4 of us want to go from Athens to Delphi, Arachova, and Galaxidi in August. We think we want to rent a car. How long of a drive is it from Athens to Galaxidi? Also, if we wanted to add Meteora to this trip, how much time would it take to get there? I've put it into google maps, which says about 3 hours to Galaxidi and 5.5 to Meteora from Athens, but I'm worried that doesn't take everything into account. We have 3 full days which we must start and finish in Athens.
Thank you!
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
52 posts
Thank you, Dick! We're in the early stages of planning this part of the trip, so we're still gathering information about whether this is possible or not. It seems not, so we'll probably scale back. Thanks again!
Posted by
Roanoke, VA
6 posts
We just did the trip from Athens to Meteora a few weeks ago. We left Athens about 9 a.m, stopped in Delphi for a couple of hours, toured the ruins and had lunch, then drove to Kalambaka and arrived about 6 p.m. The next day we toured three of the monastaries and drove straight back to Athens from Kalambaka in about 4.5 hours. I'm not sure you would want to visit more than three monastaries in one day. After a couple of hours, they start to run together. Maybe climbing all those stairs fogs your brain.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
52 posts
Thank you, Carla! I'm glad to hear it's possible. Do you have any advice about what specifically to do in Meteora? We're all in very good shape, so lots of climbing shouldn't be a problem. I appreciate any advice!
Posted by
Roanoke, VA
6 posts
It's not so much the climbing that will be a problem. If you are in good shape, the climbing is doable. The monasteries are incredible, but take some time to process. Racing from one to the other just so you could see all of them in a short time would be a waste. See fewer and stay at each one longer. If you want to spend more time in the area, stroll through the towns of Kalambaka and Kastraki or find a nice hotel and enjoy the amenities for a couple of days.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I recall Delphi being about 3 hours from Athens. Galixidi is a solid 30 minutes beyond Delphi. Of course it depends on from where in Athens you are starting and the traffic conditions. The beltway can get busy but if you start from the airport you mostly avoid the beltway going to Delphi.
Doing Delphi and Meteora in 3 full days is very reasonable actually. I can highly recommend Hosius Loukas, a Byzantine monastery not far off the road on your way to Delphi. Very idyllic and peaceful. Figure about 1.5 hours total to get there, tour around and return to the highway.
Galixidi is a great town to stay overnight in. Avoid Delphi overnight if you can.