Greece Road Trip Itinerary: Ancient Temples, Monasteries & Coastlines

Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world. This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere. This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes, and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn. Once you have enjoyed a history and art fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.

The small, charming port town of Nafplio is situated on the Argolic Gulf in the northeast of the Peloponnese Peninsula, just one and a half hours by car from Greece’s capital, Athens. The town is known for its remarkably scenic location, overlooking a picturesque harbour and presided over by two medieval castles, including the spectacular Palamidi fortress. At the centre of Nafplio’s historical Old Town lies the large, marble-paved Syntagma Square, lined with quaint cafes and featuring the Arsenal, a stately building occupied by a fascinating museum. At the other end of the square, a historic mosque now occasionally functions as a cinema. Nafplio serves as a popular weekend getaway for Athenians eager to escape the big tourist crowds of the city and enjoy Nafplio’s excellent restaurants, boutique shops, impressive architecture, quayside cafes, fine beaches and old-world atmosphere.

One of Greece's most significant archaeological and tourist destinations, Olympia is best known as the birthplace of the most famous sporting event of all time: the Olympic Games. Set on the breathtaking Peloponnese Peninsula, with the same name as its ancient site, this sacred area is known as the 'Valley of the Gods'. It contained many treasures of Greek art, such as temples, monuments, altars, theatres and statues - much of which is still evident today in the famous well-preserved ruins. The ancient site sits alongside a charming little traditional Greek village, which provides all the tourist facilities visitors might desire. The place was originally not a town but a sanctuary, with buildings associated with the annual games and the worship of the gods. Make sure to visit the impressive museums, too.

Delphi is situated in southern Greece, about 180 kilometres northwest of the capital of Athens. This area consists of two separate sites: the modern village of Delphi, where visitors will find lodging and other amenities, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the same name. This ancient archaeological area, situated on the slopes of legendary Mount Parnassos, was once considered the centre of the universe and retains a truly special atmosphere. Make sure to see the Sanctuary of Apollo, ruins dating back more than 2,500 years, and take an informative walking tour of the vast area. This can be complemented excellently with a visit to the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Finally, those looking to explore the countryside surrounding Delphi will find many scenic stops, including the pretty seaside village of Galaxidi.

Kalambaka is a town in Thessaly in northern Greece, primarily known as the gateway for visiting the nearby cliff-top monasteries of Meteora. This magnificent Greek Orthodox temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, looms over the modern town and provides a fascinating insight into Greek history of the 14th to 16th centuries. There are many monasteries to visit, and many house on-site museums showcasing religious art and other historical artefacts, such as ancient manuscripts. Key monasteries include Great Meteoron, St. Stephen and Holy Trinity, which offer the best views over the town and its surrounds. The area is also renowned for rock climbing, with 170 peaks and over 600 different bolted routes to choose from.

Perched on the western coast of Euboea, Eretria is separated from mainland Greece by the narrow South Euboean Gulf. This modern seaside town traces its roots to the 8th century BC when it flourished as a maritime hub and colony founder during Greece’s colonisation period. Ancient ruins scattered throughout highlight its historical prominence, including the temples of Dafniforos Apollo, Dionysus, Dimitra and Isida, a grand theatre, and the House of Mosaics, featuring intricate pebble designs depicting mythological tales. The Archaeological Museum provides further insight into its storied past, showcasing artefacts from various eras. The town’s modern amenities include beachfront promenades, seafood tavernas, and ferries connecting it to Oropos in Attica. Eretria also draws visitors to its tranquil "Island of Dreams," a pine-shaded retreat linked by a bridge. Activities range from exploring archaeological sites to swimming in clear waters, making it a harmonious blend of history and relaxation.