5-Day Greece Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Thessaloniki traveling west to Ioannina and Larissa
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 5-day road trip through Greece. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Greece takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Thessaloniki, 1 night in Ioannina, and 1 night in Larissa. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Greece. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Thessaloniki, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Greece on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Greece. White Tower Of Thessaloniki and Aristotelous Square are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Kastraki, Larissa, Katerini, Vergina, and Edessa, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Greece. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Greece.
Throughout your road trip in Greece, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Greece.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Greece fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Greece today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Thessaloniki - arrival day
- Thessaloniki - Arrival day
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- Aristotelous Square
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Your road trip adventure in Greece begins as soon as you reach Thessaloniki and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Thessaloniki for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Thessaloniki is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Aristotelous Square or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Thessaloniki. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Thessaloniki. 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 reserve a table at Kitchen Bar, an iconic dining spot in Thessaloniki. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The Greek, a popular restaurant in Thessaloniki. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Phanós, a hidden gem nestled in Thessaloniki. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Beetle Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Vogatsikou 3 is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Souel provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Greece!
Day 2 – Thessaloniki and Ioannina
- Thessaloniki
- Ioannina
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Drive 276 km, 3 hours 27 min
- Kapani
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos
- Arch of Galerius
- Heptapyrgion of Thessalonica
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On day 2 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 Thessaloniki. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ioannina, where you will stay for 1 night.
Thessaloniki is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a market, a monument, an art installation, a castle and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the popular Kapani. Just a short distance away is White Tower Of Thessaloniki, a picture-perfect monument that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to The Umbrellas Sculpture By Zogolopoulos, one of the city’s most popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally renowned Arch Of Galerius And Rotunda. Last up on today’s itinerary is a castle. Make your way to Heptapyrgion Of Thessaloniki for some final sightseeing. Each attraction will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Thessaloniki.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Ioannina. Ioannina offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. 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 Ioannina. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely meal at To Dodeka Cafe Bar, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Mustagogia is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Accademia Del Panino. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Ioannina tonight.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at ⚜ V E D E M A ⚜, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Hogwarts Tales And Spirits offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Chevalier provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Greece.
Day 3 – Ioannina, Kastraki, and Larissa
- Ioannina
- Kastraki
- Thessaly and Central Greece
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Drive 197 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Ioannina Castle
- The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour
- Monastery of Varlaam
- Meteora
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Greece. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Ioannina and Kastraki. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Larissa, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
A blend of a romantic, a stunning, an eye-catching, a standout, and a majestic await you in Ioannina on today’s itinerary. First up is the captivating castle, Ioannina Castle. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Ioannina, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kastraki. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 51 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Spend your afternoon discovering Holy Monastery Of The Great Meteoron -transfiguration Of The Saviour, an often recommended monastery known for its historic features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Monastery Of Varlaam, a beloved monastery that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Meteora and uncover the details of this visually striking monastery.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Larissa, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Larissa's best restaurants.
Make sure to book a table at Nonna Rossa, a popular restaurant in Larissa. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Larissa at Vosporos | Restaurant • Bar, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is THE ALLEY. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Larissa tonight.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Sherlock Easy Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Kiou is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Wisedog is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Greece!
Day 4 – Larissa, Katerini, Vergina, Edessa, and Thessaloniki
- Thessaly and Central Greece
- Katerini
- Vergina
- Edessa
- Thessaloniki
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Drive 266 km, 4 hours 27 min
- Katerini Municipal Park
- Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aigai (Aegae)
- Edessa Waterfalls
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Greece. Today you will explore Katerini, Vergina, and Edessa, 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 Thessaloniki. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
When you’ve had your share of Larissa, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Katerini. Your travel time is around 1 hour 5 min.
Begin your journey at Katerini Municipal Park and explore the romantic features.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Katerini, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Vergina may take around 53 min. Upon your arrival in Vergina, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Museum Of The Royal Tombs At Aigai (aegae), a curiosity-inducing museum that draws visitors from near and far.
Edessa’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Vergina behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min. Edessa welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Waterfalls Park, Edessa is a popular waterfall we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its idyllic features before continuing your self-guided tour.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Thessaloniki. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Thessaloniki, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Mamalouka, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Clochard offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Sofi's House Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Thessaloniki.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Castra- All Day Terrace Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Barbaben - Bar/ba/ben offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Thessaloniki. Apallou is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Say good night to Thessaloniki and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Greece!
Day 5 – Thessaloniki - departure day
- Thessaloniki - Departure day
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- Agias Sofias Square
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
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Day 5 of your road trip in Greece is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Thessaloniki before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Maximize your last day in Greece and go on a shopping spree in Thessaloniki’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Greece.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Thessaloniki today. One of the most notable attractions included on the itinerary is Agias Sofias Square. This culturally significant public square will help you start your sightseeing on top.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.
Before you conclude your road trip in Greece, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Thessaloniki.
If you're eager to try something different, consider O Loytros, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Thessaloniki. 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!
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