Cheap 5-Day Greece Road Trip from Patras to Athens and Ioannina and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Greece starts when you reach the incredible city of Patras, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Patras and begin your adventure in Greece.

Patras is a popular cheap holiday destination in Greece with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Greece, Patras is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Patras offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Greece.

We recommend a local favorite like Καφετέρια "Θεατράκι" | Πάτρα. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,539 customers.

Carousello is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Patras. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,922 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Patras you might want to check out is Bodegas. Bodegas is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,710 reviews.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Notos and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 708 customers.

Beer Bar Q is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,281 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Abbey, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,435 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Greece!

Day 2 of your road trip across Greece is another proof that cheap holidays in Greece can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Patras, Kastria, Zachlorou, and Athens.

When you're ready to see some sights, Holy Church of Saint Andrew is a great place to start with. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,700 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kastria. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 47 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Drop by the renowned Cave Lakes - Kastria Cave. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,641 visitors.

After soaking in Kastria’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Zachlorou. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 35 min. When you arrive in Zachlorou, it's time to take a break from the road.

Drop by the renowned Mega Spileon Monastery. This popular place of worship has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,637 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Zachlorou, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Athens may take around 2 hours 12 min. Upon your arrival in Athens, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Athens offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Greece. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Greece, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Athens that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Visit the popular Karamanlidika. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,838 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Greece is Ατίταμος. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,348 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Couleur Locale. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,817 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

360 Cocktail bar is a fantastic bar many locals in Athens recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,580 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Upupa Epops - The bar, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,915 customers.

The Clumsies is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Athens. Customers have rated the exciting The Clumsies an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,694 reviews.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Greece with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Greece!

Day 3 of your road trip across Greece offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Athens, Gefyra Isthmou, and Ioannina. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Ioannina.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Acropolis Museum. This archaeological museum gets 814,565 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 64,209 reviews.

Next up, make your way to National Garden of Athens. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 36,206 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gefyra Isthmou. This car ride takes around 1 hour 7 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Corinth Canal East Entrance is a great place to start with. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,790 visitors.

Ioannina’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Gefyra Isthmou behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 29 min. Ioannina welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

While exploring Greece is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Ioannina has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Ioannina on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Ioannina, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

One musty-try restaurant is ΨΗΣΤΑΡΙΑ ΤΑΒΕΡΝΑ "Ο ΣΑΚΗΣ". This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 885 customers.

Balsamico is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,077 reviews. Balsamico is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Φρόντζου Πολιτεία - Frontzu Politia Restaurant. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,712 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Ioannina, Spitaki με θέα. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,243 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend Παλιά Αγορά. This bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,278 customers.

Scala is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Greece!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Greece will take you to the city of Patras, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Patras, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Greece, including Ioannina and Patras.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at The Clock Tower of Ioannina. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,998 visitors.

When you’re finished at The Clock Tower of Ioannina, head to Ich Kale Acropolis of Ioannina. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,234 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Ioannina Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,505 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Cave of Perama. This show cave is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,774 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Μουσείο Ελληνικής Ιστορίας Παύλου Βρέλλη. This famous museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,143 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Ioannina, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Patras may take around 2 hours 14 min. Upon your arrival in Patras, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Patras. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Patras, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Savor the culinary delights of Patras, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Salumeria, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,481 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Makina, so you'll want to drop by this place. Makina serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,323 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Patras is Talks. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,079 customers.

After dinner, stop by one of the best bars in Patras. Distinto Mall often offers travelers and locals alike a great time. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,331 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at Avli By Vouz. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 815 customers.

Prego is another top-rated bar in the city. This place enjoys an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 814 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Greece. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Greece!

Your budget road trip vacation in Greece is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Patras.

As your final day in Greece unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Patras’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Greece.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Patras, consider a top-rated restaurant like Acera. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,040 customers.

Santa Rosa is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,164 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Sinialo. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,089 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Greece and your fun memories in Patras.

You’ll then say farewell to Patras. 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!