One of the best ways to explore Greece’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage is through road trips and drives that take you off the beaten path, allowing you to discover hidden gems and breathtaking views.

Greece is a country of diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains and rugged coastlines to lush valleys and historic ruins.

Whether you’re driving through the picturesque Greek islands or along dramatic mainland routes, these top 20 scenic drives offer unforgettable experiences for any traveler.

1. Athens to Sounion road trip

(Saronic Coast Road): Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon.
This coastal drive from Athens to Cape Sounion follows the stunning Saronic Gulf, offering breathtaking views of the sea and rocky coves. The road leads to the Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff with panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. Watching the sunset here is a truly magical experience.

Travel tip: Stop at one of the many seaside tavernas along the way for fresh seafood and a swim at Vouliagmeni Beach.

2. Thessaloniki to Halkidiki

(Kassandra and Sithonia Peninsulas): Beachside Bliss.
The Halkidiki region, known for its three peninsulas, offers some of the most scenic drives in Greece. From Thessaloniki, take the road to the Kassandra and Sithonia peninsulas to experience golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming seaside villages. The roads wind along the coast, offering stunning sea views at every turn.

Travel tip: Visit the Mount Athos Peninsula for a unique spiritual and scenic experience, though keep in mind that access to the monastic community is restricted.

3. Meteora to Zagori Villages

From Monasteries to Stone Bridges.
Starting from the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries, this drive takes you through the stunning Pindus Mountains to the traditional Zagori villages in Epirus. The route passes through lush forests, deep gorges, and stone bridges, offering a journey into one of Greece’s most untouched natural landscapes.

Travel tip: Take a detour to the Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons, and hike the gorge for breathtaking views.

4. Peloponnese Road Trip

(Corinth to Monemvasia): History and Seaside Beauty.
This scenic drive through the Peloponnese takes you from the Corinth Canal to the medieval town of Monemvasia. Along the way, you’ll pass ancient ruins like Mycenae and Epidaurus, as well as charming coastal towns such as Nafplio. The final stretch leads to the stunning rock fortress of Monemvasia, which juts out into the Aegean Sea.

Travel tip: Spend a night in Nafplio, a picturesque town with Venetian architecture and cobbled streets, before continuing south to Monemvasia.

5. Athens to Delphi

A Journey to the Center of the Ancient World.
The drive from Athens to Delphi takes you through scenic valleys and rolling hills, with views of Mount Parnassus in the distance. Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. The route offers a combination of historical exploration and natural beauty.

Travel tip: Stop at the town of Arachova, a charming mountain village known for its traditional architecture and cozy tavernas, on your way to Delphi.

6. Crete’s North Coast Road Trip

(Heraklion to Chania): Cretan Coastal Charm.
This road trip along Crete’s northern coast from Heraklion to Chania offers a stunning combination of beaches, historic sites, and mountain scenery. The route passes by the ancient Knossos Palace, lively seaside towns, and dramatic coastal landscapes.

Travel tip: Make time to visit the beautiful Balos Beach and Elafonissi Beach, famous for their turquoise waters and pink sand.

7. Ios to Santorini

(Island Hopping by Car): Volcanic Views and Whitewashed Villages.
While the islands of Ios and Santorini are typically explored by ferry, you can also rent a car and drive around these beautiful islands. In Ios, explore the scenic roads leading to secluded beaches and traditional villages. In Santorini, the drive along the caldera offers dramatic views of the volcanic cliffs and the deep blue Aegean Sea.

Travel tip: Drive to Oia for one of the world’s most famous sunsets, and explore the island’s less-visited villages like Pyrgos for a quieter experience.

8. Epirus Mountains Road Trip

(Ioannina to Tzoumerka National Park): Mountain Adventure.
Starting in the city of Ioannina, this drive takes you deep into the Epirus Mountains and the remote wilderness of Tzoumerka National Park. The road winds through dense forests, past rushing rivers, and over stone bridges, offering some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Greece.

Travel tip: Don’t miss a stop at the Acheron River, where you can take a boat trip or hike through its stunning gorge.

9. Athens to Nafplio

Coastal and Historical Wonders.
This short but scenic drive takes you from the bustling capital of Athens to the charming town of Nafplio. Along the way, you can stop at the Corinth Canal and explore the Ancient Corinth archaeological site. The drive offers beautiful coastal views before arriving in the romantic streets of Nafplio.

Travel tip: Make time to visit the Palamidi Fortress in Nafplio for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding sea.

10. Crete’s South Coast

(Chania to Paleochora): Untouched Cretan Beauty.
This road trip takes you along the less-traveled south coast of Crete, from the bustling city of Chania to the peaceful village of Paleochora. The drive offers rugged coastal views, secluded beaches, and dramatic mountain scenery, showcasing Crete’s diverse landscapes.

Travel tip: Stop at Elafonissi Beach along the way, a stunning spot with pink-hued sand and crystal-clear waters.

11. The Mani Peninsula Road Trip

Wild and Untamed Greece.
The Mani Peninsula in the southern Peloponnese is a region of rugged landscapes and remote villages. Driving through Mani offers stunning views of mountains, stone towers, and the Mediterranean Sea. Highlights include the medieval town of Areopoli and the ancient Diros Caves.

Travel tip: Explore the Caves of Diros by boat, a natural wonder with crystal-clear waters and impressive stalactites.

12. Kalambaka to Trikala

(Thessaly Plains): Meteora’s Majestic Rocks.
From Kalambaka, home to the famous Meteora monasteries, take the scenic drive to the town of Trikala across the fertile Thessaly plains. The journey offers breathtaking views of the towering rock formations of Meteora and the surrounding agricultural landscape.

Travel tip: Visit the Great Meteoron Monastery and the Varlaam Monastery at Meteora, both offering stunning views and spiritual tranquility.

13. Crete’s White Mountains

(Chania to Samaria Gorge): A Trekker’s Paradise.
From Chania, drive into the White Mountains of Crete and explore the dramatic landscapes leading to the entrance of the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest gorges. This road trip offers a combination of mountain views, winding roads, and opportunities for hiking.

Travel tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, hike through the Samaria Gorge and emerge at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can take a ferry back.

14. Pelion Peninsula Road Trip

A Journey Through Myth and Nature.
The Pelion Peninsula offers a scenic drive through lush forests, traditional villages, and beautiful beaches. The road takes you through Makrinitsa and Portaria, two charming villages with stunning views over the Pagasetic Gulf, before descending to the Aegean coast.

Travel tip: Visit the seaside village of Damouchari, famous for its role in the movie “Mamma Mia!,” and enjoy a meal by the sea.

15. Athens to Thermopylae

Following the Footsteps of Ancient Warriors.
This drive takes you from Athens to the historic site of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made their legendary stand against the Persians. The road offers scenic views of the Euboean Gulf and passes through the Boeotia region.

Travel tip: Visit the Thermopylae Memorial and the hot springs nearby, known for their therapeutic properties.

16. Rhodes Island Coastal Drive

Ancient and Medieval Splendor.
The island of Rhodes offers a scenic coastal drive that takes you from the Medieval City of Rhodes to the ancient site of Kamiros and the charming village of Lindos. The route offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and passes by sandy beaches and ancient ruins.

Travel tip: Climb to the Acropolis of Lindos for panoramic views of the surrounding coast and the village below.

17. Athens to Meteora Road Trip

A Road Trip Through Greek Heartland.
This road trip from Athens to the Monasteries of Meteora takes you through the heart of Greece, passing through scenic countryside, charming villages, and historic towns like Lamia and Karditsa. The drive is perfect for those who want to experience the diverse landscapes of mainland Greece.

Travel tip: Break up the journey with a stop at Thermopylae, where you can visit the historical battlefield.

18. Crete’s Lasithi Plateau

Windmills and Mountain Views.
The drive to the Lasithi Plateau in Crete takes you through a stunning mountain landscape dotted with traditional windmills. The plateau is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and offers beautiful views of the countryside and opportunities to explore traditional Cretan villages.

Travel tip: Visit the Dikteon Cave, believed to be the birthplace of the god Zeus, located on the plateau.

19. Patmos Island Scenic Drive

The Sacred Island of Patmos, known as the Island of Revelation, offers a peaceful and scenic drive that takes you from the Monastery of Saint John to the Cave of the Apocalypse and around the island’s beautiful beaches and bays. The route is filled with spiritual and historical significance, combined with stunning coastal views.

Travel tip: Visit the quieter Grikos Bay for a swim in its tranquil waters after exploring the island’s sacred sites.

20. Ioannina to Vikos Gorge Road Trip

(Zagori Villages Loop): Greece’s Wild North.
This road trip takes you from Ioannina into the Zagori region, famous for its traditional stone villages and the spectacular Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world. The winding roads offer breathtaking views of the gorge, lush forests, and ancient stone bridges.

Travel tip: Visit the village of Monodendri to hike the Vikos Gorge and explore the surrounding Zagorochoria villages, each offering its own unique charm.

These top 20 scenic road trips in Greece showcase the country’s diverse landscapes, from mountains and gorges to beaches and ancient ruins. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to explore Greece’s hidden gems, these drives offer unforgettable experiences on the open road.