Do: a road trip from Athens to Thessaloniki
Wandering around Athens for a few days and tasting everything there is to taste. Then getting in the car and taking a small detour via Meteora along the coastal route towards Thessaloniki. It's just that Covid interfered with my plans, otherwise I could have already ticked off this road trip across the mainland of Greecea long time ago. Not a big deal, of course, because just look at what I still have ahead of me. Will I see you on the way at a pit stop?
Start: Athens
The capital of Greece has it all: the most pleasant temperature in winter, rooftops with views of the Acropolis, and culinary hotspot after culinary hotspot. Absolutely immerse yourself in Athens for a few days. Promise me you'll stop by Marianna Petridi Jewelry for the beautiful rings and eat at the new restaurant Dopios. Christoforos Peskias is behind the pans here and, in my opinion, is one of the best chefs in Greece. This is firsthand information because I have tasted it myself.
See history: Delphi
After the culinary delights in Athens, the journey goes to Delphi. This archaeological site is all about the Greek god Apollo and is one of the most famous places in history. The oracle of Delphi determined the fate of Greece in ancient times. Now it is especially incredibly beautiful to see along the way.
Take a dip: Kamena Vourla
Time to head towards the coast and take a dip in the sea with a pleasant temperature. Kamena Vourla is perfectly located on the route, an hour and a half drive from Delphi. The water in the bay is blue, and the surrounding mountains are fresh green. The Greeks even used to think the water here was healing.
Tsipouro and tsipouradika: Volos
The city of Volos is located against the Pilion mountain range and is known for Tsipouro and Tsipouradika. Loosely translated: the liqueur and mezes. Tsipouro is a Greek liqueur that you drink while enjoying delicious mezes. Definitely worth a stop.
Majestically beautiful: Meteora
The Meteora mountain range is magical to see. Monasteries have been built on top of the gigantic rocks that can only be reached on foot. It is no wonder it has been declared a protected area by UNESCO. Once there were 24 monasteries on Meteora, but now only six are still in use by monks.
Idyllic stop: Lake Plastira
The water here is said to be emerald green, and I would gladly drive around just for that. Plastira has mountains, forests, and a beautiful lake. The destination for if you want to see Greece from a different perspective.
Artistic coast: Olympus Riviera
After excavations, mountains, and lakes, we return to the coast. Small correction, because you certainly have mountains at the Olympus Riviera as well, but combined with the sea. This stretch of Riviera is also known as Pieria. You drive here via Mount Olympus, the mountain of the gods indeed, increasingly towards Thessaloniki.
Wines: Veria and Naoussa
Do you love wine? Great. Do you love Greek wines? Even better. In Veria and Naoussa, you will find the most beautiful vineyards in the country. Be sure to book an overnight stay nearby if you plan to taste them, of course.
Savoring culture: Vergina and Veria
One last city for the grand finale, because you must not skip the city of Veria. It is teeming with Byzantine monuments and has earned the name Little Jerusalem. Don't be misled, though, because Veria is hip and happening. Did you know that the tombs of the father of Alexander the Great can be found nearby in Vergina? So not only fun but also a cultural experience.
Final stop: Thessaloniki
This is the city where the Greeks themselves love to come. Not without reason, because it buzzes and lives here. Squares full of restaurants and taverns, a drink on the boulevard, or by water taxi to the beach. In Thessaloniki, it can all happen. And all of this among the historical buildings that have been around for hundreds of years.
Alright, for when you can't resist: Chalkidiki
One last tip, because I can't help it. If you're in Thessaloniki, you're almost in Chalkidiki. Just drive a little further to the peninsula, one of the most beautiful in Greece.
Just a note before departure
The Greeks are happy to see you coming, but always fill out the PLF form well in advance (not on the last day before departure). On the Greek government's site https://travel.gov.gr you can read everything about the measures in Greece.
