A road trip planned by Richard Sharp over 22 days with 37 stops.
Countries: GRC, ALB
From 2025-05-01T22:00:00.000Z to 2025-05-22T22:00:00.000Z
732 00 Souda, Greece
186 48 Drapetsona, Greece
02/05, 0615.Blue Star 0300472470.
187 57 Keratsinion, Greece
Accident at a junction on unsigned diversion (caused by the closure of the main route out of the city). What appeared to be a road with priority, in fact had 3 STOP signs, two very large, which I completely missed (see Google street view above). In fact, when the traffic policeman said the signs were there, I had to walk back up to the junction to confirm to myself, and to agree I was at fault. The other driver appeared not to have been paying attention as he hit the rear wheel of the van, which would have been easily visible some time before impact, whether or not I should have been there. Ended up with a no-fault accident and with a handshake & breakfast roll from the other driver - don't you love Greece! The police were very helpful. The damage was in the same place as the cill & rear suspension last year. Repaired under insurance. This was the first indication of how poor my eyesight had become from the problem following the cataract ops. The later capsulotomies proved that, in fact, both eyes were affected, the right more so. On the drive back I was relying on the left eye as I believed it to be OK - it wasn't!
330 54 Delfi, Greece
Wild stop next to the Watchtower. Flat and little road noise. No other vans in sight. For early start at the Museum & site next morning when it opens at 8.
330 54 Delfi, Greece
I last stopped here in 1980. It's changed a bit since then. - new roads, a new museum (with a charge) and far more people. However the site is still just as magnificent, specially if arrival is planned for first opening to avoid the worst of the crowds; parking on the road by the museum was easy at 0730. Damn tourists, I'm glad I'm not one! 😂------Th Amphitheatre dates back to the 4th century BCE, This is very much a historical treasure nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. This well-preserved amphitheatre once seated 5,000 spectators, who would have enjoyed various performances and festivals here. Adjacent is the Temple of Apollo and the Treasury building, and further up the hill, the Stadium. The Delphi Museum, adjacent to the archaeological site, is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts such as sculptures and ceramics from the ancient city. You can see iconic items like the Charioteer of Delphi and the Sphinx of Naxos, each with its own story to tell. The museum delves into the history of Delphi, offering insight into the culture and artistry of ancient Greece and is beautifully presented. It's a must-visit for history buffs and art enthusiasts. 20€ includes entry to archaeological site. Komoot. https://curioustravelbug.com/visiting-delphi-greece/
330 58 Kallithea, Greece
Noticed when driving by. Very quiet, a few cars during the day and 3/4 vans. Water warm in shallows by the shingle beach - not further out though! 'Parking directly by the sea. With shower. according to the beach club owner, the sign on the right when you drive onto the beach is not intended for motor home owners. He indicated that there are a lot of campers in the high season and that this part of Greece is very safe. dd 11-9-19'.P4N https://park4night.com/en/lieu/128037/open/
302 00 Messologhi, Greece
Showers working, people swimming but beach not yet tidied (beach sand levelled) for the season. Water much warmer than Crete, so couple of swims. 3 vans for the night after the usual car promenade, where a suprising number of people drive along the 3km causeway, turn round straight away & drive back again - don't even stop to look at the sunset! First thing next morning a JCB appeared and proceeded to level the beach. Well done the Demos (Municipality) 😊. After the fuss about the new law banning all campervan & motorhome parking on public areas, interesting that the police drove by without a worry. The law was amended on Friday to make clear our vehicles are class M, ie cars. So status quo.
Koronissia, Epirus, Greece
À new favourite place since my first visit on the way out in March. Another causeway and another lagoon. -----'The so-called Greek "Polynesia" is a picturesque fishing village, built on α small island, connected to the mainland with a thin alluvial land strip which runs between the two lagoons, Logaris and Tsoukalio. The area is a beautiful wetland with pelicans, flamingos, wild ducks, herons etc and also rich in fishery products. Koronisia is the largest and only inhabited island in the Ambracian Gulf, attracting many nature lovers due to its tranquility. Head to fish taverns supplied with fresh catch from the locals for a unique gastronomic experience and apart from fresh shrimp frm the lagoon don't forget to try the local caviar. It's a great place for photographers as well.' Komoot.
455 00 Asprageli, Greece
Outstanding monument to the brave women of Zagoria. She stands high looking out on the Pindos mountain range. In memory of the dangerous work the women did in WW2, supporting the partisans against the Nazis in the Pindos Mountains, both in Greece and Albania. Pic Oct 2017.
440 02 Papigo, Greece
Papigo, perched on the slopes of Tymfi, at 960 meters, with the rocky snow-covered volumes of Astraka standing vertically like castle towers in the short distance, is a beautiful traditional settlement with stone-built houses and stone roofs, with the surrounding view mesmerizing the visitor. From Aristi, at 642 meters, take the downhill again until he meets the river Voidomatis, which will be crossed by a narrow bridge that can fit only one car. Then there will be a steep uphill road with many hairpin turns to Megalo Papigo. -----Perched on a mountainside near the end of the spectacular Vikos Gorge, the picturesque village of Papigo actually consists of two villages, Megalo Papigo and Mikro Papigo, at an altitude of 900 meters (2,952 feet), at the foot of Astraka, the peak of a mountain called Tymphe. The highest of the Astraka Towers behind the villages is 2487m, just over 8000ft. The Vikos Gorge is the largest canyon in Greece and arguably in all of Europe. Ιt is the gorge with the greatest depth to width ratio, according to the Guinness Book of World Records 1997.A typical Zagori village with its stone houses, stone roofs & stone roads. -----Parking authorized in the large municipal vllage car park. Water tap with good flow (blue pipe at the bottom of the parking lot). P4N. https://park4night.com/en/lieu/34298/open/
Greece
A walk up to Micro Papigo as the sun was just clearing the Astraka Towers at 0845. The route, some road but mostly through the woods in the deep valley between the 2 villages, with a very steep climb up to Micro Papigo. I suspect, from the well paved paths at beginning and end, 3 fountains, a chapel and evidence of old buildings, that this was the original route into Micro Papigo before any roads existed. Wonderful to walk it with just the silence and sounds of the many birds. Lucakily, the only coffee shop in the village was open, so really nice to enjoy the view of the mountains, framed by the owners rather bizarre choice of plastic flowers and fruit. I very much doubt sunflowers ever grow at this altitude! However, the Greek coffee was excellent, even served in the copper briki with a small piece of loukoumi.
440 02 Aristi, Greece
This modern single track bridge over the Voidomatis River is so slim it looks like a footbridge, but is rated at 35 tonnes. What a clever idea to mirror the Venitian bridges. This is a starting point for rafting (inflatable boat) trips down the river to the Gefira Bridge where I'm heading next. I wonder who'll get there first!
440 02 Geroplatanos, Greece
À new stopping place on the other side of the river from my usual one by the Gefira brdge, which will be difficult this time of year with more people about. By the time I'd driven down the road from the Aristi bridge and walked up the track to the Gefira Bridge, the rafters were just arriving, preceded by some other paddlers crossing the bridge looking like a multicoloured caterpillar!
441 00 Klidonia, Greece
The group I saw leaving were taken though the sluice on the weir are Gefira Bridge. They weren't the only ones who wondered if they would get through. Their trip looked more exciting but our timing was good!The Bridge:On the way from Ioannina to Konitsa, near Kleidonia village, Voidomatis river, flowing to join Aoos river, comes out from its wild verdant gorge to enter Konitsa plain. Just before the modern bridge, to the left, there is a road leading to a hotel. Continuing on the dirt road to the left we will see an old stone bridge among plane trees. The scenery is gorgeous. On the opposite bank, the Forestry of Konitsa has created a recreation area with wooden tables, benches, children's playground and barbecues for free use. The place is under the plane trees and by the river. Voidomatis' waters are crystal clear, as being filtrated by the natural rocks, and crystal cold also. However, during summer, some visitors dare to swim in there. Nature's harmony and gurgling waters are really refreshing for the travellers who have to continue their way. There had been some efforts to bridge the river but were unsuccessful, like the one in 1844, when 19,000 piastres were spent. Finally, in 1853 the present beautiful stone bridge was built, paid by Balkiz Hanum, spouse of the Turk Malik-pasha. This arched bridge is a perfect construction. Under the bridge, to the left, there is a stone-paved path leading to the monasteries of the valley. According to a legend, two families from a nearby village had a fight on the bridge because of a beautiful daughter of one of them, and some men were killed. The heart-rending wail of the girl made the bridge quaking and the river stopped, remaining silent, but the elf of the bridge took pity on the girl and held the bridge not to collapse...https://www.yce.gr/en/visiting-epirus/old-stone-bridges/
441 00 Klidonia, Greece
À 4.5 hour walk up the river valley. Apart from meeting the organised group of 150 (!) on a couple of occasions, a wonderful walk up this beautiful valley. The rocky outcrops, ancient trees, the peaks of the Vikos Gorge, the sound and sight of the crystal clear Voidomatis make this a walk to savor. -----https://www.yce.gr/en/visiting-epirus/old-stone-bridges/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voidomatis?wprov=sfla1https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jun/13/greece-zagori-mountains-gorge-walking-holiday?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
441 00 Klidonia, Greece
Couldn't resist in the end, so booked for rafting from the Aristi Bridge to Gefira, where the van's parked. Kostis (actually from Crete) did an excellent job steering and getting the amateurs to paddle on instruction. An enjoyable aftenoon, seeing the Voidomatis from a different viewpoint, in the company of 2 people on holiday from Israel. The man, Jerome, asked if I'd been to Israel. I told him Cyprus was the closest, but I remember listening most days in the late 70s to an Israeli radio station where the station announcement was done by someone with a very deep booming voice. "Ah, the Voice of Peace", he said, "I listened to it too, as the music was so good." We agreed! (The Voice of Peace was a pirate radio station operating from an old freighter off the coast of Israel. It promoted peace in the Middle East.)
441 00 Klidonia, Greece
Rest day, housework, sorting photos, short walk. The travels continue tomorrow!
6410 Përmet, Albania
A very quiet crossing. On the Albanian side, a short wait while the border policeman came back from his break. All very relaxed & friendly.
6410 Përmet, Albania
Just stopped for coffee. P4N. https://park4night.com/en/lieu/107807/open/
6403 Përmet, Albania
A high viewpoint with a wide vista of the Vjosa valley.
6404 Përmet, Albania
"We are a small EcoCamping for those who want to feel closer to nature. We can offer you beautiful views, friendly (and fun) animals, local drinks and plenty of relaxing and adventurous activities in the area, such as rafting, hiking, climbing, canyoning and more.Rafting on the wild river Vjosa costs 30 euros per person.We are waiting for you in rue de Përmet in Korce (SH75) at km Our campsite is surrounded by mountains and a national park, grapefruit and grass for our sheep. After 5 minutes of walking, you arrive at the Vjosa River: the last natural river in Albania and the largest in Europe without dams. It is a paradise for nature lovers, swimmers, rafters, fishermen, hikers,...10 km away you will find Benje Thermal Baths (hot springs) and Kadiu Bridge. Walk along (or in) the river and explore the beautiful canyon - an activity we also offer with a Robert certified guide.Visit the old town of Gjirokaster and its castle, go to Korça or simply enjoy our small village, Përmet, where morning and evening you will feel a very local atmosphere.Welcome, be our guest :-)Our campsite is available for all types of campers: you choose your pitch yourself with your tent, your car or your camper van or you can sleep in our tents with mattresses and sleeping bags.But if you want to enjoy a real feeling of nature - stars and animals - then a hammock is perhaps your best friend for sleeping :-)". Simple campsite with simple sanitary facilities. Great location between vineyards just outside Permet. The small bar is looked after by Donna. Her husband Robert also offers rafting tours. P4N Good reviews. https://park4night.com/en/lieu/57305/open/https://www.albrafting.org/tour/rafting-vjosa-river-albania-adventure-tours
6403 Përmet, Albania
A good trip down the Vjosa river after a 15min drive upstream to the launch point. Several rapids for interest. A slightly more 'rustic' feel than on the Greek side, where the river is known as the Aoos. Probably 10 or 15 km downstream from the previous rafting
6404 Përmet, Albania
https://park4night.com/en/lieu/57305/open/
6410 Përmet, Albania
Very heavy rain all day Fri, so stayed put! Overnight stop by river Vjosa.P4N. https://park4night.com/en/lieu/107807/open/
7402 Kolonjë, Albania
7401 Kolonjë, Albania
Large-scale monument on a beautiful point, for victims of the Second World War. It's somewhat forgotten now. Once a year it will be tidied up for a commemoration, but now it was a place where only the flag provides some color.
7000 Korçë, Albania
7000 Korçë, Albania
Albania
"The city of Korçë is located off the usual beaten track in southeastern Albania, close to the Greek border. With a very particular character and atmosphere, it feels very different to most other places in Albania.The incredible museums, restored Old Bazaar and gorgeous heritage architecture puts Korca up there among my favourite small cities in the region.Korça is a pretty little town with an old bazaar that is now more geared towards tourists. The Orthodox Church of the Resurrection of Christ was built in 1995. The original church was destroyed during the Hoxha regime. The Mirahor Mosque from 1484. This was recognized as a cultural building and was not destroyed by the communists." Komoot. https://relentlessroaming.com/things-to-do-in-korca/https://wander-lush.org/things-to-do-in-korca-albania/https://wobblyride.com/2022/10/29/things-to-do-in-korce-albania/
7000 Korçë, Albania
7020 Pustec, Albania
There are so many people walking in the more rural areas and villages. Parked on a layby, a group of women walked by with the results of their morning's labour.
7020 Pustec, Albania
Parked on the lake shore surrounded by the villagers' rowing boats, some off fishing, a donkey and a passing herd of cows heading for their afternoon drink. The lady cowherd was hurrying them up as she was about to be late for her afternoon break (3-5). She appeared again with they shortly after 5 for another amble along the shore. On the way out the next morning, 6 donkeys, some with saddles, in the 200m before the village. It's a world of contrasts here, the mostly older villagers tending their small patches of land using basic hand tools. Donkeys, mules & horses still much in evidence, as some very basic dwellings. On the other hand, a suprisingly large number of big smart Mercedes, probably matched to the recently built houses surrounding the village centre.
7305 Pogradec, Albania
REI restaurant and campsite. A small campsite by the lake. incl electricity and WiFi. P4N. https://park4night.com/en/lieu/38792/open/
Labinot-Fushë, Albania
12€ inc services.Great parking space just before the city. The operator is incredibly helpful. He also offers a car workshop that has a solution for all problems. There are restaurants. Loved staying here for 3 nights.In midsummer there is a small pool. P4N. https://park4night.com/en/lieu/296169/open/
Albania
9400 Vlorë, Albania
Ferry: Vlorë>Brindisi 222359-230700. Report 2200. 1x outside cabin. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eqcK7X-rSYQoUi0Ruf89m5qUcsbrwyKM/view?usp=drivesdkdrivesdk
72100 Brindisi Brindisi, Italy
1 May 2025 - 22 May 2025
No stops added
No stops added