How a Road Trip in Greece Can Change Your Life

You may have a planned itinerary in mind, but one of the major benefits of a road trip is that you don’t have to follow any timetables or schedules. There’s no need to rush to catch a plane or a train and you are the master of your own time. You are free to stay longer or take a detour when road tripping.

Say you are travelling in the wild expanse of Zagori in Epirus. The little winding roads, the stone bridges crossing over refreshing streams and the abandoned ruins here and there create a scenic backdrop to your odyssey. You stumble upon a beautiful village when you feel the hunger pangs strike. Nothing stops you from stopping the car and walking to the nearest taverna to enjoy a delicious meal. You may be lucky enough to find local delicacies that you couldn’t find anywhere else.

Your trip around Peloponnese may consist of a few carefully mapped out stops but you find yourself at a crossroads with a more scenic road towards your destination. This is the time to be spontaneous and take that detour. Don’t be afraid to step a little bit off the beaten track and venture east, or north. If you have no time constraints, you might be pleasantly surprised and experience things you never thought of.

Whether traveling with friends or family, driving long hours is conducive to long conversations, laughter and real talk. Everyone will return home with inside jokes and memories that will bring you closer.

Oh, the places you’ll go. Driving is the best way to discover smaller cities and towns. Maybe you’ll find a little cove at which to pause for a refreshing dip in crystal clear waters. Road trips allow you to venture into uncharted territories.

Many people constantly spend time online. But thank goodness for spotty cell coverage, as it will force you to put your phone or tablet down for a bit and connect with the outside world. Look around and admire the olive trees, the lively streets of the village you are crossing or simply admire the beauty of the valley around you. You will be amazed at the wealth of the Greek landscapes, ranging from flat coastlines to tree-covered mountains, and not even think about picking up that phone.

Road tripping is a chance to be adventurous and explore a new region or country, to get out of your comfort zone and sleep outdoors, try new food and meet new people. Of course, there might be some bad moments, like a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. But on the other hand, you might be invited to a wedding in a small village in the Cretan countryside. These are memories you will fondly remember when you head back home.