Unforgettable road trips or day trips through Northern Greece

The countless Greek islands are popular tourist destinations, but some places have become quite crowded. That’s why it’s no surprise that more and more travelers are looking for an alternative, and northern Greece quickly comes to mind. This part of the country is much less developed for tourism and offers stunning natural beauty, combined with ancient Greek ruins and other attractions, including authentic villages. For the best experience, rent a car—that way, you won’t have to wait for a bus or train, and you’ll be able to decide exactly where and when to go. Read our suggestions below, and we hope to inspire you to discover the sights of Northern Greece with a rental car!

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki bills itself as Greece’s second capital, but it’s much less crowded than the official capital, Athens. It’s brimming with historic buildings, some of which are listed as World Heritage Sites, including the city’s symbol, the White Tower. Built in the fifteenth century by the Ottomans as a defensive structure, it is now an interactive museum where you can learn more about the history of Thessaloniki. You can walk up an easy staircase, and each of the six floors has a different theme. From the top, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the city and the sea.

The Upper Town (Ano Poli) is still partially surrounded by city walls and is very charming with its traditional old houses and narrow, cobblestone streets. The Heptapyrgion Fortress was built during the Byzantine era but later reinforced by the Ottomans, and it was still in use as a prison quite recently (until 1990). The Triumphal Arch of the Roman Emperor Galerius and the nearby Rotunda both date from the early fourth century. Nestled between modern apartment buildings are the remains of Galerius’s Palace, and the same is true of the Roman Forum. That Forum was discovered by chance in the 1960s when this site was chosen as the location for a new city hall. Today, it is Thessaloniki’s largest archaeological site, with a particularly interesting underground museum.

A wide and extremely long boulevard, Nea Paralia, runs along the waters of the Gulf of Thessaloniki. Locals especially enjoy strolling along the waterfront in the evening, but you can also settle down at one of the many outdoor cafes. Behind the ferry terminal at the start of the boulevard lies the lively nightlife district of Ladadika.

The Chalkidiki Peninsula

Thessaloniki is a perfect starting point for day trips or a multi-day trip by rental car to the Chalkidiki Peninsula, southeast of the city. There you’ll find miles of sandy beaches, ancient monasteries, and much more. The peninsula has a unique shape, with three elongated “fingers” on its southern end: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. The beaches of Kassandra mainly attract a younger crowd, while Sithonia is more geared toward families and outdoor enthusiasts. Athos is unique because it is an autonomous monastic republic, and only male visitors are allowed to visit—on a very limited basis and exclusively by boat.

Mount Chortiatis

To the east of Thessaloniki, you can see the summit of Mount Chortiatis (1,201 m). You can drive quite a distance up a well-paved road until you reach a “forest of antennas.” The road does continue higher, but you’re not allowed to drive beyond that point because it’s military territory. Don’t worry, though—even from this spot, you’ll already have a fantastic view of the surrounding area. We recommend taking the same route back, as the road that descends along the north side of the mountain is very steep in some places and unpaved. Be aware that you’re driving on such a gravel road at your own risk, since the terms and conditions of all car rental companies state that you’re not allowed to drive on such roads.

Petralona Cave

If you drive south from Thessaloniki in your rental car via the A24, you’ll see the exit for the Petralona Cave (Greek: Πετραλώνα) after about fifty kilometers. Not only is it an impressive sight with beautifully lit stalagmites and stalactites, but this cave also has an interesting history. One of the oldest and best-preserved human skulls in Europe was discovered here, along with Stone Age tools and prehistoric animal fossils. During the guided tour, guides will tell you about this fascinating history, and you can learn even more about it in the on-site museum.

It’s about 700 meters from the parking lot to the cave, but for 3 euros, you can also take a small train.

Kassandra Peninsula

Strictly speaking, Kassandra is not a peninsula but an island, since you drive across a canal that separates it from the mainland. Along that canal, you’ll see the remains of a defensive wall, which was intended to block access to the peninsula. That canal was likely dug during the time when this part of Greece was under the rule of the King of Macedonia.

The seaside resort of Nea Fokea not only has beautiful sandy bays, but also a perfectly preserved defensive tower dating from the early fifteenth century. Next to it stands a simple little church dedicated to the Apostle Paul, who is said to have hidden in a cave beneath it. Drive a little further south in your rental car and you’ll arrive in Afytos, perhaps the most beautiful town on the peninsula. From here, you’ll drive past one sandy beach after another, all the way to the village of Chrousou. One of the beach resorts along this coast, Pefkochori, hosts a lively market on summer evenings featuring handmade jewelry, textiles, and ceramics. On the west coast of Kassandra, you’ll find a unique beach, Cape Possidi, a sandy spit that juts far out into the sea.

As we mentioned above, Kassandra attracts mainly young people, and during the summer months there is a vibrant nightlife, especially on the east coast.

Sithonia Peninsula

The Sithonia Peninsula also has endless beaches, but it’s a bit more laid-back than Kassandra, and it features taller mountains covered in vast forests. It’s a delight to drive your rental car along the winding roads here. In addition to swimming and water sports, this peninsula offers great hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. If you want to do something more active besides just lounging on the beach, Sithonia is the perfect destination.

The town of Neos Marmaras has two beautiful beaches, but there are also lovely trails through the wooded hills along the coast, known as the Sithonia Trails. Fifteen routes have been mapped out, ranging in length from 700 meters to nearly twelve kilometers. You’ll walk through stunning natural scenery and pass through picturesque, ancient villages along the way, offering a glimpse into traditional Greek rural life.

Vourvourou Bay is the crown jewel of the east coast. Off the coast lie nine islands that you can reach by motorboat or kayak. It’s great fun to sail from island to island or through the so-called Blue Lagoon.

Porto Koufo has the deepest natural harbor in Greece, whose entrance lies almost hidden between high cliffs. Here, too, the surrounding hills offer excellent hiking trails with dramatic views of the sea.

The seaside resort of Sarti combines beautiful beaches with breathtaking views of the Athos Peninsula and the mountain of the same name, which rises out of the sea. Early risers are treated to an unforgettable sunrise.

Athos Peninsula

As we mentioned above, it is very difficult to obtain a permit to visit the monastic communities on the Athos Peninsula. And women are strictly prohibited from setting foot there at all. What you can do, however, is take a boat tour along the coast to catch a glimpse of some of the mysterious monasteries from a distance, as well as the impressive Mount Athos at the southern tip of the peninsula. Most boat tours depart from Ouranoupoli. This seaside resort has a nice beach bordered by an impressive 13th-century Byzantine defense tower.

Road Trip Through Northern Greece

If you’re not so much looking for the sea and the beach, take a fantastic road trip from Thessaloniki in a rental car through northern Greece. Northern Greece offers breathtaking landscapes and a fascinating mix of Greek, Macedonian, and Ottoman influences. The well-maintained road network makes it ideal to rent a car and explore authentic villages, ancient ruins, and unspoiled nature on your own.

We’ve listed a few suggestions below, but this is by no means a complete list of the sights in northern Greece. You don’t have to plan a full-fledged road trip, though—some of these destinations are easily accessible on a day trip by rental car from Thessaloniki.

Veria / Aigai

About an hour’s drive west of Thessaloniki lies Veria, a city with a rich history. The main attraction is the small but fascinating historic Jewish quarter, known as Barbouta. Walking through the narrow streets lined with typical Macedonian-style houses, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The synagogue and the religious bathhouse behind it form the heart of the neighborhood. Just north of this neighborhood lies another historic district with old houses and a church that’s nearly a thousand years old: Panagia Dexia. And, of course, the city center also has neighborhoods with narrow, cobblestone streets and historic architecture, such as Kyriotissa and Makariotissa, which are filled with Byzantine chapels.

The small Archaeological Museum of Veria houses artifacts from the period when the Macedonian Kingdom was at its peak. Much more interesting are the Macedonian ruins at Vergina, twelve kilometers southeast of Veria. There you’ll find the Royal Tombs of Aigai, as Vergina was formerly known. It is an impressive underground structure where significant artifacts and beautiful frescoes are on display. The treasures offer a glimpse into the splendor and grandeur of the city of Aigai during its heyday. Among other things, you’ll see the tomb and other personal belongings of the Macedonian King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Further south, you’ll find the ruins of the palace where Alexander was crowned king.

Would you like to explore more of the town in your rental car? Then download the 5 routes around Veria that the Tourism Office has put together for you.

Edessa Waterfalls

About fifty kilometers north of Veria lies the town of Edessa, famous for Greece’s highest waterfalls. Several trails, stairways, and small bridges lead to the main waterfall. The highlight is that you can walk behind the curtain of water. Then descend the path to where the water hits the rocks, forming a double waterfall that creates two pools at the bottom. The best time to visit the waterfalls is in the spring, when they’re at their most powerful and the surrounding gardens are bursting with color.

In the city itself, stroll through the historic Ottoman quarter of Varosi with its charming narrow streets and traditional architecture.

Kastoria

The final stretch of the road between Edessa and Kastoria winds through the Verno mountain range. Take full advantage of the densely forested slopes all around you! Kastoria is a destination that’s a bit off the beaten path. But isn’t that exactly why you rented a car in Thessaloniki—so you can discover places like this? Kastoria is located on a narrow peninsula jutting out into Lake Orestiada. It sits on an isthmus between two mountains, but the elevation changes within the town itself are also quite significant. Be prepared to climb plenty of stairs to discover the best hidden gems! For example, the Folklore Museum, housed in an old house on one of the narrow streets in the historic center. The house itself is worth a visit, but you’ll also learn more about life in days gone by.

On the south side of Kastoria, a road runs along the lake to the Dragon Cave. It’s not the largest stalactite cave in Greece, but it’s a beautiful one, with seven underground lakes. Alternatively, you can take the trail that crosses the mountain, offering several stunning viewpoints.

Prespes National Park

If you drive north from Kastoria, you’ll reach Lefkonas and Prespa National Park, which consists of two lakes and the surrounding area. The large Lake Prespa is shared by Greece, North Macedonia, and Albania. The smaller Lake Prespa lies almost entirely within Greek territory. The turnoff to Prespes is clearly marked, just past the village of Trigono. At the end of the EO15, you’ll come to a T-junction: the right turn leads to Agios Germanos, and the left turn leads to the Prespa Lakes.

These lakes form a beautiful nature reserve, where birdwatchers in particular will find plenty to enjoy. A must-do is to rent a boat in Psarades, which will take you past the cliffs on the southern shore of the Small Prespa Lake. Carved into those cliffs are Byzantine chapels and rock paintings. Even if you’re not interested in religion, the hikes through the rocks are fun, though they can be quite steep at times!

From Agios Germanos, you can hike up the mountains and be rewarded with fantastic views of the two Prespa Lakes.

North Pindos National Park

For the rest of your road trip through northern Greece, you’ll need to drive back to Kastoria via the same route. Or you can drive your rental car directly from Kastoria to Konitsa—a trip of about 100 kilometers if you take the direct route, or slightly longer via the EO20. Both routes pass through the northern part of the impressive Pindus Mountains.

Just before Konitsa, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the valleys and mountains of the Northern Pindos. Don’t miss the turnoff to a historic little bridge. You can’t see it from the road running along the valley because the bridge is much lower down. Look for the small staircase with wooden railings that leads down.

Just south of Konitsa, you’ll find an even more beautiful example of one of these old little bridges, and the river there is a popular spot for wading in the summer. You can also start a hike here through the Aoos River Gorge to a 16th-century monastery.

Konitsa is a very charming little village built against steep hillsides. The main road winds its way up and continues on to the village of Elefthero. Along the way, you’ll pass a waterfall right next to the road. It’s especially impressive in the spring when the snow melts. Here you’re in the wild mountains of the national park, with wonderfully winding roads leading past lakes, monasteries, even more old little bridges, and hidden villages. These winding roads aren’t the easiest, but they’re more than worth the effort. Leave your rental car behind for a while, as there are plenty of opportunities to get active: hiking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and paragliding.

Just south of Konitsa lies the Vikos Gorge, a testament to nature’s almost unimaginable beauty and one of Greece’s most stunning sights. This gorge is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest gorge in relation to its width. You might expect thousands of tourists to flock to the many viewpoints with their cameras, but that’s not the case.

There are several places where you can begin the hike through this gorge, but most people start in the village of Monodendri. The village center is car-free, so park your rental car on the outskirts of the village. The trail to the gorge starts from the small central square and is clearly marked with signs. If you walk all the way to Vikos, it will take you about five to six hours—longer if you take occasional breaks along the way to enjoy nature. In Vikos, you can take a taxi back to Monodendri. Don’t feel like walking? Then drive your rental car to the magnificent Oxya viewpoint, just a 15-minute drive north of Monodendri. After a short 300-meter walk, you’ll look out over the Voidomatis River as it winds through a dense forest, flanked by steep cliffs.

Ioannina

Ioannina is beautifully situated on Lake Pamvotis in the heart of the Epirus region, of which it is the capital. The main attraction is the old, walled fortress town, where the narrow streets are bustling with life. At the highest point stand the ruins of the Its Kale fortress, offering a beautiful view of the lake. Within the fortress walls, you’ll also find the beautifully restored 17th-century Fethiye Mosque. Ioannina has a long history of silversmithing, and at the Silversmithing Museum, you can learn more about the artistry and craftsmanship of the silversmiths. One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss is the small island in Lake Pamvotis, where you can visit monasteries and the Ali Pasha Museum, dedicated to a legendary but cruel leader. The island is an oasis of tranquility, and a walking trail runs along its entire shoreline.

Thanks to the university and other higher education institutions—and the eager students associated with them—Ioannina is teeming with bars, cafés, restaurants, and outdoor seating areas. And for those looking for a good time: you can really let loose in the city until the wee hours.

Perama Cave

Perama Cave is one of the largest stalactite caves in Greece and is located, so to speak, “just around the corner” from Ioannina, on the north side of the lake. The stalactites and stalagmites are beautifully lit, and guided tours of the cave depart every hour and last about 45 minutes. The nice thing is that you don’t return to the starting point but end up on the other side of the hill. Please note: there are many steps, both up and down. Some have a handrail, but not all of them. You need to be reasonably fit to make this trek through the cave and, moreover, not be claustrophobic, as some passages are quite narrow.

Baros Pass

The Baros Pass (also spelled Mparos Pass) is a spectacular mountain route, known as the highest paved road in Greece. This mountain pass is only for people who enjoy driving a rental car on narrow, sometimes steep roads—and who find it even more fun when those roads are full of hairpin turns. Don’t fall into that category? Then skip this attraction and drive on to Kalabaka (see below).

To reach the mountain pass, head east on the A2/E92 south of Ioannis and turn off toward Tzoumerka after about thirty kilometers. Once you’ve crossed the Arachthos River, the fun begins: hairpin turn after hairpin turn. Follow the signs to the village of Pramanta (sometimes spelled Pramada on the signs) and then on to Matsouki. This is where the pass begins, connecting this village with Anthousa. You can also start in the picturesque village of Kalarrites (with monasteries carved into the rocks). As you travel along this breathtaking route, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the rugged beauty of the Greek mountains. This road is normally open year-round, but may be closed in winter if it hasn’t yet been cleared of snow.

Kalabaka / Meteora

If you don’t go to the mountain pass described above, continue driving your rental car along the A2 to Kalabaka, which is located more than 100 kilometers east of Ioannina. This village lies at the foot of the famous Meteora monasteries, which is Greek for “floating in the air.” There are a total of 24 such monasteries, which were built between the 14th and 16th centuries atop steep and narrow rock spires. For centuries, the monks used wooden or rope ladders to climb the rocks and bring up supplies. Supplies were also hauled up by pulling baskets along the rock face. Six of the monasteries are still in use and are open to visitors.

These monasteries became the centers of the Orthodox faith during the Byzantine era. They produced some of the finest works of religious art, and you can view these precious collections in the museums of the three most-visited monasteries. These are Mega Meteoron, the largest and oldest monastery; Varlaäm, the second-largest monastery; and Agios Stefanos, the only convent. Rousanou, Agios Nikolaos, and Agia Triada are smaller monasteries in more rugged locations. During peak season, it can get incredibly crowded here, so it’s best to visit the monasteries as early as possible. An alternative is the road winding between these rocky peaks. Driving your rental car along this scenic route is an experience in itself.

This rocky landscape is a paradise for rock climbers. There are about fifty massive rock towers and some eighty peaks worth climbing. The so-called Wall of the Great Saint is the highest, at more than three hundred meters, but there are many more climbing routes in Meteora.

Mount Olympus

It’s no wonder that Mount Olympus played a major role in Greek mythology as the home of the most important gods. The mountain rises to a height of 2,917 meters, making it the highest peak in Greece and the second-highest mountain in the Balkans. The lower slopes are interspersed with narrow, densely forested gorges featuring waterfalls and caves where lesser gods and other spirits were said to dwell.

The fastest route from Kalabaka to Mount Olympus follows the EO6, past the city of Larissa, and then takes the A1 to Plaka on the Aegean Sea. From there, take the exit to the mountain village of Litochoro, the perfect base for hikes in Mount Olympus National Park. From Litochoro, you can drive to the Prionia parking lot. A beautiful hike takes you to the sacred Cave of Saint Dionysios via the waterfalls in the Enipeas Gorge. If you want to reach the highest peaks of Mount Olympus, you’ll need considerable mountaineering experience.

After your visit to Mount Olympus, drive back from Litochoro via Katerini to Thessaloniki—a trip of just over an hour.

Roads in Northern Greece

The major highways in northern Greece are generally in excellent condition. Smaller, local roads may be less well maintained. Be aware of potholes in the road surface. Most Greek highways require a toll, which can be paid in cash or by credit card. Make sure you always have cash on hand in case the card reader isn’t working. There is also an electronic payment system, but most rental cars do not have the necessary transponder.

Road signs are usually bilingual (Greek and Latin script), but not always. If the text is in Greek only, Google Lens can be a big help. The signs on the highways are very clear, as they list only the most important destinations.

Why Rent a Car in Thessaloniki

We hope that the sample itinerary and day trips above have inspired you to explore northern Greece. Whether you’re drawn to the beautiful beaches of the Chalkidiki Peninsula, the untamed beauty of nature, or the historical richness of the cities, villages, and monasteries. Start an amazing road trip by renting a car in Thessaloniki—for example, right upon arrival at the airport. We’re certain that a road trip through Northern Greece in a rental car will provide you with travel experiences you’ll never forget!