If this is your first time in Greece and you are planning a road trip on the mainland, you are probably wondering, “Where should I start my journey?”
Athens – the city that combines urban life with ancient history
Athens offers unforgettable experiences all year round, making it the perfect place to start. Visit the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis and admire the Parthenon, one of the most recognisable monuments in the world. Continue with the Acropolis Museum and the Ancient Agora, the center of Athenian democracy, philosophy and justice, and wander around the picturesque neighborhoods of Plaka and Thissio while tasting exceptional Greek food.
Enjoy panoramic city views at sunset from Filopappou Hill or Lycabettus Hill and follow one of the most scenic walks in Athens, passing beneath the Acropolis and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. And if you love the combination of history and sea views, a day trip to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is the perfect addition.
If archaeological sites are among your main interests, continue your journey to one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece after the Acropolis.
Delphi – the center of the world
Pythia’s prophecies were considered the most reliable in ancient Greece and are believed to have played a crucial role in events such as the Argonautic Expedition and the Trojan War. Today, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, you can visit the Tholos of Athena Pronaia, the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, the stadium and of course, the museum. There, you will discover some of the most important masterpieces of ancient Greek art, including the Omphalos, an elliptical stone symbolizing the Delphic oracle, and the marble Sphinx of the Naxians, standing 2.32 meters tall.
Your visit to Delphi can be perfectly combined with a stop to the mountain town of Arachova, one of the top winter destinations in Greece, located very close to the country’s largest ski center on Mount Parnassus. Arachova is considered the “Mykonos of Winter”. Don’t leave without trying Formaela, the famous PDO grilling cheese made from sheep’s and goat’s milk – a true local delicacy! In less than an hour, you will reach the seaside village of Galaxidi. Its neoclassical architecture, colorful buildings, red-tiled roofs, blooming gardens and vibrant bougainvilleas all contribute to the village’s serene, aristocratic, island-like character. Enjoy a refreshing swim in its calm blue waters and taste delicious seafood right by the sea.
Ancient Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games
Alternatively, you might consider heading in the opposite direction from Athens to visit Ancient Olympia, the sacred site where the ancient Olympic Games were held every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, with over 760 buildings, temples, ruins and masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. Step into the ancient stadium, in a wonderful natural landscape filled with almond trees and blooming flowers. Marvel at the famous Hermes of Praxiteles and the statue of Nike of Paionios at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and learn about the history of the Olympic Games at the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity.
Your excursion to Ancient Olympia can be combined with a road trip to the mountainous Peloponnese, where you will discover the other side of Greece. Explore the charming villages of Arcadia, with the stone houses and scenic squares that will transport you to another era, and hike the famous Menalon Trail, a 75km certified trail that connects 9 Arcadian villages, offering beautiful sceneries and a deep dive into Arcadian nature and culture. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lousios River, its lush gorge, dense forests, waterfalls and two impressive byzantine monasteries – the perfect setting for adventure and exploration.
On your way back to Athens, make a short detour to Lake Doxa, a wonderful artificial lake surrounded by high mountains and lush forests. The enchanting stone-built chapel of Agios Fanourios, standing majestically in the middle of the lake, and the picturesque Byzantine Monastery of Agios Georgios of Feneos will captivate your heart. Savor traditional delights, artisanal cheeses, and aromatic herbs for an authentic taste of the region’s unique flavors & take home the most delicious souvenirs for your friends and family.
In spring or easter, you can enjoy an amazing road trip from Athens to the Eastern Peloponnese
Spend two unforgettable days in Nafplio, the “Naples of the East”, a special year-round destination that combines different architectural styles and cultural influences with natural beauty. It was the first capital of Greece, from 1823 until 1834, and it is famous for two historical landmarks -the castles of Palamidi and Bourtzi–, as well as for its scenic old town and the idyllic seaside walk under the walls of Akronafplia Fortress.
Next stop, the Fortress of Mystras, lying on the slopes of Mount Taygetos, overlooking Sparta. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is considered the “Wonder of Morea”. The town of Mystras, built in 1249, became the trade center of Byzantine power in southern Greece, as well as the capital of the Despotate of Morea. Palaces, mansions, byzantine churches and frescoes dating back to 1312, reveal the rich history of a city that thrived in its golden years.
And next, Monemvasia – a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, a medieval castle town that will take you back in time. Founded in the sixth century, it is considered as one of the oldest continually inhabited castle towns of Europe and one of the most beautiful medieval in Greece. Pass through the medieval walls, discover the Byzantine churches and enjoy spectacular sea views that will captivate your mind and heart.
In summer, you can spend an unforgettable week in Laconian and Messinian Mani
Mani, with its imposing wild rocky landscape, its long heroic history, its lovely small coves and beaches, and its distinctive architecture with traditional stone towers, feels like a world apart. The town of Areopoli with its cobblestone streets and delicious cuisine, the Instagrammable seaside village of Limeni with its calm, pristine turquoise waters, the iconic tower-villages of Lagia and Vathia and the breathtaking Diros Caves with the underground river are some of the highlights of your journey.
The road-trip continues to the island-like town of Gytheio, with colorful neoclassical buildings and a huge variety of fish restaurants, and to the southernmost point of mainland Greece, Cape Tainaron, where you can witness one of the most unforgettable sunsets of your life! And then comes Messinian Mani, with the seaside villages of Kardamyli and Stoupa, offering the perfect blend of traditional architecture and cosmopolitan vibes. The impressive Viros Gorge under Mountain Taygetos, and the stunning beaches of the area, will help you discover the true essence of Mani!
In autumn, the colours and atmosphere in Peliom are simply majestic
A blessed place in central Greece that combines traditional mountain villages with small fishing ports and breathtaking beaches. That’s why Pelion apart from the land of the Centaurs was also the summer resort of the Olympian Gods! Drive from sea to mountain in just 30 minutes and get ready for a mythical self-guided experience in the ultimate year-round destination.
Hike through the lush forests and amazing nature of Pelion, go horseback riding and enjoy refreshing swims. Fakistra, Mylopotamos, Limnionas, Papa Nero, Damouchari cannot be missed on your list! Sandy or rocky, there’s something for every taste.
Explore the mountain or seaside villages of the area: Portaria, Makrynitsa, Tsagarada, Milies, Zagora, Mouresi, Drakeia, Agia Kyriaki – each village has its own history, architecture and beauty. Picturesque mansions, cobblestone streets, village squares with imposing plane trees, flowery courtyards, handmade sweets, delicious local products & herbs, and so much more to discover!
In winter, there is no better place than Zagori, right in the heart of Epirus
The villages of Zagori, also known as Zagorochoria, are nestled into deep forests, gorges and craggy mountains, and are connected by a network of stone arch bridges and stone cobbled paths. Monodendri, Aristi, Mikro Papigko, Vradeto, Konitsa, Metsovo are only some of the villages you will experience along the way, while the true highlight of this self-drive trip will be the spectacular Vikos Canyon, listed in the Guiness World Records, as the deepest canyon in the world in proportion to its width. If you love hiking, during spring, autumn and summer, you can take the legendary 14km Vikos Gorge Trail that starts from Monodendri village and ends in Vikos village.
Rafting or horseback riding at the Voidomatis River are must-do activities, along with a small hike at Aoos River that crosses the historic Konitsa bridge and leads to the famous Monastery of Panagia Stomiou in a wonderful natural landscape.
And last but not least: the stone village of Mikro Papigko, which seems to have come out of a fairytale. Lying on the slopes of Mount Tymphi, just beneath the majestic 5 towers of Astraka Peak (2.436m), it will certainly steal your heart. Explore even more of the 46 stone villages of Zagori and get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
One time is not enough to meet all the beauty and history Greece. Every season and every place has its own unique charm. We are sure that after your first introduction, you will have endless reasons to come back!
Explore our destinations and find the perfect route for your first road trip in Greece. Your adventure starts here!