

Last updated on November 6, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Below are all my tips to help you plan your ideal Crete Road Trip. Exploring Crete by car is definitively the best way to discover the best that the largest of the Greek islands has to offer: beaches, mountains, gorges, monasteries, caves and villages. This should help you decide the best time to visit, where to go, define your Crete itinerary and prepare for your trip! Let’s make your trip unforgettable!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon

Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path

My favorite places to stay:

• Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
• Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
• Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel

STEP 0 – Essentials to know before planning a Road Trip in Crete

Let’s start with a few essential facts to keep in mind before planning your trip to Crete :

• PLANNING – There are lots and lots of places to see in Crete ( see my best-of list ), often separated by mountain roads, so be reasonable in the planning  o your Crete itinerary
• HIGHWAYS – There are a couple of high speed roads on the North coast but no highways. No tollroads either. On those high-speed road, you should drive partially on the emergency lane to let vehicles overtake you (this is how it works here in reality)
• MOUNTAINS – There are mountain chains on the island, so you will find twisting roads and sometimes snowy conditions in Winter. My opinion is that there are not many very difficult roads, they are mostly wide enough.

• ACCOMMODATIONS   – Some destinations get very busy during the touristic season and you’d better book accommodations in advance (Elafonisi, Chora Sfakion…)
• CROWDS – July and August get really really crowded 
• WEATHER – Pack layers of clothes. Because of the mountains the weather can change, with storms and rain. Be ready for all weather.
• HOLIDAY TYPES – The North Coast is developed with organized beaches, while the South Coast is wilder
• GOOD TO KNOW – Part of the South coast is not accessible by car (around Agia Roumeli and Loutro, East of Palaiochora)

STEP 1 – Decide the best time to visit Crete for your road trip

If your dates are already blocked and you have no choice, skip to the next step. And don’t worry the island of Crete is beautiful all year round!

If you have not decided when to visit Crete yet, here are a few things to consider:

• Official Summer  period – Best months to visit Corsica are considered to be from  April to November  – during those, temperatures are nice reaching above 20°C during the day (Above 68°F)
• Opening sites – The Summer opening hours of the archaeological sites and museums are from April to November. Some places may be closed during Winter
• Crowds – July and August get really crowded especially on the popular beaches and famous town such as Chania and Rethymno.
• May and October are my favorite months. The water is still find to go swimming, especially in the shallow depth of lagoons

• If traveling in Winter, there will be snow in the mountains, and some passes may be closed
• In Winter, days are shorter and limit your exploration hours on a road trip
• In Summer you can have storms because of the mountains. And in shoulder seasons, you will probably wind and rain up in the mountains.

STEP 2 – Where to go in Crete – Regions and Map

Map of crete – touristic regions.

Crete is cut in 4 main touristic regions. They are all home to nice beaches, archaeological sites and other wonders. However in all my favorite places to see, the highest numbers are in the Chania district and the Lassithi district. Below is a rough Map of the regions with just a few of the most famous sites

Overall touristic approach

The main distinction is that the North coast is much more developed with:

• The high speed road from Kissamos at the West end to Sitia at the East end
• All the main towns: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos
• You will hardly find any wild beaches. They are all organized.

While on the South Coast the mountains are close to the coast, so some beaches are still quite wild and there are even areas not reachable by car.

The touristic regions of Crete – best places to visit in Crete by car

Here is an overview of the 4 regions and their highlights to help you narrow down where to go on your Crete road trip:

Chania Region

Chania is the Western part of Crete.  You won’t find many ruins here but some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. The West coast is rather wild and you can choose between the inspired town of Chania or the isolated option of Palaiochora between mountains and sea.

Highlights:

• The inspiring landscapes Balos Lagoon
• The pink sand of Elafonisi beach
• The Venetian harbour of Chania
• The famous hike of Samaria Gorge

Rethymno Region

Rethymno one of the main town in Crete. It does not have the charm of Chania but it has a very long beach with seafront hotels. The region is home to some famous beaches and monasteries

• Preveli beach with the lake and the Palm trees
• The historical monastery of Arkadi
• Chora Sfakion and the ferry access to the undeveloped coast
• Lake Kournas, the only fresh water lake in Crete

Heraklion Region

If you want to discover more about the Minoan civilization, this is the region for you. And it is home to the capital of Crete: Heraklion with its airport and major harbor.

• Knossos Minoan Palace (home of the Minotaur legend)
• Phaistos Minoan Palace
• Matala Beach and its cave
• Gortyna ruins with the code of Law
• and the fantastic Archaeological museum in Heraklion

Lassithi Region

Lassithi is the region that has it all: Minoan sites, historical sites, organized beaches, cild beaches, mountains, monasteries… This is the region that gives one of the best overall view of Crete, in my opinion.

• Malia Minoan Palace
• Voulisma beach with unbelievable colors
• Vai beach with its palm trees
• Spinalonga island , the fortified islet with a long history
• Zakros: beach, ruins and gorge 
• The Lassithi plateau with the famous Cave of Zeus

or check out my article:  Which side of Crete is best? East or West? North or South?

STEP 3 – How long to tour Crete by car

Time for the complete tour of crete by car.

I would not attempt the tour of the island if you have less than 10 days. And even with 10 days, you will have to be rigorous in your planning and only select a few places to get an overall feel of each area in order to tour Crete by car.2 to 3 weeks is way more comfortable

Time to dedicate to each region

Of course you can focus on just one single region and visit it in depth. But below are my estimations to give you a general idea of what to plan. This timeframe do not include spending long hours laying on beaches or long hikes. I love road trips and seeing as much as possible:

• Chania Region – 4 to 7 days
• Rethymno Region – 3 to 6 days
• Heraklion Region – 2 to 5 days
• Lassithi Region – 4 to 7 days

Driving times in Crete

STEP 4 – How to get to Crete

Crete being an island, there are 2 ways to reach it: by plane or by boat.

Flight to Crete

For shorter travel time, I recommend the plane. You easily save one day of travel and the rental car prices are reasonable.

• The major airport is in Heraklion
• Smaller airport in Chania
• Coming from outside Europe, you will probably have a layover in Athens
• The local company is called Aegan Airlines
• Flights from Athens take 1h
• Flights from London takes 4h (if non-stop)
• Check out flight options on Skyscanner

Ferry to Crete

If you really want to come with your car you can take a ferry from Athens or from one of the other Greek islands (if doing a longer trip)

• Most ferries arrive in Heraklion
• The ferry from Athens takes 7 to 9 hours depending on which company you select. There are overnight crossing options.
• You can find all your ferry options and times on  Directferries.com

Don’t forget to check if you need a Visa to travel here. Crete is part of Greece and inside the Schengen area.

STEP 5 – Rent your car in Crete

If you fly in, it is now time to rent your car. You will find all the international brands and many many local companies at the Heraklion airport. It is very impressive. I have never seen that many options at an airport!

Here are a few tips:

• If you are not the most skilled driver, pick a car that is not too large so that you will be more comfortable in the more narrow sections of the roads
• Pick a car that has a good motor so that you can drive more comfortably in the mountains
• Note: In Crete, most cars are manual, so you will pay more to get automatic
• You don’t really need a 4WD, especially as most companies do not allow you to drive offroad even with a 4WD for insurance reasons
• If driving in the mountains, I recommend getting insurance for window protection because I saw a lot of gravels and rocks fallen on the side of the road

Where to rent? My recommendations:

• Option 1 –  Check out the local company Rental Center Crete  – excellent ratings and a zero-excess insurance policy included
• Option 2 –  Compare offers on Discovercars.com – one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for comfort on mountain roads)
• Book early  to have a large choice of vehicles!
• See my 36 tips about renting a car in Crete

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

STEP 6 – Create your Crete Itinerary

Now that you have dates and transportation, you “just” have to decide on your Crete itinerary.

For some inspiration you can check my overall articles:

• The 30+ best things to do in Crete
• The best beaches in Crete
• The best archaeological sites in Crete
• Monasteries and churches
• Crete hidden gems

And if you want a practical tool to simplify the planning of your Crete road trip, check out my eBook: 

Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide

• 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 60+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 150+ original photos to help you choose

When planning your Crete road trip itinerary don’t forget to consider the following essentials:

• DRIVING TIMES  – Always plan more time to go from point A to point B than what Google says. You will want to stop all the time to admire the scenery and the roads might have animals or traffic
• DAYLIGHT HOURS – Check out the daylight hours you have available when you are traveling. Check out how long you have to see all the sites during the days 
• PLAN FLEXIBILITY – Sometimes you can have bad weather conditions in the mountains. So plan to be flexible. 
• BOAT TOURS – plan time to enjoy boat trips to some amazing locations (Balos, Loutro, Spinalonga).. and this give you a break from driving; Check out my list of the best Boat trips in Crete

STEP 7 – Book your Accommodations for your Crete road trip

There is a very large choice of accommodations in Crete – campsites, hotels, resorts, rentals and all inclusive resorts. You can find something for everyone’s taste.

A few things to be aware of:

• Generally wifi is good
• Swimming pools at hotels are not often heated, so it can be cold during shoulder seasons
• Most establishment accept credit cards, but you may find a few places that will ask for cash
• A lot of places have very small showers. This is something to be aware of. It this is important to you, check out the pictures in details before booking.

You can find a lot of choice on  Booking.com . This the platform where I book almost all my stays.

Below is a snapshot of some of the places where I stayed. I will tell you more in my article about accommodations in Crete .

I think some of the best places to stay in Crete are:

• Chania  -The Venetian harbour and old town deserves for you to stay overnight. There is a great atmosphere in the evening – Check out the best rated accommodations in Chania
• Elafonisi – The shallow lagoon and beach are very popular. The best time to see it is at sunset or sunrise. There are not many accommodations but you can sty nearby. I stayed at the Elafonisi resort by Kalomirakis Family in a nice villa surrounded by olive trees – Check out photos and availability
• For stunning scenery , away from the large crowds –  See best rated options in Palaiochora
• For a very quiet area  –  see best rated options in Mochlos
• For a sandy beach  and some nightlife –  See best rated options in Malia  or  in Bali
• And many many places where you can stay right by the water with seaviews (for relatively cheap off the main touristic months)

More tips on  my article about where to stay in Crete .

STEP 8 – Get all the equipment you need to tour Crete by car

Classic clothes. Nothing special to think about. Check my overall  preparation and packing checklists  to help you.

And don’t forget: 

• Layers for rain and for colder night in the evening in the mountains
• Sunglasses & Hat
• Hiking shoes

And regarding electronics and other equipments, I recommend

• Photography equipment
• GoPro for snorkeling
• An extra battery to recharge your phone – you will want to take many photos and videos!
• I also recommend binoculars to see the geological details and animals in the gorges and the wild areas – see my guide to help you choose your binoculars

Binoculars to be able to admire all the details in the scenery and monuments ( see my guide )

Thermal Blanket. They don’t take a lot of space and it is safer to have one when driving in Winter or hiking

Power strip + adapter to be able to charge all my equipment at once

STEP 9 – Get ready to drive in Crete

I know you can find  a lot of comments from people who got scared driving in Crete. Personally, I did not find it that difficult. There are a few things to be aware but nothing really scary.

You just have to be aware that:

• On the high seep roads, you have to drive half over the emergency lane, to let the other cars overtake you. This is not in the driving rules, but it is how it works. If someones behind you i flicking its lights, move over the emergency lane.
• Animals can appear in the middle of the secondary road, so be vigilant!
• The other danger are small rocks falling in the mountains. You will see a lot on the side of the roads. Make sure you take an insurance that covers that.
• Just take your time and breathe. The millions of people who have had no issues tend not to write on the Internet that all went smoothly you only see people who got scared

Learn more on my article about Driving in Crete.

STEP 10 – Fill your GPS with the coordinates

What I hate the most when road tripping is wasting time. Turning around to find a place, missing an exit. Sometimes it leads to adventure, but most of the time it just leads to frustration.

This is why I don’t rent a GPS with the car. I have my own TomTom. With this system I can use the MyDrive system on my computer to add all the hotels’ GPS coordinates as well as the carparks’ coordinates for all the attractions I would like to see.

This way I just pick the favorite and follow the directions!!! I recommend you do that for your road trip in Crete.

NOTE – All the locations in my eBooks include the GPS coordinates of the nearest carpark, exactly for that reason

Get it on Amazon

STEP 11 – Get ready for your Travels in Crete

Generally they speak good English throughout the island. Just in a few places it was a bit more difficult but we managed. Saying a few words in greek is always appreciated:

• Good morning – Kah-lee-MER-ah
• Bye – YAH-soo
• Please – Pa-ra-ka-LOH
• Thank you – eff-kha-ri-STOE
• Excuse me – sig-NO-mii

Food is great! A few things to know

• Almost all the places where we ate had menus in English (even in isolated areas).
• You will always find salads on the menu
• Sometimes the bread is placed on the table but not free
• Portions are very large. We used to take 2 dishes for 3 adults or share a selections of delicious appetizers
• Don’t miss the freshly squeezed juices !

Other tips for traveling in Crete

• Emergency number is 112
• Plug is 2 round holes
• Generally avoid tap water and use bottle water
• You must not throw the toilet paper in the toilet but in the bin of the bathroom

Need to rent a car in Crete ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

And keep track of your own trip!

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Reader Interactions

September 1, 2019 at 5:17 PM

Just wanted to say thank you for a great article with a very clean and straightforward presentation.

September 2, 2019 at 9:12 AM

Hi Jerry, I am glad you enjoyed it. I wish you wonderful travels!

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The Best Road Trips in Greece You Need to Take

Mountain villages, ancient sights, natural parks, vineyards and tavernas – there’s so much more to Greece than its beaches. So jump in the car and hit the road whether you’re in Athens , Thessaloniki or on the island of Crete. Lazy lunches and plenty of sea stops beckon with our guide to Greece’s road-trip potential.

Athens to meteora.

Head away from the coastline and explore central Greece, with this scenic drive from the Greek capital to the Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora about 355km (220mi) northwest. Spectacular Meteora is the largest archaeological site in Greece in terms of the area it covers, and is home to six cliffside monasteries near the Pindus Mountains. Stop for lunch in Lamia on the way or take a detour to the ancient sanctuary of Delphi before continuing to Meteora. The first monastery was established in the 14th century, and only six of the initial 24 are still active today, teetering on narrow stone pillars and overlooking the vast green valley below.

Athens to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki to alexandroupoli.

Just a three-hour journey east along the coast, this drive offers sea views, historic pit stops and some blissful beaches worth pulling up at. Try stopping in picturesque Serres or Kavala on the way. Alexandroupoli itself connects Europe to Asia, a seaside city close to the Turkish border and an important commercial hub. Nature lovers will be awed by the nearby expansive wetlands of the Evros Delta and the untamed wilderness of Dadia National Park, but the city itself is worth exploring for its waterfront charm and museums.

Thessaloniki to Skiathos

You could fly this route instead, but there’s so much to see along the 290km (180mi) that it would be a shame to just soar over it all. Stop for a snap of mighty Mount Olympus, then fill up on traditional souvlaki (meat or vegetables on skewers) in Larissa before spending the night in the seaside town of Volos with its thriving seafront, mythical history and bustling seafood restaurants. The next day, jump on the ferry to stunning Skiathos to take your pick of hidden coves, pine-clad hills and dazzling white beaches.

Peloponnese road trip from Athens

No need to spend a week in Greece stuck in a sun lounger. Seven days is the perfect length of time to discover the wonders of the Peloponnese, a peninsula at the very southern tip of the country. Base yourself in Nafplio and travel to the ancient cities of Mystra and Sparta, taking in Venetian fortresses, snow-dusted mountains, jaw-dropping gorges and postcard-perfect beaches lapped by bath-clear waters. Squeeze in some wine tasting, too: the vineyards here are some of the best in Greece.

Athens to Thessaloniki through Delphi and Ioannina

When time’s on your side, this is a great way to see some of the mainland’s must-visit sights. Leave Athens and head towards Delphi, where heaven and earth once met. Wander the ancient ruins of temples, theatres and stadiums, then head to the pretty nearby seaside town of Galaxidi for seafood dinners overlooking the harbour. Drive on for a traditional taverna lunch in Amfilochia, before spending a night or two in Ioannina, a bewitching city on idyllic Lake Pamvotida overlooked by mountains. When you can tear yourself away, head to the Zagorochoria region with its stone bridges and traditional villages before returning to Ioannina on the way to Thessaloniki.

Mainland road trip from Athens

Take a 10-day road trip back in time with this route via some of the Greek mainland’s most extraordinary ancient sites. Head to the ancient city of Corinth , close to the remarkable Theatre of Epidaurus, then tour the sites of Mycenae including the Citadel and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Continue on to Olympia where you can visit the home of the Olympic Games at the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Afterwards, your road trip will take you to Delphi, Meteora and Kastoria, a Byzantine city with over 70 churches. Your journey continues to the birdwatcher’s paradise at Prespa lakes, 800m (2,625ft) above sea level, through Thessaloniki to Veroia at the foot of the Macedonian hills. Finally, pass the iconic Mount Olympus on the way to Portaria and Volos before finishing back in Athens.

Crete road trip

While most people make a beeline to the beach on Crete, tourists in the know hire a care to make the most of this beautiful island. Expect sleepy hillside villages, secluded coves, sky-scraping mountains and even Europe’s longest gorge, plus some of the best food in Greece. From Heraklion , travel to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos before continuing on to Rethymo and Crete’s second city, Chania. Stay in Chania to spend one day on the picturesque Elafonissi Beach and another at the Samariá Gorge before exploring the Dikteon Cave, Lassithi Plateau and the Koudouma Monastery on the eastern part of the island. End at Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, for waterfront tavernas, vanilla sand beaches or a trip to former leper colony Spinalonga.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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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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Itinerary for the Best Greek Road Trip in a Motorhome

A road trip through Greece is a must-do for any campervan driver. It’s easily accessible via a few day’s drive south east from central Europe or ferry from Italy or Spain. You’ll find yourself in the cradle of Western civilisation, with all its tumultuous history, sacred sites and spectacular scenery, not to mention innumerable gastronomic delights! 

We’ve planned 10-day Greek road trip, heading from Athens into the Peloponnese, see Delphi, the Meteora and ending in Thessaloniki. It includes hundreds of kilometres of breathtaking coastal and mountain roads. Of course, the route below is only a guideline, and if you have more time to spend exploring smaller villages and the sights along the way, make the most of your time in this magical country!

Days 1 - 3: Athens

It wouldn’t be right to start a Greece road trip itinerary anywhere other than Athens. Spend a few days here; there is so much to this dense, ancient city! It’s most famous attractions are the doric structures built atop the limestone karst outcrops that rise across the city - in particular, the Acropolis citadel and Parthenon temple. These date back to 5000BC! Other unmissable spots include Anafiotika, on the northeastern slope of the Acropolis’ hill. This tiny district was populated by builders from the Cycladic island of Anafi in the 19th century. They built their new neighbourhood with visions of home in their hearts, and it truly looks and feels like a remote, quiet, and quaint island has been placed in the heart of the city!

You should also escape Athens’ heat and bustling streets in it’s excellent museums, such as the National Archaeological museum or the Benaki . When you’re done touristing, head downtown to Exarchia to check out this college district, reading the graffiti to learn about its recent anti-establishment history. It's distinctly punky, and if you’re looking for cool rock clubs, cheap tavernas, excellent record shops and a couple of the best rembetika clubs in Athens, then Exarchia is worth a visit. Just keep your wits about you as you would any new city. Police don’t tend to enter this area unless there’s a serious cause for concern, but they are strategically placed around Exarchia’s fringes, just in case. 

If you want to enjoy nightlife a bit closer to Plaka and Monastriaki - the iconic, picturesque tourist hubs - get a cocktail or two at A for Athens from sunset onwards. It’s an unmissable local institution for 'drinks with a view.’

Top Tips for Athens

One top tip would be to avoid peak hours at the most popular sites, like the Parthenon. There are many other great spots to see the sunset from! Such as Lycabettus, or the Hill of the Nymphs, on top of which the National Observatory sits. And, when you do go up the Acropolis, wear shoes with a considerable amount of grip. Millions of footsteps treading along its limestone and marble for thousands of years have made some very polished, slippery walkways! Also, metro tickets are usually pretty cheap, but you’ll save money and hassle by paying for several journeys’ worth of travel on one ticket, making it easier to flit around the city. 

Where to Stay Near Athens

Whilst you’re exploring Athens, pitch up with your campervan at Camping Athens . It’s situated just 7km from the city centre, on the Athens - Corinth - Patras highway, with good bus connections from Omonia Square. It’s well-facilitated, with a bar and restaurant area, washing machines and tumble-dryers, mini market, chemical waste disposal point, electrical hook ups available, camping gas exchange and WiFi. 

Prices are 10eur per adult per night, and 10eur per night for a campervan pitch. 

198 – 200 Leoforos Athinon, 12136 Peristeri, Greece. 

38.0086283, 23.6694503

Days 3 - 5: Peloponnese

To take the next leg of your road trip to the Peloponnese, drive along the Corinth highway and over the Corinth Canal, and then continue on the A8 to Nemea. Exit the A8 towards Nafplio from A/D Korinthou Tripoleos/A7. 

Stop at the archaelogical site of Mycenae before you arrive in the seaport town of Napflio. Mycenae citadel was built overlooking the Argos valley, and it is definitely unmissable. It’s one of the most important archaeological sites in mainland Greece, and an entire historical period was named after it! 

The gorgeous town of Napflio is located on the Argolis peninsula, the eastern ‘thumb; of the Peloponnese. It’s right on the waterside, watched over mountains. Top spots to check out here are the Palamidi fortress. Reward yourself after the 900 stair climb to scale the fortress at Gelarto, an ice cream bar in the Old Town. This is not just the best ice cream in the Peloponnese, or Greece for that matter, but maybe, the whole world. I’m yet to taste better. 

After a night in Napflio, drive southwest to Mystras via Monemvasia , an impressive castle town that was entirely carved out of the back of a sea rock in Medieval times, and since then connected to the mainland. When in Mystras, discover this beautiful ancient city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the archaeological site of Olympia .  

Top Tips for the Peloponnese

Pop an LED torch in your pocket before you go and explore Mycenae. There are some dark, steep stair sets! Also, check the opening times of the historical attractions you want to visit, as their opening times may vary throughout the year. 

Where to Stay in the Peloponnese

In the Napflio part of your road trip through the Peloponnese, pitch up at Kastraki Camping. It is a beachside site, shaded by pine trees, with excellent toilet facilities (spacious showers, hot water throughout the day, accessible toilets on site) and other services like a mini market, café bar, washing machines and informative reception.

Prices are 8eur per adult per night, and 8eur a night for a campervan pitch. 

Ancient Asini, 21060 Napflio Argolida

37.5279456, 22.8739788

Castle View Camping in Mystras is well-located just a short walk from the Byzantine archaeological sites of Olympia, in an idyllic setting amid olive and mulberry trees, beneath Mount Taygetos. It was recently renovated, and has new shower buildings with 24hour hot water, an on site taverna, a pool and free WiFi. 

Prices are 7eur per adult per night and 7eur per night for a campervan pitch. 

Castle View Camping, Mystras, 23100 Greece

37.0694627, 22.3796598

Day 6: Delphi

From Olympia, it’s about 3.5 hours’ drive to Delphi . You can see the route for this stretch here . The long drive will fly by thanks to the spectacular scenery you’ll pass along the way. Just to the east of the town of the same name, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, you’ll find one of the most important archaeological sites on your road trip through Greece. The beautiful setting highlights Delphi’s magnificence. It is home to the Oracle of Delphi, where the prophecies of Apollo were delivered through the words of Pythia, the high priestess of his temple. Delphi is also said to be the navel of the Earth! Tourists flock here to experience the ethereal magic of this mountain, which bound humans to their gods. 

Check out the temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Stadium, as well as the healing waters of Kastalia spring. 

Delphi World Heritage Site

Top Tips for Delphi

It goes without saying that you need to drive carefully on long legs of the journey, but winding, hilly roads in Greece can be made more treacherous by fearless local drivers!

Where to Stay in Delphi

Pitch up at Camping Delphi , a 4* campsite with a panoramic view of the Delphi valley. This is a great spot to refresh on your Greek road trip, as the campsite’s facilities include chemical waste disposal, 24hour hot water, washing machines, a pool, WiFi, cafe, mini market, taverna and bar! 

Campervan pitches for 2 people are 25eur a night. 

Delphi Camping, 4th km along the Delphi – Chrisso road, 330 54 Delphi, Greece. 

38.4789388, 22.4748244

Day 7: The Meteora

The next stop on your Greece road trip itinerary are the mountainous monasteries of Meteora, which are, undeniably, a once in a lifetime experience. These geological marvels have six active monasteries sitting atop them. You can book tours on the Meteora tourism website that range from a sunset hike to a more exciting climb and scramble up the steep rocky slopes! 

Other popular sites nearby include Plastira Lake, Metsovo, and Theopetra’s cave.

Top Tips for the Meteora

The number one tip is it’s impossible to visit all six monasteries in a day! Their opening times vary seasonally, but from Monday to Friday, one or two always remain closed, and on weekends, they’re all open until late afternoon. Most of the monasteries include a 150 - 300 stair climb, except Agios Stefanos, which has none and is perfect for anyone with mobility issues. Also, dining options are limited within the Meteora, so bring plenty of snacks or hold out for lunch or dinner at a taverna in nearby towns Kastraki or Kalambaka.

Monasteries on the Meteora

Where to Stay in the Meteora

Stay at Vrachos Camping Kastraki , just 1km away from Kalambaka. This well-equipped site doesn’t just have an unbeatable location under the spectacular summits of Meteora, but also has modern toilet facilities, a taverna serving traditional dishes, a mini market, stoves and barbecue grills that are free to use. The thick shade of its trees helps it stay cool and serene, and there’s even a pool! 

Campervan pitches cost 18eur for two people per night. 

Campsite Vrachos, 422 00 Kastraki, Kalambaka, Greece. 

39.713315, 21.615772

Day 8 - 10: Thessaloniki

From Meteora, it’s less than 2 hours’ drive to Thessaloniki, which is the final stop on your road trip through Greece. This vibrant, modern city is peppered with historical vestiges and architectural landmarks of various styles and influences. Thanks to its complex history of migration and contested borders, these are all juxtaposed against each other in a unique array some call ‘architectural anarchy’!. 

The city is walkable, and sprawls across the coastline of the Thermaic gulf, meaning that you’re never far from a splash in the sea, either. 

If you think you may have filled up on delicacies already by this late stage in your trip, think again! Thessaloniki is a culinary paradise. Be sure to go on a culinary walking tour, explore the Kapani and Modiano markets yourself, and check out the tavernas in the Ladadika district. Because of its past, the city’s gastronomy boasts flavours from Pontus, Asia Minor and Constantinople, as well as Arab and Armenian influences that infuse traditional dishes with exotic nuances. If you try nothing else, make sure you get a Bougatsa from Serraikon , one of the oldest bougatsa shops in town.

Check out the view from Eptapyrgio castle before you head for dinner at one of the many mezedopoleio (restaurants)!

Top Tips for Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has a less well-known, alternative scene, with several manufacturing and food co-ops cropping up in the city as part of a growing farmers and workers movement towards justice and sustainability. So, if you’re buying groceries in Thessaloniki, head to Bios co-op !

You may notice that the city isn’t very green, which might be a disappointment after the more remote scenery you’ve seen so far. This is because the majority of the city’s trees were removed during the dictatorship. If you want more dramatic, natural scenery and have the extra time to give to your Greek road trip, head up to the Bulgarian border to Kerkini Lake National park , which is an ecotourism beauty spot.

Pay with cash if you can - locals may prefer it, as it helps money circulate within the local economy. 

The White Tower, Thessaloniki

Where to Stay in Thessaloniki

There are a few ‘recreational parks’ (campsites) dotted around Thessaloniki. The best-rated is Zinovia’s Little Farm , a small, organic farm and campervan-friendly site which has waste-water disposal, showers, washing machine, electricity, and hot breakfasts and dinners for campers upon request.  

Camping for 2 people is 12eur a night. 

Ethniki Odos Edessas- Thessalonikis, Chalkidona, Greece

40.73666, 22.57964

Before you go

Before you set off on your Greek road trip, here are a few things to bear in mind.

• Size matters: although this route sticks to main roads, you may find yourself occasionally winding through a mountain town or making a narrow pass. Make sure you’ve got a vehicle you’re comfortable driving and stay safe on the road if you hop out to check on foot before manoeuvring. 
• Waste disposal: though the campsites listed here mostly have chemical waste disposal points, it's always worth bringing a spare cassette in case you have to pull up somewhere the facilities are limited. Some service stations may allow you to empty your cassettes but be prepared to ask and maybe pay a fee. 

Hopefully, this Greece road trip itinerary gives you everything you need to know for an epic, 10-day adventure. To find a motorhome that suits you for the trip, check out our campervans for hire . 

Kaló Taxídi (bon voyage)!

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Driving directions

The route deemed to be the safest and simplest with minimal scope for error along the way. The default recommended route from Michelin.

The route offering the shortest distance to a destination via the most accessible roads. Journey times for this option will tend to be longer.

The most fuel-efficient route that also avoids toll roads.

My cost options

• B7 (Diesel)
• E5 (Unleaded)
• E85 (superethanol)
• CNG (Biomethane)
• H2 (Hydrogen)

My route options

• E5 (Unleaded) €1.700
• Route : Fast
• Distance in : Kilometres
• No restrictions

Services at Athens

Accommodation.

• Amalia Hotel Athens
• The Athenians Modern Apartments
• Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

Restaurants

• The Zillers

Tourist Attractions

• Athens' Museum of Greek Folk Art
• Benáki Museum
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Arrive at athens organise your trip, other services, restaurants at athens.

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• View the must-see tourist sites

Accommodation Where to sleep in Athens

• From €63 Athens heart, Syntagma metro studio Suberb 9 38 m - 10 Othonos, 10557 Athens Book details 
• From €76 Athens' heart Syntagma metro apartment Suberb 9.3 38 m - 10 Othonos, 10557 Athens Book details 
• From €54 Syntagma Rita apartment 2 Suberb 9.3 38 m - 10 Othonos, 10557 Athens Book details 

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Restaurants Where to eat Athens

• €€€ GB Roof Garden MICHELIN 2023 150 m - 1A Vasileos Georgiou A street, 105 64 Athens details 
• €€€€ Tudor Hall MICHELIN 2023 168 m - 3A Vasileos Georgiou A, 10564 Athens details 
• €€ Aneton MICHELIN 2023 265 m - 3 Navarchou Nikodimou Street, 10 557 Athens details 

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Tourist Attractions Things to see and do Athens

• Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) The Green Guide 163 m - Av. Amalias, 10563 Athína activities details 
• Agios Nikodimos Church The Green Guide 230 m - Odos Filelinon/Souri, Athína activities details 
• Jewish Museum of Greece The Green Guide 301 m - 39 39 odos Nikis, 10557 Athína activities details 

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i would like to know how much it would cost me to travel from athens greece to newcastle in the the UK. Also how easy and safe it is to do such a trip with a 2.5 year old along.

There are too many variables to give you any kind of accurate answer. How many kilometers can you reasonably drive in a day? If you can drive for 8 or 9 hours per day, you will have fewer nights on the road than if you can only drive 5 or 6. What type of vehicle are you driving, is it one you own or is it a rental? If you own it, what is its fuel consumption like? What will you do for meals? Do you eat meals in restaurants, fast-food, takeaway, or what?

Those questions are impossible to answer. You have not provided anywhere near enough basic info.

In terms of easy. We don't know your kid. Is the kid used to being in a car all day for several days or not? Are you the only adult with the kid, so will need to be driver, nagivator, entertainer etc. We don't know whether you will expect to seek out child specific amusements along the way.

What do you mean by safe? As in personal security issues? As in Covid risks? As in driving risks and hazards, if weather conditions are poor because you are doing the trip in the middle of winter?

Frankly, I agree with the above post.

Unless you have a reason, unsaid, for getting the vehicle from Athens to Newcastle, just fly. Quicker, easier, cheaper.

However, at the moment, with Greece being an amber risk country, you will need negative covid tests to be allowed onto the plane , you will also need ahead of boarding to have filled out an online form and will need to self isolate on arrival and take 2 further Covid tests, as long as they are all negative. However, the UK plans ot reevaluate all the country colour codes for Covid risk by the end of the month, and also what the rules and restrictions are, so all that could change - both for the better/easier or worse/extended quarantine/self isolation.

Also, the cost of taking your car across the English Channel will most probably vary depending on the time of the year, and maybe the day of the week and time of the day, too.

I wouldn't even think about doing this with a small child in the car . It's a long way and they may get utterly fed up before you've gone too far and become a right pain to deal with. Most of the kids in my family would have had they been stuck in the car for the majority of the day for several days in a row, anyway!

There must be some reason why the OP was considering doing this drive, though I doubt it's a good one. There's no way it would be cheaper, the only thing I can think of is that the are either banned from flying or that they become very ill when flying.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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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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Motorhome & Campervan Greece – Complete Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

How To Tour Greece in a Motorhome & Campervan

Greece is a wonderful country to tour if you like the road less travelled. Packed with ancient sites, beautiful beaches and turquoise seas, historic towns and cities, and majestic mountains, Greece is a country just waiting to be explored.

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

From the breathtaking scenery of the Peloponnese to the ancient history of Athens and Delphi, Greece makes for a remarkable and diverse motorhome tour.

In this guide, you’ll find lots of practical and helpful information about getting to Greece in a motorhome, and how to manage campervan and motorhome life there.

From tips about driving, where to stay overnight and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome and campervan destinations, you’ll find all the information you need for an amazing road trip in Greece.

Driving a Motorhome to Greece

There are many, many road routes to Greece by motorhome or camper van, each with its own merits. The best motorhome route to Greece depends on how much you want to spend on tolls and fuel and how quickly you want to get there. 

Motorhome Routes from United Kingdom to Greece

Through italy.

This is the most popular route to Greece, with the least amount of driving hours and no requirement to buy or arrange insurance for non-EU countries. Fiind our more in our driving to Italy from UK guide .

From Italy, you will need to get a ferry to Greece. You can sail from from Venice , Ancona, Bari or Brindisi to either Igoumenitsa or Patras – what routes are available depends on the season, with fewer routes operating in the winter months.

The shortest crossing is from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa and takes ten hours. Facilities on board are limited and cabins are expensive, although reclining seats are provided free of charge. Some companies allow you to sleep in your motorhome on deck – this is a good way to save on costs.

We recommend using Ferryhopper to find and book your ferry to Greece. They offer a huge range of crossings from many providers, aloowing you to find and compare all the best deals and availability in one place.

Tips for Getting the Ferry

Getting a ferry from Italy to Greece is nothing like catching the P&O from Dover, or even Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Santander!

• When you arrive at the port, you need to get out of your motorhome and go into the reception area to check in.
• Take your passport, any other travel documents that are required, and your email with ticket details. You’ll be issued with a paper ticket, and your documents will be checked.
• There is little to no direction in the port itself, with everyone just drivng straight up to the boat and boarding.
• Once on board, you will be directed where to park.
• There is often no direction for disembarkation – if you don’t want to be last, you need to assert your position and get in the queue to get off.

Through The Balkans

The quickest and most direct driving route into western mainland Greece is through the Balkan states. From Slovenia, follow the coast road south through Croatia, into (briefly) Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and then Greece.

Your motorhome insurance will provide third-party cover for Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and your insurer may also be happy to cover you comprehensively in these countries.

You will need to purchase insurance for Montenegro and Albania, which can be done at the border (although usually only third party), or through a specialist company in the UK.

Other routes include going through Hungary into Serbia and then North Macedonia, although this is a slightly longer route and still requires you to purchase insurance for North Macedonia.

Fly & Hire a Campervan or Motorhome

Flying and hiring a motorhome is the best way to tour Greece if you don’t own one, or don’t fancy the long drive south. There are a few well-reviewed companies offering motorhome rental and campervan hire in Greece.

• Our top recommendation is Motorhome Republic which has depots in Athens, Igoumenitsa and Thessaloniki. An aggregate motorhome and campervan booking site, they pull together all the best deals from a number of renters, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English-speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.
• Lunartrip has pick-up points in Athens and Crete and offers both motorhomes and campervans.
• Nomad by CoolDrive has pick-up depots in Athens, Igoumenitsa and Thessaloniki.
• Odyssey Campers specialises in campervans and has a depot in Thessaloniki.
• Camper Club specialise in motorhome rentals in Greece and has pick-up locations in Athens, Crete and Araxos Airport on the Peloponnese.

Motorhome Greece & Brexit

Although the UK left the EU at the beginning of 2020, because the pandemic came swiftly on its heels, many of us are still realising the repercussions and getting used to how it affects travelling in a motorhome. You can find out all the details you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit . In the meantime, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers;

Do I need a visa for Europe?

Nothing changes with your passport, but from 2024, the EU will introduce the  ETIAS  (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be an additional entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers and will involve the traveller registering their details online before travelling, mainly for security purposes.

How long can I stay in Europe?

UK citizens can only stay in the Schengen Area (a zone in Europe where countries have no internal borders and allow the free and unrestricted movement of people) for  90 days in every 180 days  in the Schengen Area. 

The 90 in 180 day rule works on a rolling basis and it can be difficult to work out whether you are within the rules or not, especially if you have visited the Schengen area on several occasions in the preceding 180 days.

What food can I take in my motorhome to Greece?

The European Commission says the following;

• Travellers are not allowed to bring in  meat ,  milk or their products .
• such products do not require refrigeration before opening.
• that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and
• the packaging is unbroken unless in current use.
• For  fishery products  (including fish and certain shellfish such as prawns, lobsters, dead mussels and dead oysters), travellers are allowed to bring in up to 20kg or the weight of one fish if this is higher.
• For  other animal products , such as honey, live oysters, live mussels and snails, travellers are allowed to bring in up to 2kg.

Can I use my mobile data in Greece?

It very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. All UK providers now limit data usage in the EU in some way or another, and it’s best to check with your provider to make sure you don’t run up a big bill. You can find lots of information in our guide to the best SIM cards in Europe , especially if you’re planning to be away for more than a few weeks.

We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud SIM connectivity in the UK and Europe. You can choose from unlimited data packs to just single days, depending on your needs. The device is no larger than a slimline smartphone, connects with up to ten devices, is charged easily with a USB and can be delivered within a few days of ordering. Use the code ‘thegapdecaders’ at checkout to get 50% off in the first month!

Can I take a pet to Greece in my motorhome?

Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Greece. You’ll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. Your pet will need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate (AHC).

It can take some time to get all the documents together and the vaccines organised, so make sure you start the process well in advance. You can find out more about travelling with pets on the Gov.UK website .

More motorhoming in Greece travel advice and guides;

• Tips for Campervan Rental and Motorhome Hire in Greece (and the rest of Europe!)
• What Is the True Cost of Touring Europe in a Motorhome?
• How to Tour Europe in a  Motorhome 2021
• The Best European Campsites – For Camper, By Campers
• 29 of the Best Motorhome Apps – Free & Downloadable Now!

When to Visit Greece in a Motorhome

Greece can be blisteringly hot in the height of summer and freezing in the winter when the weather can be unpredictable.

April and May will bless you with perfect weather if you stay out of the mountains. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months, especially in Athens and the islands, when Greeks also take their annual holidays.

We think the late spring and autumn are the best times for a Greece road trip. It will be warm in the day, with little rain, but you will need a fleece for the cooler evenings.

October and November may be OK in the south but the mountains will have snow and evenings will be cold. December and January may be warm but unpredictable in Greece – if the warm African winds blow north, you’ll have lovely sunny days, but if they don’t, it will be pretty chilly.

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! 

RELATED POST: Should I Take My Motorhome to Spain for the Winter?

Driving a Motorhome in Greece

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 roads, even the national road network.

Expect potholes, uneven surfaces and the occasional time when the road just becomes a track, before becoming a road again!

Greek Speed Limits for Motorhomes

Always observe the speed limits when campervanning in Greece. There are speed cameras just as in the UK, and the Greek authorities have been known to pursue Brits for non-payment of fines. This has not changed since Brexit as the information-sharing agreement with the DVLA continues.

Motorhomes < 3,500 kg

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h
• Ordinary roads: 90 – 110 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h (less if indicated by signage)

Motorhomes > 3,500 kg:

• In built-up areas: 40 km/h
• Ordinary roads: 80 km/h
• Motorways: 80 km/h (less if indicated by signage)

Documents You Need for a Greek Road Trip

• 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.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle. Update August 2021 – you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe.
• Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. If you only have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an  International Driving Permit .
• Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory).
• Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address).
• Trailer certification if you are towing.
• Personal travel and medical insurance (we recommend  True Traveller ), EHIC or  GHIC  card (not compulsory).
• Animal Health Certificate  if you’re travelling with a pet.

Vehicle Safety Equipment for Greece

• Warning triangle.
• First Aid Kit.
• Fire Extinguisher.
• Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically).
• Reflective jacket (not compulsory, but why wouldn’t you?).
• Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit (not compulsory).
• Spare bulbs and fuses (not compulsory).
• A UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle, unless you have a new style UK numberplate which displays the Union Jack flag.

Tips for Driving a Motorhome in Greece

• Remember to drive on the right during your Greek campervan road trip!
• 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.
• The UK Department for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use by UK motorhomers abroad. In practice, this could mean towing your car while it’s fixed to a trailer, although there is ambiguity around this and differing advice can be found on the internet.
• Trailer loads mustn’t exceed 13 tonnes at the driving axle and 7 tonnes at a single axle.
• Camper vans and cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed 18 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width.
• You must not carry or use a radar detector and if caught could be fined and the device can be confiscated.
• Greece has one low emission zone (LEZ) in Athens. If you use any of the motorhome campsites or parking places in Athens, you won’t enter the LEZ. Find out more about it here .
• In urban areas, sounding the horn is not allowed at any time, except in an emergency.
• If you have an accident you’ll need to complete the  EU Accident Statement , which you can find here to download if your insurer hasn’t provided one. Stop safely and use your hazard lights and warning triangle to alert other drivers. Exchange details (a  translate app  comes in handy here) and take lots of photos to add to your form when you submit it to the insurers. If the other party won’t give details or there has been an injury, you should call the police on 112.

Toll Roads in Greece

Tolls are more expensive than in Spain but cheaper than in France . 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 to motorway, there are no payment booths as you exit.

If you have a specific destination you need or want to get to, it is far cheaper, easier and quicker to take the toll roads due to the sometimes poor construction of lesser roads and the price of fuel. Otherwise, slow travel and get off the beaten path, and you’ll see some spectacular sights.

Most motorhomes and campervans will generally be classed as Category 3, which covers vehicles with two or three axles, with or without trailers, and over 2.2m high. You can find out more about categories and rates here .

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 transferable between the six toll operators in Greece, although in practice this does not always work. You can’t buy the tags online outside of Greece, but you can stop at a customer service point on one of the motorways. You can find out more about Greek tolls and providers here .

RELATED POST: Tolls for Heavy Motorhomes >3.5T in Europe: Country by Country Guide

Fuel in Greece

The price of diesel in Greece is around 10p per litre cheaper than in the UK . Prices vary across the country, from town to town, and from garage to garage – even when they are literally just up the road from each other!

You’ll always find fuel to be cheaper if you buy away from large cities and off the motorways, so shop around using an app like PetrolPrices , to find the best deal.

Motorhome Services in Greece

Fresh water & waste.

Motorhome services in Greece are mostly confined to campsites, many of which are closed out of season.

However, there is fresh water available in many places, including garages, boat yards and picnic areas, and often you’ll find random taps along main roads where you can stop and fill up.

Most beaches have showers with a fresh drinking water tap attached. There is no issue with filling up using any of these methods, Greek people understand the need for water and are happy for you to fill up in this way.

Tap water in Greece is potable, although does contain higher levels of chlorine than UK tap water, so you may prefer to buy bottled water. Use Park4Night to find fresh water points.

In terms of disposing of grey waste, the negative connotations in the UK just do not exist in Greece. Greece is less populated than the UK and outside of cities and large towns, you’ll find lots of places where you can stop and dispose of grey waste safely.

Black waste is harder to dispose of out of season, as many public toilets are closed. If you plan on touring Greece, you should consider carrying a spare cassette or fitting a compost toilet .

LP& & Bottled Gas

LPG (called GPL in most European countries) for refillable motorhome gas systems is available in many garages – use the myLPG app to search near where you are. The adaptor for your refillable system in Greece is the dish adaptor, the same one as for France and Italy.

Gas bottles are also widely available, with butane generally being the more popular because of the climate – butane is more suited to milder weather conditions but propane is better for cold weather as it burns at lower temperatures. 

For Greek gas bottles, you will need a different regulator, available from most DIY or camping shops.

Motorhome Stops in Greece

Motorhome aires.

There are only a handful of motorhome aires in Greece, where you will find a full suite of services and a place to park for the night.

Wild Camping in Greece for Motorhomes

Greece is a dream if you love wild camping in your motorhome. In Greece, a motorhome is treated the same as a car as far as parking is concerned, so wherever you can park a car, you can park a motorhome.

There are the usual caveats about ‘parking’ and not ‘camping’, which is illegal, and in the summer months, you will find that this is upheld and the Polis may move you on, especially in popular tourist destinations and on the Greek Islands.

Outside of peak season, we found it possible to park wherever we wanted and get out our chairs and BBQ. Even in the most stunning destinations, there were few other motorhomes and campervans. Unless there is a huge influx of motorhomes over the winter months, I think Greece welcomes us as visitors and is happy for the trade during the low season.

Campsites in Greece

Campsites in Greece are often only open between April and September. They are wonderful (and a necessity) in the summer months when people will want EHU for air conditioning.

Some campsites open across the winter but only have limited facilities. You may find just one sanitary block open, and the bar, shop and restaurant will be closed. The only staff will be a security guard manning the gate. This can work well if you need to plug in to top up batteries, or find a washing machine for the inevitable laundry!

Even though a campsite may be affiliated with ACSI and accept the rate during the low season, this will only be within their stated opening period in the ACSI guide, so you’re unlikely to benefit between October and March.

If you’re looking for campsites during the winter months, Park4Night is the best place to check whether a site is open or not.

Life in Greece

The ancient Greeks were known for their sophisticated sculpture and architecture and made important and long-lasting contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Today, family solidarity, generosity and hospitality remain deeply rooted in Greek culture.

• Siesta is a long-held Greek tradition, and although modern life has had an impact on the post-lunch nap, in the less touristy parts of the country, towns and villages are often deserted between 3pm and 5.30pm during the summer months. Large tourist cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are less affected, but in the midday heat of Greece in the summer, spending a few hours in a cool place is never a bad idea!
• Sundays are mandated in law as public holidays and all the shops are closed. You may find mini-markets and newsagent type shops that remain open every day, especially those situated in tourist regions.
• If you are planning to visit places of worship and monasteries you must cover your torso, ankles and upper arms and wear closed-toe shoes. Ladies will need a shawl to cover their hair.
• In most of Greece, you will see a lot of rubbish wherever you go. Some of this has to do with infrastructure and lack of proper services coupled with self-perpetuation that leads to acceptance. 
• Greeks love their food and eating out in a traditional Greek taverna is a great experience. Rather than sticking to three meals a day, Greeks tend to graze, which means that eateries are open all day. Look out for restaurants that locals dine in – not only will the food be much better, but it’ll be better for your budget too.
• If you do eat out, follow these three tips – ask for tap water not bottled, order wine by the carafe and you’ll get delicious local barrelled wine, and finally, don’t expect your food to come together, it arrives at the table when it’s ready!
• At the end of the meal, the owner will probably offer you a complimentary shot of tsipouro or raki , both names for Greek moonshine, a powerful spirit made from pomace grapes. To refuse would be considered rude – bottoms up!
• Make sure to try a Greek speciality, Tyropita or cheese pie. Made with salty sheep’s cheese and filo pastry, sometimes with added ingredients like meat, tyropita is a staple Greek snack and you can buy them everywhere. Be warned – they are a bit addictive!
• Lidl is a great place to shop for basics and they have stores across the country, in most towns. You’ll find familiar offerings as well as local fruit and veg and typically Greek produce. Most stores have places where you can park a motorhome too.

Data and SIM Cards in Greece

If you need more than your UK roaming allowance, you can buy a data-only SIM card from a number of Greek providers. There are three main providers, Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind. The first two offer the best coverage, but Wind tends to have the best deals.

Vodafone has shops in most towns, and you can pop in, with your passport, and find out their offers. We were able to buy a couple of 40GB SIMs for €20 on two occasions. The final shop we visited would not allow us to buy those, and we had to pay €12 for 8GB. Shop around and you may get a better deal at the time but don’t expect data to be cheap.

RELATED POST: An Easy Guide to Motorhome WiFi & Internet

Greece Road Trip: Incredible Routes for the Best Trip

Most Beautiful Places in Greece That You Must Visit!

Top greece motorhome destinations.

We loved Athens. Undoubtedly, it helped that the sun shone, but this city is vibrant and alive with street culture and dominated by the incredible Acropolis, whatever the weather. Visit the ancient citadel as early as you can in the morning, for the opportunity to take photographs without hordes of people.

Secure places to stay for motorhomes in Athens are limited. We stayed here – a bus parking depot – but they are very accommodating, have good stable electricity and as much water as you need. It was surprisingly quiet at night, although the odd bus does come and go.

We travelled in by scooter but you can get a taxi into the centre of Plaka, the old part of Athens, in around fifteen minutes.

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

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is the furthest south you can go on the Greek mainland. Connected to the rest of Greece by the magnificent Rio-Antirrio Bridge, which crosses the Gulf of Patras, and a road bridge which crosses the fascinating Corinth Canal, the Peloponnese is technically an island – just a large one!

You could spend months touring around the coast in a campervan – weeks devoted to each of the three fingers to the south wouldn’t go amiss, such is the depth of history and breadth of culture here.

The island is the stuff of legends and many civilisations have called the Peloponnese home, from the ancient Minoans and the riches of the Mycenaean and Byzantine eras to the Ottomans and everything in between, you’ll find it here.

Highlights of the Pelopponese include the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia; the tower houses of the Mani, deep in the south of the middle finger; hiking the dramatic Vouraikos Gorge; the breathtaking Langada Pass from Kalamata to Sparta, and the pretty lovers town of Nafplio.

Central Greece

Central Greece is full of ancient sites, towering mountains, hot springs and Alpine-like valleys. Don’t rush through on the way to elsewhere, but stop and savour the diverse landscape, wonderful hospitality and gastronomic delights.

Ancient Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece is here. Delphi was the centre of the ancient Greek world and is now a magical place to visit, surrounded by stunning scenery.

The Meteora region is just as magnificent, with towering rocky outcrops topped with impossibly positioned Byzantine monasteries – although don’t expect it to look like the pictures from beneath!

We also loved the Thermopylae hot springs, where there was also a bloody battle between the Persians and Greeks in 480 BCE, the pretty resorts of Galaxidi and Nafpaktos on the Gulf of Corinth, and the Ambracian Gulf for its slow and peaceful holiday vibe, and perfect position if you’re heading south from Igoumenitsa.

Northern Greece

Northern Greece stretches across more terrains and cultures then anywhere else in the country and will be on your rite if you’re hreading from Greece to Turkey. The mighty civilisations of the Macedonians, Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs and Turks have all helped to shape this region.

Here you’ll find lively cities like Thessaloniki and Xanthi, the stunning beaches of the Aegean coast, the mighty Mount Olympus, and one of Europe’s largest canyons, the Vikos Gorge .

The Greek Islands

If you want to visit the islands, then you’ll need to do a bit of research to find the best routes, wild camping spots and campsites. We tried but found it quite hard work, especially for out-of-season island visits.

In the end, we found the costs associated with getting there outweighed the being there and stuck to the Greek mainland, which is just as beautiful. As our distant Greek relatives (aunt of my brother-in-law) told us, “you won’t see the real Greece on the islands”.

But, if you do want to experience a Greek island, you can get to Crete from Athens, and to Corfu from Igoumenitsa. Some of the smaller islands do not have ferries large enough for a motorhome, but a campervan may be possible. Use Ferryhopper to check routes and prices.

Lots of car ferries do not run in winter, so if you visit out of season, it will not be possible to visit many of the islands. Ferry fares for motorhomes tend to be quite expensive, so take this into consideration when you’re budgeting.

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