Athens to Athens

Athens to Athens
Athens – Nafpaktos – Lefkada – Preveza – Larissa – Pelion Peninsula – Athens

Five days

With a packed and equipped motorcycle, without camping gear, I set out for five days.

Oh, an important note: I set the navigation device to avoid highways.

The first destination: Nafpaktos.

On the way to Thessaloniki – 50 minutes on the E75 road until the exit to Thiva, where the scenic route begins.

No fixed destination for each day, no planned stops. Wherever I arrived by the afternoon, I’d find a hotel and settle in.

Riding along the northern coast of the Corinthian Gulf, I stopped in towns, beaches, and viewpoints along the way.

At 3:30 PM, I arrived in the city of Nafpaktos. A good idea would be to drink a cappuccino at a café facing the Venetian port. So off I went to a seaside café. It’s so pleasant to sit by a window overlooking the sea and the city. The scent of coffee filled the place, while outside it was overcast, and the sea was wavy.

Already 4:45 PM—should I continue the journey? It might be too late. Maybe a hotel? So, I searched and found one for $30 a night without breakfast. Honestly, who needs hotel breakfast when you can head out in the morning, sit at a street café, and watch the city wake up to another wintery day?

And that’s exactly what I did. The next morning, I went out to the street to find such a café and found one on a small street by the sea. The wind was strong, and the sea was loud and wavy.

What to do in Nafpaktos:

The Castle of Nafpaktos
An ancient fortress located atop the hill overlooking the city. The castle offers a stunning panoramic view of the Corinthian Gulf and the surrounding area.

The Venetian Harbor
A small, picturesque harbor with a rich history, surrounded by taverns and cafés. A great spot for a relaxing walk and soaking in the atmosphere.

At 11:00 AM, I continued. Oh, I forgot to mention—the next destination was Lefkada. Why? Just because it seemed beautiful. I read somewhere that this part of Greece is also called “the guts of Greece.”

That was enough to ignite my imagination.

The Venetian harbor.

From Nafpaktos, I continued to Lefkada, and the road was beautiful. As I rode, I imagined the island—what it might look like—trying to compare the scenery to the Caribbean. So far, it didn’t really resemble it.

I reached the bridge that crosses over to the island. It’s not high, just slightly above the water. Once I crossed the bridge, the sign greeted me with “Lefkada.”

I kept riding slowly to get to know the island, and then I understood why I’d read that it’s reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Mountains rise from the water, round and forested, with white beaches and turquoise waters unlike anything I’ve seen before. Small fishing villages line the shores, with narrow, winding roads leading into the villages. It’s winter now. The tourist spots are closed, and only a handful of hotels and restaurants are open.

I found a hotel for €25 a night in a village with a small fishing harbor. The hotel was close to the harbor, where there were two restaurants and maybe two cafés. Before long, I found myself listening to Greek music and sipping coffee alongside a couple of tourists and some locals. I enjoyed the small bay that cuts into the village through green mountains and reaches a stone walkway in front of the café. In a single moment, the rhythm of life took on a different meaning.

In the morning, I returned to the café. It was the simplicity that gave me the urge to stay longer. Without realizing it, I slipped into a calm and relaxed routine.

At 10 AM, I left the hotel and wandered along narrow streets to the small harbor. I sat at the café, took out my laptop, and found myself writing until the afternoon. Then I moved to the restaurant across the way, read something, and before I knew it, the evening had come.

The next morning, I got on the motorcycle and set off to explore the island. I wasn’t just observing the scenery—I was part of it. And it was truly impressive.

I climbed mountains and descended into bays. Every descent to the shore revealed a different, unique bay. One had a small settlement, while another was untouched, with trees stretching all the way to the sand. I stopped to prepare lunch by the sea. From there, I continued around the island’s western side and returned to the hotel for one final night.

Lefkada

In Lefkada:
Fishing villages along the shores.
Narrow roads winding between bays and green mountains.
I settled in a village with a small harbor and found a hotel for €25 a night.
I enjoyed a relaxed pace of life, Greek music, local coffee, and breathtaking views.
The next day, I circled the island on a motorcycle, stopping at white bays with turquoise waters.

In the morning, I left the island and traveled to the nearby city of Preveza. A charming city with a beautiful harbor and markets along the promenade, offering a unique and special atmosphere.

What I did in Preveza:

Preveza Castle: An ancient structure with fascinating history.
The Old Town and Harbor: Picturesque alleys, street markets, and a magical view of the promenade.
I stopped at the harbor, had coffee by the sea, and enjoyed the local vibe.

I continued to the city of Larissa, high up in the mountains. I took a scenic road leading into the mountains, offering breathtaking views that are hard to find elsewhere. The road was narrow and winding, passing through forgotten villages. I continued climbing toward the Tzoumerka mountain range, crossing 18th-century stone bridges connecting the villages to the road. From there, I reached the Katara Pass, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots along the way.

I then continued to Meteora, where I saw monasteries hanging on giant cliffs.

Meteora

In the evening, I arrived in the city of Larissa. The city is located between Athens and Thessaloniki. I took a room in a hotel for €35. I went out to explore the city and discovered a place with 4,000 years of history and a unique, youthful vibe. Taverns, cafés, and many young people studying at the nearby university.
In the morning, I wandered through the markets and streets of the city. I stopped at a café to enjoy a coffee and a cheese pastry.