Chasing the Most Intoxicating Blue: A Greek Self-Drive Road Trip Diary [Santorini + Athens – Meteora – Lefkada – Kefalonia – Zakynthos]

Foreword: Why Greece?

If you ask me where in the world "blue" can be taken to its absolute extreme, my answer would always be Greece. This isn't just a travel destination; it's a pilgrimage through color—from the dreamy blue-and-white of Santorini to the jelly-like turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Every shade of blue here has the power to intoxicate.

In June 2018, my partner and I embarked on a 13-day self-drive road trip across Greece. Starting from Santorini, passing through Athens, Meteora, Lefkada, and Kefalonia, and finally reaching Zakynthos, we completed a grand loop using a combination of driving and car ferries. Our per-person cost was around 20,000 RMB (approximately €2,500), yet the visual feast we experienced far exceeded our expectations.

This is not an ordinary travel diary, but a guide that blends practicality with emotion. Whether you're planning a honeymoon in Greece, an adventurous road trip, or simply want to see the most beautiful blues in the world, this article will inspire you.

Itinerary Design: How to Choose Among a Thousand Islands?

Greece is often described as having "five thousand years of civilization and six thousand islands." Trying to visit every island in a single trip is pure fantasy. So the first step in planning is—making choices.

Santorini: To Go or Not to Go?

This is a dilemma every traveler to Greece faces. Santorini has two versions: one is the postcard-perfect blue-domed churches, cliffside hotels, and Oia sunsets; the other is what tourists complain about—"poor sanitation, high prices, lack of greenery, and disappointing photos except from specific angles."

My advice is: if you're after natural scenery and stunning beaches, Kefalonia and Zakynthos can easily replace Santorini. But if you want to pay homage to those iconic blue domes, snap a photo at a cliffside hotel, and witness one of the world's top ten sunsets, then go for it.

We opted for a "checklist-style" visit—spending two days in Santorini, flying in from Sofia, Bulgaria via Athens. The ticket price was similar to a direct flight from Athens. This arrangement gave us the "since we're here anyway" justification.

Route Design: A Counterclockwise Loop

After flying back to Athens from Santorini, we began our counterclockwise driving loop: - Athens → Meteora (the "Sky City") → Lefkada → Kefalonia Island (by car ferry) → Zakynthos Island (by car ferry) → Peloponnese Peninsula → Athens

The entire road trip took about 10 days, with car ferries connecting the islands, saving us the hassle of switching vehicles. Practical experience proved that bringing a car across the sea in summer Greece is entirely feasible.

Transportation Guide: The Perfect Combination of Self-Drive and Car Ferries

Car Rental: Can You Drive in Greece with a Chinese Driver's License?

This is a common concern for Chinese tourists. My answer is: as long as you choose the right platform, it's absolutely no problem.

We booked a Volkswagen Passat on the "Zuzuche" platform for the following reasons: - Rental cars in Greece rarely come as SUVs, and the roads are narrow with limited parking - The Passat has a large trunk, easily fitting four people's luggage - The spacious interior made the rear seats comfortable for two

When picking up the car, we only needed to present: the booking confirmation, passport, original Chinese driver's license, the International Driving Permit Translation Certificate from Zuzuche, and a credit card. We also purchased the platform's "Super Full Coverage Insurance" for complete peace of mind.

Important Tip: All Greek highways require cash payment for tolls, and the amounts are often odd figures like €3.10 or €2.20. We recommend preparing plenty of small change in advance. Driving from Athens to Meteora—380 kilometers—cost us only €21 in tolls, which was reasonable.

Ferries: The "Water Buses" Between Islands

Greece has numerous islands, and each ferry company operates independently, making research a headache. Here's a lifesaver: a one-stop Greek ferry search website (just search "Greek ferry" to find it). Enter your departure and arrival ports, and it will show you all available schedules, times, and prices from every operator, with direct booking options.

We used three car ferry legs: - Lefkada → Kefalonia Island - Kefalonia Island → Zakynthos Island - Zakynthos Island → Kyllini on the Peloponnese Peninsula

Each trip was punctual and convenient—we simply drove the car right onto the ferry, saving time and effort.

Internet Solutions: Stay Connected, Drive with Peace of Mind

When traveling abroad, internet access is essential. Our solution was a "double insurance" approach:

1. European SIM Card: Purchased in China before departure, we swapped it in during the flight and had service as soon as we landed. The EU has abolished roaming fees, so one card works across all of Greece. We recommend choosing a package that includes Switzerland and Turkey, just in case your itinerary changes.

2. Roaming Device: We rented a portable Wi-Fi device that works globally without needing to swap SIM cards. It connected us even during our transit in Moscow, and the signal was stable throughout the trip. Pickup and return were both at the airport, making it very convenient.

Daily Itinerary: A Blue Journey from Santorini to Zakynthos

Day 1: Sofia → Athens → Santorini

We took an early morning flight from Sofia, Bulgaria, transited through Athens, and arrived in Santorini by afternoon. The Aegean Airlines connecting ticket cost about €113.72, including 23 kg of checked luggage per person—great value.

Santorini's airport is tiny, resembling a county bus station. But as soon as we stepped outside, the blue sky, turquoise sea, and whitewashed houses immediately reminded us: this is the island of romance.

We checked into Kaldera Corrado Apartments, which had an excellent location—close to the bus station and supermarket, just a few minutes' walk away. The host, Corrado, was incredibly warm and even drove us to and from the airport. We don't recommend staying in a cliffside hotel unless you're a big spender—dragging your suitcase along the cobblestone paths is a nightmare.

In the evening, we took the bus to Oia to watch the sunset. Despite the crowds, when the sun painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson, all complaints vanished. Dinner was at Thalassia, where we enjoyed seafood—tasty, but pricey.

Days 2–3: Santorini Sightseeing

On the second day, we visited the blue-domed church in Fira and the village of Pyrgos. From the top of Pyrgos hill, we had a panoramic view of Santorini, shrouded in mist—a dreamlike sight.

On the third morning, we explored Oia again, this time with fewer people. Every blue dome looked like a postcard. In the afternoon, we flew back to Athens to begin our road trip.

Day 4: Athens → Meteora

We picked up the car at Athens Airport and headed north. The highway tolls were reasonable—€21 for the 380-kilometer drive.

Meteora—the "Sky City"—is a UNESCO World Heritage site for both its natural and cultural significance. The monasteries perched on towering cliffs were breathtaking, and the sunset was nothing short of stunning. We stayed at a hotel where we could enjoy a buffet breakfast on the balcony, gazing at the distant peaks and churches—blissful beyond words.

Days 5–6: Lefkada

Turning southwest, we arrived at Lefkada. Here, Porto Katsiki Beach features steep, knife-like cliffs, with the water glowing like jelly in the evening sun. Ammoglossa Beach, on the other hand, offers a long stretch of sand, perfect for just zoning out.

Days 7–10: Kefalonia Island

We took the car ferry to the island, beginning four days of island life.

• Emplisi Beach: A pebble beach with crystal-clear water
• Assos Village: A picturesque settlement connected to a small island by a narrow strip of land
• Myrtos Beach: The pride of Kefalonia, consistently ranked among the "world's most beautiful beaches"
• Melissani Cave: An underground saltwater lake with mesmerizing light reflections
• Argostoli: The De Bosset Bridge and a 19th-century lighthouse

The most unforgettable experience was driving through ancient olive groves, feeling as if we were traveling through history. Don't forget to buy some locally pressed olive oil—pure and inexpensive.

Days 11–12: Zakynthos Island

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)—often called "the most beautiful place in the world." Beneath steep cliffs lies a rusting shipwreck, set against milky-turquoise water—unbeatable. The best time for photos is midday, when the sun illuminates both sides of the cliffs. Climbing to the photography spot requires stamina and, even more, nerve.

The Blue Caves: We took a pirate boat to explore them, then jumped into the emerald water—pure bliss. The water's color was like a dream, reminiscent of the Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy.

Day 13: Return to Athens

From Zakynthos, we took a car ferry to Kyllini on the Peloponnese Peninsula, crossed the Corinth Canal, and finally returned to Athens Airport to drop off the car.

Along the way, we made a detour to Voidokilia Beach—the world's most perfect Omega-shaped bay. Short on time, we had to choose between hiking up for a view or swimming. We opted for the elevated viewpoint. That decision was worth it.

Top 10 Beaches of the Ionian Sea: A Personal Ranking

Having spent so many days along the Ionian Sea, we swam and explored, compiling a personal list:

1. Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia) — Undisputed number one
2. Navagio Beach (Zakynthos) — Visually stunning, but be cautious when swimming
3. Porto Katsiki (Lefkada) — Jelly-like water beneath the cliffs
4. Voidokilia (Peloponnese) — The perfect Omega curve
5. Emplisi Beach (Kefalonia) — Crystal clear, great for swimming
6. Agia Eleni Beach (Kefalonia) — Color gradients on a pebble shore
7. Ammoglossa (Lefkada) — Long sandy stretch, ideal for relaxation
8. Blue Caves area (Zakynthos) — A diver's paradise
9. Assos Beach (Kefalonia) — Combines village charm with seaside
10. Fira Coastal Path (Santorini) — More about the scenery than swimming

Practical Tips: Final Words

1. Cash: All Greek highways require cash for tolls. Prepare about €50 in small change.
2. Parking: Driving in central Athens is a nightmare. Stay near Syntagma Square and walk or take taxis.
3. Season: June is the best time—good weather, fewer tourists, and pleasant sea temperatures.
4. Accommodation: Cliffside hotels in Santorini offer poor value. Choose a conveniently located apartment instead.
5. Car Rental: Use the "Zuzuche" platform with an International Driving Permit Translation Certificate, and purchase Super Full Coverage Insurance.
6. Ferries: Use a one-stop Greek ferry search website to check schedules and book in advance.
7. Internet: Combine a European SIM card with a roaming device for double coverage and constant connection.

Conclusion: Blue Is the Language of Greece

Over 13 days of this loop, from the blue-and-white dream of Santorini to the sky-high monasteries of Meteora, and the jelly-like waters of the Ionian Sea, every shade of blue told a different story.

Santorini's blue is the perfection of a postcard; Meteora's blue is the sacredness of the cliffs; Kefalonia's blue is the tranquility of olive groves; Zakynthos's blue is the wonder beneath the shipwreck.

If you ask me where to find the most beautiful blue in Greece, I'd say: the moment you set out, you already have it.

Take this guide with you, and go chase your own "most intoxicating blue." Trust me—Greece will be the most unforgettable blue memory of your life.