Fall in Greece means the roads open up again to adventurers more than tourists. The beaches are blustery and empty, the heat has resolutely eased off, and trips into other worlds through verdant roadways feel like a truly great idea.
‘Tis the season for gathering a good friends and making room in the trunk for snacks that probably won’t last the first hour. Along the way you can stop to admire monasteries on cliffs, stone bridges over rivers, fortress towns, forest trails that transport you to exactly the feeling a fall weekend escape should provide, and of course, more food.
The Road Trips
01
Meteora
The sandstone pinnacles of Meteora rise out of the Thessalian plain, topped by six active monasteries. Step inside one to get a sense of their scale, then follow trails that link the rocks for sweeping views. Cycling between Kastraki and Kalabaka offers a gentler pace, while guided climbing routes give more adventurous groups a chance to scramble. Sunset from the rocks is hard to beat.
How to get there: Athens → Lamia → Trikala → Kalabaka, around 4–4.5 hours by road.
02
Zagori
This region in Epirus is famed for its stone-built villages and graceful arched bridges, with such impressive preservation of an architectural tradition that it has gained a clear spot on the world map. Walk between Monodendri and Vitsa, or head to Kipi where the bridges cluster close together. Zagori’s Oxya viewpoint looks straight into Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world. On calmer days, rafting the clear Voidomatis River is as easy as it is beautiful. Evenings are for fireplaces and unhurried meals.
How to get there: Athens → Ioannina via A5/E55, 4.5–5 hours, then another hour into the villages.
03
Tzoumerka
The Athamanika mountains feel rugged and untamed. Kipina Monastery, set in a rock face, makes a striking stop, while the trail between Syrrako and Kalarrytes threads two historic Tzoumerka villages. The Arachthos River offers rafting with a bit more punch than in Zagori, and waterfalls such as Kouiassa are good short targets if the group isn’t in the mood for long hikes. Driving the ridges here is an adventure in itself.
How to get there: Athens → Arta via A5, then local roads to Pramanta. 4.5–5 hours.
04
Pelion
Pelion is a lush mountain that slopes into the sea, its pretty villages linked by stone-paved paths that are a delight to explore. Walk between Makrinitsa, Portaria, and Tsagkarada, or detour down to beaches like Mylopotamos for a swim if the weather allows. The little heritage train to Milies usually runs weekends in thye fall, and kayaking along the sheltered coastline is another way to take it in. Chestnut and oak forests make even short hikes here feel seasonal.
How to get there: Athens → Volos via A1, 3–3.5 hours, then 20–60 minutes up the slopes.
05
Monemvasia
A fortress town built into a rock and linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway, Monemvasia is not only highly romantic but also fun for airy seafront walks and cozy nights with friends. The lower town’s cobbled lanes hide Byzantine churches, while the upper citadel rewards a short climb with wide sea views. Drives on the plateau above offer still more perspectives, and the nearby coast welcomes you for a late-season swim. Stay until evening for a quieter, more atmospheric experience.
How to get there: Athens → Tripoli → Sparta → Monemvasia via A7/E65, about 4.5 hours.
06
Kalavryta
Mount Helmos has plenty to offer before the snow arrives. The Odontotos rack railway is a Kalavryta highlight, cutting through the verdant Vouraikos Gorge, though the trail alongside works just as well on foot. The Cave of Lakes adds an underground detour, and hiking trails above the town lead to ridges with views across fir forests.
How to get there: Athens → E65/A8 toward Patras, exit for Diakopto, then up the mountain. 2.5 hours.
07
Karpenissi
Set in central Greece, Karpenissi is surrounded by forests and rivers. The road to Prousos Monastery is a classic drive, with cliff-edge views and plenty of stops along the way. Local options include rafting on the Tavropos River, walking into Pantavrechi canyon, or hiking on the slopes of Velouchi. For shorter days, loops from the town keep things easy without losing the scenery.
How to get there: Athens → Lamia via A1, then southwest toward Karpenissi. 3.5–4 hours.
08
Peloponnese Loop
The Peloponnese makes a natural circuit. Begin with Nemea’s ruins and vineyards, where you can book wine tastings, then head into Arcadia for the Menalon Trail and the Lousios Gorge. Drive across Taygetos for switchbacks and pine forests before dropping by rugged Mani to see its tower villages and rocky coves. Finish in Ancient Messene, one of Greece’s most impressive archaeological sites and far less visited than Olympia.
How to get there: Athens → Corinth in an hour; Nemea another 20 minutes, Arcadia 1.5–2 hours, Mani 3.5–4 hours.
Hot Tips for Your Trip
Keep it flexible. Aim for one hike, one viewpoint, one food stop—anything more and the day slips away.
Rotate roles. Driver, DJ, navigator—everyone takes a turn to keep it fair and stress-free.
Pack sensibly. Layers, good shoes, a paper map, plenty of water and a small first-aid kit.
Check ahead. Some trains, caves, and rafting trips run seasonally.
When to Go
September through November is ideal—cooler but not freezing weather for walking, rafting and seeing sites, fewer crowds, and softer light for photographs. From December on many of these places are ideal for skiing. Early starts mean quieter trails and easier parking in villages.
A Simple Itinerary
For variety: Kalavryta (2 days) → Pelion (2–3 days) → Meteora (1–2 days) → Zagori/Tzoumerka (3 days), then home. For sea views alongside mountains: Peloponnese loop (Arcadia + Mani, 4–5 days) with Monemvasia as a finale. Karpenissi works well if the group prefers rivers and quieter forests.
