Best Athens RV Itinerary for weekly rv rental - Overview
An RV rental in Athens, Greece, offers an unparalleled way to explore historical sites and scenic landscapes at your own pace, providing the freedom of a mobile home base. This article focuses specifically on Athens, Greece, providing tailored advice for European RV travel, distinctly different from Athens, GA. A typical weekly RV rental itinerary from Athens, Greece, often encompasses the Peloponnese peninsula, combining ancient history with stunning coastal drives. For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental Athens - Complete Guide 2026 guide.
While many comprehensive plans, like the "
Athens Round trip - Legends of the Peloponnese
7-Day Classic Route in Athens
A 7-day RV itinerary from Athens allows for a focused exploration of the city's ancient wonders and a taste of the nearby Peloponnese, ensuring a relaxed pace of travel, typically covering about 500-600 km.🎬 Video coming soon
- Day 1: Athens City Exploration
- Start: Athens
- End: Athens (or nearby RV-friendly campsite)
- Distance: Minimal driving, approximately 10-20 km for initial setup.
- Highlights: Explore the iconic Acropolis, the majestic Parthenon, and the historic Ancient Agora. For city center navigation, utilize public transport (Athens Metro tickets start from €1.20) or ride-sharing services, as central parking for a rented motorhome can be challenging. Drive slowly and carefully, and you can drive almost anywhere without issues. No need to stress - just use common sense and pay attention.
- Where to sleep: Camping Athens, located approximately 10 km from the city center, offers powered sites for around €25-€40 per night.
- Day 2: Corinth Canal & Ancient Corinth
- Start: Athens
- End: Corinth area
- Distance: Approximately 85 km (53 miles).
- Highlights: Witness the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, a 6.4 km waterway connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and explore the extensive ruins of Ancient Corinth and its fascinating archaeological museum (entry around €8-€12).
- Where to sleep: Corinth area campsite, such as Camping Blue Dolphin, provides facilities for €20-€35 per night.
- Day 3: Mycenae & Nafplio
- Start: Corinth area
- End: Nafplio
- Distance: Roughly 60 km (37 miles).
- Highlights: Discover the ancient citadel of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Lion Gate and Treasury of Atreus (entry around €12), then visit the charming Venetian town of Nafplio with its impressive Palamidi Fortress (entry around €8). Enjoy walking the picturesque streets and waterfront.
- Where to sleep: Campsite near Nafplio, such as Camping Aginara, typically costs €25-€40 per night.
- Day 4: Epidaurus & Scenic Coastline
- Start: Nafplio
- End: Epidavros area
- Distance: Around 40 km (25 miles).
- Highlights: Experience the incredible acoustics of the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a 4th-century BC marvel (entry around €12), then enjoy the beautiful coastal drive along the Saronic Gulf.
- Where to sleep: Campsite near Epidaurus or on the coast, such as Camping Epidaurus, offering beachfront spots for €20-€35 per night.
- Day 5: Return Towards Athens / Sounion
- Start: Epidavros area
- End: Sounion or nearby south Athens
- Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles).
- Highlights: Drive back towards the Attica region, making a crucial stop at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion for a breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea (entry around €10).
- Where to sleep: Campsite near Sounion or in south Athens, such as Camping Batis, costing €25-€40 per night.
- Day 6: Athenian Riviera & Leisure
- Start: Sounion or south Athens
- End: Athens (RV return prep)
- Distance: Minimal driving, generally under 30 km.
- Highlights: Enjoy the beautiful beaches and coastal towns along the Athenian Riviera, like Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, offering cafes and seaside relaxation. Use this day to prepare your rented RV for return, including emptying tanks and refueling. You can find detailed expense tracking on RV PLANET routes.
- Day 7: Departure
14-Day Extended Journey in Athens
An extended 14-day RV journey from Athens allows for deeper exploration of the Peloponnese, central Greece, or even some island hopping, maintaining a truly relaxed pace and covering around 1500-2000 km. This itinerary expands upon the 10-day "
Athens Round trip - Legends of the Peloponnese
- Days 1-7: Peloponnese Deep Dive
- Similar to the 7-day route, but with more time allocated to each major stop like Nafplio (allowing a full day to visit Palamidi Fortress, Bourtzi Castle, and stroll the old town), Ancient Olympia (spending a full day exploring the archaeological site and museum, entry around €12), Mystras (another UNESCO site with Byzantine ruins, entry around €10), and the Diros Caves (boat tour entry around €13).
- Focus on leisurely exploration, local cuisine (consider a cooking class in a village for about €50-€80 per person, and check out our RV-friendly recipes playlist for meal ideas), and enjoying the natural beauty of areas like Vitina in the Arcadian mountains, where campsites might charge €20-€30 per night.
- Days 8-10: Western Peloponnese & Olympia
- From Kalamata (famous for its olives and market), head towards Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, covering approximately 100 km.
- Spend two full days exploring the archaeological site and museum, allowing ample time to soak in the history and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Campsites nearby, like Camping Katreas, offer spots for around €25-€38.
- Continue north through the scenic mountains of Arcadia, possibly adding a stop at the Temple of Apollo Epicurius (entry €6), roughly 80 km from Olympia.
- Days 11-14: Central Greece Extension (Optional)
- After completing the Peloponnese loop, consider an extension to Central Greece.
- Delphi (Days 11-12): Drive north to the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site (entry around €12). Explore the Temple of Apollo, the theater, and the museum. Stay at a campsite near Delphi, such as Camping Delphi, for €20-€35 per night. This drive from Olympia is about 150 km.
- Return to Athens (Days 13-14): Enjoy a leisurely drive back towards Athens, perhaps visiting the charming mountain town of Arachova, known for its winter sports and traditional products, or spending a final day at a beach along the Athenian Riviera before returning your rented RV. The drive from Delphi to Athens is roughly 180 km.
Recommended RVPlan Trip for Athens
For a comprehensive and expertly curated weekly RV rental experience starting from Athens, the '
Athens Round trip - Legends of the Peloponnese
Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
Avi Bandana's personal picks for must-see stops during your RV adventure from Athens focus on authentic cultural experiences, historical immersion, and local flavors, complementing our recommended RVPlan journey. Having helped tens of thousands of travelers explore the world by RV since 2001, Avi's insights are invaluable.Looking for expert insights from Avi Bandana? Top 5 Adventures - recommendations from Avi Bandana
- Historical Site: Ancient Corinth: A crucial stop for history enthusiasts, allowing you to walk among the ruins of a powerful city-state and explore its significant archaeological museum. The site, dating back to 10th century BC, offers an immersive experience.
- Historical Site: Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the Ancient Stadium: Experience the birthplace of the Olympic Games. This site offers an engaging and educational visit, bringing ancient history to life with artifacts from as early as the 10th century BC.
- Historical Site: Byzantine ruins of Mystras: Explore the atmospheric ruins of a UNESCO-listed Byzantine ghost town, offering stunning views and a glimpse into medieval Greek history. Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore the three levels of this impressive site.
- Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining: Taverna O Pantelis: Located on the RVPlan trip route, this traditional Greek taverna is perfect for a relaxed family meal, offering authentic local hospitality and cuisine, with main dishes typically ranging from €12-€20. This is where you connect to the food and the scenery.
- Traditional Market: Kalamata's Open Market: Immerse yourself in local life at this vibrant market. It's an excellent place to find fresh produce, famous Kalamata olives, and experience the lively energy of Greek street culture. The market is active on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering a chance to prepare some delicious meals in your rented RV.
Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Athens
Avi Bandana recommends a maximum of 100-150 km (60-90 miles) per day on average to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable RV experience, allowing ample time for exploration and unexpected discoveries. Adhering to this guideline helps travelers avoid rushing, truly immerse themselves in the local culture, and enjoy the scenic routes without feeling pressured. Greece's roads, especially in rural and mountainous areas of the Peloponnese, can be narrower and winding, making slower driving speeds practical and safer for rented RVs. Toll roads, particularly on major highways connecting Athens to the Peloponnese, are common and typically cost between €2-€4 per segment for a motorhome. Drivers should be prepared for these small ancillary costs, which can be tracked with RV PLANET routes planning. Example Drive-Time Estimates (approximate, without stops for a Class C motorhome):- Athens to Corinth: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (approx. 85 km / 53 miles).
- Corinth to Nafplio: Around 1 hour (approx. 60 km / 37 miles).
- Nafplio to Ancient Olympia: About 2 hours 30 minutes (approx. 150 km / 93 miles).
- Delphi to Athens: Roughly 2 hours 15 minutes (approx. 180 km / 112 miles).
Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
Choosing the right RV class significantly enhances your weekly rental experience in Athens and surrounding regions, balancing comfort with maneuverability for your family or group of friends. Bandana RV, a true RV specialist, provides direct partnerships with 50+ leading RV suppliers worldwide, including Apollo and Britz, to help you find the perfect match.Bandana offers a 'Rent&Plan' service, combining an RV rental with a ready-made itinerary crafted by travel experts, providing full access to trip-planning software to remove planning headaches. This allows you to rent a motorhome with confidence and a clear route plan.
- Ideal for a Couple: Class B - Camper Van
- The Class B Camper Van is perfect for couples due to its compact size and agility, making it easier to navigate smaller Greek roads and park at various campgrounds.
- Athens's local fleet Class B Camper Vans, like the "V2L" or "Combi Van", average 5.99 meters in length, comfortably sleep 2-3 adults, and are equipped with amenities like a kitchen, shower, and toilet.
- They typically offer better fuel efficiency (e.g., 9-11 Liters/100Km, or around 21-26 MPG), ideal for longer trips while keeping costs down.
- One such option is the Camper Hawai, suitable for a couple and featuring a 140/200cm bed.
- Ideal for a Family: Class C - Alcove
- For families with 4-6 people, the Class C Alcove motorhome provides ample space and dedicated sleeping areas, ensuring comfort for everyone.
- Athens's local fleet Class C Alcove RVs, such as the "F4" or "Group G" models, average 6.99 to 7.45 meters in length and comfortably sleep 5-7 adults, featuring beds like a 160/209cm alcove bed and a 125/180cm double bed.
- The distinct overhead sleeping area (alcove) is often a favorite with children, and the larger interior allows for more personal space during longer journeys. Many Class C options feature 100-140 liter fresh water tanks and 90-110 liter waste water tanks, making extended stays at campgrounds more comfortable.
What is the new law in Greece for motorhomes?
Regarding the 'new law' for motorhomes in Greece, while specific new regulations can frequently be updated, the overarching legal framework emphasizes designated camping areas and strictly prohibits wild camping and informal overnight stays, particularly for weekly rv rental in Athens. Greece has strict regulations against wild camping (free camping) outside of designated campsites and private land with explicit permission; violations are punishable by fines typically ranging from €300 to €1,000 and potential vehicle impoundment. Always prioritize staying at official campgrounds or established RV parks, such as Camping Nea Kifissia or Camping Athens, which ensures legality, access to essential amenities like fresh water and dump stations, and often, enhanced security. Drivers should be aware of Greek road rules, including speed limits, which are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on motorways, with specific restrictions for larger vehicles like RVs (often 80-100 km/h on highways). Be mindful of road signage, which is often in both Greek and English, and pay close attention to signs indicating vehicle restrictions, especially in historical or narrow city centers where motorhome access might be limited or prohibited. Familiarize yourself with requirements for waste disposal (dump stations) and fresh water refills, as informal dumping is illegal and harmful to the environment; official campgrounds typically provide these services, costing around €3-€5 for waste disposal. For more information on navigating Greece, consider our "RV Rental Greece - Complete Guide 2026" which provides a broader context.What to see in and around Athens in 7 days?
A 7-day RV itinerary in and around Athens provides ample time to explore the capital's ancient wonders and venture into the historical Peloponnese region, covering numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.- Athens City Highlights (Days 1-2):
- Acropolis & Parthenon: The iconic symbol of Athens, a must-visit for its historical significance and panoramic city views. Allow at least 3-4 hours, with tickets costing around €20-€30.
- Ancient Agora: The heart of ancient Athenian life, offering insight into its democratic origins and philosophical discussions. Explore the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos (entry around €10).
- Plaka & Anafiotika: Explore these charming, historic neighborhoods with their neoclassical architecture, traditional tavernas, and artisan shops, perfect for evening strolls and enjoying local food.
- National Archaeological Museum: Home to an extensive collection of ancient Greek artifacts, including the Mask of Agamemnon (entry around €12).
- Coastal Exploration & Temple of Poseidon (Day 3):
- Drive along the scenic Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion, where the magnificent Temple of Poseidon stands overlooking the Aegean Sea, perfect for a breathtaking sunset (entry around €10). The drive is approximately 70 km south of Athens.
- Peloponnese Gateway (Days 4-7):
- Corinth Canal & Ancient Corinth: Witness the engineering marvel of the canal, a 6.4 km cut, and delve into the ruins of Ancient Corinth, including the Temple of Apollo and the Roman Agora.
- Mycenae: Explore the powerful ancient city, home of Agamemnon, and its famous Lion Gate and Treasury of Atreus.
- Nafplio: Visit one of Greece's most picturesque towns, with its Venetian architecture, Bourtzi fortress (accessible by boat, €5), and Palamidi castle, offering 999 steps for an adventurous climb.
- Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus: Marvel at the extraordinary acoustics of this well-preserved 4th-century BC theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site capable of seating 14,000 spectators.
Where to road trip from Athens?
Athens serves as an excellent starting point for diverse RV road trips, offering routes to ancient historical sites, stunning coastlines, and picturesque mountain villages across mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, providing countless adventure opportunities for your weekly rv rental in Athens.- Peloponnese Peninsula (7-14 days):
- This is the most popular and accessible RV road trip from Athens, as highlighted by our rvplan.net '
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Athens Round trip - Legends of the Peloponnese
- Highlights include Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus, Ancient Olympia, Mystras, and Kalamata, combining history, culture, and beautiful scenery. This region alone boasts dozens of ancient sites and picturesque towns within a 1,500 km loop.
- This is the most popular and accessible RV road trip from Athens, as highlighted by our rvplan.net '
- Central Greece & Meteora (7-10 days):
- Head north from Athens to Delphi, home to the famous Oracle, and then continue to the spectacular Meteora, with its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. The monasteries, a UNESCO site, offer breathtaking views and cultural immersion; entry to each is approximately €3. This route covers around 800-1000 km.
- This route also offers opportunities to explore charming mountain towns like Arachova and the thermal springs of Thermopylae.
- Northern Greece (10+ days):
- For a longer adventure, an RV trip further north can take you to Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, covering approximately 500 km from Athens, and beyond to regions like Chalkidiki with its pristine beaches, or the historical region of Macedonia.
- Ionian Coast & Western Greece (7-10 days):
- Cross the impressive Rio-Antirrio bridge (toll €13.50 for RVs) to western Greece, exploring towns like Nafpaktos, the charming island of Lefkada (accessible by bridge), and the coastline leading down to Patras. This area is rich in natural beauty and less crowded than the Peloponnese, covering approximately 600-800 km.
What You Shouldn't Miss
- Explore the Acropolis at sunrise: Beat the crowds and witness the Parthenon bathed in Golden light. This usually requires arriving by 8:00 AM, tickets are around €20.
- Sunset at Cape Sounion: The Temple of Poseidon offers one of the most magnificent sunsets over the Aegean Sea, about an hour's drive south of Athens (entry around €10).
- Palamidi Fortress in Nafplio: Climb the 999 steps (or drive most of the way!) for panoramic views of Nafplio, its bay, and the Bourtzi water castle. Entry is around €8.
- Experience the acoustics of Ancient Epidaurus: Stand in the center of the ancient theater and speak, marveling at how your voice carries to the highest seats, a 4th-century BC engineering feat. Entry to the site is around €12.
- Taste local flavors in Kalamata's market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local life, sample fresh produce, and buy famous Kalamata olives, particularly on Wednesday and Saturday market days.
