12-Day Greece Road Trip from Athens traveling north to Volos, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Preveza, and Patras

Say hello to Athens! Your exciting road trip through Greece is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Athens for 4 nights before you continue your adventure!

Athens is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Athens. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Greece. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Athens. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Reserve a table at Hytra, a 1 Michelin star restaurant and a dining establishment in Athens. This epicurean hotspot’s delicious modern offering makes it a crowd favorite. Hytra is highly regarded in the culinary world and boasts an impressive track record of satisfied customers.

Another popular dining spot in Athens is Spondi, which critics have graced with 1 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s pleasant ambiance and food choices leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its french menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to the Spondi’s culinary excellence.

Locals and foreign travelers alike recommend The Zillers. Captivated customers consistently praise this restaurant in Athens for its appetizing selection of food, including its contemporary and greek courses. As a leading food haven, it boasts 1 Michelin stars for giving an unforgettable dining experience to its patrons.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend 360 Cocktail bar, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,580 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Upupa Epops - The bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,915 customers.

The Clumsies is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,694 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in Greece!

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Athens for 3 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Athens. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to book a table at Maiandros restaurant, a popular restaurant in Athens. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of food lovers. Its commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 5,357 satisfied guests.

Do not miss the opportunity to dine at Ama Lachei during your stay in Athens. This popular dining spot boasts a tantalizing menu, earning a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, esteemed by 4,018 satisfied guests.

Savor the flavors of Efcharis restaurant, a renowned dining destination in Athens. Offering a menu that's sure to please, it has a gained 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,655 satisfied guests.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Kuko's The Bar is our number one recommendation. Around 3,785 customers have rated this bar 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Juan Rodriguez Bar •Compañia de Bebida also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,926 reviews.

ELLYZ Cafe Athens is another popular place to spend the evening in Athens. This bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,827 customers.

Say good night to Athens and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Greece!

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Athens has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Athens by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Athens on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Athens's best restaurants.

Don't forget to book a table at Nolan, a well-known eatery in Athens. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,404 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Tavern Klimataria (est.1927) while exploring Athens. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 3,650 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Rosalia, a popular restaurant in Athens. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 3,226 discerning diners.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is Brettos. This place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,481 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Harvest Coffee & Wine. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,906 customers.

Ippopotamos is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,396 customers.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Greece!

Day 4 of your road trip across Greece promises a magnificent time exploring Athens. You have 1 night left in Athens. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

You can learn more about Athens today by going on a tour. Athens offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Athens.

Reserve a table at Lithos Tavern, a renowned restaurant in Athens. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,537 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Kuzina while in Athens. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 2,585 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Athens at LIONDI Traditional Greek Restaurant, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,159 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Μαύρος Γάτος is a popular option with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,357 customers.

Another top option is Tiki Bar Athens. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,829 customers.

Nice n easy is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,597 customers.

Head back to your accommodation in Athens and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Greece!

On day 5 of your road trip in Greece, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Kallithea, Palaio Faliro, and Volos. In the evening, you’ll end up in Volos, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Athens, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Kallithea. Your travel time is around 13 min.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kallithea and set your GPS to Palaio Faliro. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 4 min. Upon reaching Palaio Faliro, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Volos, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Volos's best restaurants.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at Staphylos. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Volos boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 1,498 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Volos is Valentin - Curious Bierkneipe. It has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 652 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Red Nose Bar, in Volos. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 577 satisfied customers.

One of travelers' and locals' favorite bars in the city is PLEASURES seaside cafe + more. This claim is supported by 2,264 customers who have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

If you want to continue your night somewhere else, head to another popular place like Joy. This bar is a local favorite, with great drinks, lovely service, and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,177 customers.

The options in Volos don’t end there. You could also spend some time at the excellent Grooove. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers, this bar is one of the best places to relax after a long, adventure-filled day.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Greece!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Greece, where you’ll be making 4 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Edessa, Pella, and Thessaloniki. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Waterfalls Park, Edessa. This urban park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 19,283 reviews.

After soaking in Edessa’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Pella. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 50 min. When you arrive in Pella, it's time to take a break from the road.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Thessaloniki.

Reserve a table at Kanoula, a renowned restaurant in Thessaloniki. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 2,335 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at rOOTS while in Thessaloniki. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 2,104 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Thessaloniki at Kitchen Bar, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 9,067 customers.

Experience the local nightlife scene. Pulp is a highly recommended bar with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,573 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar among locals like Wall by Wall. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,128 bar-goers.

Loupino Restaurant is another great bar that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,657 customers.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Greece.

On day 7 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Thessaloniki. You’ll stay in Thessaloniki for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Thessaloniki's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Giok Balik. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Thessaloniki has received a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from around 4,336 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Sebriko should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Thessaloniki, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,978 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at Charoupi. This highly regarded restaurant in Thessaloniki has earned a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 2,912 satisfied guests.

Tribeca is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 3,262 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Thessaloniki we recommend is Castra- All Day Terrace Bar, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,882 customers.

The Blue Cup | Creative bar is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 2,254 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Greece.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Greece. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Thessaloniki, Kastraki, and Ioannina. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Ioannina. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Kapani. This market is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 11,618 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Agias Sofias Square. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,231 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kalambaka. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 54 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ioannina. This car ride takes around 1 hour 45 min.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Ioannina, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Ioannina. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don't miss out on experiencing ΨΗΣΤΑΡΙΑ ΤΑΒΕΡΝΑ "Ο ΣΑΚΗΣ", a renowned dining spot in Ioannina. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 885 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Balsamico while immersing yourself in Ioannina. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,077 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Φρόντζου Πολιτεία - Frontzu Politia Restaurant, a beloved dining establishment within Ioannina. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 4,712 satisfied customers.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Spitaki με θέα is our number one recommendation. Around 2,243 customers have rated this bar 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Παλιά Αγορά also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,278 reviews.

Scala is another popular place to spend the evening in Ioannina. This bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Greece.

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Greece, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Ioannina, Kanallaki, Mesopotamo, and Preveza. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Preveza, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your day with a visit to Necromanteion of Acheron. This extraordinary sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,899 visitors.

Set your GPS to Preveza and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 36 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Preveza beckons with new experiences!

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Preveza, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Preveza's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Make a reservation at Treli Garida, a popular dining spot in Preveza. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,699 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Rebetiko Steki while indulging in the charm of Preveza. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, cherished by 1,094 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Η ΨΑΘΑ / H PSATHA, a treasured establishment in Preveza. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,040 satisfied guests.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is Prevere Cafe bar. This place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,346 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Markus Espresso & Wine Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 610 customers.

Deli & Bar Preveza is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 146 customers.

Say good night to Preveza and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Greece!

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable road trip in Greece. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Patras, Tsoukalades, Agios Nikitas, Lefkada, and Patras, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Patras. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Preveza, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Tsoukalades. This drive usually takes around 42 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Patras. Patras offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Patras's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Καφετέρια "Θεατράκι" | Πάτρα, an iconic dining spot in Patras. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 3,539 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Carousello while in Patras. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, treasured by 1,922 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Bodegas, a favorite in Patras. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,710 discerning guests.

Notos is an excellent example. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 708 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Beer Bar Q. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,281 customers.

Abbey is another of the best bars in the city of Patras that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,435 customers.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Greece!

On day 11 of your road trip in Greece, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Mykines, Nafplio, and Athens. In the evening, you’ll end up in Athens, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Patras and set your GPS to Nafplio. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 9 min. Upon reaching Nafplio, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Mykines, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Nafplio to Mykines may take around 29 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to "Treasury of Atreus" or "Tomb of Agamemnon". This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,631 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Mycenae. This archaeological site has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,051 reviews. Usually, around 342,854 people visit Mycenae every year.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Athens, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Athens.

Don't forget to book a table at Arcadia Restaurant, a well-known eatery in Athens. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,812 satisfied guests.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit Buena Vista Social Bar, one of the best bars in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,552 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Greece.

If you would like to try another place, Barley Cargo is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Athens, this bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,676 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Greece!

Day 12 of your road trip in Greece is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Athens before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Optimize your last day in Greece and go on a shopping spree in Athens’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Greece, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

Before you conclude your road trip in Greece, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Athens.

You’ll then say farewell to Athens. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Greece!