Road trips from Patras: 10 getaways with time and cost

Patras is at the centre of a crossroads: with the Rio-Antirrio bridge, Central Greece is close by; with the Nea Odos, Epirus becomes more accessible; and with the Olympia Odos, the entire Peloponnese opens up in less than three hours.

See nearby destinations with actual kilometres, tolls, and accommodation suggestions.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

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

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Round trip cost*
Nafpaktos	45 km	40 minutes	13.90 €	40 €
Kalavryta	75 km	1 hr 20 min	1.80 €	24 €
Xylokastro	90 km	1 hr 5 min	3.40 €	31 €
Galaxidi	110 km	1 hr 35 min	13.90 €	58 €
Delphi	150 km	2 hr 10 min	13.90 €	68 €
Kalamata	215 km	2 hr 40 min	9.60 €	77 €
Pylos	195 km	2 hr 30 min	6.60 €	65 €
Preveza	175 km	2 hr 15 min	16.50 €	80 €
Ioannina	220 km	2 hr 40 min	17.80 €	95 €
Mystras	230 km	2 hr 55 min	9.60 €	81 €

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

The destinations one by one

1. Nafpaktos — 45 km, 40 minutes

The first destination we recommend is Nafpaktos. The distance from Patras is 45 km and the driving time is approximately 40 minutes, with a 13.90 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 40 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Venetian harbour with the castle above
• Psani and Gribovo beaches within the town
• View of the Rio–Antirrio bridge

For food, the local “rule” is simple: meze and tsipouro at the Venetian harbour. Ideal for a romantic getaway with historical character. Tip: drive up to the castle for a sunset view over the Corinthian Gulf.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Porto Enetiko, Ilion Hotel, Hotel Nafpaktos. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Nafpaktos.

2. Kalavryta — 75 km, 1 hr 20 min

If you want something that works all year round, add Kalavryta to your list. The distance from Patras is 75 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 20 min, with a 1.80 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 24 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Odontotos Rack Railway through the Vouraikos Gorge
• The Cave of Lakes in Kastria
• Ski centre on Mount Chelmos

For food, the local “rule” is simple: grilled meats, trahanas, and local tsipouro. Ideal for a family weekend with train rides and snow. Tip: book your Odontotos tickets online, as morning services fill up first.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Anesis Hotel, Kynaitha Hotel, Aphrodite's Inn Kalavrita. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Kalavryta.

3. Xylokastro — 90 km, 1 hr 5 min

One of the most reliable choices is Xylokastro. The distance from Patras is 90 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 5 min, with a 3.40 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 31 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Pefkias forest, reaching down to the sea
• Coastal promenade with views of Parnassos
• Starting point for Trikala Corinthias and Ziria

For food, the local “rule” is simple: souvlaki and fish tavernas on the beach. Ideal for a quick getaway with swimming and mountains combined. Tip: Lake Doxa is half an hour further up, perfect for photos.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Riviera Hotel, Daphne's Club Hotel Apartments, Xylokastro Antique. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Xylokastro.

4. Galaxidi — 110 km, 1 hr 35 min

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Galaxidi. The distance from Patras is 110 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 35 min, with a 13.90 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 58 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Seafaring mansion port with stone captain's houses
• Quiet stroll around the two small harbours
• The Maritime Museum with 200 years of history

For food, the local “rule” is simple: fresh fish and seafood by the water. Ideal for a romantic weekend away from the crowds. Tip: combine it with the pine forests of Agia Efthymia and the Rio–Antirrio bridge.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Hotel Galaxidi, Porto Lourba, KRISSAIA Seaside Suites. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Galaxidi.

5. Delphi — 150 km, 2 hr 10 min

For something different, try Delphi. The distance from Patras is 150 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 10 min, with a 13.90 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 68 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The archaeological site and museum of Delphi
• View of the “river” of olive groves down to the Corinthian Gulf
• Starting point for Parnassos and Galaxidi

For food, the local “rule” is simple: local cheeses, ladotyri, and cooked dishes in the square. Ideal for combining history and mountains in one day. Tip: arrive at the archaeological site before 10 a.m. to enjoy it without crowds.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Amalia Hotel Delphi, Hermes Delphi Hotel, Nidimos Hotel. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Delphi.

6. Kalamata — 215 km, 2 hr 40 min

Among our favourite destinations is Kalamata. The distance from Patras is 215 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 40 min, with a 9.60 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 77 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• 4 km long seafront with a cycling path
• Historic centre with castle and market
• Starting point for Messinia, Pylos, and Stoupa

For food, the local “rule” is simple: roast pork (gournopoula), lalangia, and Kalamata olives. Ideal as a base for a longer road trip in Messinia. Tip: the Corinth–Kalamata motorway makes the journey comfortable in less than 3 hours.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Central Rooms, ASO Hotel - Historic Raisin Warehouse 1928, IRA - IRA Hotel. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Kalamata.

7. Pylos — 195 km, 2 hr 30 min

It’s also worth considering Pylos. The distance from Patras is 195 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 30 min, with a 6.60 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 65 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Venetian Neo-Kastro above the bay
• Gialova Lagoon with flamingos
• Voidokilia, one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches

For food, the local “rule” is simple: seafood in the Square of the Three Admirals. Ideal for summer holidays with exquisite beaches. Tip: there is no shade at Voidokilia — go early with an umbrella.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Karalis Beach, Karalis City Hotel, Hotel Miramare. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Pylos.

8. Preveza — 175 km, 2 hr 15 min

We conclude our suggestions with Preveza. The distance from Patras is 175 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 15 min, with a 16.50 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 80 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Picturesque alleys with meze tavernas
• Monolithi beach, 22 km of sand
• Ancient Nicopolis a few minutes outside the city

For food, the local “rule” is simple: the famous Preveza sardines. Ideal for a summer weekend with food and swimming. Tip: the Aktio–Preveza underwater tunnel takes you to Lefkada in 30 minutes.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Dioni Boutique Hotel, Preveza City Comfort Hotel, Hotel Urania. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Preveza.

9. Ioannina — 220 km, 2 hr 40 min

The first destination we recommend is Ioannina. The distance from Patras is 220 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 40 min, with a 17.80 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 95 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Castle and the islet of Lake Pamvotida
• Perama Cave
• Vibrant student city with cafes and meze tavernas

For 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. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Ioannina.

10. Mystras — 230 km, 2 hr 55 min

If you want something that works all year round, add Mystras to your list. The distance from Patras is 230 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 55 min, with a 9.60 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 81 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Byzantine castle town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• View of the plain of Sparta and Mount Taygetos
• Starting point for Mani and Gytheio

For food, the local “rule” is simple: synglino (smoked pork), lalangia, and Laconia oranges. Ideal for a cultural weekend with hiking. Tip: start from the Upper Gate and walk down — you save an hour of uphill climbing.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Byzantion Hotel, Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa, Mystras Grand Palace Resort & Spa. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Mystras.

Practicalities for your car trip

Travelling by car from Patras has a great advantage: freedom. You’re not tied to schedules, you can stop wherever you want, and the cost is shared. However, there are some points worth considering beforehand.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For long journeys, we’re talking about 10-22 € in each direction, so double that for a round trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, a medium-sized car spends approximately 13-14 € per 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and petrol, and more on holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and long weekends, 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, these areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and dining without waiting.

Mountain villages work in reverse: from November to March, they have fireplaces, snow, and the highest demand, while in summer they offer cool temperatures, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, high water levels in 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. For couples, mountain weekends 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 tolerate in the car, then choose a destination from the table. This is the surest way to avoid regretting it halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before worrying about food and activities: in popular destinations, good lodgings sell out first, and prices rise as the date approaches.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Patras on this list?

Nafpaktos, at 45 km and approximately 40 minutes' drive.

How much does the cheapest route cost?

The cheapest option is Kalavryta: approximately 24 € for a round trip in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The most distant is Mystras, with approximately 2 hr 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: in our list, tolls range from zero to 17.80 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

How much does the Rio-Antirrio bridge cost?

For private cars, passage costs approximately 13.90 € per direction, so calculate double for a round trip.

What is the best day trip from Patras?

Nafpaktos. It's 45 minutes away via the bridge and features a Venetian harbour, castle, and beaches within the town.