Greece, a land of unparalleled beauty and charm, effortlessly combines breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, and warm-hearted locals. This country offers an abundance of experiences that can be both affordable and luxurious. Its roadways, temperament, and weather are reminiscent of the Mediterranean vibe, making it a comfortable destination for many travelers. Plus, its proximity to several European countries means it’s just a short flight away. What more could one ask for?
Traveling in Greece
1. Getting Around: Renting a car is highly recommended. Venturing into the scenic spots away from the major cities can be a challenge without one. Upon landing at the airport, or in the heart of the city, numerous car rental agencies can assist you. The Greek roads are easy to navigate. However, do anticipate some steep inclines and sharp bends, especially in the mountainous regions. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can be a traveler’s best friend here.
2. Tolls: Always have some change or small notes on hand for the tolls on the highways. Roughly every 30 minutes, expect a toll fee averaging between 2-3 euros. While it might add up, the well-maintained roads and convenient rest stops make it worth the cost.
3. Dining in Greece: Greece offers a culinary experience like no other, and it won’t hurt your wallet. An average meal at a good restaurant might cost around 30 euros for two, including a starter, main course, drinks, and dessert. Of course, there are options to suit every budget, from the extravagant to the more modest eateries.
When to Visit
I personally love traveling at the start or end of the peak season. The roads are less crowded, no long queues at attractions, and the weather is simply perfect. However, traveling during these periods might mean encountering a drizzle or two. Adjust your travel dates according to your preferences and availability.
The Ultimate 10-Day Greek Adventure
This comprehensive itinerary spans two islands, Kefalonia and Corfu, over a period of 9-10 days. Here’s a suggested plan:
Day 1: Arrival in Athens | Car rental | Drive to the Corinth Canal | Journey to Patras + Evening stroll and overnight stay.
Day 2: Ferry from Patras to the island of Kefalonia | Overnight in the village of Sami on Kefalonia.
Day 3: Exploring the vastness of Kefalonia.
Day 4: Ferry back to Patras from Kefalonia | Drive to Igoumenitsa | Ferry to the island of Corfu.
Day 5: A day to uncover the secrets of Corfu.
Day 6: Ferry from Corfu to Igoumenitsa | Drive to the city of Ioannina, evening activities + Night stay.
Day 7: Drive from Ioannina to Zagori and Vikos Gorge | Return and sleepover in Ioannina.
Day 8: Journey from Ioannina to Meteora, then on to Thessaloniki | Sleepover in Thessaloniki.
Day 9: Explore Thessaloniki. Depart in the evening or extend the stay.
For those wishing to explore a bit more, adding a day or two to visit cities like Thessaloniki or Athens can be worthwhile. However, if you’re looking to condense the trip, one of the islands can be skipped. Note that our journey begins in Athens and concludes in Thessaloniki, but with flexible flight options, this isn’t an issue.
Day 1: Landing in Athens, Corinth Canal, and Patras
– Our journey begins at Athens Airport. After a flight that lands in the city around 9:00 AM, we’ll pick up our rented car. It’s possible to book in advance with major companies like Hertz, Sixt, Avis, etc., or rent directly upon arrival. Important note: If you’ve planned to visit one of the islands (or both) via a ferry, inform the rental company in advance so they can add special insurance. Confirm when booking that the company allows ferry transport with the rented vehicle. Not all companies permit this. We rented from Hertz, which allows ferry transport, and added ferry travel insurance, costing a few tens of euros.
– From the airport, enter “Corinth Canal” into Google Maps. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes without stops (around 105 km).
– Alternatively, you can spend a day or tow in Athens, before you had out to the islands. I’ve prepared a special guide about top hotels in Athens for a memorable stay.
– The impressive Corinth Canal was excavated in the late 19th century, enabling ships to shorten their journey between the port of Piraeus and the Gulf of Corinth and the Adriatic Sea. The walls of the canal rise up to 80 meters. The view is stunning, and if you’re lucky, you might see a ship sailing through. The brave-hearted can also try bungee jumping here.
– A minute’s walk from the viewing point, there’s a quaint small shopping center. Opposite to it, there’s a stall/restaurant where you can savor Souvlaki skewers with chips. The dishes are simple yet delightful. Try the kebab and chicken skewers. Note: Each portion includes 4 skewers, suitable for 2 people, not one. Some might choose to explore the nearby area, like the city of Corinth, the nearby Loutraki casino, and more.
– From there, we’ll head to Patras (or Patra), the third-largest city in Greece. It’s a bustling port city, filled with restaurants, cafés, pubs, and many shops, many of which are located on Agiou Andreou street. The city hosts three universities, so expect a vibrant atmosphere with many young people and tourists. The drive from the Corinth Canal to the center of Patras is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (140 km).
– Arriving in the city in the late afternoon, after a short rest or a stroll through the streets, consider having dinner at one of the restaurants on the main street. We dined at Bodegas, which offers sophisticated dishes, including fish fillet with watermelon and black crackers, a tomato salad with tart granita, and a chicken cutlet over a quinoa salad. If you arrive early enough, you might also explore the local shops to buy regional products.
– Accommodation: I recommend the Days City Suites – a boutique hotel offering spacious, modern rooms and a quality, though small, breakfast. The hotel is situated just a minute away from the main restaurant and shopping street, offering convenient access without the noise. The hotel has an adjacent parking lot costing 10 euros per day.
Check hotel availability
Day 2 – Ferry Trip to Kefalonia
– Morning Departure: Start your day by driving to the ferry that will take you to Kefalonia. It’s important to note that the ferry departs from the old (northern) port of Patras, not the new (southern) one. Navigate directly to the Levante Ferries office, located opposite the ferry boarding ramp. To avoid any rush, arrive at least 40 minutes before the departure time. It’s advisable to pre-book your tickets since the ferries often get full, especially during the tourist season. We found Ferryhopper to be an invaluable tool for booking our ferry trips, as it allowed us to conveniently book each leg of the journey with different ferry companies, enabling us to select the most suitable options that aligned with our schedule.
– On the Ferry: The ferry ride will take approximately three and a half hours. The ferry has spacious seating and a small cafeteria. If you are traveling with a vehicle, you will first park it on the ferry’s lower deck. After parking, you can proceed to the main passenger deck. For a comfortable experience, consider choosing seats at the front. From time to time, you can visit the open upper deck for a view of the surroundings.
– Arrival at Sami: Once you arrive in Sami, Kefalonia, you’ll find a variety of restaurants overlooking the bay. One restaurant we tried is Mediterrano. If the weather is calm, seats near the water are preferable. Some recommended dishes include the Greek salad with soft feta, feta wrapped in phyllo with honey and sesame, chicken skewers with seasoned fries and Greek pita, and grilled fish with greens. For dessert, they offer baklava with vanilla ice cream.
– Accommodation: We stayed at Alancia Suites. The suites have a small kitchenette with a refrigerator, which can be useful if you prefer to prepare some meals. The rooms are spacious, modern, and have sea views. There’s a pool adjacent to the rooms, and with only 8 units available, it is quiet and offers great service. Parking is available on the street outside the hotel, and it’s just a short drive from the ferry dock.
Check hotel Availability
Day 3 – Exploring Kefalonia
– Morning Start: After breakfast, either in your room or at a local restaurant, set out towards the Melissani Cave. A short and captivating boat ride awaits you inside this cave, which features an underground lake. Sunlight pierces through an opening in the cave’s roof, illuminating the exceptionally clear and blue waters below. The boat ride lasts approximately 30 minutes. Driving time from Sami to the cave is about 5 minutes (3 km), and there’s a convenient parking area onsite.
– Next Stop, Myrtos Beach: Head over to Myrtos Beach, one of the most striking beaches you’ll ever see. It boasts a beautiful stretch of bright sand interspersed with stunning rocks and clear blue waters. This is your chance for a swim and to enjoy the sun – don’t forget your swimwear! The drive to Myrtos Beach takes about 25 minutes (15 km).
– Visit Assos Village: From Myrtos, drive to the village of Assos, perched atop a hill overlooking a breathtaking bay with pristine waters. Even if you’re not in the mood for a swim, it’s worth stopping for the view alone. If you’re getting hungry by now, consider grabbing lunch here or wait until the next stop, Fiskardo. For those seeking a panoramic seascape, near Assos there’s an ancient Venetian fortress accessible via a marked trail; expect about a 30-minute uphill walk. The drive to Assos is around 25 minutes (12 km).
– Lunchtime in Fiskardo: This picturesque fishing village is unique as it’s one of the few places that wasn’t devastated by the great earthquake in 1953. As a result, its narrow alleys and homes retain their authenticity. You’ll find an array of restaurants facing the old village port. It’s recommended to park at the central village parking lot and then walk down to the port area. The journey to Fiskardo will take you approximately 35 minutes (20 km).
– Evening in Argostoli: The capital city of the island, Argostoli, is your next destination. The drive is scenic and once there, you can roam around various shops and restaurants. Most entertainment spots are located on the main pedestrian street, parallel to the waterfront, where you can also dine. Driving from Fiskardo to Argostoli takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes (50 km). Alternatively, you could skip Fiskardo and head straight to Argostoli from Assos, making it your lunch spot.
– Return to Sami: After your visit to Argostoli, traverse the island eastwards and drive back to your hotel in Sami. The journey back takes roughly 35 minutes (26 km).
Since the ferry from Sami to Patras departs early in the morning, it is advisable to spend the previous night in Sami. This ensures you won’t have a lengthy drive to the ferry terminal early the next day.
We stayed at the excellent Alancia Suites for the second night as well.
Day 4 – En Route to Corfu
– At 8:00 AM, the ferry departs from Corfu heading back to the town of Patras. After three and a half hours, you will arrive at your destination.
– From Patras, drive for about three hours (275 km) to the city of Igoumenitsa in northwest Greece. You can have a quick lunch in the city or wait until you arrive at Corfu Island.
– The ferry trip to Corfu Island takes about an hour and a half. On board, there’s a spacious cafeteria. As you approach Corfu, it’s recommended to go to the external part of the ferry to view the Corfu fortress and the entire bay. We booked our ferry trips using Ferryhopper, a decision that turned out to be extremely practical. This service enabled us to choose different ferry companies for each direction, allowing us to tailor our journey according to the best options that fit our schedule.
– Straight from the ferry, by now it’s early evening, head to the hotel located in the south of the city.
– Accommodation – Ray Hotel Corfu: This hotel is situated right on the waterfront. The view from the room’s balcony is breathtaking, almost indescribable. The hotel offers both a rich breakfast and dinner. Additionally, the hotel boasts 2 pools; one is the classic type you’d find in most hotels, and the other is a smaller infinity pool overlooking the sea. It’s one of the finest hotels on the island.
Check hotel availability
Day 5 – Touring Corfu
– Start the morning with a drive to Achillion Palace. This palace somewhat resembles the Bahá’í gardens due to its beautiful grounds. Note that at the time of writing, the palace is undergoing renovations, and only the gardens are accessible. It is advisable to call ahead. The drive from the hotel to the palace is less than 10 minutes (3 km).
– Next, head to Angelokastro Fortress, which stands on a steep cliff 300 meters high. You can climb to the top of the fortress, a somewhat challenging ascent that takes about 20 minutes, or stay below and enjoy the view of the mountain and sea. At the base of the fortress, there is a restaurant with a perfect view but very mediocre food. It’s not recommended unless you’re very hungry or just want a drink. The drive to the fortress takes about 55 minutes (33 km).
– Directly from the fortress, drive to one of the most beautiful places on the trip – Canal d’Amour. The beauty of this location is hard to put into words; you must visit to appreciate the layered rock formations and the small, almost secretive bay which hides a little beach you can swim in. The drive there takes about 50 minutes (26 km). There are several nearby parking areas, which may be paid during the season.
– Regarding lunch, you can eat at one of the restaurants near the Canal, although no particularly outstanding options were found there.
– From here, you can drive on a winding road to Mount Pantokrator. When we visited, there was dense fog, making it hard to appreciate the view. My recommendation is to check the weather before heading up. If it’s foggy, skip this, but if not, it’s definitely worth the trip. The drive up the mountain takes about 55 minutes (30 km).
– At this point, head back to Ray Hotel in Corfu. Along the way, consider stopping at Onima restaurant, which is located half an hour before the hotel by the sea. The restaurant is pleasant, but the real attraction is the coastline where you’ll find not only beautiful water but also stunningly colored stones formed by the sea. The drive from the mountain to the coastline where Onima restaurant is located takes about 40 minutes (18 km).
– From here, return to the hotel where you can have dinner, or head into town to dine at one of the city’s restaurants.
– We stayed at Ray Hotel Corfu for an additional night.
Day 6 – Departure from Corfu and Travel to Ioannina
– Before your ferry trip back to Igoumenitsa (our ferry was at 1:00 PM), you can stroll around the city center where you’ll find numerous shops and cafes. Additionally, you can visit the town’s old and new fortresses.
– Afterward, you’ll take the ferry back to Igoumenitsa and from there drive for about an hour (80 km) to the city of Ioannina, where you can dine in one of its many restaurants. Recommended restaurants include Balsamico, Stoalouli, and Atrium.
– Accommodation: One of the most interesting places to stay that we found after extensive searching is the Harmony Villa. This villa is situated right within the fortress area and spans three levels. The lower level features a washing machine, dryer, and a workspace (including an Xbox). The main entrance level boasts a spacious living room, a TV with a variety of channels, a large dining area, a fully equipped and modern kitchen, and an open balcony. The top level consists of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with each room accommodating 2 people. The villa is exceptionally well-equipped, very clean, and comes with amenities such as towels, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, house slippers, and more. It’s delightful to purchase ingredients from a local supermarket and cook using local produce.
Check hotel availability
Day 7 – Zagori Villages and Vikos Gorge
– Start your seventh day, after a night in Ioannina, by driving towards the villages of Zagori. Note that the roads among the villages are winding, and these are not highways. Your first stop is the viewpoint overlooking Vikos Gorge, the deepest gorge in Greece. There is a beautiful viewpoint at this location, and you can also enjoy a tea, sold onsite, while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The walk to the viewpoint from the main parking area in the village is short and easy. The drive from Ioannina is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes (53 km).
– Right across from the descent from the viewpoint, there’s a small hotel that also serves as a café-restaurant (Vikos View) where we enjoyed some delightful ice cream.
– From there, continue to the village of Monodendri, where you can walk to another viewpoint from the Persevaki Monastery. Be aware that the trek to this viewpoint, from the parking and restaurant area, is somewhat steep and challenging.
– For lunch, it’s recommended to dine at the restaurant located at the village square (The Pies of Frosso). Every dish we ordered there was genuinely exquisite. From zucchini pie (a kind of pastry made from phyllo dough filled with cheeses and zucchini – a must-try) to Greek salad and deep-fried feta wrapped in phyllo dough drizzled with honey. The phyllo dough is handmade by the owner, and it’s among the best pastries we tasted during our trip. The drive to this location is approximately 40 minutes (24 km). There’s a well-organized parking area at the entrance of the village.
– Straight after lunch, head towards the Oxya viewpoint. It’s one of the most impressive viewpoints in Greece, offering a captivating and powerful view of tall mountains, streams, and expansive areas of trees and greenery. Make sure to only go up to the observation deck and avoid the dangerous path beyond. The walk to the viewpoint is slightly steep but short and relatively easy. The drive here takes about 15 minutes (8 km).
– From here, move on to the bridges area of the Zagori region. Input “Plakidas Bridge” followed by “Lazaridi Bridge” on Google Maps. On the way, from the road, you can see Kokkori Bridge. You can also pull over to get a closer look. The drive to Plakidas Bridge is approximately 35 minutes (24 km).
– After this wonderful day, return to Ioannina for the night. You can either dine at one of the restaurants near the villa or prepare a dinner using local ingredients.
Day 8 – Meteora and Thessaloniki
– On the morning of the eighth day, head towards the famous Meteora monasteries. The region is characterized by particularly tall mountains that resemble rock formations with distinct features. Positioned at the very edge of these mountains are monasteries. Their sight is astounding and unique. It’s incredible to think about how people managed to build such large structures on the edge of the mountains. The drive to Meteora takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes (105 km).
– From there, continue towards the city of Thessaloniki. The drive lasts about three hours (225 km).
– Accommodation: A highly recommended hotel in the city, boasting a view overlooking the sea, is Electra Palace. Besides its proximity to the sea, it’s situated right at the beginning of the bustling pedestrian street of Thessaloniki. This means that any shopping you do can be immediately taken back to your room. The rooms in the hotel are spacious, high-quality, and meticulously maintained. Additionally, the breakfast on the seventh floor offers a panoramic view of the entire area.
Check availability at Electra Palace Thessaloniki
Day 9 – Exploring Thessaloniki
– At this stage of the trip, you have the option to explore Thessaloniki for a day, two days, or even longer, depending on your available time. You can either fly back home on this day or spend another day in the city. Alternatively, you could drive to Athens, which is approximately five and a half hours without stops (520 km). There are many things do do in Athens and I’ve prepared a special guide about top hotels in Athens for a memorable stay.
– So, what can you do in Thessaloniki? Here are a few options:
* Visit the iconic White Tower and stroll along the promenade.
* Explore the bustling pedestrian street starting at Aristotelous Square, where you will also find numerous restaurants and food stalls. One highly recommended restaurant is “fullmeze,” which is around 7 minutes from the hotel. While there, don’t miss out on their zucchini chips, fried halloumi (in fact, try any halloumi dish during your trip), as well as their refreshing vegetable salad and flavorful chicken breast.
– You can join a guided Thessaloniki culinary tour and discover the local delicacies.
Check tour availability
