Greece route: Nafplio to Santorini, 9 stops by road and
This 1,273 km route through Greece connects 9 key destinations across the Peloponnese and Greek islands, starting in Nafplio and visiting Zakynthos, Meteora Municipality, Athens, and Santorini. The route showcases beaches like Navagio Beach and Porto Limnionas, plus the volcanic island of Thirasia, covering approximately 254 hours of travel time.
- Distance
- 1273.0 km
- Duration
- 10 days
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Nafplio
- End
- Ia Municipal Unit, South Aegean, Greece
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Nafplio — Nafplio, less commonly Anapli, is a historic city in Greece and one of the country's main tourist centres.
- Municipality of Pineios, Western Greece, Greece
- Zakynthos — Zakynthos is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea and a popular summer resort. Its capital, the port town of Zakynthos, is centered around the coastal square of Solomos. The beaches…
- Mizithres Beach — Zakynthos, one of Greece’s most beloved islands, is home to many hidden treasures. Among these, Mizithres stands out for its unique beauty and tranquil atmosphere. With its…
- porto limnionas beach — This fjord-like bay hosts large rocks that you can use to dive into the clear waters and witness the jaw-dropping colors of the Ionian Sea!
- Navagio Beach — Navagio is a beach in the northwest of Zakynthos, washed by the waters of the Ionian Sea.
- Athens — Athens is the capital of modern Greece and the center of ancient Greek civilization, which was famous for its power in the ancient era.
- Meteora Municipality — Kalambaka is a small town in Greece. The municipality of Kalambaka has been renamed the municipality of Meteora.
- Santorini — Santorini (Thira) is a picturesque volcanic archipelago in the Aegean Sea, Greece, famous for its whitewashed houses with blue domes built on the edges of caldera cliffs. The…
- Thirasia — Thirasia is an island in Greece, in the Aegean Sea, the second largest island of the Santorini group.
- Ia Municipal Unit, South Aegean, Greece
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Entry to Greece requires vaccination proof or negative COVID test. Complete the PLF travel form on Greece's travel website before arrival.
- Transport
- Rent a car at Athens airport for flexibility exploring multiple destinations across the country.
- Timing
- Climb Palamidi Fortress in the morning when the sun is behind the mountain for better hiking conditions and views.
- Transport
- Take the car ferry from Kellini port to Zakynthos. The ferry operates like a cruise ship, making it comfortable for longer journeys.
- Tip
- Book a private boat tour in Zakynthos instead of group tours if short on time—allows visiting Shipwreck Beach, Blue Caves, and Porto Limnionas efficiently.
- Food
- In Athens, try traditional dishes like moussaka, saganaki, pistachios, and gyros, plus desserts like baklava and katafi.
- Where to stay
- Stay in Oía for the best Santorini experience. The marble walkway has shops and restaurants with incredible views.
- Timing
- Watch the sunset in Santorini at Oía, which gets crowded. For a quieter experience, walk to a cliff near Captain John Traditional Houses.
- Tip
- Visit Meteora rock formations and monasteries near Kalambaka. The site offers peaceful atmosphere and is considered a must-see in Greece.
- Tip
- On Santorini's boat tour, the volcano hike to the top provides better views than the volcano itself. Swimming in the hot spring nearby is worth experiencing.
- Tip
- Visit Red Sand Beach on Santorini for unique snorkeling along cliffs with red sea sponges and sea grass sections.
- Save money
- Shop for souvenirs in Nafplio—the city has the best priced souvenirs compared to other destinations.
Video on this route
A TASTE OF GREECE: Greece 7 Day Travel Guide & Tips