Scenic Drives in Northern Greece

Scenic Drives in Northern Greece: Ioannina, Meteora, Kastoria, Prespa Lakes

Ioannina stands on the shores of Lake PamvotisIoannina stands on the shores of Lake Pamvotis

Greece has great beaches but its scenic drives are beautiful too. Travelers may know the Greek islands best, and think of Greece as perfect for a beach vacation, but you can take great drives through its spectacular mainland scenery. 

Here are two of the best scenic drives in northern Greece. The first winds from the lakeside town of Ioannina, capital of Epirus, through spectacular mountain scenery to arrive at the fabulous monasteries of Meteora. The second drive also takes visitors from a lakeside town, Kastoria, to the beautiful remote Prespa Lakes, on Greece's northern borders.

Scenic Drives in Northern Greece 1

From Ioannina to Meteora

The region of Epirus in north-west Greece is one of the most stunningly beautiful in the whole country… indeed, in the whole of Europe. There are pretty lakeside towns like Ioannina and Kastoria and the awe-inspiring Pindus Mountains. A drive east from Ioannina takes you through the mountains, over a high pass that can be closed in winter, and down into the region of Thessaly, and one of the most distinctive and magical sights in the world: the monasteries of Meteora.

The Monasteries of Meteora in GreeceThe Monasteries of Meteora

The capital of Epirus, Ioannina, has a character all its own. It sits on the shores of a lake in the middle of which is a small island called Nissi, which means ‘the island’. You could easily spend several days in and around Ioannina, and you should drive out on the road towards the Perama Caves – well worth stopping off to explore the cave network. The road then rises around the lake to give lovely views back of Ioannina, before winding upwards into the mountains.

Metsovo in GreeceMetsovo

Another essential stop is the mountain town of Metsovo, a ski resort in winter and another very distinctive Greek community. Beyond here is the Metsovon Pass, one of the highest in Greece at 1705m (5594ft), but don’t set out on this drive in winter without checking the state of the roads. Even if the pass is open, the sharp bends and sheer drops can be dangerous for the driver unused to them.

At other times the rewards are enormous, not just here in the high mountains, but the descent into the lusher plains of Thessaly and, at the very end, the amazing sight of the monasteries of Meteora sitting on top of the rock formations jutting out of the plain. This has to be one of the best drives in Greece. 

Map of drive from Ioannina to Meteora(c) Google Maps

To see this map with driving directions
click here

Prespa Lakes in GreeceThe Prespa Lakes

Scenic Drive in Northern Greece 2

From Kastoria to the Prespa Lakes

This is only a short drive, but definitely one that will live long in the memory. Like Ioannina, Kastoria is a pretty lakeside town of the kind not normally associated with Greece. There are handsome mansions, one of them now a folk museum, and a wealthy history because of its fur-trading past. Head north out of the town and you climb through woods and head towards Greece’s northern frontier.

KastoriaKastoria

It’s only just over an hour or so until you start to descend, and round a corner you will get your first glimpse of the Prespa Lakes. The whole area here is a National Park, and there’s wildlife in abundance. There are small fishing communities on the shores of the lakes, and it is one of the most peaceful areas of Greece.

A visitor centre in the main village of Ayios Germanos gives information about walks and wildlife, and you may be able to take a boat trip out onto the lakes with one of the local fishermen, if you ask around. In the middle of the Great Prespa Lake is the border point where Greece meets Albania and the Republic of Macedonia. You can’t get much more off the beaten track than this.

Map of drive from Kastoria to the Prespa Lakes(c) Google Maps

To see this map with driving directions
click here

Our Pick of the Guides to Greece

Rough-Guide-Greece-2022.png

Other Greece driving pages

  • This drive around Attica offers visitors high hills, beach resorts, small villages and classical sites like Marathon and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

    A Drive around Attica

    This drive around Attica offers visitors high hills, beach resorts, small villages and classical sites like Marathon and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

  • There are two sides to every Greek island, the tourist and the traditional, and this drive from Corfu Town through northern Corfu shows the two faces of Corfu.

    Northern Corfu Drive

    There are two sides to every Greek island, the tourist and the traditional, and this drive from Corfu Town through northern Corfu shows the two faces of Corfu.

  • Practical information on travelling around Greece by plane, by ferry, by bus, by train and by driving, including car rental, parking and other driving advice.

    Travelling Around Greece

    Practical information on travelling around Greece by plane, by ferry, by bus, by train and by driving, including car rental, parking and other driving advice.

  • An account of driving in Greece for Greece Travel Secrets including links to the best drives in Greece, practical information and a note of some of the hazards.

    Driving in Greece

    An account of driving in Greece for Greece Travel Secrets including links to the best drives in Greece, practical information and a note of some of the hazards.

  • Santorini car rental companies include Budget, Hermes, VIP Rent a Car and Euro Dollar, with Santorini car hire at the airport, and around Santorini.

    Santorini Car Rental

    Santorini car rental companies include Budget, Hermes, VIP Rent a Car and Euro Dollar, with Santorini car hire at the airport, and around Santorini.

  • Driving in Greece practical information including speed limits, fines, drink-driving, buying petrol and other advice for driving in Greece.

    Driving in Greece Practical Information

    Driving in Greece practical information including speed limits, fines, drink-driving, buying petrol and other advice for driving in Greece.

  • The best drives in Greece chosen and driven by Mike Gerrard of Greece Travel Secrets including from Ioannina to Meteora, the Prespa Lakes and the Mani.

    Best Drives in Greece

    The best drives in Greece chosen and driven by Mike Gerrard of Greece Travel Secrets including from Ioannina to Meteora, the Prespa Lakes and the Mani.

  • The travel tale Our Hire Car in Crete describes what it’s like when you go driving in Greece and get off the beaten track, resulting in kindnesses.

    Our Hire Car in Crete

    The travel tale Our Hire Car in Crete describes what it’s like when you go driving in Greece and get off the beaten track, resulting in kindnesses.

  • This Amari Valley drive in southern Crete starts and ends in Ayia Galini, takes four to five hours and cover 100 kilometres or 62 miles.

    Amari Valley Drive

    This Amari Valley drive in southern Crete starts and ends in Ayia Galini, takes four to five hours and cover 100 kilometres or 62 miles.

  • Athens car rental options include almost all of the major international car hire firms such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar.

    Athens Car Rental

    Athens car rental options include almost all of the major international car hire firms such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar.

  • Athens Airport car rentals include Alamo/National Car Rental, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, all with offices at the airport.

    Athens Airport Car Rental

    Athens Airport car rentals include Alamo/National Car Rental, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, all with offices at the airport.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

  1. Top 5 Historic Hotels in the Peloponnese

    Connect with Greek history while enjoying all the modern luxuries at these timelessly elegant hotels immersed in scenic nature

    Read More

  2. Kastellorizo is the Hidden Gem of the Greek Islands, Says UK Media

    The small island of Kastellorizo is the “hidden gem” of the Greek islands, packed with history, natural beauty and “incredible hot weather perfect for sun seekers”, according to the Daily Star UK news…

    Read More

  3. Time Out: Troon Street, Athens, is One of the World’s Coolest Streets

    Troon Street, located in the neighborhood of Petralona in Athens, has been included on the “World’s 30 Coolest Streets for 2024” list by Time Out magazine.

    Read More

  4. PLAY to Start Athens-Reykjavík Direct Flights Earlier this Year

    PLAY Airlines will launch flights from Athens earlier this year, an announcement by Iceland’s low-cost carrier said on Wednesday. The Icelandic airline will connect the Greek capital directly with Rey…

    Read More

  5. Flourmills Thrakis: A Flourishing Legacy Rooted in Alexandroupoli

    A thriving family business that manufactures high-quality products, invests in innovative ideas, and helps to keep Greece's periphery alive.

    Read More

  6. 4 Visitable Underwater Archaeological Sites in Greece

    Dive into Greece's rich maritime past as we explore four underwater archaeological sites that will soon be open to diving enthusiasts.

    Read More

  7. 5 Spots in Attica for the Perfect Clean Monday Picnic

    By the sea, atop a mountain, or flying kites in the park, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to idyllic picnic spots in Attica this Clean Monday.

    Read More

  8. Flour Wars in Galaxidi: The Most Colorful Clean Monday Tradition

    The unique annual Clean Monday celebration in Galaxidi is the perfect excuse for a three-day getaway to this seaside town.

    Read More

  9. Greeks ‘Escaping’ Abroad and to the Islands for 3-Day Weekend Holidays

    Greek airline company AEGEAN and the country’s airports are gearing up for two busy weekends ahead of the Clean Monday and Greek Independence Day holidays as travelers plan to jet off to international…

    Read More

  10. Airbnb’s at Greek Carnival Destinations Almost Fully Booked

    Short-term rentals across Greece are seeing occupancy rates rise, as the three-day Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) weekend approaches, primarily in the top 2 carnival towns, Patra and Xanthi, in Greece…

    Read More