Ditch the tourist traps and experience authentic Greece with your family. Our Greek road trip itinerary reveals hidden gems, local experiences, and practical advice for a truly unique vacation.
Six souls, one chariot, and nine days to conquer the untamed spirit of mainland Greece. Three generations, a collision of epochs crammed into a rolling sardine can, ready to devour centuries of history, myth, and hopefully, some amazing food.
We weren’t embarking on a standard family vacation; it was a pilgrimage inspired by the gods themselves – or at least, by Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” series, which had our boys obsessed with all things Greek Mythology. Forget our life back home where hockey was king; Zeus, Hera, and the rest of the Mount Olympus crew were the heroes of the day.
So, we hit the road, a Greek road trip tracing the footsteps of legends, chasing the echoes of epic battles and divine dramas. This would be our Greek odyssey – a road trip through the heart of a civilization that birthed democracy, philosophy, and arguably, the best olives on the planet.
Our Greek Road Trip Itinerary
Athens was our gateway to the Grecian highways. A thousand miles of Greek asphalt lay before us. Ancient ruins and coastal cities whispered promises of epic sagas and family feuds worthy of the most epic of tragedies. Coastal castles shimmered like mirages in the distance, the birthplace of the Olympics beckoned, and mountainside ghost towns, untouched by time, awaited our discovery.
This wasn’t just a family road trip; it was a Homeric odyssey, family style, in a rented minivan. Seatbelts fastened, appetites whetted, and cameras loaded, we plunged headfirst into the land of myth and history. Greece, we were coming for you.
Day 1 – Temple of Poseidon and Sounion
Most road trips in Greece begin in Athens, and ours was no exception. But those who follow my travels know that my family rarely sticks to a pre-planned itinerary. Rather than head straight to the Acropolis, we veered off course, making a beeline for the coastal town of Sounion – where the land surrenders to the might of the Aegean Sea, and the spirit of Poseidon reigns supreme.
Cohen and Dylan, captivated by the tales of the sea god (a lingering obsession from island-hopping adventures in the Philippines and Hawaii), were anxious to pay homage to Poseidon (their favorite character from the Percy Jackson book series). This trip was all about capturing their fascination with Greek history, so Christina and I could think of no better place than the Temple of Poseidon, a majestic ruin perched precariously on the cliffs of Cape Sounion to get started.
Time, wind, and the power of the sea have worn this seaside wonder to a shadow of its former self, yet the Temple of Poseidon is still an awe-inspiring sight, especially at sunset. Standing among its weathered columns, if we held our breath, we could almost hear the whispers of ancient prayers and the thunder of seafarers shouting from below.
But this was just a taste of the magic that Sounion holds. To delve deeper into the myths, the history, and the sheer awe-inspiring beauty of this coastal gem, set sail with us on our journey to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.
Day 2-3 – Athens
As the sun dipped low over the Aegean, decorating the sky in fiery orange and deep violet, we said our goodbyes to Poseidon and pointed our minivan toward the city of Athens. The heart of ancient Greece is a city that is bursting with the ghosts of philosophers and the echoes of democracy’s first whispers, and we were ready to answer them.
Athens is a feast for the senses, a wild contrast of ancient wonders and modern living. The Acropolis sits like a gleaming marble crown, dominating the city’s skyline. The ruin acts as a constant reminder of the city’s glorious history. But beneath the shadow of its columns lies a maze of unique neighborhoods, each with its own story to tell.
We wandered the Plaka, its narrow streets dotted with tavernas overflowing with the sounds of animated chatter and sizzling souvlaki. We sought out the best Greek ice cream flavors along the oldest street in Europe. Throughout it all, we were floored by the contrast of ancient ruins and modern graffiti (some of it not too friendly toward tourists).
We knew that we would be returning to Athens for a one-day tour during our cruise of the Greek Islands in just a few months. This Greek road trip was just an appetizer of the city’s treasures. To uncover the secrets of the Acropolis, delve into the depths of ancient history, and savor the true flavors of Athens, read all about our two days in Athens here. You can also check out our guide to one day in Athens here.
Day 4 – Corinth Canal
Escaping the urban jungle of Athens, our road trip through Greece took us away from the chaos and into the heart of the country. Ahead of us were highways where mountains kissed the sky, and the sea crashed against the shores. Our first stop, though, wasn’t too far away at all. The Corinth Canal is a testament to (comparatively) modern human ambition carved into the very fabric of the land. It also makes for a nice place to grab a snack.
This narrow ribbon of water, slicing through the Isthmus of Corinth, is a testament to connecting worlds, something the ancient Greeks knew a thing or two about (even if their methods weren’t quite the same two thousand years ago). Standing on the bridge, gazing down at the sheer walls of rock flanking the canal, it was hard not to feel a sense of awe at the scale of the undertaking. A four-mile gorge carved straight into the rock.
But the Corinth Canal isn’t just cool from an engineering standpoint. Stopping here gave us our first glimpse of the drama of the Grecian landscape. The turquoise waters of the Aegean clashed with the deep blues of the Ionian, the sun sprinkling off the towering cliffs and the wind whipping through the gorge, carrying with it the scent of pine and the salty tang of the sea.
And let’s not forget that this was, in effect, a food stop. At the canal’s edge are roadside kebab stalls, smoke pouring from their sizzling skewers of marinated meat. We couldn’t resist. A perfect pit stop to fuel our Greek road trip.
Day 4 – Mycenae
Mycenae. Even the name sounds like a curse word muttered by a disgruntled god. We arrived with the midday sun beating down, the air thick with dust from the dirt roads and the ghosts of ancient grudges. Ahead of us was a stage for a bloody soap opera worthy of the Olympian gods themselves.
Agamemnon, the kingpin of Mycenae, returns triumphantly from the Trojan War, his chest puffed out with victory, only to be cut down by his vengeful wife, Clytemnestra. Talk about a homecoming gone wrong. The whole saga screams betrayal, ambition, and the kind of family drama that made me happy that I sprung for that extra legroom in the minivan.
We walked through the Lion Gate, where stone guardians were watching over the city as they had for more than 2,000 years. The royal tombs, with their soaring ceilings, were empty from the plunder of thieves, leaving only whispers of power and the stench of mortality.
But Mycenae is more than just a graveyard of ambition. It’s a raw reminder that even kings bleed, and even gods can’t escape the tangled webs of family drama. Want to get your hands dirty with the grit and grime of ancient Greece? Read all about our time in Mycenae here.
Day 4 – Epidaurus
Most people come for the theater. The ancient theater of Epidaurus isn’t your average Greek amphitheater, though; it’s an acoustic marvel that puts modern concert halls to shame. Imagine a place where even a whisper could reach the nosebleeds.
But music and drama weren’t just about entertainment here. Epidaurus holds an importance that goes far beyond the theater. This is the birthplace of modern medicine, where Asclepius, the god of healing, held court like a divine surgeon. Music, natural beauty, and exercise were all part of what drew thousands of sick and injured to this city from across the Greek Empire.
We strolled across the marble stage, channeling our inner thespians, and tested the legendary acoustics with a few off-key verses of Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” The place hummed with the echoes of performances past, a reminder that some things, like a good story and a killer sound system, never go out of style.
But Epidaurus is more than just a pretty stage and a history lesson. It’s a place where the boundaries between science and spirituality blur, where the ancients sought healing for both body and soul. Ready for a dose of ancient medicine with a side of theatrical magic? Read about our visit to Epidaurus, where the cure for the common travel fatigue is a healthy dose of awe.
Day 4-5 – Nafplio
The islands get all the attention, but Nafplio is where the real Greek magic happens. Our road trip brought us into town when the sun was getting low. We were tired, our bodies worn down by a long day exploring ancient ruins. Nafplio, though, like a seductive siren, reenergized us.
Nafplio isn’t your typical seaside tourist trap. Rather than a busy waterfront crammed with souvenir shops and overpriced gyros, there are winding winding alleys, hidden courtyards, and colorful houses decked out with peeling paint.
At night, the streets come alive with the overflowing patios and the murmur of conversation. Tavernas spill out onto the streets, their tables piled with fresh seafood.
In the morning, we climbed the ancient steps of Palamidi Fortress, the morning sun lighting up the sky and casting long shadows over the terracotta rooftops. The view from the top was a knockout – the town spread out like a postcard, the sea shimmering in the distance, and the distant mountains rising like slumbering giants.
Nafplio is a place to lose yourself in the beauty of the moment, to savor the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and a damn fine view. Ready to escape the tourist hordes and discover the true heart of Greece? Read all about our journey through Nafplio here.
Day 5 – Mystras
The road to Mystras twisted and turned like a serpent, climbing ever higher into the forbidding mountains of central Greece. Heavy grey clouds hung overhead. But even with darkening skies, we were anxious to uncover the ghosts of the Byzantine Empire.
Mystras is a ghost town. Abandoned during the collapse of an empire. Clinging to the slopes of Mount Taygetos, this is a place where emperors once ruled, soldiers clashed, and monks chanted in the church halls. We wandered through the ruins, our footsteps echoing in the silence.
The palaces were still magnificent, and the churches, while faded and crumbling, still held echoes of their former glory. The monasteries, perched precariously on steep mountainsides, offered jaw-dropping views of the valley below.
As we climbed higher toward the fortress overlooking the ghost town, cracks of thunder tore through the air, and the skies unleashed waves of rain onto the mountain. The paths turned to mud. The ruins disappeared into the mist. Sirens blared over the ruins amid announcements that Mystras was closing due to the storm. The ghosts of the city would have to wait for another day.
Our visit to the city was short-lived. Just a glimpse into a lost world. But its beauty stayed with us long after the rain had stopped. You can read all about Mystras in my article here.
Day 5 – Monemvasia
Escaping the deluge at Mystras, we made our way down the mountains and back to the Aegean coastline. Our destination is the seaside town of Monemvasia. Picture a medieval fortress town perched on a tiny island, driving our minivan across the narrow thread of a causeway – it felt like we had stepped back in time.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the maze of cobblestone streets, discovering hidden courtyards, stepping through Byzantine churches with faded frescoes, and breathing in the views of the Aegean. It’s a town to explore without a plan. A place where you’re never quite sure if you’re walking on a road or across someone’s rooftop.
But the real magic of Monemvasia unfolded after the kids decided Nana and Poppa were way cooler than us for the night. With the boys tucked away, Christina and I seized the moment. A cozy room with a hot tub overlooking the twinkling lights of the harbor, a bottle of local wine, and some uninterrupted conversation – it was the perfect recipe for reconnecting in one of the most romantic towns in Greece.
Monemvasia was a reminder that family adventures can also be about rediscovering each other, stealing quiet moments amidst the chaos, and finding beauty in unexpected places. Read about our Monemvasia adventures here and experience the magic of a medieval time warp for yourself.
Day 6 – Delphi
After relaxing in Monemvasia, we returned inland, trading the romance of the coast for the rugged slopes of Mount Parnassus. This would be our pilgrimage to the heart of ancient Greece. Delphi, the legendary navel of the world, was once believed to be the center of the Earth.
The drive to Delphi itself was one of the most scenic of our entire Greek road trip, a continuously changing film of winding mountain passes, sun-drenched valleys, and villages clinging to hillsides like goats.
Delphi is the land of oracles, prophecies, and the whispers of ancient gods. This was the place where kings and commoners alike sought guidance from the Pythia, the high priestess who channeled the wisdom (or perhaps the whims) of the Greek God Apollo.
We clambered up the sacred way. Our footsteps lost among those of countless pilgrims who had come before us. The Temple of Apollo, now a jumble of fallen columns, still commanded reverence. The theater, carved into the hillside, whispered tales of ancient drama. And the stadium, where athletes once competed for glory, evoked the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence.
If you’re ready to add Delphi to your road trip through Greece, check out our guide to the ruins here.
Day 6 – Olympia
ports run strong in our family, so a visit to Olympia. The birthplace of the Olympic Games was high on our list of places to visit on our Greek road trip. This is where the original legends of sport were forged in sweat. We were on a mission to channel our inner Hercules, eager to pay homage to the grounds where Koroibos, the legendary cook-turned-sprinter, first claimed victory in the 600-foot stadion race.
But today, the gods of time were not on our side. Despite our best efforts to outrun the setting sun, we arrived at Olympia’s gates with just 30 minutes to spare. The staff, unimpressed by our pleas and pathetic attempts at athletic prowess, ushered us out with the efficiency of a well-trained Spartan army.
Defeated but not deterred, we managed to sneak a peek at the ancient stadium, imagining the roar of the crowd and the thunder of chariot wheels. We strolled through the ruins, marveling at the temples dedicated to Zeus and Hera, and pondered the philosophical debates that once echoed through the gymnasium.
Day 6 – Nafpaktos
Nafpaktos. For us, this was just an overnight stopover. Between our rushed visit to Olympia and the epic landscapes of Meteora, Nafpaktos was a convenient stop. But for those with a bit more time on their hands, it’s worth a much longer visit.
Picture this: a harbor bristling with colorful fishing boats, tavernas dotting the waterfront framed by a light-strewn bridge, the scent of grilled octopus mingling with the salty breeze, and a Venetian castle standing guard like a grumpy old grandfather.
Nafpaktos was a reminder that sometimes places are worth returning to, and sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones that leave you planning for next time. It was a fleeting romance, a taste of the good life that left us wanting more.
Day 7-8 – Meteora
Meteora, just saying the name sends chills down my spine. This land of gravity-defying monasteries clinging to impossible cliffs. A landscape that seems to have sprung from the imagination of a Tolkien or a Miyazaki. This wasn’t just another stop on our Greek road trip; it was a journey into a land where imagination becomes reality.
Driving into the Meteora valley, we were met with a sight that literally took our breath away. Towering sandstone pillars reaching up to the sky like the petrified fingers of Greek Gods themselves. Their summits were crowned with ancient monasteries that seemed to defy the laws of physics. The kids were awestruck, their jaws hanging open in disbelief, and the rest of us seasoned travelers were rendered speechless.
We spent two days exploring this otherworldly landscape, clambering up winding staircases carved into the rock, hiking to hidden caves once inhabited by hermits, and clambering up rocky trails that offered panoramic views of the whole place. Each monastery we visited was a treasure trove of history, art, and spiritual significance.
Meteora was a reminder that there are no limits to the capabilities of human ingenuity and that if there’s a will, we can accomplish anything. You can read all about our time in Meteora here.
Day 9: Not Just A Drive Back To Athens
Our Greek road trip was winding down, but we weren’t ready to let go of our road trip through Greece just yet. The highways back to Athens beckoned, and there were a few more detours that needed to be taken.
First up is the Corycian Cave, a place that makes ancient Athens look like a modern suburb. Forget ancient Greece; this cavern housed humans way back in the Neolithic period, and get this: recent discoveries push that timeline back a mind-boggling 125,000 years! Talk about putting your family’s “ancient” genealogy into perspective.
Sadly, the cave itself was off-limits, guarded by archaeologists who clearly weren’t swayed by my “But I’m a travel writer!” plea. Still, the museum at the base of Mount Parnassus offered a glimpse into the cave’s secrets, and let’s be honest, any place that makes Göbekli Tepe look like a toddler deserves a nod of respect.
But the grand finale, the cherry on top of our historical sundae, was Thermopylae. Now, before you picture Gerard Butler and his 300 shirtless Spartans thumbing their noses at the Persians, let me introduce you to the real hero of the hour: King Leonidas. His bronze statue stands tall and defiant, a reminder that even against impossible odds, courage and sacrifice can leave an indelible mark on history.
And that inscription at the base, “ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ” – “Come and get them” – it’s more than just the Spartan motto. It’s a rallying cry for every family who dares to venture off the beaten path and explore the world with open hearts and a fearless spirit. It’s a reminder that the best adventures are often found in the most unexpected places. That the memories we create along the way will be our most treasured souvenirs.
So, to Greece, we say “ευχαριστώ” – thank you. Thank you for the history, the beauty, the food, and the reminder that even in a minivan crammed with three generations of travelers, we can still undertake our own epic Greek odyssey.
Follow Our Greek Road Trip Map
If you’re ready to carve your own path through the Grecian labyrinth, let’s get to the details. Keep reading, and I’ll equip you with a treasure map worthy of the gods themselves.
Below, you’ll find my meticulously crafted route planned out by Christina, our family’s master trip planner. This 1,000-mile odyssey spans ancient ruins, charming villages, and landscapes that would make even Zeus himself reach for his camera.
Remember, though, that the best road trips aren’t rigid package tours, my friends. This is your adventure, your chance to write your own epic tale. Feel like ditching Delphi for a detour through the Peloponnese? Go for it. Tempted to swap Olympia for a secluded island escape? The open road is your oyster. This map is merely a starting point, a canvas upon which to paint your own family travel memories.
So, fire up that GPS, crank up the tunes (Zorba the Greek, anyone?), and prepare to be seduced by the siren song of the open road. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure, your appetite for the unexpected, and a healthy dose of respect for the ancient spirits that still roam this land. Greece awaits, and the journey, as they say, is the destination.
Tips For Road Tripping In Greece
Driving in Greece
First, let’s talk logistics. Greece might conjure images of ferries hopping between sun-drenched islands, but trust me. There’s a certain magic to conquering those winding mainland roads with your own set of wheels.
Forget rigid bus schedules and crowded tourist traps; having a car in Greece unlocks a whole new level of freedom. This is how travelers find those hidden beaches tucked away in secluded coves and the charming villages where the only tourists are the stray cats.
Now, before you hit the gas here are a few things to keep in mind for road tripping in Greece:
- Stay right: In Greece, they drive on the right side of the road.
- Buckle up: Seatbelts are mandatory, not just for safety but also to avoid those hefty fines that could put a dent in your souvlaki budget.
- Permit, please: Unless you’re rocking a UK or EU license, grab yourself an International Driver’s Permit. It’s the law. Chances are that you won’t get asked when renting a car, but I always say, “Better safe than sorry.”
- Hands-free is the way to be: Ditch the phone while driving. Invest in a dashboard mount (this is the one I use in both my vehicles), or better yet, embrace the art of getting lost and rediscovering the joy of map-reading.
- Google Maps is your friend: No need to splurge on a fancy GPS; Google Maps will guide you through those winding mountain passes and bustling city streets with the reliability of a seasoned oracle.
- Speed limits are a thing: From the city crawl to the highway hustle, stick to the speed limits. Those ancient ruins aren’t going anywhere, and neither should you be if you’re caught with a lead foot.
- Tolls, tolls, tolls: Thankfully, toll roads are few and far between in Greece. Keep some coins or a credit card handy for those occasional highway fees, and you’ll be cruising along smoother than a shot of ouzo.
- Save the ouzo for later: Greece has zero tolerance for drunk driving, so save the celebratory shots for when you’ve reached your destination. Trust me, a hangover is way less fun when you’re navigating hairpin turns.
- Avoid the Athenian Exodus: Unless you enjoy the thrill of a good traffic jam, avoid driving in and out of Athens on weekends. Those city dwellers take their escapes seriously, and the roads can get as crowded as a Greek wedding. Also, be aware that parking in the old city is few and far between. Expect to cough up 20 Euro for a spot in a parking lot somewhere a few blocks from where you want to go.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be navigating the Greek roads of Greece like a modern-day Odysseus, conquering those asphalt seas with confidence and style. Just remember to relax, enjoy the ride, and savor those unexpected detours – that’s where the real magic of a road trip lies.
Renting A Car In Greece
Let’s talk about acquiring your chariot. There are loads of great car rental companies in Greece, from big international chains to local mom-and-pop shops. Personally, I like to use Europcar to book my vehicles while I’m on the continent, but that’s a personal choice.
Discover Cars is another one-stop shop that compares deals from the likes of Avis, Sixt, and Hertz. Think of it as the Kayak of car rentals, helping you snag the best price without sacrificing those reassuringly corporate vibes.
And here’s an insider tip for those island-hopping ambitions: ferrying your car across the Aegean can cost more than a bottle of retsina in Santorini. So, if you’re planning to explore those island gems, consider renting a different car on each island. Most of the rental offices are right off of the ferry docks. You’ll likely save a lot of money at the cost of a little time.
What documents do I need to drive in Greece?
Alright, road warriors, let’s make sure you’ve got the necessary paperwork to avoid any unwanted encounters with the local constabulary. Nobody wants to end up trading their souvlaki receipt for a traffic ticket, right?
Here’s the lowdown on the essential documents for driving in Greece:
- Driver’s License: This one’s a no-brainer. Make sure your license is valid and up-to-date. And if you’re sporting a non-EU license, don’t forget that International Driver’s Permit we talked about earlier. Think of it as your passport to the open road.
- Passport: While not strictly for driving, your passport is your golden ticket in Greece. Keep it handy for identification purposes, hotel check-ins, and those impromptu ouzo-fueled philosophical debates with the locals. You’ll also need it to rent a car in Greece.
- Vehicle Registration Document: This little piece of paper, generally provided by the rental office, proves you’re not joyriding in a stolen chariot. Keep it safe in the glove compartment, alongside your stash of emergency snacks and that questionable mixtape you made back in the 90s.
- Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance is essential, not just to avoid fines but also to protect yourself in case of any unexpected mishaps. Nobody wants to be stranded on a mountain road with a busted axle and an empty wallet.
With these documents in order, you’ll be cruising through Greece with the confidence of a Spartan warrior, ready to conquer those winding roads and uncover the hidden treasures of this ancient land. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your sense of adventure firmly in the driver’s seat.
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