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Driving Challenges - Peloponnese to Thessaloniki???

Posted by on

My husband and I are planning a month-long driving trip to Greece in September. Last fall, we spent a month in the Peloponnese, which we loved, but would like to extend our horizons and visit another part of Greece. We drove and it was wonderful but, more than once, my knuckles turned white from gripping the wheel! The Mani - OMG!

At the moment, our itinerary is Corinth-Kyparissa-Olympia-Ioannina-Kastoria-Veroia-Thessaloniki. I love to drive - but not mountain roads with hairpin turns and no guard rails - not again. Basked on my tentative plan, are the roads from Ioannina-Kastoria-Veroia-Thessaloniki difficult?

Thank you!!

Posted by
4961 posts

Someone may come along eventually, but check TA forum too, if not. Check Michelin's online map also, it seems to give more info on road conditions versus Google Maps.
My trip to Thessaloniki was unfortunately nixed by covid, but I hope to get there eventually. I was also nervous on the drive down to Kardamyli, but we did not do extensive driving in the Mani otherwise. I was gripping the handle on the passenger side, lol. How wonderful you had a whole month!

Posted by
263 posts

I'd encourage you to ...Go!! Greece is wonderful and welcoming, especially. now. I was very impressed with the Covid protocols - people are very respectful, masked, indoor venues (restaurants and museums) required a covid pass and, since many (most) sites were outdoors, we felt very safe. We are hoping that, this year, things will have settled down and covid will be much less concerning but, regardless, Greece is a fantastic place to go. Fingers crossed!!

Posted by
2 posts

We just drove from Litochoro to Amphilochia - mostly the reverse of what you’re planning. The roads were all what we we call “regular interstate” in the US. Divided highway, two lanes each direction. No hairpin turns (but lots of tunnels). They were also eerily empty. In four hours of driving we saw maybe 50 cars. So, no worries on the highway driving. Make sure you have Google maps or some other reliable navigation system, especially if you’re staying in small towns along the way. Happy trails!

Posted by
263 posts

Thank you so much for your encouragement - and my apologies for a delayed response. We've been sailing home from a lovely trip to the UK and did not have wifi - so happy to travel again!

Posted by
87 posts

We just got back from Greece and drove part of the route you mentioned (we drove from Thessaloniki to Konitsa to Ioannina to Kalambaka to Platamon Beach and back to Thessaloniki). The roads you mentioned are pretty much main tollroads. Absolutely no problem ! It is just when you want to go to the small villages in the mountains that you encounter the roads that you don’t like.

Posted by
263 posts

Thank you. With all the encouragement, I'm beginning to feel better about this!

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