Greece isn’t just a country for ferries and island hopping. It’s also one of the most rewarding places to explore by car. The roads take you from bustling cities to peaceful mountain villages, from ancient ruins to empty beaches with turquoise water. And the best part? You can do it all at your own pace.
Start on Corfu – Greece’s Green Island
Corfu is a wonderful place to begin your road trip. It’s lush, relaxed, and full of contrasts – from charming Corfu Town with its Venetian-style buildings, to quiet beaches and sleepy inland villages. Driving here is easy and gives you access to the island’s many hidden corners.
If you’re landing at the airport, rentcarcorfu.gr makes renting a car simple and local – no fuss, no long lines, just the keys and the road ahead. Don’t miss Paleokastritsa for dramatic cliffs and clear blue water, or the north of the island around Kassiopi for peaceful coves and great seafood.
Cross to the Mainland – and Head South
From Corfu, you can take a ferry to the mainland or hop on a short flight to Athens. If you decide to drive through mainland Greece, you’ll quickly discover how much variety the country offers.
A few hours south of Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula is a dream for road trips: winding roads, olive groves, castles, and coastal villages. Visit Nafplio, one of Greece’s prettiest towns, with its neoclassical houses and sea views. Nearby are ancient sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus – ideal if you like combining history with relaxed road travel.
If you head west, you’ll find Mani, a rugged region with stone towers and quiet beaches, perfect for slow driving and spontaneous stops.
Central Greece – Meteora and the Mountains
Another unforgettable stop is Meteora – a group of monasteries built on top of towering rock formations. It feels surreal to drive up the winding roads and see these structures perched in the sky. Early morning or late afternoon is best for avoiding crowds and catching magical light.
The nearby region of Zagori is less known to tourists but spectacular: stone bridges, traditional villages, and the Vikos Gorge – all best reached by car.
Crete – Big, Wild, and Beautiful
Crete is a destination of its own, and you’ll definitely want a car to explore it properly. The island is big, with dramatic mountains, gorges, ancient palaces, and beaches that feel like the edge of the world.
Chania, in the west, is a great base. If you’re flying in, check rentcarchaniaairport.gr for easy pickup right at the airport. From there, drive out to Elafonissi Beach with its pink sand, or take the twisting mountain roads to Sfakia for something quieter and more remote.
Crete also has fantastic food and warm hospitality – two more reasons to take your time and explore.
Thessaloniki – Urban Cool and Northern Nature
In the north, Thessaloniki mixes history with a lively, youthful vibe. It’s perfect for a few nights, but also a starting point for trips into Halkidiki, where you’ll find stunning beaches, pine forests, and calm villages. Each of the three “legs” of the peninsula offers something different – whether you’re looking for nightlife or silence.
Tips for Driving in Greece:
- Roads are generally good, but mountain routes can be narrow – take your time.
- Toll roads are common on main highways – keep some cash or a card handy.
- Locals drive confidently; don’t feel pressured, just stay calm and drive safely.
- Parking in cities can be tricky – but in rural areas, it’s usually no problem.
In the end, Greece is best seen slowly.
Driving lets you discover places you didn’t plan for – a family taverna in the hills, a forgotten beach at sunset, a monastery with no one around. It’s that kind of country. And with a rental car, the map is yours to draw.
