Weekend escapes from Larisa: 6 two-day getaways

A weekend trip from Larisa could take you to Pelion in an hour and a half, or to Zagorochoria in three. In both cases, you save time compared to starting from Athens or Thessaloniki.

Six suggestions for two-day trips, including distances, costs, and accommodation.

Summary Table: Distances, Times, and Costs

Before we delve into the details, here's a summarised look at what each destination entails in terms of kilometres, hours, and euros. This table helps you quickly choose based on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Round-trip cost*
Pelion	90 km	1 hr 20 min	1.80 €	28 €
Kalambaka	80 km	1 hr 5 min	—	22 €
Karpenisi	190 km	2 hr 45 min	2.60 €	56 €
Ioannina	215 km	2 hr 30 min	8.40 €	75 €
Zagorochoria	245 km	2 hr 55 min	8.40 €	83 €
Edessa	195 km	2 hr 20 min	6.00 €	64 €

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

The destinations one by one

1. Pelion — 90 km, 1 hr 20 min

Our first suggested destination is Pelion. The distance from Larisa 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 round-trip cost (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 steam 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 trip combining mountain and sea. Tip: roads in Pelion are winding – allow double the time your map indicates.

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

2. Kalambaka — 80 km, 1 hr 5 min

If you're looking for something that works in every season, put Kalambaka on your list. The distance from Larisa 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 round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 22 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

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: monasteries have different closing days – check before you go.

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

3. Karpenisi — 190 km, 2 hr 45 min

One of the most reliable choices is Karpenisi. The distance from Larisa is 190 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 45 min, with 2.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 56 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: rooster with hilopites (egg noodles), trachanas (fermented milk pasta), and local formaella cheese. Ideal for a winter three-day trip with activities. Tip: in mountainous villages, anti-skid chains are needed from December to March.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are City Apollonion, Melegos Hotel, Lecadin Hotel. Find detailed information on all areas in our guide where to stay in Karpenisi.

4. Ioannina — 215 km, 2 hr 30 min

A little further, but entirely feasible, is Ioannina. The distance from Larisa is 215 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 30 min, with 8.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 75 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Castle and the islet of Lake Pamvotida
• Perama Cave
• A vibrant student city with cafés and tavernas

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've checked are Stoes Boutique Hotel, Petrou Suites, IALNA Boutique Hotel. Find detailed information on all areas in our guide where to stay in Ioannina.

5. Zagorochoria — 245 km, 2 hr 55 min

For something different, try Zagorochoria. The distance from Larisa is 245 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 55 min, with 8.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 83 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Vikos Gorge and the arched bridges
• Papigko, Aristi, Kipoi, 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 – don't try to cram too much into one day.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Aristi Mountain Resort, Archontiko Aristis, Hotel Taxiarches. Find detailed information on all areas in our guide where to stay in Zagorochoria.

6. Edessa — 195 km, 2 hr 20 min

Among our favourite destinations is Edessa. The distance from Larisa is 195 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr 20 min, with 6.00 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 64 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The waterfalls within the city
• Varosi, the old quarter with stone houses
• The aquarium and 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've checked are Hagiati Guesthouse - Edessa Cozy Mountain Retreat, Varosi 4 Seasons, Hotel Elena. Find detailed information on all areas in our guide where to stay in Edessa.

Practical tips for travelling by car

Travelling by car from Larisa has a big advantage: freedom. You're not dependent on schedules, you can stop wherever you like, and the cost is shared. However, there are a few 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 round 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 petrol, and more on public holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep anti-skid chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and three-day breaks, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance – good options in popular destinations are snapped up quickly.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination can completely change character 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 waiting.

Mountain villages work in reverse: from November to March, they offer fireplaces, snow, and the 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, the high water levels in lakes, and empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer an early morning departure to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that gets tiresome. For couples, mountain two-day trips outside public holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to organise your trip

Start backwards: first decide how many hours you can tolerate in the car, then choose a destination from the table. It's the surest way not to regret it halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before worrying about food 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 per day – one attraction and one meal – and leave the rest open. The best moments on these types of getaways often come from spontaneous stops in villages and at viewpoints you hadn't planned for. Finally, always check your tyres, oil, and tyre pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

How to book accommodation at the right price

Accommodation prices in Greece are dynamic, so the timing of your booking matters more than the choice itself. The rule that works: for summer islands, book from February to April; for mountainous destinations, October to November; and for three-day breaks, at least six weeks in advance, as demand skyrockets then.

Always read recent reviews, not just the overall rating. Accommodation with an 8.6 and recent comments about cleanliness and quiet rooms is a better choice than a 9.2 with three-year-old reviews. Focus on three points: soundproofing, breakfast, and parking – these are the three things that aren't visible in photos.

Finally, always choose an option with free cancellation, even if it's a few euros more expensive. On road trips, the weather often changes plans, and flexibility is worth more than the small discount of a non-refundable rate.

Parking and getting around at your destination

In most Greek destinations, parking is the first practical problem upon arrival. In historical centres and traditional settlements, cars are usually left in peripheral car parks, and access is on foot, so it's worth asking your accommodation beforehand if they have a space or a partnership with a car park.

In cities, expect to pay 5-10 € per day for organised parking and avoid free spaces in narrow streets, where fines are frequent. On islands and in mountainous areas, conversely, a car is essential: distances between beaches, villages, and monasteries cannot be covered by public transport.

Before embarking on excursions within your destination, download an offline map. Signal can easily be lost in gorges, mountain passes, and small coastal roads, and an offline map can be the difference between a beautiful detour and an hour of aimless driving.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the closest destination from Larisa on this list?

It's Kalambaka, with 80 km and approximately a 1 hr 5 min drive.

How much does the cheapest route cost?

The cheapest option is Kalambaka: around 22 € 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 furthest is Zagorochoria, with approximately a 2 hr 55 min drive. 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 8.40 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

Which two-day trip offers the best scenery?

Zagorochoria, with Vikos Gorge and its stone bridges – a three-hour drive that truly rewards you.

Is Pelion worth visiting for a weekend?

Absolutely, especially outside of August. In two days, you can visit two or three villages and an Aegean beach.