Greece is one of the most visited countries in the world, with tourism accounting for 18% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing one fifth of its workforce. Blessed with gorgeous beaches, alluring islands, ancient monuments, and plenty of archeological sites, visitors flock to this southern European country to experience its wonderful offerings. If Greece is on your radar, here are some tips to help you plan a road trip in the country.
Rent A Reliable Car
A road trip can become a smoother experience if you have a comfortable and dependable vehicle. While Greece’s roads consist of newly-built highways, some secondary roads that connect towns may not be in a good state. In addition, you might decide to explore places that are off the beaten path. It helps that you have a reliable ride that will take you to places in safety and comfort. For example, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) offer several advantages, such as bigger space, better visibility because of a higher driving position, and improved capability to handle severe weather conditions or different terrains.
Hence, if you prefer to hire all wheel drive cars, it is recommended to make your reservations in advance, as they are popular among visitors. Moreover, not all international rental car companies offer them, so you might want to look at local suppliers to get a 4WD. Note that the best time to visit the country is in late spring or autumn when there are fewer crowds and lower demand for rental cars. In addition, temperatures are lower, making a road trip more comfortable, especially when you visit archeological sites. June to August are the hottest months, and temperatures can exceed 40°C.
Prepare A Detailed Itinerary
There are tons of places to visit in Greece, from stunning islands to historic cities. However, if you want your trip to go smoothly or make the best of your time in the country, it is crucial to take the time to draft a realistic itinerary. Narrow down the list of spots you would like to visit, and calculate the distances between each town and attraction to see if it is doable. Reserve your tickets in advance or online for guided visits or admissions to sights. Accommodations must also be booked beforehand to ensure that you have a place to stay. Check out restaurants in the area in advance of a day trip, and if there are none, prepare sandwiches or a picnic.
For example, you can start your trip in Athens if you’re flying in from abroad. Make day trips to the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. From Athens, you can take the ferry to Santorini or Mykonos. It’s also possible to take the plane from the capital and rent a car in the Cyclades (saving precious time, as the ferry ride can take anywhere from four to 10 hours). Once on the island, discover beaches, explore ruins, go on hikes, visit wineries, or walk around a volcano. All these activities will already require around a week’s stay in the country, so a detailed plan can help you decide which activities you can realistically do within a given time.
A road trip is one of the best ways to discover Greece. To make your journey seamless, consider renting a good vehicle, and prepare a detailed plan.
