The 5 Best Road Trips in Greece

Greece is made for adventure, and you don’t have to rely on ferries alone. Whether you rent a car or use your own, you can uncover a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning beaches to enjoy.

By steering clear of just buses and boats, you’ll find countless chances to escape the crowds. Here are five of our top road trip picks in Greece that explore the essence of the country’s mainland and islands.

1. Road Trip Through the Greek Islands

Ultimate Beach Road TripAthens–Paros; 180km (112 miles) total drive, excluding sea travel

While you might envision Greek island adventures as solely by sea, having a vehicle is essential for thoroughly exploring these rugged isles. This is especially true for beaches, where the finest – and least busy – spots are often accessible only by car.

Few regions in Greece are as picturesque as the Cyclades, where Aegean islands create a dreamlike holiday setting. Kick off your journey in Athens, with the port of Piraeus serving as your entry point to this adventure.

Start on the untamed and unspoiled Serifos: less frequented than many nearby islands, it provides a serene escape from the usual hustle and bustle. There's one main road that circles the island, so your only choice is to travel clockwise or counterclockwise. Explore quaint fishing villages untouched by tourism and expansive sandy beaches nestled in tranquil coves kissed by stunningly blue waters.

Located right next door – and visible from Serifos – Sifnos showcases the unique charm that each Cycladic island offers. It's a favorite among travelers and boasts a well-earned reputation for its culinary traditions, featuring numerous upscale and inventive tavernas and restaurants. The roads fan out from the central town of Apollonia, leading to various seaside villages with thriving beach scenes.

Conclude your journey on the expansive and diverse island of Paros, which rewards those who drive with an abundance of beaches, quaint mountain villages, and glistening olive tree-covered hillsides.

Planning tip: Your key choice on this adventure is whether to keep the same vehicle throughout or rent a car on each island. If you’re using your own car, you might appreciate its familiarity as you hop between islands. However, while many ferries can carry vehicles, the costs can be steep, and spots for cars fill up quickly, even if there’s still space for foot passengers. If renting a car in Greece, it’s usually more economical to hire one separately on each island.

2. Ancient Greece

Best road trip for exploring the wonders of the classical worldAthens–Ancient Olympia; 590km (367 miles)

To fully appreciate much of Greece's classic mythology and history, traveling by car is ideal. This journey begins in Athens—where a visit to the Parthenon is a must—and meanders through the mainland and the Peloponnese Peninsula, stopping at legendary sites along the way.

A straightforward drive northwest leads to Ancient Delphi, perched on a stunning vantage point overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. This was the location of the famous oracle, the spiritual heart of Ancient Greece during its peak. Continue south to Nafplio in the Peloponnese, where you can divide your time among three remarkable sights: the acropolis at Tiryns, the fortress of Ancient Mycenae, and the 2500-year-old theater at Epidavros.

Conclude your trip at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Stroll through the restored stadium that hosted the first games in 776 BCE and held competitions for an impressive 1000 years.

3. Around Athens

Best road trip for a brief visitAthens–Marathon; 136km (85 miles)

Many visitors to Greece are eager to leave Athens for the islands—and rightly so. However, if you have limited time or wish to experience a different side of the capital, Attica offers a delightful mix of stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and beautiful landscapes.

Located just 17km (10.5 miles) southeast of Athens, Glyfada is a charming suburb that marks the beginning of the so-called Apollo Coast (or Athenian Riviera, depending on your source). The coastline features small beaches with chic clubs, as well as more secluded spots in coves popular with nudists. Don’t miss a visit to the magnificent marble Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion for a cultural interlude.

Continuing along the rugged coastline to the northeast, your journey concludes at Marathon—the very same place where Pheidippides famously ran to deliver news of victory. Today, it's a pleasant suburb with beaches, where your biggest dilemma will be deciding which seafront taverna to choose.

4. The stunning island of Crete

Best road trip for discovering a Mediterranean gemIraklio–Hania; 280km (174 miles)

Geographically distinct from mainland Greece yet culturally integral, Crete is a must-visit. As the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean (following Corsica), it boasts a rich tapestry of historical landmarks, remarkable natural landscapes, hidden and tranquil beaches, and majestic peaks that resemble the grandeur of the Alps.

Begin your journey in the eastern city of Iraklio, then head straight south to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos. Immerse yourself in this vast complex, where the connections to history are palpable. Continue west to the sacred site of Moni Arkadiou, a 16th-century monastery that represents the unwavering spirit of the Cretans. Here, you can grasp how invaders—from Romans to Turks to Nazis—have seen their aspirations of conquest thwarted by the island's fierce independence.

Navigate through dramatic cliffs, lofty mountain passes, and deep gorges to reach the southern coast, where the beach town of Sougia remains pristine and free from mass tourism. You can take a ferry or embark on a hike to ancient sites and even more secluded beaches.

Next, journey north to Hania, a captivating port town rich with history nestled within its Venetian-era fortifications.

Planning tip: Distances in Crete can be misleading. That seemingly short 60km (37-mile) drive from the bustling north to the untouched south will likely take much longer than anticipated. The roads twist sharply through the rugged landscape, making travel slow. Also, don’t expect many roadside signs for guidance; locals take pride in the signs they’ve riddled with holes, a unique source of Cretan spirit.

5. The untamed north of Greece

Best road trip for an off-the-beaten-path experienceThessaloniki–Sithonia; 880km (547 miles)

Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, is a wonderfully overlooked hub of history, art, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Begin your exploration here in the north, where diverse neighboring cultures have left their mark, from Macedonians and Romans to Byzantines and Turks.

Head southwest to the legendary summit of Mt Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece. A vital spiritual center, it offers scenic drives to its higher altitudes and a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks.

Continue your journey through the mountains heading west into the Zagorohoria region, where quaint villages have thrived for centuries. Circle back toward Thessaloniki and conclude your road trip at the often-overlooked yet stunning beaches of the Halkidiki Peninsula. Venture deep into the remote southeastern tip of Sithonia.

Driving tips for Greece

While Greece adheres to EU driving regulations, there are some key points to keep in mind as you navigate the roads.

• Road signs and directions are often inconsistent. After encountering several signs on minor roads, you may feel confident, but a major intersection could lack signage, making it easy to miss your turn. Always be aware of your location with a GPS or mapping application.

• Before your trip, download offline maps of the areas you plan to explore. This way, if you lose signal in remote areas, you won’t find yourself completely lost without guidance.

• Most gas (petrol) stations in rural areas may be closed on Sundays, so it's wise to refuel on Saturday to avoid running low until Monday.

• If renting a car, make reservations well in advance for summer travel, especially in August, as fleets can fill up quickly and prices may rise. Local rental companies often provide the best rates and most personalized service, which you can locate using mapping apps.

• Shop around for rental options instead of defaulting to familiar international brands. Although not mandatory in Greece, having an International Driver’s Permit can be helpful, as some smaller rental agencies may request one.