6-Day Greece Road Trip from Athens traveling north to Volos, Thessaloniki, and Trikala

Welcome to Athens, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Greece! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Athens's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Athens 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 National Garden of Athens 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 Athens. 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 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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Athens by securing a table at Hytra. Esteemed as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Spondi, famous for its scrumptious french dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover The Zillers, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite contemporary and greek cuisine in Athens. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for contemporary and greek cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Μαύρος Γάτος, known for its lively atmosphere. Kuko's The Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Tiki Bar Athens offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Greece!

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Greece. Today you will explore Athens, 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 Volos. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Athens welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Acropolis Museum one of your first sightseeing stops in Athens. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 64,209 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This archaeological museum attracts 814,565 visitors every year.

Acropolis of Athens is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This acropolis is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 121,830 reviews. Up to 1,807,580 travelers visit this site every year to make their time in Athens special.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Parthenon. This ancient greek temple has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 72,885 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Temple of Olympian Zeus. A trip to this popular ancient greek temple is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.5 out of 5-star rating as given by 26,224 previous visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Volos. Volos 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 Volos.

Make sure to book a table at Staphylos, a popular restaurant in Volos. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Volos at Flokos, 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 Mikel Coffee. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Volos tonight.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at PLEASURES seaside cafe + more, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Gala offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Grappa Vino & Aperitivo. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

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 Pella and Edessa. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Thessaloniki, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

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.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Archaeological Museum of Pella, a remarkable archaeological museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,098 reviews.

Make Lazaristes Monastery one of your first sightseeing stops in Pella. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,507 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Kitchen Bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Greek offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ενοχές Bar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Thessaloniki.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Vogatsikou 3, known for its inviting atmosphere. Castra- All Day Terrace Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Apallou provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Greece, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Thessaloniki and Kastraki. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Trikala, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Kastraki and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 56 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kastraki beckons with new experiences!

Journey into the unknown at Aristotelous Square, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,159 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, White Tower of Thessaloniki is a recommended place to visit. This fortified tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 51,335 reviews. Based on recent data, the attraction hosts 290,192 visitors per year.

Another must-see attraction in Thessaloniki is The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,676 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Thessaloniki offers an experience you will remember.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Thessaloniki, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Kastraki may take around 2 hours 56 min. Upon your arrival in Kastraki, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Meteora. Previous visitors have rated this monastery an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 36,135 reviews.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Trikala. 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 ALVEO, an iconic dining spot in Trikala. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Trikala Fortress, a popular restaurant in Trikala. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Palia Istoria, a hidden gem nestled in Trikala. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue your lively evening at Σουίτα Art Cafe, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Factory Café is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Love Shake ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Greece and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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 Thermopyles, Kallithea, and Palaio Faliro. In the evening, you’ll end up in Athens, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Thermopyles, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kallithea. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 12 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Memorial of Leonidas and 300 Spartans. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,690 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Thermopyles and set your GPS to Kallithea. 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 12 min. Upon reaching Kallithea, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Stavros Niarchos Park. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 36,893 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. This cultural center has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 53,342 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Athens. Athens 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 Athens's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at Karamanlidika, a top-rated dining destination in Athens. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider ELLYZ Cafe Athens, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ama Lachei. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Athens this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Brettos is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Upupa Epops - The bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is LOT 51. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Greece!

Day 6 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.

Maximize 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. Bring a bit of Greece home with you through these charming souvenirs.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Kuzina, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Tavern Klimataria (est.1927) offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Efcharis restaurant.

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!