The Best 7 Day Greece Road Trip Itinerary for 2024

Considering a Greece Road Trip? Check out this 7 day mainland Greece road trip itinerary that is perfect for exploring the history and culture of mainland Greece. This trip is a great idea if you want more history, culture, or to explore a bit off the beaten in mainland Greece!

While many people skip mainland Greece and head straight to the Greek islands, we wanted to fully experience the culture and hidden gems that are in the mainland. This is the exact 7 day Greece road trip itinerary that we followed to explore some of the highlights of Greece’s mainland.

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✔️ Find and Book a Rental Car in Greece

7 Day Greece Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Pick up rental car from Athens Airport + Drive to Meteora

Day 2: Explore Meteora

Day 3: Drive to Delphi and visit the Archeological Site of Delphi

Day 4: Drive to the seaside town of Napflio via Napakatos

Day 5: Explore Napflio

Day 6: Drive back to Athens via Corinth

Day 7: Spend the Day in Athens

Day 1: Arrive in Athens and Drive to Meteora

Driving to Meteora:

This will be the longest drive of your 7 day Greece road trip, lasting around 4 hours.

The drive from Athens to Meteora is fairly easy as it passes mostly through the Thessalian plain, with a few hilly roads after the Lamia area.

Additionally, the roads are well-kept toll roads which allowed you to go 100-120 kph on average.

Tip: Plan to pick your rental car up from the Athens Airport (even if you spend a few days in Athens city center beforehand). I don’t recommend driving in Athens city center, as traffic can be very chaotic.

✔️ Find and Book a Rental Car in Athens

Where to Stop on the Drive to Meteora:

Around 2 hours in, stop at Thermopylae where you can see the Memorial to Leonidas and the 300 Spartans, as well as stop at the Historical Information Center (open 9am-5pm).

A stop here will only take you about 15 minutes-1 hour depending on your level of interest.

Things To Do in Meteora

Head up to Sunset Rock (known on Google Maps as Meteora Observation Deck) to catch an incredible sunset! For other photo spots, check out this guide on the best view points in Meteora.

After watching an amazing sunset in Meteora, head to town for some delicious Greek food. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the town of Kalabaka, but I recommend Meteoron Panorama.

Where To Stay in Meteora

For this 7 day road trip itinerary in Greece, you’ll stay 2 nights in the Meteora area.

You can choose between Kalabaka (larger town with shops + restaurants) or Kastraki (quaint + quiet village).

Both are nearby and so it really depends on if you prefer a quiet + serene visit or want to experience the local town.

Here are some of the best hotels in Meteora:

Hotel Doupiani House – Boutique hotel in the village of Kastraki with amazing views

Divani Meteora Hotel – Highly-rated hotel in the heart of Kalabaka, near shops, restaurants, and Meteora.

Day 2: Explore the Monasteries of Meteora

Day 2 of your 7 day Greece road trip itinerary is all about the exploring the monasteries.

Keep in mind, it takes much longer than you would expect to visit them, so make sure to get an early start in the morning.

You can either drive up to the monasteries and visit on your own, or opt to take a tour like this one.

The benefit of taking a tour is that the roads can be a bit steep and narrow, so it depends on how comfortable you are with driving.

Also having a guide will provide more information than visiting on your own.

✔️ Book a Guided Half-Day Tour of Meteora

Important Information for Visiting the Meteora Monasteries

• Each monastery has different opening hours + each 1 is closed on 1 day per week. Check the opening times here and have a plan!

• Bring Euros! The monasteries have a small entrance fee of a few euros at each one + so it is essential to bring cash (not card).

• Dress code. There is a STRICT dress code. Women are required to wear dresses or skirts that cover the knees + also must cover their shoulders. I brought my own tie on skirt and tied it on before entering each monastery. If you do not have a skirt, they will require you to borrow a tie on skirt. Men should also wear long pants.

• Bring water! The monasteries have a lot of stairs required and it is essential to stay hydrated.

• Food. We only saw 1 food stand selling hot dogs, etc. I would recommend bringing some snacks or packing a lunch just in case.

Day 3: Drive to Delphi + Explore the Ancient Site of Delphi

Day 3 of your 7 day mainland Greece road trip is all about exploring Ancient Delphi!

Delphi is one of the most important historical sites in all of Greece, and was home to the famous Oracle of Delphi. Delphi is a must visit spot on any Greece road trip.

Driving to Delphi:

The drive from Meteora to Delphi takes about 3 hours. You’ll want to plan to leave in the morning + driving straight there to make the most of your time in Delphi.

Delphi is located in the mountains and does include some curvy roads (only for around an hour or so). The roads are paved and in good condition, but if you aren’t used to mountain driving or are scared of heights it may be a bit nerve-wracking at certain points.

If you are a confident driver or have experience driving in the mountains, this drive shouldn’t be a problem for you. However, it isn’t recommended to drive this route in icy or snowy winter weather.

Additionally, coming from Meteora (north of Delphi) may have less traffic compared to coming straight from Athens (south of Delphi).

Things to Do in Delphi

Visit the Archeological Site and Museum of Delphi

The archeological site and museum is the highlight of Delphi.

At the archeological site, you can visit the famous ruins of ancient Greece. This includes the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, an ancient theater, the Tholos of Athena Pronaia, and more.

The Delphi Museum is located adjacent to the archeological site, and holds artifacts and monuments that were originally in Delphi.

It typically take 3-4 hours to do the site + museum, and you can check the opening hours here. Tickets can be bought on arrival for 12 euros.

Watch the sunset from Delphi Town

After checking into your hotel in Delphi, head to a family-owned restaurant called the Telescope Bar for some drinks + views! They also have a telescope and the sunset is amazing from their balcony.

Looking for more information on Delphi? Check out the post on Visiting Delphi.

Where to Stay in Delphi

On this 7 day road trip itinerary, you’ll stay 1 night in Delphi.

Delphi town is a small town, with great views over the impending valley. There are a few local hotels that are great for a one night stay, such as Nidimos Hotel. There is street parking available and the town is small enough that it is easily walkable.

✔️ Book your Stay in Delphi

Day 4: Drive to Nafplio via Nafpaktos

Day 4 is a day of adventure. You’ll drive out of the mountains, along the coast and into the Peloponnese peninsula. The final destination will be Nafplio, a gorgeous seaside town with a venetian fortress!

Driving to Nafplio

There are 2 different routes you can take to Nafplio. The slightly longer route through Nafpaktos is a beautiful, yet easy coastal drive and is recommended! If needed, set your GPS to Nafpaktos to make sure it takes you along this great route.

The drive to Nafpaktos will take you out of the mountains and along the coast. There is plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. It is also easier driving as you come out of the mountains.

After Nafpaktos, you will cross the impressive Rion-Antirion Bridge and begin driving in the Peloponnese peninsula. The road here is a highway and so it is easy driving, yet still along the beautiful coastline.

Where to Stop on the Drive to Nafplio

Below are the best places to stop on the drive:

Nafpaktos

Around an hour and a half into the drive, you’ll reach the seaside town of Nafpaktos. This is a great spot to stop for lunch. Interesting spots to see include the Old Harbor and the Venetian fortress that is perched atop the city.

To get to the Venetian fortress, you can walk or drive up. The drive is only a few minutes but is quite narrow, however there are is parking at the top. There is also a lovely café on the way up to the fortress which makes for a perfect lunch spot.

Archaeological Site of Mycenae

A 2 hour drive southeast from Nafpaktos is the Archeological site of Mycenae. This stop is also conveniently only 25 minutes away from the final destination of this day, Nafplio. Plan for around 2 hours to fully explore this ancient site.

The Mycenaeans were an ancient civilization that pre-dated the Greek city states of Athens and Sparta. The Mycenaeans lived during the Bronze age and were said to be fierce warriors and intuitive builders.

This ancient civilization was also an inspiration for Homer when writing The Odyssey. Interestingly, there is little known about the decline of the ancient Mycenaeans.

One of the most famous sites at Mycenae is the Lion’s Gate, which was the entrance to the fortified city. This gate dates back to around 1250 BC, and the lionesses featured symbolize the power held by the Mycenaean kings.

What to Do When you Arrive in Napflio

After a long day of driving + sightseeing, take some time to relax! Take a stroll through the Venetian style city and enjoy some delicious Greek food! At sunset, head to the harbor, where there are plenty of taverns with outdoor seating. This is a perfect spot to watch the sunset!

Where to Stay in Napflio

On this 7 day Greek road trip itinerary, you’ll spend 2 nights in the city of Napflio.

The best place to stay in Nafplio is in the heart of the town, near the harbor. There are several restaurants, shops, and beautiful views over the bay in this area.

Parking can be a bit crowded, but there is typically street parking available and once you have parked, Nafplio is a very walkable city.

Here are a few of the best hotels in Nafplio:

Leto Nuevo Hotel – Elegant rooms with panoramic views over Nafplio

Omorfi Poli – Family-run, boutique hotel in old town

Castellano Hotel & Suites – Luxury option with private balconies and city views

Day 5: Explore Nafplio

Day 5 of your mainland road trip in Greece is for relaxing and exploring the beautiful city of Nafplio.

This city was captured and ran by the Venetians for years, which is why it has some Italian charm to it. There is a magnificent Venetian fortress overlooking the city with some fascinating views.

Fun Fact: Nafplio was actually the first capital city of the modern day country of Greece!

Things to Do in Nafplio

Visit the Palamidi Fortress

Visiting this picturesque Venetian Fortress is one of the top things to do in Nafplio. You can choose to walk all the way up from the city, but it is around 1000 steps!

Another option is to drive to the top and explore the fortress from there. The fortress is decently large so you’ll still get some walking in as well as being able to see the amazing views from the top.

Wander the Streets of Nafplio

After checking out the fortress, come back to Nafplio’s old town for some lunch (and maybe gelato).

There are several shops, bars, and resturants which make this the perfect town to stroll around and enjoy a relaxing afternoon after several days of sightseeing.

Feeling more Adventurous? Drive to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a famous Greek archeological site located only a 30 minute drive from Nafplio. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is world renowned for it’s impressive acoustics. The acoustics here are so incredible that you can hear the sound of a pin drop from the stands!

Day 6: Drive Back to Athens via Corinth

On day 6 of your 7 day Greek road trip itinerary, you’ll head back to Athens, making a few stops along the way of course.

The drive from Nafplio to Athens airport will take you around 2 hours. Keep in mind, that there may be traffic, especially as you get closer to Athens. This is an easy drive consisting of mostly highway roads.

Where to Stop on the Drive to Athens

Below are the best places to stop on the drive back to Athens:

Ancient Corinth

Ancient Corinth is an extremely important historical site in Greece, and was a powerful Greek city state before 3000 BC. Later, it became an important site for Christianity as it was mentioned several times in the New Testament due to the Apostle Paul’s mission there.

The site of ancient Corinth includes ruins of the Hellenistic period, as well as castle ruins that can be visited by driving up a small mountain. The ruins can be visited in 1-2 hours depending on your level of interest. If you plan to drive up to the castle ruins, you’ll want to have a few hours as it is a large area.

Corinth Canal

Not too far from the site of ancient Corinth, you will find the Corinth Canal. This impressive canal was completed in 1893 and is what connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. You can view the canal via the main bridge, which offers an excellent view of this impressive sight.

Returning your Rental Car and Arriving in Athens

I recommend returning your car to the Athens airport on this day and taking a taxi into the city center of Athens.

There isn’t good parking in the city and traffic is crazy. If you decide to keep your car, another choice is to stay outside the city center.

Once you arrive in Athens, take the evening to wander around the Plaka neighborhood and try some delicious Greek food.

Where to Stay in Athens

For this itinerary, you’ll stay your last 2 nights in Athens. Below are some of the best hotels in Athens:

Budget Hostel: Athens Hub Hostel

Mid-Range Hotel with Acropolis View: Elia Ermou Athens Hotel

5 Star Luxury Hotel: Hotel Grande Bretagne

Day 7: Explore Athens

On day 7, you’ll take the entire day to explore Athens and then fly out the next morning.

Athens is a city worth visiting and there are many things to do in the Greek capital. Technically, you could spend weeks in Athens but for this itinerary you’ll spend a day seeing some of the highlights.

Things to Do in Athens

Below are some of the highlights that you will want to visit in Athens.

• Visit the Athens Acropolis + see the Parthenon
• Explore the Ancient Agora + Roman Agora
• Spend time in the charming Plaka neighborhood

Why do a 7 day mainland Greece Road Trip?

Are you looking for more adventure in Greece than just going to the typical Santorini-Mykonos-Athens trip? Or maybe you are a history buff or culture lover that wants experience more than just the islands? Then this 7 day road trip through mainland Greece is perfect for you.

Renting a car and doing a mainland Greece road trip is a great way to experience more of mainland Greece. Mainland Greece has fewer tourists + is budget-friendly, yet just as beautiful as the islands.

One of the best things about the 7 day mainland Greece road trip itinerary is that it can also be combined with a few days in Athens and/or a flight to one of the islands if you are planning to spend 10-14 days total in Greece.

Insider Tip: On our road trip through Greece’s mainland we downloaded Audible and listened to stories of Greek Mythology while driving. It’s a unique experience to drive through Greece while listening to the Odyssey + other tales from Greek Mythology!

Summer is peak season and costs do increase, although exploring mainland Greece will be significantly cheaper than some of Greece’s popular islands in the summer. It is also important to know that it can be quite warm with average temps in the 80-90 F range.It is also possible to do a Greece road trip in the winter!

Unlike the islands, which close down almost completely in the winter months, mainland Greece has a year-round population so things are still open, but with cheaper prices and very few tourists. Keep in mind that it does snow in Greece, especially in mountainous areas such as Delphi.

Top Tips for Driving in Greece

• Make sure to have insurance coverage for your rental car
• Driving is on the right side of the road in Greece
• It is common for people to drive fast and aggressively, a common practice is to move over as much as possible to the shoulder to allow local drivers to pass you
• It is not recommended to drive in the city center of Athens. Pick your car up at the airport or outside the city.
• Greece has several highways which are toll roads. These roads are in good condition and well-kept. You will want to have some change or a credit card to pay for tolls.
• Make sure to have an international drivers license. If you are coming from the US, you can get this before your trip at your local AAA office for around $25.

Have a few more days after your 7 day mainland Greece road trip?

Why not return your rental car and fly to the beautiful island of Santorini for a few days! Flights to Santorini are short and it gives you a great way to experience the island side of Greece.

Another great option is to return your car at the airport and take a taxi to downtown Athens to explore the city for a few days.