Published 2nd May. 2023
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There are so many magical places just waiting to be discovered and what better way to discover them than by car? That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best and most unforgettable road trips in Greece, so it’s time to grab your keys (and your camera). Life is all about the journey, and there are some fantastic ones to be had behind the wheel here. This country has it all – majestic monuments, flavoursome food, gorgeous weather, charming villages and incredible scenery. Whether you’re travelling alone, with your significant other, or with a group of friends and family, there’s a route for everyone to fall in love with. Now all that’s left to decide is what playlist to choose for the ride. Learn more about our top picks for the ultimate road trips in Greece below.
First up on our list of road trips in Greece is one that can be completed in a day and will take around six hours in total, depending on how many times you stop to admire the views or eat some tomatokeftedes (fried tomato balls). The route begins in Oia (pronounced ‘Ia’) – a coastal spot in the northern part of the island and the most visited village in Santorini. It sits above a cliff overlooking Santorini Caldera (a well-known volcano) and the island of Thirassia, so the trip is already off to a scenic start. From here, make your way to Fira, the capital of the island, which is just 20 minutes away from Oia by car. Unsurprisingly, the city of Fira is a bustling place with a lively atmosphere and lots to look at. There are several shops and cafes to visit if you want to start spending early, as well as a few museums, galleries and wineries to explore too. Try to catch a glimpse of the whitewashed Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral as you cruise towards Akrotir, a further 20-minute drive down the coast. Head to the 19th-century lighthouse here for a dose of history and some breathtaking views across the Aegean Sea before stopping at one of the local fish taverns for a fresh seafood lunch. Hopefully, your food goes down just in time for a swim at Perissa Beach – another (you guessed it) 20-minute drive away. Alternatively, when you get to Perissa, follow the trail to Mesa Vouno, a mountain with stunning views of the surrounding area. When you get to the top, you’ll have reached the site of Ancient Thira, containing Hellenistic ruins of a temple and a theater.
Zoé Fidji
Next on the list is another relatively short road trip covering 110 miles of land between the vibrant capital city of Athens and the ancient site of Delphi. There are a few routes to choose from – two are more direct (either via Kastro or Thebes) but if you’re not in a hurry, we suggest going across the Gulf of the Corinth via the Rion-Antirion Bridge. This option should take around four hours by car but there’s plenty to see and do en route, so factor in a couple more hours if you’re in an adventurous mood. You can stop off at various places, including Corinth Canal which was completed in 1883 and is an incredible example of engineering for its time. There’s also the Acrocorinth, a superb fortress that sits about 1,800ft above Corinth, and the Temple of Poseidon – now ancient ruins of a temple dedicated to the Greek god. And don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities to pull over and soak up the scenery in between all of these places of interest.
Faustine Poidevin
It’s time for a bit of beach hopping, don’t you think? Kick things off in Parikia (the capital of Paros) or Naoussa (a more traditional town). They both make for excellent starting points, so it totally depends on what vibe you prefer. The first beach stop on your journey will be on the sands of Santa Maria where you can catch some rays or perhaps even enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. As you drive down the coast from here, the world is your oyster. Take a break at Molos beach to admire the views of Naxos Island, stop off at Kalogeras beach to gaze in awe at the surrounding red cliffs, and – if you have time – catch the sunset at Golden Beach.
There’s no way we could leave this one off our top picks of road trips in Greece. The Peloponnese region dates back to Prehistoric times and is made up of unspoiled beaches, otherworldly historic sites and awe-inspiring landscapes. Lots of the places worth visiting in the area are quite spread out, so it’s best to put aside four or five days so you can go at your own pace and really make the most of the experience. If you just want to explore smaller stretches, that’s possible too. One particularly scenic segment is the 40-minute drive between the coastal city of Nafplio and the tranquil hinterland of Epidaurus (home to the famous ancient theatre). You could extend the trip by starting or finishing at the archaeological site of Mycenae – a UNESCO World Heritage monument. It’s located on the eastern side of the Peloponnese, not far from Nafplion, and is one of the most important places in mainland Greece, home to myriad remains, including the best-preserved vaulted tomb in Greece. Another excellent road trip in this region is from Ancient Olympia to Vytina. It’s less than a two-hour drive that begins in the birthplace of the Olympic Games and ends in an idyllic mountain village.
We have travelled all over mainland Greece and its island-studded ocean to seek out the best spots, allowing us to plan truly bespoke trips. Whether touring the Acropolis with an art historian or meeting seasoned ceramicists at a local workshop, we work with the best local guides to help you get under the skin of Greece. We know how to avoid the crowds and the heat (like only booking Olympia tickets after 4pm), while our clued-up Concierges are our eyes and ears on the ground, offering insider tips on the hottest tickets and newest openings. This means we can recommend hidden island hideaways before the masses find out about them...
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