Finally, after three years, this Easter we will finally be able to travel without restrictions. Enjoying the Greek countryside in spring is definitely something we have missed. The best way to enjoy the growing season in Greece is to take a road trip. Even if you don’t have or don’t trust your own vehicle, Avis is here to help you. With zero hassle and in no time, you will pick up a great car exactly the moment you choose.

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Booking a car is made easy online, while the Avis fleet offers a wide range of options, whether your priority is comfort, low fuel consumption or you are fond of cars with impressive performance, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Avis. At avis.gr, you can find offers, discounts and benefit from additional privileges thanks to important partnerships and loyalty programs. At the same time, Avis has a free cancellation policy and offers a refund up to 2 days before the pick-up of the vehicle, if for some reason your trip is changed or cancelled for maximum flexibility.

Now that we’ve solved the transportation issue, let’s look at some destinations, ideal options for this Easter. Not too far from Attica, you can travel there even if you don’t have more than 3-4 days to spend.

Nafplio

The first capital of the Greek state is an ideal destination for those who want to spend Easter romantically. We won’t go into detail about the city’s famous sights, such as the fortresses of Bourtzi, Akronafplia and Palamidi, or the imposing mansions that adorn the gorgeous capital of Argolida, because you probably heard about all of them before. But since you will be visiting Argolida by car, it is worth taking the time to get to know the wider area. At Karathonas beach you can do everything from wind surfing and water skiing to inflatable rides and water bikes: take your pick and exert yourself.

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Just 8 km away lies the charming fishing village of Tolo. The area’s sandy beach and three islets are ideal for boat rides and swimming in crystal clear waters (you may rent a boat from the village). A little further away is the small quiet beach of Kastraki and after that, there is a particularly large beach that stretches from Ancient Assini to the small town of Drepano, the beautiful Kondyli beach and the small village of Kandia, built by the sea.

The coastal beauty of Argolida is in itself reason enough to hope for good Easter weather. Renting a car from Avis is the best way to make your trip as you like it. No more restrictions, no more fixed routes, no more early departure times, you can schedule your trip exactly as it suits you.

Stemnitsa

Built on the western slopes of the fir-filled mount Menalo, Stemnitsa is one of the most beautiful villages of mountainous Arcadia. Admire the ornate bell tower of Agios Georgios and enjoy a coffee or a meal in the beautiful central square of the village. The vernal nature invites for long hikes or car rides.

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You should definitely visit the Monastery of Timios Prodromos which seems to dangle over the gorge of Lousios. As in the other villages of mountainous Arcadia, here you will find excellent food and local products.

Tinos

For centuries, Catholics and Orthodox Christians have coexisted harmoniously on this Cycladic island, which has always been associated with pilgrimage tourism. In recent years, thanks to the painstaking efforts of the locals, it has become a very popular destination for those interested in culture, good food and architecture.

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The reason why we recommend you to visit Tinos with a rental car from Avis, is so that you can tour the island and discover its many beautiful villages, some of the most beautiful in Greece.

Nafpaktos

The small but well-preserved town of western Greece combines great history with magnificent beauty. Walking around the harbour, you will see the medieval walls as well as the statue of Miguel de Cervantes. The author of Don Quixote is perhaps the most famous man in world history ever to have been in the area, as he fought and was wounded in the historic naval battle of 1570.

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But it is a pity to find yourself here and not make a detour to the valley of Evinos and the mountainous Nafpaktia. Adventure lovers will find “shelter” in the Evinos valley and enjoy a wide range of sports, including kayaking, mountain biking and rock climbing. As far as mountainous Nafpaktia is concerned, it is the journey that counts and not so much the destination. The altitude varies and the narrow roads and difficult turns seem endless. The landscape, however, with its quiet villages that seem reclined on the green hillsides and the sounds of nature will make up for it.

The thermal springs of Edipsos

Greece’s most famous thermal springs are a place of wondrous beauty. Unfortunately, North Evia was affected by last summer’s fires, which could be a valid reason to spend some time there this Easter and help the locals boost their economy.

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Sooner or later, nature will take its first steps towards recovery, and so will people, who are struggling to rebuild their lives. There is no better feeling than knowing that your trip to a destination is actively helping a local community get back on its feet.

Monemvasia

Located in south-eastern Peloponnese, this stunning castle-town known as the “Gibraltar of the East” is the ideal destination this Easter. The peak of spring is probably the best time to visit this otherworldly -built in a truly unique spot in the prefecture of Lakonia – town combines natural beauty, medieval and modern history, good food and a second to none aura.

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Entering the town, on the left is the house of Yannis Ritsos, as Monemvasia was the birthplace of the great poet. Then the market street leads to the main square with the old cannon and the church of Elkomenos Christos. At its feet stretches the lower town, the walls and the sea, while a little further up, the church of Agia Sophia, built on the edge of a steep cliff, looms majestically. If you find yourself here, you should combine your Easter excursion with a visit to Mystras, the most important Byzantine archaeological site in Greece, 5 km from Sparta.

Leave your car at the second entrance and head towards Pano Hora (upper town), where the most important monuments are located (Mystras is divided into three main urban levels: the fortified level is at the top, followed by Pano and Kato Hora – i.e. upper and lower town). Be sure to visit Mystras relatively early so that it is still cool, put on your sneakers and take water with you as a good tour takes at least two hours.

All this may sound a bit overwhelming, but you can be sure it’s worth it. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets you get the feeling of stepping back in time, while the climb to the Acropolis offers one of the most spectacular views in Greece.

Tsagarada

This lush green village in eastern Pelion can serve as the ideal base for exploring the mountain of Centaurs. Tsagarada comprises four districts, which are named after their parishes, namely Agia Paraskevi, Agios Stefanos, Agia Kyriaki and Agioi Taxiarhes. Tsagarada is located on a green hillside that reaches all the way to the beach, so whether you are into mountains or the sea this is the perfect destination for you.

Tsagarada is covered with impressive plane trees. In fact, the plane tree in Agia Paraskevi square is said to be over 1000 years old. Eastern Pelion is also ideal for extreme sports. Perhaps the most exciting option is canyoning, i.e. crossing a canyon. Here too, the spring landscape lends itself to “car rides”. Even if you own a vehicle, planning an Avis car roadtrip can be a cost-effective option, as Avis offers a wide range of modern, fuel-efficient car models (even electric or hybrid!) to make your trip as economical as possible. Here too, springtime is ideal for car rides. Even if you own a vehicle, booking an Avis car and going on a trip can be a cost-effective option, as Avis offers a wide range of modern, fuel-efficient cars (even electric or hybrid!) to make your trip as budget-friendly as possible.

Karpenisi

Perhaps it is best known as a winter destination, but the capital of Evrytania and the surrounding area will surprise you with its beauty in spring. Full of plane trees and rivers, Kefalovryso Park, 3 km outside Karpenisi, will enthral you, especially if you have children. And of course, apart from the very good local gastronomic options, Karpenisi is home to some of the most unique museums in Greece.

Among them, the Evrytania Culture History Centre is interactive and fully-equipped with all modern media in order to introduce you in an exceptional way to the history of the region, from antiquity to modern times.

Galaxidi

It has been a long time since Galaxidi was an important maritime city, but this tradition is still reflected everywhere today: in the captains’ houses, the maritime museum, the fishermen with their boats and the fish taverns.

Opposite the port, you will see a small hill covered with greenery. The grove of Pera Panda was planted by the residents in 1929. Today it is a wonderful place for a walk among the pine and eucalyptus trees. If you prefer the mountains, you can drive up to Parnassos with your Avis rental and find yourself in Arachova.

Trikala

Considered – and not unfairly – as the most modern Greek city, Trikala in Easter is bustling with life. Take a leisurely walk by the river in a city that in recent years has received international praise for what it has achieved in terms of ecology and quality of life. If you can’t imagine a holiday without some kind of contact with culture, you’re still in the right place.

Visit the old prison that has been turned into a museum, the Tsitsanis Museum. And of course a short trip to Meteora is a must, as Avis will take care of your comfort on the road.

Read also:

Peloponnese road trip: 3 days of nature, culture, superb routes

7 reasons why Nafplio is always a great idea

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