Touring any country or city by car is the best way to soak up its history and culture. Do you want to know what to see in Greece over one week?
Greece is one of the most complete destinations in Europe, because it has 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful beaches, mountain landscapes and delicious food that you have to try. Many people only think of the islands, but mainland Greece has destinations that cater to all tastes.
In addition, the roads are very well connected and driving around the country is a breeze. If you're planning your driving tour, here we tell you what to see in Greece in one week.
Day 1: Athens, the first stop to see in Greece in one week
Like any capital city, Athens is worthy of the first day of your trip (and more time if you can spare it). You must visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the Plaka neighbourhood, with its narrow streets full of shops and taverns.
If you pick up your rental car at Athens Airport (ATH), you can get around the city with ease. If you are making your getaway in summer, get up early to avoid the heat and crowds. Moreover, Athens is the best starting point to discover Greek history.
Day 2: From Athens to Delphi
About 110 miles northwest of Athens lies Delphi, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. In ancient times, it was considered the centre of the world. It is an essential stop for its temple of Apollo, the theatre, the stadium and the views of the Pleistos river valley.
The drive from Athens takes about 2.5 hours, so it's best to leave early and arrive in time to visit the archaeological site and museum. In the evening, you can stay in the town of Delphi itself or in Arachova, a beautiful mountain town.
Day 3: From Delphi to Meteora
Meteora is a lesser-known stop, but it has to feature on your list of things to see in Greece in one week. The journey from Delphi takes about 3.5 hours. And we recommend:
- A visit to the monasteries perched on top of rock formations, which are completely unique in the world. You can visit the Great Meteoron or Varlaam, still inhabited by monks.
- Climbing up to one of the many viewpoints to watch the sunset.
- An overnight stay in Kalambaka or Kastraki, the nearest villages.
- If you like spirituality and something a little different, you will love Meteora.
- From here you will be able to take some of the most beautiful pictures of your trip to Greece.
Day 4: Onward to Ioannina and Epirus
From Meteora, continue west for about 2.5 hours to the city of Ioannina, in the Epirus region. It is a less touristy destination, but it is one of the top places to see in Greece in one week. It has a beautiful lake, an Ottoman citadel, lively streets and a great multicultural history.
We recommend a trip to the Kipina monastery or a visit to the mountain villages of the Zagori, with their stone houses and arched bridges crossing the rivers. It is the perfect stop for the middle of the trip, as it is one of the quietest areas.
Day 5: Ionian coast and Parga
Greece has beautiful and paradisiacal beaches, and that is what you will see from the fifth day on. In about 2 hours you will reach Parga, a hidden gem by the sea with a Venetian castle and postcard-worthy waters.
And on the way, you can stop in Preveza or visit the site of Nicopolis, founded by Emperor Augustus after the battle of Actium. In the evening, a dinner overlooking the sea is the perfect plan.
Day 6: Nafpaktos and stop at Rion-Antirion Bridge
In this part of the route of what to see in Greece in one week, it is time to head back south. In about 3 hours you will reach Nafpaktos, a small coastal town with lots of charm. And on the way it is impossible not to notice the impressive Rion-Antirion bridge, which connects Peloponnese with mainland Greece.
Nafpaktos has a beautiful urban beach, a castle with a view and a very picturesque Venetian harbour. It is the perfect place to rest, enjoy a quiet walk or have a coffee by the sea.
Day 7: Back to Athens via the Gulf of Corinth
On your last day, you can return to Athens in about 2.5 hours along the coast of the Gulf of Corinth. We recommend a stop at the Corinth Canal, a work of engineering that connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea, and with incredible views from the bridge.
If you still have some time left over, visit the ruins of ancient Corinth or make a quick stop in Loutraki, known for its hot springs.
And after touring Greece at your leisure for a week by car, you will have soaked up the country's history, culture and atmosphere. The best way to do this is by renting a car with OK Mobility in Athens or in Thessaloniki. Have a good trip!
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