Beach, tavernas, and ancient charm
Excellent
4.5 of 5
4,349Reviews
Excellent
Viktoria Pilz
Travel expert for Greece
Updated on 10/01/2025
Start your journey through eastern Greece in lively Thessaloniki. Continue to Halkidiki, where white sandy beaches await and mountains invite you to go hiking.
You will also find many picturesque places on the Kassandra peninsula. Stroll through the wonderful coastal town of Kavala and relax at the harbor in a restaurant with a sea view. Visit ancient ruins in Philippi before reaching Xanthi at the foot of the Rodopi mountain range.
Discover the beauty of Santorini, where iconic white houses line the cliffs from Oia to Akrotiri. Immerse yourself in the island’s unique atmosphere and enjoy the chance to sail into the sunset on a boat tour. Along the way, wander through lively Fira, hike up to Skaros Rock for breathtaking views, and end your journey at the charming Akrotiri lighthouse.
A road trip from Chania to Rethymno takes you through the west of Crete. Chania enchants travelers with its Venetian port and the pretty old town, which is characterized by Egyptian and Ottoman influences.
Enjoy great beaches such as Balos and Elafonisi or take a trip to the secluded fishing village of Loutro. At the end of the route, charming Rethymno awaits with its tavernas.
When planning a road trip through Greece, you should take into account the traffic rules and the sometimes hectic Greek driving behavior. During the summer months, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially in tourist regions. Find out about petrol stations on your route before setting off, especially in remote areas. You should always have enough water in your car.
To rent a car in Greece, you need a valid EU driving license or an international driving license. An identity card or passport is also required, as well as a debit or credit card for the deposit. Make sure that your driver's license and passport are valid for the entire rental period. Also note possible age restrictions and check with the rental car companies in advance.
There is a network of well-developed roads on the mainland, but these are sometimes limited on the islands. The roads vary from highways to winding mountain roads. In large cities such as Athens, traffic can be chaotic, so be prepared for aggressive drivers. In the countryside, be prepared for animals on the roads and poor road conditions.
Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office, for example.
The best time for a road trip through Greece is in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists on the roads and in the cities. It is advisable to avoid the hot summer months for a road trip.
The cost of a road trip in Greece can vary widely. Traveling on the mainland is generally more budget-friendly, while the islands are pricier—especially in peak season. Rental cars start at about $50 per day for a compact, plus fuel costs of around $7.50 per gallon on the mainland.
In Athens, a visit to the Acropolis is of course on the program. You will also take the cable car up Mount Lycabettus for a fantastic view. You can then round off the evening in one of the many tavernas.
Stroll along elegant buildings in the picturesque alleyways of the port town of Nafplio. The idyllic harbor and the majestic Palamidi fortress offer breathtaking panoramas over the Aegean Sea. Also visit the Bourtzi Fortress and the beach.
Discover the secrets of Delphi on the beautiful slopes of the Parnassos Mountains. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the theater complex bear witness to the time of the famous oracle. An interesting archaeological museum also provides information on the history of the city.
From Kalabaka in central Greece, you start your excursion to the fascinating Meteora monasteries, which are perched on the rocks of the same name and offer magnificent views. In Kalabaka itself, an enchanting old town with narrow streets and cozy restaurants awaits.
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
Set out on a tailor-made road trip through Greece. Drive past mountain landscapes, vibrant cities, and stunning coastal roads—every route has its own story. Explore our most popular Greece road trip itineraries and craft your personalized journey with our travel experts.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and beauty of mainland Greece on your road trip. Start in the historic capital of Athens and discover charming Nafplio with its Venetian influences. Continue to Delphi with its ancient oracle before exploring the breathtaking Meteora monasteries in Kalabaka. A journey full of culture, nature and unforgettable impressions awaits you.
Highlights: Athens ➢ Nafplio ➢ Delphi ➢ Kalabaka
Overview | Details |
---|---|
🛫 Arrival: | approx. 9–10 hrs from US East Coast |
🔆 Best travel time: | Year-round |
⌛ Trip duration: | from 9 days |
⟷ Route length: | approx. 610 miles |
⭐ Accommodation: | 4-star hotels |
🍴 Meals: | Breakfast |
⛵ Activities: | Visit the Acropolis Museum - Join guided city tours - Explore ancient ruins - Go island hopping |
🚗 Vehicle: | Mid-size rental car |
💰 Price: | from $1325 per person (flights excluded) |
Tourlane brings out your inner explorer. As your personal travel expert, we’ll help plan a tailor-made trip full of unforgettable moments. Tourlane services aren’t available in all U.S. states. Check your state’s eligibility during the booking process.
4.5 of 5
4,349Reviews
About Tourlane
TourlaneCare
4.5 of 5
4,349Reviews
4.5 of 5
4,349Reviews