travel from uk to greece by car

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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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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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

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 Booking.com Cars 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!

Booking Cars 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 Booking.com Cars ).

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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The driving time from London, United Kingdom to Athens, Greece is:

31 hours, 31 minutes.

Average driving speed: 62.6 mph Kilometers per hour: 100.8 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Map of driving directions from London, United Kingdom to Athens, Greece

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to find out how far is it to drive from London to Athens with full directions.

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Driving time from London, United Kingdom to Athens, Greece

How long is the drive from London, United Kingdom to Athens, Greece? The total driving time is 31 hours, 31 minutes .

Your trip begins in London, United Kingdom. It ends in Athens, Greece.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from London, United Kingdom to Athens, Greece .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from London, United Kingdom to Athens, Greece based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between London, United Kingdom and Athens, Greece .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from London, United Kingdom to Athens, Greece.

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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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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!

Want to see more of CRETE?

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21 best towns and villages in Crete

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How to rent a car in Crete

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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!

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

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No airports, no flights, just civilised trains and a cosy en suite cabin on a comfortable ferry.  Take Eurostar to Paris and a high-speed train through the Alps to Italy, then an overnight ferry across the Adriatic to Greece.  Sailing across blue seas under even bluer skies past Ithaca & Kefalonia is perhaps the nicest way to reach Greece, far more rewarding than 3 hours strapped to a plane seat.  It's practical & affordable too.  On this page is a step-by-step guide to booking & making a memorable journey from the UK to Greece, with schedules, fares & how to buy tickets.

In previous years you could also travel overland all the way by train via Paris, Munich, Belgrade & Thessaloniki, but post-pandemic the trains beyond Zagreb & Belgrade aren't running.

Train times, fares & tickets

Other travel information

Useful country information, uk to greece , the options explained.

You can easily reach Greece from London by train to Italy then a ferry to Greece.  You used to be able to reach Greece overland by train, but issues in the Balkans mean this is currently not a viable route:

Option 1, by train to Bari then ferry to Greece

This is the route I'd recommend, it's the quickest, cheapest and most comfortable way from London to Greece without flying, shown in red on the route map below .

It's a wonderful trip and a great alternative to a flight, taking little over 48 hours from St Pancras station to stepping ashore in Greece.  Take a morning Eurostar from London to Paris and an afternoon high-speed Frecciarossa 1000 train from Paris to Milan.  Stay overnight, then take an air-conditioned Frecciarossa train all along the Adriatic coast to Bari in southern Italy.  A daily ferry sails overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece, with a connection to Athens by bus & train.  Why not stop off to see something of Italy on the way?  Times, fares & information for this route are shown below .

Option 2, by train to Venice then ferry to Greece

This is a simpler but slightly longer version of option 1, which lets you see Venice on the way.  You take Eurostar to Paris, TGV or Frecciarossa to Milan or Turin and onward Italian train to Venice.  A ferry sails several times a week from the mainland near Venice to Patras in Greece, for bus & train to Athens.  Train times, fares & information for this route are shown below .

Option 3, overland by train to Athens

The overland route from London to Greece went via Paris, Munich, Zagreb & Belgrade to Thessaloniki & Athens taking 3 nights, although there are - or were - many permutations.  However, the Zagreb-Belgrade train was suspended during the pandemic and has not resumed.  The Budapest-Belgrade line has been closed for some years for rebuilding.  The Belgrade-Thessaloniki train was downgraded from all year to summer-only in 2020, ceased running completely during the pandemic, and has not run since.  Meanwhile, even Belgrade-Sofia has ceased and Sofia-Thessaloniki train no longer runs on the part in Greece,  Basically, stick with option 1!

If you still want to go overland, travel from London to Sofia as shown here , then find a bus from Sofia to Thessaloniki, then take a train from Thessaloniki to Athens .

Or travel by train from London to Zagreb as shown here , find buses Zagreb-Belgrade and Belgrade-Thessaloniki, then take a train from Thessaloniki to Athens .

Interactive map :  Click a route for details

Back to top

Option 1, London to Athens via Bari  

This is the most wonderful way to reach Greece, in little over 48 hours or so from London.  Travel from London to Milan in one day by Eurostar and high-speed Frecciarossa through the French and Italian Alps.  Next day, travel all along Italy's Adriatic coast to Bari, and now for the best bit, board a comfortable modern ferry for an overnight cruise across the Adriatic from Italy to Greece, waking up next morning to see the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca passing slowly to starboard in the bright Mediterranean sun.

London ► Athens

Important update 2024:  The direct Paris-Milan line via Modane was blocked by a landslide on 27 August 2023 and is likely to remain blocked until at least the end of 2024.  So the Paris-Milan train shown below is cancelled until further notice.  Until the line is reopened, you should travel from London to Milan via Switzerland instead, with an earlier departure from London, see the alternative timetable here , more information here .

Stay overnight in Milan:   Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol , Hotel Bernina , 43 Station Hotel , B&B Hotel Milano Central Station , Guesthouse Teodora .  Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel , Glam Hotel , Made to Measure Business , Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson .

The train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It follows the scenic Adriatic coastline, past small towns and seaside resorts.

On arrival in Bari , you can walk the 1.9 km from the station to the port entrance in 25 minutes, a stroll through Bari's pleasant old town past the cathedral and castle , see correct walking map from the station to the port entrance gate (If Google tells you any different, trust me, not Google!).  Alternatively, a taxi will take 10 minutes.  Bus 50 runs from Bari Centrale station to the road outside the port gate roughly every 40 minutes.  Map of Bari showing station, port entrance, check-in building & Superfast Ferries berth .

You can check sailing times & dates at using the Direct Ferries website or at www.superfast.com or www.ferriesingreece.com .

You should check in at the Superfast desk on the ground floor of the cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere) at Bari port with passport & booking number to get your boarding pass, ideally 3 hours before departure in summer, although in practice 2 hours or even 1½ hours is normally fine.

You then walk 500m from check-in to the ferry, board the ferry via the foot passenger gangway at the stern and head up the escalator to the main lounge and reception desk to get your cabin key.

This comfortable ferry has a self-service restaurant, bar, lounge and sun deck.  You can book a deck place (a good & cheap option in summer if you have your own sleeping bag), a reclining seat or various types of cabin, all with private shower & toilet.  Strolling the decks in the morning sun as the ship cruises past the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca is the nicest part of the trip, and it's a wonderful way to arrive in Greece.

Athens ► London

There's a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  The train runs along the coast for much of the way, a lovely journey.

Important update 2024:  The direct Milan-Paris line via Modane was blocked by a landslide on 27 August 2023 and is likely to remain blocked until at least the end of 2024.  The train above is cancelled until further notice.  Until the line is reopened. you should travel from Milan to Paris via Switzerland instead, see the alternative timetable here , more information here .

How much does it cost ?

London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £168 return standard premier (1st class).

How to buy tickets

The best way to book a journey from the UK to Greece is online following the step-by-step instructions below.  It involves two websites, so do a test run on both sites to check prices & availability before booking for real.

Tip 1:   Make sure you get your dates right for each stage of the journey by jotting down the date & departure time for each individual train & ferry beforehand, see the how to plan an itinerary & budget page .

Tip 2:   You can book hotels in Milan or in Greece risk-free before booking your trains if you use www.booking.com with free cancellation.

Another way to buy train tickets

Alternatively, you can buy tickets direct from the relevant train operator, which is more work using multiple websites, but there's no booking fee.  Book your London-Paris train at www.eurostar.com , then book the Paris-Milan Frecciarossa and Milan-Bari train at the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com , this requires Italian-language place names and has a few quirks, see this advice on how to use it .  Trenitalia is ticketless, you simply print out the booking reference or show it on your phone.  If you choose to use a French TGV from Paris to Milan, book this at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .

Let Byway.travel arrange it for you

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating . 

They offer a flight-free package from London to Athens and back, with trains and overnight stops booked for you as a package, go to Byway.travel , click Destinations and then Greece .

Or they can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Byway includes package protection, 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and WhatsApp support while you're away.

How to buy tickets by phone

What's the journey like .

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi .

Lunch in Paris at the Train Bleu restaurant?

The trains to Italy leave from the magnificent Gare de Lyon in central Paris.  Why not have lunch (or at least a drink in the bar) at the fabulous Train Bleu Restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon (pictured above right) before catching the train to Turin or Milan?  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide .

2. Paris to Milan by Frecciarossa 1000

Trenitalia (Italian Railways) operates two daily 300 km/h (186 mph) Frecciarossa 1000 trains from Paris to Milan.  The Frecciarossa has 3 classes, Standard, Business and Executive.  In Italy, Frecciarossas have 4 classes, but on the Paris-Milan route the Premium class seats (identical to Standard class but leather instead of cloth) are sold as Standard.  There's a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Business class includes complimentary coffee, juice and snacks such as a morning croissant.  Executive class includes a more comprehensive food & drink service.

3. Milan to Bari by Frecciarossa

This is the previous incarnation of Trenitalia's Frecciarossa, the Frecciarossa 500.  It has 4 classes, Standard, Premium, Business and Executive.  There's a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Business class includes complimentary coffee, juice or prosecco and snacks.  Executive class includes a more comprehensive food & drink service.

Check in for the ferry

The Superfast Ferries check-in desks are on the ground floor of the cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere), the arrow in the photo below left indicates the entrance.  You should check in with passport & booking number to get your boarding pass, ideally 3h before departure especially in summer - although 2 hours or even 1½ hours is normally fine.  You then walk 500m from the check-in desk to the ferry, board via the foot passenger gangway at the stern, up the escalator to the main passenger lounge and reception desk to get your cabin key.  See location map .

4. Bari to Patras by overnight ferry

Superfast Ferries sail from Bari to Patras daily all year round, although Sunday sailings leave too early for same-day train connections from Milan.  If you book a 'deck place' you can use your own sleeping bag and set up camp in a covered area on deck near the stern.  For a few more pounds you can book a reclining seat.  Or you can book a berth in various types of cabin, all with private shower & toilet.  The ferry crossing is the best part of the journey, over deep blue waters and past many islands.

5. Travel from Patras to Athens by bus/train combo

On arrival in Patras, take a taxi or local bus from the port to the town centre.  Every hour, a bus run by Hellenic Train links Patras railway station with Kiato, connecting with an air-conditioned electric train along the Aegean to Athens.  Look out for the Corinth Canal as the train passes from the Peloponnese peninsula to the rest of Greece, blink and you'll miss it.

Traveller's reports

Traveller Nick Stone returned to London from Athens this way:   "We travelled from Athens to London.  The ferry ride was relaxing and we enjoyed beers and a lovely à la carte meal for €34 including drinks.  We were both impressed with quality of the meal and service.  We arrived 2 hours late in Bari, but made the 11:03 train to Bologna with 5 minutes to spare, and celebrated by having the set €26 menu lunch on the train and a bottle of wine.  Spent a 5 hours in Bologna which a great place for a short break before taking the sleeper overnight to Paris and the Eurostar home.  It was great trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it."

Alternative ferries from Brindisi or Ancona

Superfast Ferries from Bari is recommended rather than ferries from Brindisi for several reasons.  Superfast Ferries and their partners Blue Star Ferries use modern ships and sail daily to a convenient schedule with good connections possible from Paris, London, and most Italian cities.  Superfast Ferries sail from a terminal next to Bari's pleasant old town, and you can walk there from the station.  In Brindisi, most ships now use a new terminal a couple of miles out of town, reached by taxi or courtesy minibus from the shipping company offices in town.  Since 2004, there are few scheduled sailings from Brindisi, most go from Bari.

Let Railbookers arrange it for you

If you want someone to sort out your whole trip to Greece with all your rail & ferry travel expertly booked for you and good quality hotels arranged, call Railbookers.  Tell them what you want, and they'll sort it all out for you, hassle-free.  They get very positive reviews and take good care of their guests.

Option 2, London to Athens by ferry from Venice

Taking a ferry to Greece from Venice rather than Bari means the London-Athens journey will take 3 or more nights rather than 2, but taking a cruise ferry all along the Adriatic is a wonderful and leisurely option.  With some time in Venice (stop off for longer if you like), an Adriatic cruise, it's an alternative worth considering.

London ► Greece

Day 1, travel from London to Paris on any evening Eurostar you like.

The last one leaves London St Pancras at 20:01 daily arriving Paris Gare du Nord at 23:18, but by all means book an earlier one.

Stay overnight in Paris .  The Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon is part of the Gare de Lyon station complex, ideal for catching an early train next morning and great reviews for staff, cleanliness & comfort.  Other recommended hotels near the Gare de Lyon include the Citizen M Hotel (a 2-minute 160m walk from the station, great reviews, 4-star); Hotel Terminus Lyon (in front of the station, 3-star);  Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (on the station itself, 4-star); Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon (opposite the station, 4-star);  Hotel 26 Faubourg (5 min walk from Gare de Lyon, 2-star).

Day 2, travel from Paris to Milan by Frecciarossa , leaving Paris Gare de Lyon 07:25 and arriving Milan Centrale 14:07.

Day 2, travel from Milan Centrale to Venice by Frecciarossa train , leaving Milan Centrale at 14:45 and arriving Venice Santa Lucia 17:12.

You could stay in Mestre rather than Venice if you liked as this is closer to the ferry terminal.  But a shame not to see Venice.

Stay overnight in Venice .  Remember there's a 2 or 3-hour minimum check-in for the ferry , and check where the ferry sails from - usually an area on the mainland called Fusina , near Venice Mestre which might take time to reach.  Do not plan any tight connections.

Greece ► London

Stay overnight in Milan :  Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol , Hotel Bernina , 43 Station Hotel , B&B Hotel Milano Central Station , Guesthouse Teodora .  Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel , Glam Hotel , Made to Measure Business , Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson .

How much does it cost?

The easiest & cheapest way to book this journey is online.  It involves three websites, so do a dummy run on each site to check availability before booking for real.  Make sure you get your departure dates right for each leg of the journey outward and back.  It can help to jot down the date and departure time for each separate booking before you start.

London to Salonika & Larissa

The traditional overland route from London to Athens passes through Salonika ( Thessaloniki in Greek) and Larissa, although this is now problematical, see the London to Athens section above .

The best way is to travel from London to Athens by train & ferry via Italy, then take a train from Athens north to Larissa and Athens. See the London to Athens section above, then use the Greek Railways website, You can check train times for this section at www.hellenictrain.gr for train times between Athens, Larissa and Salonika.

London to Meteora (Kalambaka)

Meteora is a spectacular monastery perched on a huge rock, near the town of Kalambaka.  Kalambaka is at the end of a railway branch line from Paleofarsolas on the main Thessaloniki-Larissa-Athens rail line.  There are two direct trains from Athens to Kalambaka every day (about 4 hours 45 minutes), plus regular trains throughout the day from Athens, Larissa and Thessaloniki with a change of train at Paleofarsolas.  For train times from Athens or Thessaloniki to Kalambaka, see You can check train times for this section at www.hellenictrain.gr and use their journey planner.

London to Corfu

Option 1, by train & ferry via bari or brindisi.

If you can't find a direct ferry from Bari to Corfu, book the Superfast ferry from Bari to Igoumenitsa on mainland Greece.

Then take a local ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu with either Kerkyra Lines ( kerkyralines.com ) or Kerkyra Seaways ( www.kerkyraseaways.gr ).  These sail a dozen times a day, crossing time 60-90 minutes, fare around €5-€10.  Buy a ticket at kerkyralines.com or www.kerkyraseaways.gr or simply buy a ticket when you get to Igoumenitsa.

Option 2, by train & ferry via Venice or Trieste

You might prefer to catch the ferry from Venice or Trieste, see the London to Athens section above .  The Minoan Lines & Anek Lines ferries from  Venice or Trieste to Patras usually also call at Corfu.

London to Kefalonia (Cephalonia)

Made famous by the book and film Captain Corelli's Mandolin , it's easy to reach Kefalonia all the way from London in less than 48 hours, without flying.

London to Heraklion & Crete

To reach Crete, you first travel to Athens, then use one of the overnight ferries from Piraeus (the port of Athens) to Crete.

ANEK Lines sail daily at 20:30 arriving at 05:30 next day, Minoan Lines sail at 21:00 arriving 05:30 next day. 

London to other Greek islands

Ferries to Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and most Aegean islands leave from Piraeus, the port of Athens.

How to book Greek trains online

Greek Railways (Hellenic Train, rebranded from TrainOSE in 2022) offer online booking for their domestic trains at www.hellenictrain.gr , in English.  This is the only way to book Greek domestic trains, the Greek Railways ticketing system isn't connected to anyone or anything outside Greece, so European train ticketing agencies such as Rail Europe can only issue expensive international-tariff unreserved tickets - which is pointless, as all mainline Greek trains require reservation.  You should therefore always buy Greek domestic tickets online at www.hellenictrain.gr as explained here, with the necessary reservation automatically included or simply buy tickets at the station when you get to Greece.  Here's how to buy online:

Go to www.hellenictrain.gr .  Select EN top right for English.

Use the journey planner to find trains.  In the results, 'seats' means the number of seats available, 'Full cost' is the price in euros. 

A means 1st class, B means 2nd class.

Select a journey and click Seat selection and passengers .

When you select seats, carriages beginning with A are first class (for example, A1), those beginning with B are second class (for example B2, B3).  Select a seat in the class you want!

Now click Terms of Service top right, tick the box accept these and click Payment top right.

The arrow at the top of the carriages above the train number shows the direction of travel, useful if you want a forward-facing seat.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

G uidebooks

Click the images to buy at amazon.co.uk, hotels in athens & greece, backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Travel to Greece by Car

Greece at a glance.

Greece is located in the south of Europe. The state includes the mainland and numerous islands. Greece has many bays on the Mediterranean, which attracts mainly beach lovers in the summer. Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summer months and mild winters. The capital is Athens and the official language is modern Greek.

The Greek mainland is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination and offers visitors a number of possible routes for round trips. Probably the greatest magic in a journey on the mainland is the relatively unspoiled landscape, its diversity and the impressive mountain scenery.

Drive to Greece

Greece can be entered by car from any of its land neighbors.

At the ferry ports of Venice, Ancona and Bari you can get to the Greek mainland or to the island of Corfu.

The connections from Ancona to Igoumenitsa and Patras are particularly popular – probably because they represent a good compromise between travel time and costs. For more information, please contact our partner for cheap ferry connections.

Despite some imponderables, the land route through Austria, Slovenia, Serbia and Macedonia is a real alternative. Most parts of the route are now built as a comfortable highway, and there are also plenty of gas stations.

The biggest advantage of the Balkan route to Greece is that you save on ferry costs here. Ferry fees vary greatly, depending on, accommodation comfort and travel season.

The motorway tolls are a bit higher on the Austria-Balkan route than through Italy.

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” Maya Angelou Tweet

Getting Around Greece

The Greek motorways connect the northern parts of the country with Athens and the peninsula of Pelopennes. From the center of Greece you can easily go exploring as it is in the immediate vicinity of Athens. Renting a car in the city or at the airport gives travelers the opportunity to explore the capital’s surroundings. The regions of Viotia, Evrytania and Fthiotida are known for their breathtaking scenery, their far-reaching panorama and their enchanting towns.

Greece travel guide - Travel tips

Special traffic rules.

In Greece, the 0.5-alcohol limit applies. For novice drivers who have a driver’s license for less than two years, only 0.2 alcohol limit applies.

The speed limit in Greece is as follows:

•     Downtown 50 km/h
•     Highways 90 km/h
•     Highways at 130 km/h

Do not forget the first aid kit!

Make frequent stops

Pre-trip Maintenance

Entry requirements

• Children need their own children’s passport
• Recommended is the International Green Insurance Card

Gas price Greece and other countries

In Greece, super gasoline costs around 18 cents per liter more than in Germany. The diesel is about the same price. Cheap fuel can be found in the Czech Republic, here the liter of diesel costs about 10 cents less than in Germany. The super gasoline is even 15 cents less. The other countries on the route have comparable fuel costs with Germany.

Advantages of Car Ferries

• Relaxing. The vacation begins already during the journey. The crossing is fun for kids and adults as well.
• In time. There are no traffic jams or pilot strikes on the open sea. As a rule, the ferries reach their destination on time.
• Time-saving. Most ferries are pretty fast. The ships travel the shortest route, do not need breaks and are also on the road at night.
• Rental car unnecessary.

Best hotels in Athens

Flights to greece, ferry companies.

See below which companies are operating from Italy to Greece, and search ferry ticket to view availability by date and book your ticket at the best price!

Ankona - Igoumenitsa

SUPERFAST ANEK LINES MINOAN LINES

Venice – Patra

ANEK LINES MINOAN LINES

Bari - Patra

AGOUDIMOS LINES SUPERFAST

Brindisi - Patra

ENDEAVOR LINES VENTOURIS FERRIES

Brindisi - Igoumenitsa

AGOUDIMOS LINES ENDEAVOR LINES

Bari - Igoumenitsa

VENTOURIS FERRIES AGOUDIMOS LINES SUPERFAST

Venice - Igoumenitsa

Ankona - patra, here is an overview of the possible routes.

From the north of Europe, the fastest and cheapest route goes via the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and Macedonia. If you come from the south of Germany and would like to travel to Greece by car, you are more likely to choose Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia. Depending on the place of departure and the chosen route to Greece, the journey takes about 2300 km and takes more than one day.

From the south of Germany the way through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia as well as Macedonia remains the first choice. Interesting stopovers include Lake Millstatt and Lake Osslach in Austria, as well as the capitals of Croatia – Ljubljana, Croatia – Zagreb, Serbia – Belgrade and Macedonia – Skopje. In addition, this route is very scenic in many parts.

The tolls on this route are significantly lower according to Internet information provided by Via Michelin.

Driving from Northern Europe to Greece through Italy

After the war years in the former Yugoslavia, the Italian route has become the most popular itinerary. At the ferry ports of Venice, Ancona and Bari you can translate to the Greek mainland or to the island of Corfu. The connections from Ancona to Igoumenitsa and Patras are particularly popular – probably because they represent a good compromise between travel time and costs.

Anyone arriving in Italy has the choice between different short or longer ferry routes and can decide for themselves how long he wants to travel the Mediterranean.

Driving from Northern Europe to Greece through the Balkans

The land route to Greece has some advantages and disadvantages compared to the arrival by ferry. The advantage is that you can travel much faster in Greece by car and save a day. Also, the cost of the ferry ride is fairly high.

When traveling through Serbia, the green card is required – a passport is no longer needed since June 2010, so the ID card is sufficient.

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How to see the best of Greece in 10 days

Sep 12, 2022 • 6 min read

Here's how to make the most of your trip to Greece in 10 days © borchee / Getty Images

You can see a lot of Greece in under two weeks and get a real feel for its history, ruins, beaches, food, late-night revelry and a few of its many iconic islands. Ferries link many of the best places to visit , and lazing away the hours on deck gazing at the passing turquoise water is an irresistible interlude to more storied sights. 

We’ve put together a detailed ten-day itinerary to show you the best Greece has to offer. Don’t have that much time available? Never fear – you can also curate your ideal locations from our picks to plan a blissful long weekend.

Day 1: start in Athens, the nation’s cradle

Don’t delay; climb the hill in the center of Athens to the magnificent Acropolis . Descending back into the land of mortals, wander the ancient Agora neighborhood before joining the merry mobs hopping from one taverna to another in the  Plaka  district . For extra credit, pause at some point at the extraordinary Acropolis Museum .

Go from Athens to Mykonos: Catch one of the many ferries that make the run from Piraeus , the main port of Athens, to Mykonos. The fast times are on speedy hydrofoils, while the slower runs are on traditional boats, with their broad and sunny decks.

How to get around Greece

Day 2: sail the Aegean to Mykonos

Burn off your pre-trip stress on the island of Mykonos . One of Europe’s fabled party destinations (St Tropez and Ibiza are rivals), this small island has just enough to keep you occupied by day. Explore the maze of covered lanes, boutiques and flower-bedecked cafes in the old town of Hora . Head to nearby beaches for your first dip in the ever-blue Aegean. But save some energy for well after dark when the notorious clubs like to party until dawn – or later.

Go from Mykonos to Delos: Boats to Delos make the run in a quick 30 minutes starting in the morning. 

Day 3: walk with the ancient Greeks in Delos

Fight off any after-effects of the night before and catch a morning boat to Delos , the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The entire island is a sacred shrine – ruins stretch across the sunbaked landscape. Let your imagination run wild as you reconstruct this once magnificent center in your mind. Make the quick return to Mykonos by boat and cool off at a beach. Then get lost in Hora until you stumble upon the perfect seafood dinner.

Go from Mykonos to Paros: Several ferries a day make the run in about one hour.

Day 4: relax on Paros

Something of a ferry hub for the Cyclades, Paros – the group of islands that in many ways defines Greece – literally has something for everyone. Flower-draped tavernas in the port town of Parikia make great post-ferry lunch spots.

Get a rental car and drive the circumference of the island. This can be an all-day adventure and includes plenty of beach access along the east coast. The island is also noted for its produce – especially the tomatoes – so enjoy something delicious in the oh-so-cute mountain village of Lefkes or the locally popular beachside town of Aliki.

Go from Paros to Antiparos: Car ferries link the adjoining islands in under 15 minutes.

Day 5: slow down on Antiparos

Almost touching its much larger neighbor, the diminutive island of Antiparos really is the anti-Paros. Parts of the island qualify as sleepy, and there’s an unhurried vibe across its narrow, windy roads. Take the quick boat ride to Despotiko, a restored ancient sanctuary, then enjoy a seafood feast in Agios Georgios at a waterfront taverna. If you’re feeling sporty, join the windsurfers taking advantage of some of the most reliable winds in Greece.

Go from Paros to Santorini: Ferries take 2–3 hours.

Day 6: join the throngs on Santorini

With its polychromatic cliffs soaring above its drowned caldera, Santorini  is the definition of a ‘Greek island’ for many. Steep and narrow lanes are lined with brilliantly whitewashed houses topped with cerulean domes. Beaches dot the curving coast, and gentle hiking paths follow the island’s spine, offering sweeping views. Sunsets are mesmerizing. Take in the spectacle from tiny hillside Oia , which offers a choice of tavernas serving deeply traditional Greek fare (expect grilled meats, creamy tzatziki and more).

Go from Santorini to Crete: There’s usually one speedy ferry daily, making the two-hour run to Iraklio in Crete.

Day 7: get lost in Greece’s best palace at Knossos

The island of Crete is so big that it almost feels like its own country. The main city of Iraklio is best enjoyed for a quick lunch in a café and as a place to secure a rental car. Then charge south for barely 20 minutes to one of the top ancient sites in a nation of ancient sites. The Palace of Knossos was built by the Minoans and is a vast and somewhat restored ruin that can easily absorb half a day or more. If you have time to take a tour, there are more than a dozen wineries nearby that make the excellent local wines you’ll enjoy with every meal.

Go from Iraklio to Hania: Rental car prices on Crete are competitive, and distances are manageable. The run between the island’s two main cities takes only two hours, although endless stops and diversions to admire incredible views can greatly extend that .

Day 8: revel in the stunning beauty of Crete

Crete’s second city of Hania is really the island’s first city in the hearts of those in the know. The old town and harbor combine the legacies of the Minoans, the ancient Greeks, the Venetians and countless other influences from occupiers and others who just happened to sail by. The food here is extraordinary, and the chefs put Crete’s fabled produce to remarkable use. Two excellent detours are the absorbing ancient port town of Rethymno and the grand and glittery Orthodox churches in the hills, such as Moni Arkadiou .

Go from Hania to Elafonisi: Driving direct will take about two hours, but, as always, detours and myriad excuses to pause and enjoy the scenery will extend that greatly.

Day 9: hit the beaches of Crete

The Samaria Gorge is the most famous of southern Crete’s many gorge walks, which start high in the craggy hills and follow often-lush, stream-fed canyons down to little villages and beaches. If the crowds at Samaria are daunting, consider the Agia Irini Gorge instead. Finish your day at sublime Elafonisi Beach , where the sand has a pinkish hue in a certain light, and the swimming is superb.

Go from Hania to Athens: Frequent flights to Athens take under an hour from Crete’s second-largest airport.

Day 10: stroll around Athens

The Acropolis is never far from view as you stroll the compact and endlessly fascinating center of Athens. Catch the changing of the guard at the center of government (and Athens) in Syntagma Square . Choose from sights such as the antiquity-stuffed Benaki Museum , the lush National Gardens , the ornate Hadrian’s Arch and the grandiose Temple of Olympian Zeus .

Finish your time in Greece with a languid session in the upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki and cafe-lined Plateia Kolonakiou.

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Dear members,

Hello and wish you have a wonderful 2017 for all of you.

Ive been told by Tripadvisor here is the right place to ask my question. I searched a lot but still I am uncertainty as I think it is not enough information.

What are the best options to put my car in Ferry to go to Greece which then I can tak another ferry to Turkey as much as close to Mersin and Antalia? The most safe, economical and easy way?

Thank you in advance for your time and help

All the best

You could take a ferry (or the Tunnel) across to France and drive to Bari in Italy , from where there are ferries to Greece. Greece and Turkey do not like each other, and I do not know of any ferries from the Greek mainland to Turkey. There is a land border, so maybe you can drive across.

You could turn the trip into a holiday and go all the way from Calais by road via Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria etc. although I have no knowledge of visas or any other possible problems.

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Greece' s official name is Hellenic Republic. However Greeks call their country Hellas or Hellada.

Greece has historically engaged in wine making. Take for example Dionysus, the son of Zeus, the God of the grape-harvest, winemaking and wine. His face is seen today on the sommelier’s pin which is a symbol of respect to wine’s contribution throughout history.

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While doing the exercise, I priced up b&b's on the way, staying near Stuttgart and the Chunnel. There were plenty of economical places through booking.com.

You need to figure out where you are likely to be at the end of each day. Without knowing that, it's hard to see how anyone could give you advice about overnight stops.

To add to the above, this is from a PM I received from a TA member some time ago:

'We had the exact same trouble with the insurance last year. Basically when you get to the borders you must buy the insurance there. At Serbia, they wouldn't accept the third party cover from the uk insurers, the insurers told us they may not. I can't remember how much it was but it was prob around £80 and was valid for 1 month (they take Euro's) you will see the offices for the insurance companies on the right as you are at border control. You must buy it and then go back to the customs officer you saw and show him the document.

at the FYROM border it is pretty much the same, this time they will actually ask you to stop in this parking bay and go and buy cover!

Thanks for that.

I suppose I should have said 7 days driving - basically one day in each: belgium, germany, austria, slovenia, croatia, serbia, macedonia, although we don't want to be too restricted to times and bookings. We may decide to drive 4 hours or 8, perhaps more and things may change as we travel depending on what we see and how the driving goes. We note some people do it within a few days, but we would prefer to enjoy the experience and make the most of city breaks. We have no time limits going and rely on the information we get travelling there to decide how we return. However, we did consider the Italian ferry route, but thought this one would be more adventurous.

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• Leros Blether 2024! 11:57 am
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Greece Hotels and Places to Stay

• ATM usage, info & warnings
• Athens Airport walk through January 2024
• General information on travelling by ferry in Greece
• Entry requirements & measures for Greece 2022
• 2022 Guide to public transport in Athens
• What entry requirements are there for Greece?
• I don't know where to start my Greece trip planning from!
• Is a cruise to Greek islands a great way to explore the country? If not what?
• I want Top Questions for specific destinations in Greece! Where are Athens Questions?
• Advice when planning a visit
• How easy is it to get around Greece by public transport?
• Winter travel to Greece - advice and information
• Is Greece safe for women travelling solo
• Athens - Birthplace of Western Civilization - by 1TraveltheWorld
• Hiring a quad bike or ATV - what you need to know