Road trip destinations near Larissa: 10 getaways in a short time

Larissa is one of the most convenient bases in the country: in an hour you can reach Pelion and Meteora, and in less than an hour and a half, Mount Olympus and the beaches of Pieria. Distances are short and tolls are minimal.

Below is a table of distances and a detailed description of each destination with accommodation suggestions.

Summary table: distances, times, and costs

Before we delve into the details, see a summary of what each destination means in kilometres, hours, and euros. The table helps you quickly choose based on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one-way)	Return cost*
Volos	60 km.	50 minutes	1.80 €	20 €
Pelion	90 km.	1 hr. 20 min.	1.80 €	28 €
Kalambaka	80 km.	1 hr. 5 min.	—	22 €
Litochoro	85 km.	1 hr.	3.60 €	30 €
Platamonas	70 km.	55 minutes	3.60 €	26 €
Paralia Katerinis	95 km.	1 hr. 10 min.	3.60 €	33 €
Karpenisi	190 km.	2 hrs. 45 min.	2.60 €	56 €
Ioannina	215 km.	2 hrs. 30 min.	8.40 €	75 €
Zagorochoria	245 km.	2 hrs. 55 min.	8.40 €	83 €
Edessa	195 km.	2 hrs. 20 min.	6.00 €	64 €

*Estimate based on petrol at 1.92 €/litre, consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, and two-way tolls. Toll and fuel prices change — use these figures as a guide.

The destinations one by one

1. Volos — 60 km., 50 minutes

The first destination we recommend is Volos. The distance from Larissa is 60 km. and the driving time is approximately 50 minutes, with 1.80 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 20 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The tsipouradika (taverns serving tsipouro and meze) in Palia and on the waterfront
• The port with views of the Pagasetic Gulf
• Starting point for all of Pelion within 30-60 minutes

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: tsipouro with a series of meze served with each round. Ideal for a gastronomic overnight escape. Tip: in tsipouradika, the meze comes with the tsipouro and changes with each order.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Domotel Xenia Volos, Aegli Hotel Volos, Volos Inn Hotel. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Volos.

2. Pelion — 90 km., 1 hr. 20 min.

If you're looking for something that works all year round, add Pelion to your list. The distance from Larissa is 90 km. and the driving time is approximately 1 hr. 20 min., with 1.80 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 28 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Stone-built villages like Makrinitsa, Portaria, Tsagarada
• Aegean beaches: Mylopotamos, Fakistra, Damouchari
• The 'Moutzouris' train in summer

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: spetzofai, tsitsiravla, and tsipouro with meze. Ideal for a two or three-day mountain and sea escape combined. Tip: roads in Pelion are winding — allow double the time indicated on the map.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Xenia Palace Portaria, Valeni Boutique Hotel & Spa, Stevalia Hotel & Spa. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Pelion.

3. Kalambaka — 80 km., 1 hr. 5 min.

One of the most reliable choices is Kalambaka. The distance from Larissa is 80 km. and the driving time is approximately 1 hr. 5 min., with no tolls. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 22 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Meteora and the six accessible monasteries
• Sunset from Psaropetra rock
• Kastraki with stone houses beneath the rocks

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: cooked dishes and local Thessalian cheeses. Ideal for a two-day trip with history and views. Tip: the monasteries have different closing days — check before you go.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Konaki of Meteora Boutique Living, Mirabilis Boutique Hotel, Epavlis Meteora Suites Hotel. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Kalambaka.

4. Litochoro — 85 km., 1 hr.

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Litochoro. The distance from Larissa is 85 km. and the driving time is approximately 1 hr., with 3.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 30 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Starting point for the Mount Olympus trails
• The Enipeas gorge and the Baths
• 10 minutes from Plaka Litochoro beach

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: meats and cooked dishes with views of Mount Olympus. Ideal for a mountain and sea weekend. Tip: reservations are needed for the mountain refuges, especially in July and August.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Robolo Boutique Hotel by H&T, Hotel Mirto, Palio Litochoro The Countryside Lodge. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Litochoro.

5. Platamonas — 70 km., 55 minutes

For something different, try Platamonas. The distance from Larissa is 70 km. and the driving time is approximately 55 minutes, with 3.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 26 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Byzantine castle above the sea
• Long organised beach
• Base for Mount Olympus and Thessaloniki

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fish taverns on the beachfront. Ideal for family holidays with easy access. Tip: the castle is lit up at night and the view from above is worth a stop.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Cronwell Platamon Resort All-Inclusive, Olympus Thea Boutique Hotel, Hotel Morfeas. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Platamonas.

6. Paralia Katerinis — 95 km., 1 hr. 10 min.

Among our favourite destinations is Paralia Katerinis. The distance from Larissa is 95 km. and the driving time is approximately 1 hr. 10 min., with 3.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 33 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Large organised beach with Blue Flag status
• Pedestrian street with cafes and restaurants
• 30 minutes from Mount Olympus and Dion

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: souvlaki, ice cream, and fish taverns. Ideal for a family weekend with children. Tip: Dion, with its archaeological site, is an ideal combination for a morning excursion.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Panorama Inn Hotel, Mediterranean Village Hotel & Spa, Lucia Hotel Paralia. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Paralia Katerinis.

7. Karpenisi — 190 km., 2 hrs. 45 min.

It's also worth considering Karpenisi. The distance from Larissa is 190 km. and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs. 45 min., with 2.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 56 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Megalo Chorio and Mikro Chorio with their stone houses
• Rafting in Karpenisiotis and zip-lining
• Velouchi Ski Centre

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: rooster with hilopites (local pasta), trachanas (fermented milk soup), and local formaella cheese. Ideal for a winter three-day trip with activities. Tip: in the mountain villages, the road requires snow chains from December to March — check road conditions before setting off.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are City Apollonion, Melegos Hotel, Lecadin Hotel. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Karpenisi.

8. Ioannina — 215 km., 2 hrs. 30 min.

We conclude our suggestions with Ioannina. The distance from Larissa is 215 km. and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs. 30 min., with 8.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 75 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Castle and the islet of Lake Pamvotida
• Perama Cave
• Lively student city with cafes and mezedopoleia (taverns serving small dishes)

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: pies, bougatsa, and lake fish. Ideal for a city break with a lake and history. Tip: the ferry to the islet departs every half hour and costs very little.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Stoes Boutique Hotel, Petrou Suites, IALNA Boutique Hotel. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Ioannina.

9. Zagorochoria — 245 km., 2 hrs. 55 min.

The first destination we recommend is Zagorochoria. The distance from Larissa is 245 km. and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs. 55 min., with 8.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 83 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Vikos Gorge and the arched bridges
• Papigo, Aristi, Kipi, and Monodendri
• Drakolimni of Tymfi for the more experienced hikers

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: Zagori pies, boiled goat, and tsipouro. Ideal for an autumn or winter three-day trip. Tip: distances between villages are short in kilometres but slow to traverse — don't try to cram too much into one day.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Aristi Mountain Resort, Arhontiko Aristis, Hotel Taxiarches. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Zagorochoria.

10. Edessa — 195 km., 2 hrs. 20 min.

If you're looking for something that works all year round, add Edessa to your list. The distance from Larissa is 195 km. and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs. 20 min., with 6.00 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 64 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The waterfalls within the city
• Varosi, the old quarter with its stone houses
• The aquarium and the cave behind the waterfall

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: local wines and Florina peppers. Ideal for a family day trip. Tip: combine with Pozar Baths, which are 40 minutes away.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Hagiati Guesthouse - Edessa Cozy Mountain Retreat, Varosi 4 Seasons, Hotel Elena. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Edessa.

Practical tips for your road trip

Travelling by car from Larissa has a major advantage: freedom. You aren't dependent on schedules, you can stop wherever you like, and the cost is shared. However, there are some points worth considering beforehand.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For longer journeys, this can mean 10-22 € each way, so double that for a return trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, a medium-sized car spends about 13-14 € per 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide do not include stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and fuel, and more on holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountain destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and three-day trips, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — good options in popular destinations sell out first.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination changes character completely depending on the month. Coastal options are at their best from mid-June to mid-September, when the sea is warm and beach bars are open. In spring, the same areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and dining without queues.

Mountain villages work in reverse: from November to March they offer fireplaces, snow, and are in highest demand, while in summer they provide coolness, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, high-level lakes, and empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer to depart in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that tires them out. For couples, mountain two-day trips outside of holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to organise your excursion

Start backwards: first decide how many hours you can comfortably spend in the car, then choose a destination from the table. This is the surest way to avoid regretting it halfway. Second, book your accommodation before planning meals and activities: in popular destinations, the best places to stay sell out first, and prices rise as the date approaches.

Third, create a relaxed schedule with two fixed points a day — one attraction and one meal — and leave the rest open. The best moments on these kinds of getaways often come from spontaneous stops in villages and at viewpoints you hadn't planned. Finally, always check your tyres, oil, and tyre pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the closest destination from Larissa on this list?

It's Volos, at 60 km and approximately 50 minutes' drive.

How much does the most economical route cost?

The cheapest option is Volos: approximately 20 € for a return trip including petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Zagorochoria, with approximately 2 hrs. 55 min. of driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in tolls in total?

It depends on the destination: on our list, tolls range from zero to 8.40 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

Which is the closest worthwhile destination from Larissa?

Volos, just 60 km away, with its tsipouradika and the entire Pelion peninsula right next to it.

How long does it take to reach Meteora from Larissa?

Approximately one hour and five minutes for 80 kilometres, with no tolls if you take the old road via Trikala.