If you want to take advantage of the October 28th public holiday for a four-day getaway, Pricefox, the leading platform for comparing and purchasing car insurance, suggests 8 destinations near major urban centers for a last-minute escape.
Fuel and toll costs are calculated for two people with the help of vriskoapostasi.gr, and hotel prices for 2 nights (25/10–28/10) in a double room were estimated through a popular accommodation booking platform.
From Athens
Feneos – Lake Doxa
Accommodation: €246
Fuel & Tolls: €67.12
Distance: approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
Lake Doxa is one of the most impressive landscapes in mountainous Corinthia. Surrounded by green mountains and fir trees, at its center stands the small chapel of Saint Fanourios in the water.
Take a walk around the lake, have a picnic by the water, or cycle along the dirt path that surrounds it.
It’s worth visiting the Monastery of Saint George in Feneos for a view of the entire valley, and stopping by the tavernas in Mesino or Feneos for local cheeses, pies, and honey.
Pelion – Zagora
Accommodation: €176
Fuel & Tolls: €140.6
Distance: approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes
Pelion is one of the most beloved mountains in Greece.
It has many villages worth visiting, with the most well-known being Zagora, Portaria, Makrinitsa, Milies, and Vizitsa.
In these picturesque villages, you can enjoy local cuisine and buy traditional products.
The villages are close to each other, and if you’re a fan of hiking, you can walk from one to another, enjoying their charming squares and scenic paths with views of the Pagasetic Gulf and the city of Volos.
Don’t miss a ride on the “Moutzouris” train that connects Milies with Ano Lechonia – a route that’s definitely worth experiencing.
Arachova
Accommodation: €215
Fuel & Tolls: €61.54
Distance: approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes
Arachova is always popular, but in autumn it has its own peaceful and authentic charm.
Stroll through the stone-paved alleys with traditional houses, try trachanas soup and Arachova’s formaela cheese, and enjoy coffee with a view of the mountains.
A visit to Delphi is a must. The Oracle, the Archaeological Museum, and the route to the Corycian Cave are perfect for a long weekend.
You can also visit Livadi of Parnassos for a relaxed atmosphere and warm rakomelo.
Lake Stymphalia
Accommodation: €192
Fuel & Tolls: €52.94
Distance: approx. 2 hours
Lake Stymphalia is a peaceful, authentic destination for those who love nature and quiet trips.
According to mythology, this is where Hercules killed the Stymphalian birds.
Walk around the lake and visit the Environment Museum of Stymphalia to learn more about the area’s ecosystem.
Nearby, you can visit Mavrikio, a small village with traditional houses and beautiful views of the lake, or take a short trip to Goura, one of the most picturesque villages in mountainous Corinthia, with cobbled alleys and stone mansions.
In the local tavernas, you’ll find Stymphalia beans, pies, and wine from small producers.
From Thessaloniki
Lake Kerkini
Accommodation: €252
Fuel & Tolls: €30.1
Distance: approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes
Kerkini is a magical destination for those seeking peace and nature.
You can go boating, hiking, or horseback riding along the lake’s shore.
You may see buffalo, flamingos, and pelicans, and nearby you can visit the Rupel Fort and the traditional village of Ano Poroia.
In the local tavernas, you’ll find buffalo meat, fresh fish, and Kerkini honey.
Ioannina & Zagori
Accommodation: €258
Fuel & Tolls: €86.04
Distance: approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes
Ioannina is one of the most interesting autumn destinations in Greece. The city spreads around Lake Pamvotida, with the castle and the narrow streets of the old town offering beautiful walks.
Take a boat to the island in the lake, visit the Silversmithing Museum, and try traditional pies and tsipouro at lakeside shops.
About an hour away, the Zagori villages offer a completely different landscape: stone bridges, forests, and trails leading to the Vikos Gorge, ideal for hiking or a relaxing drive.
Monodendri, Vitsa, and Papingo are the most famous villages, but in smaller ones like Koukouli or Tsepelovo, you’ll also find excellent food and a peaceful atmosphere.
A destination that combines history, nature, and tradition – and one you should visit at least once in the fall.
Lake Vegoritida
Accommodation: €261
Fuel & Tolls: €33.4
Distance: 130 km – approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes
Lake Vegoritida, on the border of Pella and Florina, is ideal for quiet autumn getaways in nature.
You can walk along the lake’s shores, go cycling or horseback riding on the lakeside trail, and stop for coffee or food in Agios Panteleimonas, the most well-known village in the area.
There you’ll find small wineries where you can enjoy wine tastings and meet the producers of the famous Xinomavro variety.
If you have time, it’s worth visiting Florina (30 minutes away) or Nymfaio, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Greece, with traditional mansions and the Arcturos bear sanctuary.
In the area’s tavernas, you’ll enjoy lake fish, local graviera cheese, and wine.
Elatochori, Pieria
Accommodation: €180
Fuel & Tolls: €32.02
Distance: 110 km – approx. 1 hour and 50 minutes
Elatochori in Pieria is one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in Macedonia, built on the slopes of the Pierian Mountains, with a unique view of Mount Olympus.
The village offers peace, fresh air, and nature – ideal for those wanting a quick escape without much driving.
Walk along forest trails, enjoy the route to the Orlias waterfalls, or visit the Elatochori Ski Center for coffee with a view.
If you have time, also visit Katerini or the seaside village of Litochoro, at the foot of Mount Olympus, for a short walk with a sea view.
In the tavernas of Elatochori, you’ll find local meats, handmade pies, Pieria honey, and wine from local wineries.
