Weekend trips from Patras: 6 two-day getaways

For a two-day trip from Patras, your options are split into two directions: north towards Epirus and the Ionian, south towards Messinia and Laconia. In both cases, we're talking about two to three hours of driving.

See what each destination has to offer and where to stay.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

Before we go into detail, 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)	Round trip cost*
Galaxidi	110 km	1 hr 35 min	13.90 €	58 €
Nafpaktos	45 km	40 minutes	13.90 €	40 €
Ioannina	220 km	2 hrs 40 min	17.80 €	95 €
Preveza	175 km	2 hrs 15 min	16.50 €	80 €
Kalamata	215 km	2 hrs 40 min	9.60 €	77 €
Mystras	230 km	2 hrs 55 min	9.60 €	81 €

*Estimated with petrol at 1.92 €/litre, consumption 7 litres per 100 km, and tolls in both directions. Toll and fuel prices change — use these figures as a guide.

The destinations one by one

1. Galaxidi — 110 km, 1 hr 35 min

The first destination we recommend is Galaxidi. The distance from Patras is 110 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 35 min, with 13.90 € tolls in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 58 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• A maritime aristocratic port with stone captain's houses
• A quiet stroll around the two small harbours
• The naval museum with 200 years of history

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish and seafood by the water. Ideal for a romantic two-day break 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've checked are Hotel Galaxidi, Porto Lourba, KRISSAIA Seaside Suites. For a detailed guide to all areas, see our guide where to stay in Galaxidi.

2. Nafpaktos — 45 km, 40 minutes

If you're looking for something that works all year round, add Nafpaktos to your list. The distance from Patras is 45 km and the driving time is approximately 40 minutes, with 13.90 € tolls in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 40 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Venetian harbour with the castle above it
• Psani and Gribovo beaches within the city
• Views of the Rio-Antirrio Bridge

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: meze and tsipouro in 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've checked are Porto Enetiko, Ilion Hotel, Hotel Nafpaktos. For a detailed guide to all areas, see our guide where to stay in Nafpaktos.

3. Ioannina — 220 km, 2 hrs 40 min

One of the most reliable choices is Ioannina. The distance from Patras is 220 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 40 min, with 17.80 € tolls in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 95 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Castle and the island on Lake Pamvotida
• Perama Cave
• A vibrant student city with cafés and mezedopoleia

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 island 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. For a detailed guide to all areas, see our guide where to stay in Ioannina.

4. Preveza — 175 km, 2 hrs 15 min

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Preveza. The distance from Patras is 175 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 15 min, with 16.50 € tolls in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 80 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Picturesque narrow streets with mezedopoleia
• Monolithi beach, 22 km of sandy shore
• Ancient Nicopolis just a few minutes outside the city

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: the famous Prevezan sardine. Ideal for a summer two-day break with food and swimming. Tip: the Aktio-Preveza underwater tunnel takes you to Lefkada in 30 minutes.

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

5. Kalamata — 215 km, 2 hrs 40 min

For something different, try Kalamata. The distance from Patras is 215 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 40 min, with 9.60 € tolls in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 77 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• A 4 km long waterfront with a cycle path
• Historic centre with a castle and market
• Starting point for Messinia, Pylos, and Stoupa

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: gournopoula (roast pork), lalaggia, 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've checked are Central Rooms, ASO Hotel - Historic Raisin Warehouse 1928, IRA - HRA Hotel. For a detailed guide to all areas, see our guide where to stay in Kalamata.

6. Mystras — 230 km, 2 hrs 55 min

Among our favourite destinations is Mystras. The distance from Patras is 230 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 55 min, with 9.60 € tolls in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 81 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Byzantine castle town, a UNESCO monument
• Views of the plain of Sparta and Mount Taygetus
• Starting point for Mani and Gytheio

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: syglino, lalaggia, and Laconia oranges. Ideal for a cultural two-day trip with hiking. Tip: start from the Upper Gate and walk down — you'll save an hour of uphill climbing.

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

Practical advice for road trips

Travelling by car from Patras has a great advantage: freedom. You're not dependent on schedules, you can stop wherever you want, and the cost is shared. However, there are a few 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 about 13-14 € per 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and petrol, and more on bank 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 — for popular destinations, good options go 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 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 lake levels, and empty roads make every journey more pleasant.

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 gets tiring. For couples, mountain getaways outside of bank 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 food and activities: in popular destinations, good accommodation sells 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 come from spontaneous stops in villages and views you hadn't planned. Finally, always check tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

When is the best time to go

Spring, from mid-April to mid-June, is the ideal period for almost every Greek destination: temperatures of 20-27 degrees, lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and prices significantly lower than in August. Autumn, especially September and the first half of October, offers the same balance with warm seas.

July and August have the most vibrant life but also the highest demand: bookings months in advance, peak prices, and busy roads on long weekends. If you go then, plan your travel for early morning or late afternoon and avoid the August 15th weekend.

Winter has its own charm, with warm tavernas, fireplaces, heated pools, and destinations almost empty of tourists. Prices are the lowest of the year outside of holidays, while Christmas, New Year's, and Carnival are exceptions with premium pricing and mandatory multi-day bookings.

Five mistakes most people make

The first mistake is an overly ambitious itinerary. Three destinations in two days means you'll mostly see roads. Choose one base and make excursions of up to forty minutes around it. The second is booking accommodation based solely on price: a difference of 15 € per night for a better location saves time and fuel every day.

The third mistake is arriving late at night in small settlements, where kitchens close at 10:30 PM and the reception isn't open 24/7. The fourth is ignoring the local weather: in mountainous and island destinations, conditions can change within hours, and strong winds can cancel itineraries.

The fifth and most common: not asking the locals. The best taverna, the uncrowded beach, and the time an attraction empties out are pieces of information not found on lists, but freely given in a chat at reception or in a café.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Patras on this list?

It's Nafpaktos, with 45 km and approximately a 40-minute drive.

How much does the most economical route cost?

The cheapest option is Nafpaktos: about 40 € for a round trip in petrol and tolls, an amount shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

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

How much will I pay in total for tolls?

It depends on the destination: on our list, tolls range from zero to 17.80 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

Which two-day trip best combines food and sightseeing?

Ioannina. Lake, castle, island, and one of the best culinary scenes in the country.

Is Preveza worth visiting outside of summer?

Yes. The narrow streets with mezedopoleia are open all year round, and ancient Nicopolis is ideal for a spring visit.