Greece Self Drive 4 - Meteora, Macedonia & Epirus

Sightseeing & hiking in quieter Greece

Summary

Explore the lesser-known regions of northern Greece on this self-drive holiday from Thessaloniki, combining cultural landmarks, unspoilt landscapes and outdoor adventures. Highlights include the monasteries of Meteora, the mountain villages and hiking trails of Zagori, and the wild beauty of Epirus. Optional coastal stops in Parga and historic towns such as Ioannina and Metsovo add variety, while the flexible itinerary allows you to balance sightseeing, walking, and relaxation at your own pace.

Activity code: GR-FD-04

Duration: 9 Days/8 nights

Northern Greece Fly-Drive – Epirus, Zagori & Meteora

Exploring the north of Greece by car is a true pleasure, with its rich cultural and religious history set against an abundance of natural beauty. This self-drive holiday takes you through some of the lesser-explored regions of northwestern mainland Greece, with a particular focus on the stunning Zagori area. Along the way, you will visit one of Greece’s most iconic locations — the monasteries of Meteora. The regions of Epirus and Thessaly remain relatively remote and little-visited, offering a sense of discovery and tranquillity.

Your journey begins in Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant second city. From here, a pleasant drive south and inland brings you to the village of Kastraki, at the foot of Meteora’s towering rock formations. If you arrive at sunset or just after dark, the morning view will be simply breathtaking, with mediaeval monasteries perched high above the plains. After exploring Meteora, you continue into the Epirus region, where dramatic mountains and unspoilt national parks await.

In Zagori, there is the opportunity to enjoy some gentle or more challenging hiking, including trails through the spectacular Vikos Gorge, as well as visits to remote villages and the region’s iconic stone bridges. Midway through the itinerary, you may choose to spend a couple of nights on the coast, for example in Parga or Sivota, enjoying the sea and beaches, or continue exploring inland with hikes to the Dragon Lake and other scenic spots. Along the way, highlights include Ioannina, the ancient sanctuary of Dodoni, the Perama Caves, and the mysterious Necromanteion. On your return towards Thessaloniki, you may also wish to visit the picturesque town of Metsovo, the remote and mysterious town of Kastoria, the incredible waterfalls at Edessa and the extensive historic site of Vergina, where the tomb of Philip II of Macedon was discovered.

Thessaloniki itself makes an excellent base for the finale of your holiday. Spend a few nights relaxing in the city, exploring its museums, vibrant markets and cafés without the need to drive, or head to the nearby beaches of Halkidiki. There is also the option to extend your trip with a second week in Pelion or additional exploration in Macedonia.

This itinerary is a tried and trusted favourite, carefully designed to allow time to enjoy the scenery, culture and walking opportunities at each location. It is flexible and can be tailored to suit your interests, pace and preferences. All we need to know are your approximate travel dates, preferred hotel standard, and any particular sites or regions you would like to include or omit. One night at each stop maximises sightseeing, two or more nights allow for side trips, while staying in a single place provides time to relax and fully enjoy the local area.

For those who prefer not to drive, guided tours or a private driver can be arranged to follow the same itinerary, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout.

You may also choose to extend your stay with a few days on one of Greece’s islands or elsewhere on the mainland — we would be delighted to offer suggestions and help plan the additional time.

Not included: the new "Climate TAX" for overnights in hotels. This  is to be paid directly to the hotel, prior to check-out . The price depends on the hotel category.

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What's included in your fly-drive holiday:

  • Fully inclusive car rental
  • 8 nights hotel and guest house accommodation
  • B&B basis throughout.
  • Fully detailed itinerary with sightseeing and route suggestions
  • FREE travel app with all your documents, maps, weather and much more

Itinerary

Collect your car from Thessaloniki Airport and drive south to Kastraki village near Meteora.

Once you are settled into your hotel you might like to start exploring the area. Depending on your arrival time you might like to take a short walk - the sunset here is simply stunning.

[If you are on a late flight we will arrange for an overnight stay in Thessaloniki on the night you arrive to save you driving in the dark!]

Recommended places to stay

Dellas Boutique Hotel
Doupiani House
Tsikeli Boutique Hotel

Today you will explore this unique area. The UNESCO site consists of monasteries built on huge rocks, which tower 400m above the valley. Small roads and paths take visitors up and around the monasteries, some still-inhabited, some now abandoned.

'Suspended in the air' (the meaning of Meteora in Greek), these monasteries represent a unique artistic and engineering achievement - to turn this inhospitable area into a place of retreat, meditation and prayer. The first hermits arrived in the 11th century and over the next 600 years twenty-four monasteries in total were built. There were no passable roads and pilgrims (as well as food and supplies) had to be hoisted up the cliff in a net to reach the monasteries - there are still some of these in operation.

Today, only a handful are open and admit visitors on certain days.

Departing Meteora drive towards the Vikos-Aoos National Park and the Zagori villages. Along the way we recommend a stop in the mountain town of Metsovo (although this is dependent upon your return route). Zagori (Slavic for 'behind the mountains') is a geographical area consisting of 46 traditional mountain villages, pine forests, traditional stone bridges, and a wealth of flora and fauna.

Your stay for the next two nights will be in the village of Monodenri in an authentic, family-run hotel. From this base you'll be able to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Greece.

Recommended places to stay

Monodendri Hotel

A day at leisure to explore this very scenic and unspoilt area, either on foot or by car. You may like to walk through the Vikos Gorge, which crosses west and central Zagori; it is approximately 12 kilometres long and its cliffs reach 1200 metres high.

If you don't fancy straying too far, Monodendri itself is one of the most beautiful and well-known of the traditional Zagori settlements - the large square, manor houses and churches reflect the wealth of its citizens during the Turkish occupation. The settlement is home to the 15th century monastery of St Paraskevi and the 17th century Church of St. Minas. Also in the area are many other villages and the fascinating stone bridges so typical of Zagori.

After your stay in Monodendri we suggest that you move a little bit further north to the lovely little village of Mikro Papigo in the heart of the National Park for the next two nights.

Papigo in western Zagori is built on the sides of Mount Astraka and consists of two areas: Small (Mikro) and Great (Megalo) Papigo - both have kept their traditional appearance with large manor houses, cobbled streets and fresh mountain springs.

Depending on your fitness levels and experience you could explore the peaks of this unique mountainous area, visit the "Dragon" mountain lake or hike easier paths, for example along the Voidomatis River, swim in natural pools between rocks or just relax and enjoy the vistas from the terrace of your hotel! 

Recommended places to stay

Hotel Dias

  • Coastal option

Travel to the coast via Ioannina and stay at a choice of Parga or Sivota for 2 nights to relax and enjoy the incredible beauty of Epirus' coastline. Sights in the area include the Necromanteion, Zalongo Monument and Nikopolis.

  • Inland option

Travel around to the north of the Zagori area and stay a night in Konitsa for some walking in the local area then take the scenic route north to the mysterious Kastoria for a night by the lake. If you wish to visit the Prespa Lakes then we'd suggest two nights at Kastoria.

Recommended places to stay

Konitsa Mountain Hotel
Orologopoulou Mansion
San Nectarios Hotel

On your way back to Thessaloniki you could visit the towns of Ioannina and Metsovo, archaeological sites such as Dodoni and Vergina, the wonderful caves at Perama or many of the traditional villages you will encounter along the way. You can, of course, simply take the highway all the way to Thessaloniki if you wish to enjoy some time in the city.

Thessaloniki has many historical sights up its sleeve, Roman, Byzantine and Turkish monuments crowd the city centre along with many excellent bars and restaurants.

Recommended places to stay

Anatolia Hotel
Hotel Olympia

A crossroads between East and West, Thessaloniki developed quickly to become the second biggest city in the Byzantine Empire. So many Byzantine churches survive today that Thessaloniki has been designated a World Heritage Site.

Thessaloniki is like an open-air museum and as well as these fabulous churches there are ruins and monuments from the Ottoman period such as the White Tower, the city's symbol. These ancient buildings and archaeological sites sit alongside contemporary buildings, modern shops and numerous coffee shops.

After breakfast enjoy some leisure time in Thessaloniki depending on your flight departure time; drive to the airport and drop off rental car.*

* or you could chose to drop off the car the previous evening in Thessaloniki and take a private transfer to the airport.

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Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
  • With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Trusted Service

  • ATOL cover for flight inclusive holidays.
  • One of us at Rediscover the World is very likely to have visited the hotels and travelled along the routes on your itinerary.
  • Dynamic, comprehensive travel app with all your documents, maps and much more.
  • Full financial protection for your holiday (TTA).

Why book a Fly Drive ?

  • Accommodation choices are small, independent or family-run properties which add significantly to your travel experience.
  • Stress-free arrival & departure transfer service.
  • Detailed driving directions, parking info, suggested routes & sightseeing ideas.
  • Fully protected for your peace of mind & financial security.