The Ultimate Mainland Greece Road Trip!
Overview
Sometimes the road less travelled is the most beautiful. And so it was with our trip around Greece! Read on to discover the ultimate mainland Greece road trip!
You’ve no doubt heard of Greek island hopping to the magical and romantic Santorini or the party island of Mykonos and the ancient Acropolis in Athens.
But have you heard of Lycabettus Hill, Palamidi Castle, the ancient city of Delphi, the Oxya viewpoint at Vikos Gorge or the Meteora monastery?
I’m going to share with you our exact itinerary, which took weeks of preplanning and organising!
Keep reading if you’re keen to discover a country rich in history and culture; with far reaching mountains, deep canyons, cliff-side monasteries perched way above the forest, the birthplace of the Olympics, famous Biblical sites, quaint ports, ancient architecture and more!
This 13 day mainland Greece road trip itinerary will have you absolutely captivated and in awe of the lesser known Grecian sites that you must have on your bucket list!
This tour is the first part of my suggestion for The best of Greece in 3 weeks and after you have finished your time on the mainland, link onwards to my suggestions (and upcoming posts) in the Greek Islands: 2 nights on Naxos and 5 nights on Santorini! An internal flight is available from Thessaloniki to Naxos and from there, it’s a short boat trip to Santorini. Similarly, Santorini also has an international airport, allowing for onwards travel. Also, don’t miss my special write up on the charming fairytale Saronic Island of Hydra. It’s the island for dreamers and explorers! If you’re an ancient Greece history and culture fan, then a day trip from Athens to Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth, Mycenae, Nafplio and Epidaurus could be just your cup of tea! But don’t worry, these are both included in my Best of Greece in 3 Weeks Itinerary!
The Ultimate Greece Mainland Itinerary
Athens
Athens
Hydra Island Day Trip
Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth, Epidaurus, Mycaenae, Nafplio
Ancient Nemea & Nemea Winery Tour, Nafplio & Palamidi Fortress
Prodromou Hanging Monastery, Lousios Gorge, Karytaina Fort, Olympia
Patras, Ancient Delphi, Mount Gioni, Mount Parnassus
Meteora Monastery, Leonidas Monument, Kalambaka
Vikos Gorge, Stone Forest, Oxya Viewpoint
Vikos Gorge, Iaonnina
Kastoria (+/- Lake Prespa, Agios Germanos)
Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki (+/- Mount Athos, Ammouliani’s Island day trip)
Click on the left hyperlink which will take you to a more detailed description of each day within this post below. The right hyperlinks connect to other more inclusive write ups specific to each day.
Map
This map shows the direction of travel for your ultimate mainland Greece road trip, commencing in Athens and concluding in Thessaloniki!
Logistics
Car Hire
We chose to book through Rentalcars.com aka our usual go-to-site with a massive car fleet of all the reputable car hire companies. We selected a small but zippy 1.5 litre Mazda 2 through the Sixt Rent a Car team for the above trip. It’s important to be comfortable because 6 of the days have a couple of hours driving or more. Fortunately, the Mazda 2 had enough power to easily traverse all terrain types that we encountered on this trip. Additionally, it fit 2 large suitcases and had a great sound system connected to bluetooth. This meant we could play music from our iPhones. Conveniently, the Sixt Car Rental team arranged for our vehicle to be collected in Athens and returned in Thessaloniki. They have multiple collection centres in Athens. Click here to hire your rental car at the best rates!
The process was reasonably smooth on the day despite not having booked in advance. However I would recommend booking a car in advance because there can be vehicle shortages which will significantly delay your trip start time, particularly in the summer high season.
Accommodation
When considering accommodation in Greece, keep in mind a few factors. These include:
- how long you will be in each place
- how much time you anticipate to spend in the accommodation
- what views they have to offer
- your cancellation options
Most important is the last point because traveling in the time of the Corona Virus pandemic can cause uncertainties. For this reason, we chose to book all of our Greece hotels or private owned homes through Booking.com. This booking platform has a clearly stated cancellation timeframe. As a result, this minimises any changes to your itinerary or quarantine requirements. For each day of the itinerary, I have stated the type of accommodation we chose and why. We were mostly happy with our choices, although a couple of venues were not ideal. Click here to find and compare the best accommodation rates on booking.com.
Money
The official currency in Greece is the Euro. The Greek Drachma (preceding the Euro) is now obsolete.
Language
The official language is Greek, however about 50% of nationals also speak English.
Best time to visit
Shoulder seasons (April to early June and September to October) are the best time to visit, with less tourists and warm weather. The high season (July – August) can be hot and overcrowded. In contrast, the low season (November – March) is much cooler but less expensive and less crowded.
Unique Activities
For off-the-beaten-track activities as well as mainstream city tours in each of these Greece mainland towns, head to GetYourGuide for the very best offers on experiences.
Day 1 & 2 – Athens
See my post on the best way to spend 2-3 days in the ancient and beautiful city of Athens!
Click here to review and book Electra Metropolis Hotel in Athens
Day 3 – Hydra Island Day Trip
Why not spend a relaxed day walking along the cobblestoned port, going for a dip in a secluded beach, enjoying a slice of spanakopita and a glass of homemade wine before ascending the hill to the monastery or Greek flagpole for some of the best views across the islands?
Even though this post is designed to promote an ultimate road trip around mainland Greece, this extra day allows you to visit some Greek islands from Athens. Today is choose your own adventure. Some island hopping tours departing from Athens offer a day trip to the small islands of Hydra, Aegina, Septses and Poros. We decided not to take this option due to the many reviews criticising the lack of time on each island (roughly 1.5 hours). For example, many reviewers stated that the time on each island was insufficient. Thus there was little time to appreciate them.
For this reason we decided to spend an entire day on the bohemian island of Hydra. Indeed we were happy with our choice. It’s incredibly beautiful and some of the vantage points and photography opportunities would only be possible with a day here. Additionally, day trips to Hydra also depart from the port town of Nafplio.
Click here to review and book Electra Metropolis Hotel in Athens
Day 4 – Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplio
The ancient Greek cities of Corinth, Epidaurus and Mycenae comprise a classic trio that are often offered as a day trip from Athens. Situated in the Peloponnese, they can easily be incorporated into a driving tour of the mainland. Thus today involves driving from Athens to the Peloponnese. Finishing in the delightful portside town of Nafplio, this is a day not to miss. It’s your ticket to Ancient Greece, with old ruins, high vantage points and temples galore! See my link on Corinth, Epidaurus and Mycenae for info. During this trip, you’ll also have the option to visit the Acrocorinth, with unsurpassed views across the Corinthian plain and gulf. I’ll also write separately about one of my favourite Greek port towns: Nafplio!
Click here to review and book Nafplio Place accommodation in Nafplio
Day 5 – Nemea, Winery Tour, Palamidi Fortress
Ancient Nemea is the site of an original athletic track, circa original Olympic Games. It’s an incredible feeling walking onto this! As part of the ultimate mainland road trip around Greece, I could hardly omit a winery tour! Most organised wine tours commence with a tour of ancient Nemea archaeological site and race track and then take guests onwards to 2 or 3 wineries. We arranged a private tour and were taken to the incredible wineries of Bairaktaris, Karamitsos and Skouras. Furthermore, as a special surprise, our driver took us up to the Monastery of the Holy Virgin of the Rocks, embedded in a steep cliff. See my post on Ancient Nemea and Nemea Winery Tour for more details.
Click here to review and book Nafplio Place accommodation in Nafplio
Day 6 – Prodromou Hanging Monastery, Lousios Gorge, Karytaina Fort, Olympia
The drive from Nafplio to Olympia is a long one, so I did some serious research on how to break this up a bit, with some interesting stops along the way.
Don’t miss the St John the Baptist Prodromou Hanging Monastery!
Prodromou Hanging Monastery
Fill up the petrol tank because it takes 2 hours to get to the Monastery and another 2 hours to get to Olympia! Despite being a fun and slightly hair-raising rally car drive at some points, the monastery will blow your socks off. Imagine being greeted by monks with tea, coffee and freshly baked biscuits! Also be sure to check the opening times online which vary each day.
This is a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere and in good news for the ladies, you can enter if you wear one of the long skirts provided at the entrance. On the contrary, you’ll find many other Greek monasteries prohibit entry to females. Logistically, its best to drive to the small town of Stemnitsa, and work your way into the Prodromou monastery from there. There are many stories of tourists driving off course and becoming horribly lost but we found this route to be fairly straightforward.
Upon arrival, the car park is located near a small church and you’ll need to walk about 20 minutes to get to the monastery entrance. Indeed, take some good walking shoes because the terrain is uneven in many places, with loose stones and rocks! Following the monastery visit, stop in at the church near the carpark and walk to the platform at the back, an incredible place for photographs.
Lousios Gorge
There are various hikes through Lousios Gorge but you will encounter one of these on your walk to the Hanging Monastery above. However, for the serious hikers, you’ll find other more challenging hiking trails in the gorge.
The walk through the Lousios Gorge is divine and your camera will be on overdrive trying to capture its splendour!
Karytaina Fort
Karytaina is a picturesque mountain village, with homes set on its steep slopes, topped with a striking fortress. The drive either side of the township is magnificent. Rolling hills and greenery will transport you so far from your day job that you only have eyes for the stunning scenery. If you are pushed for time though, it’s not worth missing Olympia to stop here for any great amount of time.
Olympia
Is there anyone alive who would not want to visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games?! Yes, certainly the trip to date has afforded quite a few stops at old heritage sites and archaeological museums. However, there is nothing quite like standing (or running!) on the green of the first athletics track. Similarly the site allows visitors to weave their way through the ancient athlete accommodation and Olympic village. There’s a superior sense of greatness and supreme excellence that descends upon visitors in this region! Thus Olympia is a vital inclusion within this mainland Greece road trip.
Click here to review and book accommodation in Olympia
Olympia also has some lively little restaurants and bars, all congregated on one or two streets in the main town. Don’t miss out on a fun drink or two to unwind in the evening!
Day 7 – Patras, Delphi, Mount Giona, Mount Parnassus
Departing the Pelopponese at Patras, the main destination today is Delphi. You may be thinking that you’d filled your holiday quota of ancient culture but Delphi is here to prove you wrong. This ancient Greek site is built upon a stunning mountainous backdrop and you won’t want to miss it. It is the seat of the most important Greek temple and Oracle of Apollo and is situated on the steep lower slope of Mount Parnassus. In times past, people would visit the Oracle to lay down a sacrifice in exchange for a prophecy. In fact, even King Midas is rumoured to have visited and provided a generous offering to Apollo. The well preserved ruins have been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Delphi was considered by the Greeks to be the centre of the world
A night out in Delphi town!
Delphi town is small but comes with some glorious views and upbeat nightlife. Work your way down Apollonos Street to discover some bars and restaurants with fantastic views. At dusk, we had drinks (and of course a Greek salad, tzatziki, grilled sausage and bread) at Epikouros Restaurant, followed by ouzo at Cafe Agora. Both of these cafes boast incredible views across the gorge. Epikouros is a little more formal whereas Agora has a laid back hipster vibe and some great house beats.
We chose to spend sunset in our hotel room at Fedriades Delphi Hotel, undoubtedly the best balcony views in the town. A few Alfa beers later, it was time to explore the city!
The main streets in Delphi have a variety of clothing and jewellery souvenir stores, dotted with places to quench your thirst. For example, we found the quaint Mr Rose Cocktail Bar (go with the spicy gin) and then Del Mondo to cap off the evening with a negroni.
Click here to review and book Fedriades Delphi Hotel accommodation in Delphi
Day 8 – Meteora Monastery, Leonidas Monument, Kalambaka
If there was one destination on mainland Greece that I had known so little about and been so absolutely floored by, it was Meteora.
I'm not sure how I missed this: even James Bond has been to the Meteora monasteries in Greece!
Imagine sharp rock platforms that rise up out of the sky upon which delicately crafted monasteries have been built atop. Specifically, six Eastern-Orthodox monasteries have been built on natural pillars and rounded boulders that dominate the landscape of the local area. Previously there were 24 monasteries, but in the present day there are 6 which are home to 60 monks and nuns.
All monasteries are open at various times for viewings and we went to the Rousano Convent. Amazing alfrescos greet visitors inside but beware, no photos are allowed. Females are required to buy cloth dress wraps at the door for entry.
For lunch that has soaring views of the valley below (although is a 20 minute drive from the monasteries) try Eagle’s Nest Restaurant. I’d recommend the home made moussaka and sausage!
Moving on from Meteora, you’ll pass through the larger city of Iaonnina. After this, you will reach your destination of Vikos Gorge. The trip from Meteora takes roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.
Click here to review and book Abberatio Boutique Hotel accommodation in Aristi Village, Vikos Gorge
Day 9 – Vikos Gorge, Stone Forest, Oxya Viewpoint
Vikos Gorge is one of the most off the beaten track locations in Greece albeit a privilege to visit. It is a gorge in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece and lies on the southern slopes of Mount Tymfi. With a length of 20km and a depth of up to 490m, its narrowest point is only a few metres wide.
The Vikos Gorge region has a few places that can’t be missed! It is flanked by some gorgeous little mountain villages in the Zagori region. These include Aristi, Monodendri, Vradeto, Vikos and Papingo. For more information, see my post on Vikos Gorge & the Zagori Villages.
Click here to review and book Abberatio Boutique Hotel accommodation in Aristi Village, Vikos Gorge
Day 10 – Vikos, Iaonnina
You’ll probably want more than a day hiking around the beautiful Vikos Gorge so this ultimate mainland Greece road trip itinerary allows for another morning in the mountains. The drive from Vikos to Kastoria passes through the larger city of Iaonnina and takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes.
Click here to review and book accommodation in Kastoria
Day 11 – Kastoria
Kastoria is a relaxed and peaceful lakeside town. Its centrepiece is Lake Orestiada which sits in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains. It has a sleepy feel during the day but at night the lake comes alive! With a strip of restaurants and buzzing bars along Meg. Alexandrou street, be sure to order some fresh fish and then enjoy a couple of evening drinks alongside the other evening revellers.
There is a slightly quirky and hippy feel to Kastoria. For instance, it has a Dragon’s Lair (stalactite and stalagmite cave), a museum of costumes, a folklore museum and a slightly lacklustre viewpoint called the Grove of Tranquility. It’s also home to a mix of Byzantine churches and buildings from the Ottomon era. In addition to this, it has a booming fur trade! A relaxing activity is simply to take a walk along Sougaridi which is a narrow road lined by tall leafy trees that winds its way around the mountain.
If you have a car or wish to explore outside of the city, be sure to check out Lake Prespa on the North Macedonia and Albania border, as well as the cobblestoned streets of Agios Germanos!
Click here to review and book accommodation in Kastoria
Day 12 – Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki
Depending on energy levels, you could start quite early today and attempt to climb a portion of Mount Olympus, before moving onwards to Thessaloniki. However, for this option including a Mount Olympus hike, the total driving time is about 6 hours. Instead, we opted to spend 4 hours driving, with undeniably some of the best views of Mount Olympus along the way. Alternatively, if you’re not interested in Mount Olympus, you could also drive direct from Kastoria to Thessaloniki in just over 2 hours.
This is a map of the route we chose with high reaching views of Mount Olympus:
We stopped at Olympos Cafe at Mikro Eleftherochori for a delicious lunch before arriving at Thessaloniki around 4pm. In Thessaloniki we returned our hire car to Sixt Rent a Car, which was very close to our hotel.
Click here to review and book Colors Urban Hotel accommodation in Thessaloniki
Day 13 – Thessaloniki
Spend a day exploring the incredible (yet hilly!) streets of Thessaloniki, full of rich history and modern bars! For further info, check out my post on Thessaloniki.
Another option would be to book a 10 hour day tour to Mount Athos and Ammoulani’s Island. Note that ladies are not allowed to enter the monastery. For this reason, most tourist boats only circle the island, although photos can be incredible. Thus we decided to instead relax and enjoy Thessaloniki, given that we had already seen multiple monasteries on previous days in this tour.
Click here to review and book Colors Urban Hotel accommodation in Thessaloniki
The great thing about this 13 day ultimate mainland Greece road trip is that if you’ve hired a car, you can leave it in Thessaloniki! Afterwards you can jump on a plane at the Thessaloniki International Airport – either home or to a Greek Island! We chose to head onwards to Naxos and then Santorini after finishing our ultimate mainland Greece road trip.
2 Comments
Melaine
Enjoyed your 3 week tour of Greece. Would this trip itinerary and accommodations be suitable for a couple in their 60s? The itinerary seems to be what I am looking for but would go in early May preferrably as I do not like the heat. Thank you for sharing.
The Lens Cap Chronicles
Dear Melaine, Thank you for your comment! This itinerary is definitely suitable for a couple in their 60s. I would also recommend avoiding the summer months as the heat (and in some places, humidity) can be quite stifling. I would recommend all of the accommodation options except Kastoria, which was for us, in the height of summer, not acceptable with no air conditioning. It was also quite cluttered and I’d recommend staying on the other side of the bay in order to be closer to the line of restaurants. Depending on fitness levels, the hike to Prodromou Hanging Monastery and the Vradeto Steps requires a little more effort. I’d also highly recommend hiring a car for flexibility and ability to modify your daily activities as it suits. Hopefully this helps and please let me know if I can help further. Have an amazing time in Greece. It became one of my favourite countries!