Greece is a destination ideal for exploration. If you really want to discover the untold wealth of history, culture and natural environment, all you have to do is get your vehicle – private or rented – and start exploring!
Below you’ll find five of our favorite road trips in Greece that traverse the mainland of Greece and its islands.
Ancient Greece
The ultimate road trip to the wonders of the classical world
Most places of Greek history and mythology are best visited by car. Starting from Athens, the first place you should find time to visit is the Parthenon. Continue northwest to Ancient Delphi, in a stunning location. Here the mythical Oracle constituted the spiritual center of Ancient Greece.
In addition, departing from Athens, don’t miss to drive to Nafplion in the Peloponnese, where you can split your time between the triptych of the following attractions: the Acropolis of Tiryns, the Acropolis of Ancient Mycenae and the 2,500-year-old theater of Epidaurus.
Finally, drive to the site that hosted the first Olympic Games in 776 BC., the place of Olympic Games for 1000 years, Ancient Olympia!
Attiki
The best road trip for a quick visit around Athens
If you want to discover the capital and its surroundings, Attica will reward you with its excellent beaches, ancient monuments and natural beauty.
About 17km southeast of Athens, Glyfada is a small suburb that marks the beginning of the so-called Apollo Coast (or the Athenian Riviera, as it is called). Small beaches with luxurious clubs, as well as more secluded ones, are found along the coast, for all tastes. A must-stop is the glittering marble Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio!
Following the coast northeast, you reach Marathon, where Pheidippides, the Athenian runner, was sent by the Athenians to Sparta to enlist Lacedaemonians to help shortly before the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. He ran the distance of more than 200 kilometers in two days, which was considered a feat! Today, Marathon is a seaside suburb, where the biggest challenge you will face is choosing among its many seaside tavernas.
Crete
The best road trip to explore the wonderful island of Crete
Although Crete is geographically separate from the rest of Greece, culturally and historically it constitutes an integral part of the nation, a destination not to be missed. The fifth largest island in the Mediterranean (just after Corsica) has a wealth of historical attractions, areas of outstanding natural beauty, quiet beaches and towering peaks that seem almost alpine in their grandeur.
Start from the eastern city of Heraklion and head south to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos. Wander in this sprawling complex where links to the past are palpable. Drive west to the sacred grounds of Arkadiou Monastery, a 16th-century monastery that embodies the indomitable Cretan spirit. Here you can understand how invaders like the Romans, Turks and Nazis, and dozens of other conquerors, saw their dreams of conquest shattered by Cretans’ fierce independent spirit.
Drive through steep cliffs, high mountain and deep canyons to the south coast, where the beach town of Sougia remains untouched by mass tourism. Drive to ancient sites and even more remote beaches. Finally, head north to Chania, the imposing port city that exudes history within its Venetian walls.
Northern Greece
The ultimate road trip to get off the beaten path
Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki, is a wonderful center of history, art, great food and intoxicating nightlife. Start here by exploring the north of the nation, which borders a variety of neighboring countries and bears the influences of Macedonians, Romans, Slavs, Turks and more. Roam the beaches of Halkidiki peninsula. Delve deep into the southeastern tip of remote Sithonia.
Drive southwest to the mythical peak of Olympus, the highest in Greece. You can drive to its highest elevations and hike in amazing landscapes. Finally, on this road trip, stay in the mountains as you head west to Zagorochoria region of Epirus, which is dotted with 46 picturesque, traditional villages with a rich architectural, cultural and historical past.
Cyclades
Road trip to the Greek islands & beaches
One definitely needs ‘wheels’ to explore and enjoy the beautiful sites of the Greek islands. This is especially true for the beaches, the best and least crowded of which are only accessible by car.
A few parts of Greece are more iconic than the Cyclades, the islands of which constitute most travelers’ summer fantasy. Starting from the port of Piraeus, you can arrive at the unspoilt island of Serifos, less visited than many of its neighboring islands, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discover small fishing villages barely ‘touched’ by tourism and long, sandy beaches in sheltered coves, surrounded by incredible blue waters.
Right next to it and overlooking Serifos, Sifnos is an example of the unique characteristics that each of the Cyclades islands has. It is popular with visitors and it deserves its reputation for its food tradition, with many quality taverns and restaurants.
Its streets radiate from the central city of Apollonia. Follow the quaint routes, approaching a multitude of picturesque coastal villages.
Make your final stop at the large and diverse island of Paros, which rewards drivers with its large number of beaches, mountain villages and glistening hills of olive trees.
