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HomeRoad TripsEuropeSouth EuropeGreeceNorthern Greece
Meteora Greece

Northern Greece Road Trip

Xanthi - Kavala - Serres - Thessaloniki - Vergina - Konitsa - Ioannina - Igoumenitsa - Corfu Town

Expect on your itinerary

Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Beach Beach
Northern Greece Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km727 h/stage1.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Northern Greece Road Trip in Greece?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 189EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 275EUR eat & more 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 711EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 900EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 315EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 462EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,091EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,406EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 945EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 924EUR eat & more 672EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,771EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,716EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,575EUR drive & more 200EUR sleep & more 385EUR eat & more 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 921EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,496EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Northern Greece Road Trip Itinerary

Take a journey through the stunning landscapes of northern Greece with the Northern Greece Road Trip. Starting in the city of Xanthi, the route leads through the towns of Kavala, Thessaloniki, Konitsa, and Igoumenitsa, before ending in the vibrant Corfu Town. Along the way, you can explore the historical sites, such as the UNESCO Heritage Monuments, and take in the stunning scenery. The total distance of the trip is 727km and is recommended to be completed in 7 days, although this can be adjusted to suit your own needs. The best time to drive this route is between April and October, when the weather is mild and the roads are in good condition. The Northern Greece Road Trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a reasonable budget. You will be rewarded with a high level of experience and memories that will stay with you for many years to come. So, get ready to explore the beauty and charm of northern Greece with the Northern Greece Road Trip!
number of days 7 number of days
route length 727 km route length
budget moderate budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Xanthi

Distance 727 km Driving time 11.8 h Pace: modest 189.0 kWh Airports KVA , SKG
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Xanthi, a city in northern Greece, is a great starting point for the Northern Greece Road Trip. Located in the Thracian Plain, Xanthi is a great place to explore the ancient and modern aspects of the country. Some of the top attractions to visit while in Xanthi include the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, and the Aesthetic Park of Xanthi. The Archaeological Museum houses artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages, and the Folklore Museum provides visitors with an insight into the history and culture of the region. The Aesthetic Park of Xanthi is a great place to take a stroll and get some fresh air, with its many ponds and gardens. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), which is located about an hour and a half away by car. There are car rental services available at the airport, making it easy to start the Northern Greece Road Trip. Xanthi is an excellent starting point for the Northern Greece Road Trip. With its many attractions, it is a great place to explore the ancient and modern aspects of the country. Those traveling by air can easily find car rental services at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) and begin their journey.

1 Xanthi - Kavala

Distance 52 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 15.6 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing adventure, starting in the beautiful city of Xanthi, Greece and ending in Kavala, a mere 52 km away. The drive should take you less than an hour, so you can take your time to explore all the great places in between. In Xanthi, be sure to stop at the Xanthi Archaeological Museum to learn about the city’s rich history. Then, take a stroll through the old town and admire the colorful neoclassical buildings. Continue your journey with a stop at the picturesque village of Stavroupoli, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Rhodope Mountains. Your next stop is the charming town of Thasos. Here, you can visit the ancient ruins of the Temple of Dionysus, the Archaeological Museum, or the many beautiful beaches. Finally, you will arrive in Kavala, the city of Philippi, where you can explore the ancient ruins of the city and visit the Acropolis of Philippi. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Kavala - Serres

Distance 124 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: fast 37.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Are you looking for an exciting road trip? Then, the journey from Kavala to Serres is the perfect choice for you! This route is a part of a larger tour, but it can also be taken as a stand-alone. It will take you through the stunning landscapes of Northern Greece, with a total distance of 124 km and a driving time of fewer than 2 hours. Your journey will start in Kavala, a city with a rich history, home to the ancient acropolis, the old city walls and the old castle. Be sure to visit the archaeological museum and the ancient theatre, as well as the picturesque harbor. The next stop is the village of Nea Peramos, where you can take a walk along the beach and admire the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Then, you can visit the nearby village of Keramoti, known for its golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Your final destination is Serres, a city with an amazing cultural heritage. Here, you can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Serrai, the Byzantine fortress and the old city walls. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum, the Serres Folklore Museum and the Municipal Art Gallery. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Serres - Thessaloniki

Distance 82 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 24.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Serres to Thessaloniki! This 82km journey will take you less than an hour, and you’ll get to explore some of the most interesting sites in Greece. On the way, you’ll pass through some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the country’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll also get to experience some of the best local cuisine, as well as some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. As you drive, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea, and you’ll be able to stop and explore some of the most interesting historical sites along the way. Make sure to take advantage of the amazing opportunities that await you on this journey, and don’t forget to check the Itinerary of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites. Enjoy your road trip!

4 Thessaloniki - Vergina

Distance 69 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 20.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip? Start your journey in Thessaloniki, Greece and end it in Vergina, a mere 69 km away, in less than an hour's drive. Along the way, you will be able to explore the many historical sites, some of which are even UNESCO Heritage sites. You will have the opportunity to admire the unique architecture, the ancient ruins, and the breathtaking views. Make sure to take some time to visit the archaeological museum of Vergina, where you will get to see the royal tombs of the ancient Macedonian kings. As you drive through the countryside, you can also take a break to visit the nearby monasteries and churches. Don't forget to take a few pictures of the stunning landscapes and the breathtaking views of the mountains. To make the most of your journey, you can find more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

5 Vergina - Konitsa

Distance 224 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: fast 67.2 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome to the road-tripping stage of your tour that starts in Vergina, Greece and ends in Konitsa! This 224 km journey is estimated to take you less than 4 hours, so make sure you make the most of it! Start your journey in Vergina, the archaeological site of the ancient city of Aegae, the first capital of Macedon. Here, you can explore the ruins of the royal palace and the burial mounds of the Macedonian kings, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Continue your journey to Konitsa, a town situated in the middle of the Pindus mountains. Here, you can visit the Monastery of Panagia Spileotissa, a 13th century Byzantine monastery, and the Averoff Gallery, an art museum with a collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, sculptures and engravings. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road-tripping adventure!

6 Konitsa - Ioannina

Distance 64 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: modest 16.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Konitsa to Ioannina! This stage is part of a larger tour, and it is a 64km drive that will take you fewer than 2 hours. Start your journey in Konitsa, located in the northern part of Greece. Here, you can visit the old bridge of Aoos River, the historical churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Athanasios, and the archaeological site of ancient Aiginion. Continue your drive to Ioannina, the capital of the Epirus region. Here, you can explore the historical centre of the town, the Castle of Ioannina, the Cave of Perama, and the picturesque lake of Pamvotis. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

7 Ioannina - Igoumenitsa

Distance 108 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: slow 24.9 kWh View map Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Ioannina to Igoumenitsa! This 108 km journey will take you less than three hours and you will be able to enjoy some of the most interesting places in these two cities. In Ioannina, you should definitely visit the Castle, the most iconic landmark of the city, where you can admire the breathtaking view of Lake Pamvotis. Other popular attractions include the Archaeological Museum with its collection of ancient artifacts and the Byzantine Museum with its impressive collection of Orthodox icons. In Igoumenitsa, make sure to visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the city’s most prominent church, and the Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa, where you can learn about the history of the city. You can also take a stroll around the old town and admire the traditional architecture of the city. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

8 Igoumenitsa - Corfu Town

Distance 4 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: slow 1.0 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome to the amazing road trip stage from Igoumenitsa to Corfu Town! This is one of the most exciting and thrilling stages of the journey, and it’s only 4km away. You’ll reach your destination in less than an hour. In Igoumenitsa, you can visit the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, and the Municipal Market. In Corfu Town, you can explore the old Venetian fortresses, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and the Church of St. Spyridon. For a great experience, make sure to visit the old port of Igoumenitsa, the Corfu Town’s historic centre, and the picturesque Corfu Old Town. For even more fun and adventure, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. It contains detailed information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a great trip and enjoy the ride!

  Corfu Town

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End your Northern Greece Road Trip with a visit to the beautiful town of Corfu! Rich with ancient Greek culture, Corfu is a popular tourist destination and has plenty to offer. Start your exploration in one of the oldest parts of the town, the Old Fortress, built in the 16th century. Here you can marvel at the Venetian-style architecture, explore the surrounding gardens and take in the stunning views of the Ionian Sea. In the old city center, you can find the Liston, a tree-lined pedestrian promenade with a variety of cafes and restaurants. If you are a fan of the arts, don’t miss the Achilleion Palace, a former summer residence of the Empress of Austria, and the Museum of Asian Art, where you can admire a rich collection of Chinese, Japanese and Indian artifacts. If you are looking for a beach experience, there are plenty of options. From the picturesque Canal d’Amour beach to the lively Glyfada Beach, you can find something to suit your style. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Corfu, there is something for everyone. The closest international airport to Corfu is Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU), located just 2 miles from the city center. So start planning your road trip to Northern Greece and don’t forget to include a stop in Corfu!

Northern Greece Road Trip at a glance

Hopefully, our journey idea has become an ideal inspiration for your future travels.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse tourist attractions.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around Greece, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a bunch of things to keep in mind to turn your road trip into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for drivers who opt for hiring a vehicle or camper rental in Greece.
There are a number of road regulations to be mindful of while travelling around Greece. In Greece, if you are planning to drive, try avoiding alcoholic drinks at all costs. Holidayers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is extremely low and amounts to only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 50km/h, when travelling around the the city streets may result in a speeding fine. When travelling around non-build-up-areas, you should stick to the maximum car speed of 90km/h. On highways, you cannot drive faster than 130km/h. In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your vehicle with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. Of course, depending on the budget option that you aim for, the money that you have to pay for your travel expenses will vary. A wide range of budget configurations is presented below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 9 stages while travelling around Greece can amount to 100 EUR. Travel expenses connected with economy hotels will cost up to around 275 EUR. The travel expenses related to restaurants and food within this option can cost up to around 336 EUR. If you also aim for the economy car hire option, you will pay about 189 EUR. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be approximately 711 EUR without car rental and 900 EUR with vehicle rental.
Holidayers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay about 125 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. Those who are considering standard accommodation should be ready to pay roughly 462 EUR. When choosing this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost roughly 504 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car can expect a cost of more or less 315 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 1,406 EUR for travellers who would like to try car rental and 1,091 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding tourists. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 2,716 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend about 1,771 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the itinerary in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of about 945 EUR. When it comes to the top standard option of the itinerary, you should expect the average cost of around 175 EUR when it comes to gasoline. You should expect to pay around 672 EUR for food and restaurants and approximately 924 EUR for hotels if you are interested in the highest standard of services during your road trip.
Our trip is also an exquisite opportunity for all camper fans. When it comes to this travel means, the expenses may amount to more or less 1,575 EUR. Travellers will spend around 200 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Tourists who will go for camper hire should expect to pay around 385 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 336 EUR for expenses connected with food.
You can check all of the details connected with costs in the section Road Trip Costs.
The period between June and October is perfect to visit the part of Greece showed in our adventure idea. There are numerous interesting road adventures that we offer on our website if Northern Greece Road Trip has inspired you. Hopefully, the great versatility of ideas will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in Greece

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 90 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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