One-Week Relaxed Greece Road Trip from Thessaloniki to Ioannina

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Greece begins when you reach Thessaloniki, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Thessaloniki is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Thessaloniki offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Kanoula. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,335 customers.

ROOTS serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Thessaloniki has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,104 reviews.

Opsopoion Maganeiai is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,640 customers, Opsopoion Maganeiai is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Thessaloniki looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Pulp, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,573 reviews.

Makedonia Palace Hotel offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Thessaloniki. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,530 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Kitchen Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 9,067 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Greece! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Greece!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Greece, you'll explore the best attractions in Thessaloniki at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Thessaloniki, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Aristotelous Square. This incredible square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,179 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Greece by seeing another popular site in Thessaloniki, the wonderful White Tower of Thessaloniki. This fortified tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 42,179 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos. This top-tier point of interest has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,531 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. This archaeological museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,924 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Arch of Galerius and Rotunda. This amazing site is a wonderful tetrapylon with more than 11,979 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Greece. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Thessaloniki itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Greece extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Thessaloniki. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Giok Balik. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,336 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Loupino Restaurant, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Loupino Restaurant is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 3,657 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Sebriko. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,978 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Thessaloniki and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Dentro sto Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,446 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Wall by Wall. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,128 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is SKYLINE - OTE Tower. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. SKYLINE - OTE Tower has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,534 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Greece, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Greece gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Thessaloniki and visit more of its attractions.

Thessaloniki has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Greece. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Kapani, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Kapani has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,510 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Agias Sofias Square. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 10,128 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Thessaloniki is the notable Holy Church of Hagia Sophia. The popular Holy Church of Hagia Sophia is a highlight of many travel packages in Thessaloniki. As a matter of fact, this remarkable church has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 5,520 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Thessaloniki, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Atatürk Museum. Take your time exploring this wonderful house museum and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 7,420 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,550 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki is something to look forward to in Thessaloniki.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Thessaloniki by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Thessaloniki.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Thessaloniki, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Charoupi is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Thessaloniki-based food place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,912 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, The Rouga is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. The Rouga proved an excellent choice for around 2,900 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Thessaloniki is The Greek, which has an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 3,117 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Thessaloniki, Loupino Restaurant. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 3,657 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Tribeca. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 3,262 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Castra- All Day Terrace Bar may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 2,882 customers have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Thessaloniki and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Greece on a great note!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Greece gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Metsovo. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Ioannina, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Averoff Art Gallery is waiting for you. This museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 815 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Metsovo square. This unique best-rated sightseeing destination is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,433 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Metsovo has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Greece. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Ioannina. In Ioannina, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Greece.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Mandio is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is PsISTARIA TAVERNA "O SAKIS", one of the best restaurants in Mandio. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 885 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing PsISTARIA TAVERNA "O SAKIS".

Locals also recommend Balsamico as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Balsamico as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,077 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Frontzoy Politeia - Frontzu Politia Restaurant. Frontzoy Politeia - Frontzu Politia Restaurant is another of the most popular places to eat in Mandio. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,712 customers.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Spitaki me thea. Spitaki me thea is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,243 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Palia Agora. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,278 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Scala. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Scala is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Greece!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Greece, you’ll explore the area around Zagori, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Zagori will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Greece.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating park, the stunning Vikos Gorge. Around 6,310 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular Oxya Viewpoint, a popular must-see tourist destination and another top-rated attraction in Zagori.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Papingo Rock Pools. This local attraction is an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,106 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Vikos National Park will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Greece more memorable. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,307 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Greece is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

If you’re feeling a little eager to wander around the city a bit more, we recommend you visit the fantastic Klidonia ancient stone bridge. Klidonia ancient stone bridge is a well-loved must-see tourist destination by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,906 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Greece by joining a traveler-approved tour in Zagori. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Zagori and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Zagori that will make your self-drive tour in Greece more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Zagori to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Ioannina for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Greece by eating at one of the best restaurants in Ioannina.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,564 customers, the dining experience Motley Coffeesweet offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Greece.

Metsovitiki Folia is another pleasant place to eat in Ioannina. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Frontzu Politia - Hotel and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,241 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Equus, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Ioannina is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 990 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Omilos, another well-known bar in Ioannina. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 900 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Chevalier. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 739 customers, Chevalier is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Ioannina.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Greece is all about!

Day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Greece serves as your introduction to Ioannina. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Greece and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Ioannina, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 823 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Grand Serai Congress & Spa. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,641 guests, Grand Serai Congress & Spa is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Filokalia Hotel offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Filokalia Hotel is a top-rated budget hotel in Ioannina with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 372 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Ioannina. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Ioannina, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Cave of Perama. This show cave and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Ioannina. The fascinating Cave of Perama has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,636 travelers.

Ioannina is also home to the captivating Ioannina Castle, a local castle and another popular attraction in the city. About 11,412 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Ich Kale Acropolis of Ioannina is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Greece. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,163 travelers, Ich Kale Acropolis of Ioannina proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Litharitsia park. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing top-tier point of interest and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,135 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Moyseio Ellinikis Istorias Payloy Vrelli. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating museum and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 7,022 visitors have rated the famous Moyseio Ellinikis Istorias Payloy Vrelli an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Ioannina, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Greece.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Greece. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Ioannina, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Ioannina is SEIRIOS. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,410 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Bite Bite for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Ioannina. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,985 customers.

Another alternative is Mystagogia. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,763 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Ioannina. At To Dodeka Cafe Bar, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 809 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at OPEN BAR, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 770 reviews.

Route 66 Bar is also one of the best places in Ioannina where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 449 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Greece!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Greece gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Kastraki. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Thessaloniki, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Main Observation Deck of Meteora is waiting for you. This top-tier point of interest has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,662 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. This unique place of worship is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 8,462 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Meteora. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 35,413 visitors, this monastery is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Kastraki has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Greece. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Thessaloniki. In Thessaloniki, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Greece.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,775 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Palati Thessaloniki.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like The Blue Cup | Creative bar. The Blue Cup | Creative bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,254 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Menta. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,241 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Apallou. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Apallou is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,504 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Greece!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Greece is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Thessaloniki.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Thessaloniki once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Greece on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Thessaloniki or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Thessaloniki and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Greece is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.