Cardiff to Athens Road Trip

[Ashley B]

Hello!

This is my first post, so please be kind!

A quick backstory: Over 30 years ago, I had a 1966 split-screen camper. Its top speed was 50 mph (on a good day with a tailwind), and it had to be started with a crank handle. I was living the dream—until, unfortunately, it was stolen.

For decades, I dreamed of owning another, hoping to recapture that feeling. Recently, the stars aligned, and I had the chance to buy a 2018 Beach (3 seats in the rear). To be honest, I had to get divorced to afford it, but here we are!

Buying the van was more of a leap of the heart than of logic—a story I may share another time.

Now, onto the question: I’m planning a road trip from Cardiff to Athens (where my best friend lives). I’m thinking of taking about two weeks and leaving sometime in mid-to-late September. This will be my first big road trip, and I haven’t even figured out how to brew coffee in the van yet!

I plan to do lots of UK weekend trips this summer, but I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for campsites, must-see spots, or essential things to do along the Cardiff to Athens route?

I’d really appreciate any advice you can share!

Thanks in advance!

 

[The Tall Luthier]

Apart from prompting you to Download Cliff Richard and yet Shadow ’s Summer Holiday soundtrack I don’t have too many.

Only to say that if you work out which countries you’re intending to visit, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania etc and do a search on this site, for those countries, you are sure to find some great travel write ups, photos and recommendations

 

[Ashley B]

Apart from prompting you to Download Cliff Richard and yet Shadow ’s Summer Holiday soundtrack I don’t have too many.

Only to say that if you work out which countries you’re intending to visit, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania etc and do a search on this site, for those countries, you are sure to find some great travel write ups, photos and recommendations

Thanks for the Cliff Richard tip, I'm on it... I'm starting my research as I type

 

[Hawthorn37]

Hello!

This is my first post, so please be kind!

A quick backstory: Over 30 years ago, I had a 1966 split-screen camper. Its top speed was 50 mph (on a good day with a tailwind), and it had to be started with a crank handle. I was living the dream—until, unfortunately, it was stolen.

For decades, I dreamed of owning another, hoping to recapture that feeling. Recently, the stars aligned, and I had the chance to buy a 2018 Beach (3 seats in the rear). To be honest, I had to get divorced to afford it, but here we are!

Buying the van was more of a leap of the heart than of logic—a story I may share another time.

Now, onto the question: I’m planning a road trip from Cardiff to Athens (where my best friend lives). I’m thinking of taking about two weeks and leaving sometime in mid-to-late September. This will be my first big road trip, and I haven’t even figured out how to brew coffee in the van yet!

I plan to do lots of UK weekend trips this summer, but I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for campsites, must-see spots, or essential things to do along the Cardiff to Athens route?

I’d really appreciate any advice you can share!

Thanks in advance!

That’s going to quiet some first trip! I’ve no direct experience of driving all the way on that route, other than search on the forum for tips about each country. I’ve some experience of Eastern European roads, and my tip would be to make sure your tyres are up to the job, highways are generally good but there can be connecting roads that are quite rough.

By the way, I notice your profile has your postcode listed. You may want to update it to a town etc., there’s always a possibility for bad actors prowling forums. You don’t want to repeat the experience of your splitty!

 

[kurienp]

Another simple trip from an experienced traveller - focus on how to make coffee, cook some light meals in the van, and drive!

With that kind of time available, I would meander along to the destination. Rather than focussing on what all to see (you will get too many suggestions) another idea could be to base things to see around your area of interest.

Either way, you will enjoy it.

 

[kurienp]

And here's another member planning similar - https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...&share_fid=34937&share_type=t&link_source=app

 

[WelshGas]

Hello!

This is my first post, so please be kind!

A quick backstory: Over 30 years ago, I had a 1966 split-screen camper. Its top speed was 50 mph (on a good day with a tailwind), and it had to be started with a crank handle. I was living the dream—until, unfortunately, it was stolen.

For decades, I dreamed of owning another, hoping to recapture that feeling. Recently, the stars aligned, and I had the chance to buy a 2018 Beach (3 seats in the rear). To be honest, I had to get divorced to afford it, but here we are!

Buying the van was more of a leap of the heart than of logic—a story I may share another time.

Now, onto the question: I’m planning a road trip from Cardiff to Athens (where my best friend lives). I’m thinking of taking about two weeks and leaving sometime in mid-to-late September. This will be my first big road trip, and I haven’t even figured out how to brew coffee in the van yet!

I plan to do lots of UK weekend trips this summer, but I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for campsites, must-see spots, or essential things to do along the Cardiff to Athens route?

I’d really appreciate any advice you can share!

Thanks in advance!

Some points to ponder. Cardiff to Athens , approximately 2100 miles, so an average 200 miles/ day or 4_8 hrs driving, depending on roads.
Check out Travel Insurance for you and the van. Things happen.
Car insurance, check different countries requirements especially non-EU countries and if your Car Insurance provides cover.
Suggest you download the Archies Camping app. Covers over 30,000 campsites in the whole of Europe with contact details, GPS coordinates, and websites. £2.99.
When travelling in Scandinavia , 3000 miles from Cardiff to Knordkapp, I used to drive for 3 or so hours, stop for lunch and use the app to pick a campsite along my route to stop at overnight. I always refuelled before camping stop .
The ASCI is another useful camping app but only has larger campsites.
Take some cash as smaller sites may not take cards.

 

[Ting Tong]

Cardiff Cali resident here too: not done Greece but it’s on the list. Have been as far East as Budapest and as far South as Dakhla in Western Sahara in it. We use the park4night app for finding campsites which conveniently has a link there with Waze navigation. Pay the 9.99€ fee for the paid version of the p4n app so you can filter by greater than 4 stars etc. The thing you need to decide is whether you drive through the Balkans or take the ferry from Bari in Italy. I guess you could go one way and back the other. The other thing is many campsites may close in September: the p4n app usually mentions the open dates.

 

[Bulliturk]

Bled lake . You should see

 

[Simonandvivien]

Research Emissions Certification you may need. You certainly need them for some French cities/towns. Plus, Safety Kit (bulbs, HiVis, First Aid kit, etc) you are required to carry for each country. Make sure your SatNav is as up-to-date as possible.

 

[Ashley B]

That’s going to quiet some first trip! I’ve no direct experience of driving all the way on that route, other than search on the forum for tips about each country. I’ve some experience of Eastern European roads, and my tip would be to make sure your tyres are up to the job, highways are generally good but there can be connecting roads that are quite rough.

By the way, I notice your profile has your postcode listed. You may want to update it to a town etc., there’s always a possibility for bad actors prowling forums. You don’t want to repeat the experience of your splitty!

Thank you for the post code tip, I've just updated it.

It van security had crossed my mind, its an automatic and im reasured that you cant even remove the key unless its in park so im hopeful.

Seperately im trying to work out sensible security when on the road and am considering a small metal safe and fitting it under one of the seats, hotel style.

Thanks again!

 

[Ashley B]

Research Emissions Certification you may need. You certainly need them for some French cities/towns. Plus, Safety Kit (bulbs, HiVis, First Aid kit, etc) you are required to carry for each country. Make sure your SatNav is as up-to-date as possible.

Thanks for this, yes I used to travel to south of France with the family in a qashqai so i have a lot of the 'kit' hop[ing the engine with its Adblue addition will cover ny emmisions issues

Thanks

A

 

[cyr]

Research Emissions Certification you may need. You certainly need them for some French cities/towns. Plus, Safety Kit (bulbs, HiVis, First Aid kit, etc) you are required to carry for each country. Make sure your SatNav is as up-to-date as possible.

No need to worry about Emissions Certification in France unless you plan to drive downtown Paris.

 

[Glynn]

There is an overnight ferry from Bari in the south east of Italy to Igoumenitsa in Greece. You can sleep in your van on the ferry and they provide electric hook up.

 

[Ashley B]

Another simple trip from an experienced traveller - focus on how to make coffee, cook some light meals in the van, and drive!

With that kind of time available, I would meander along to the destination. Rather than focussing on what all to see (you will get too many suggestions) another idea could be to base things to see around your area of interest.

Either way, you will enjoy it.

Coffee is my priority lol! Thank you for your input

 

[Ashley B]

There is an overnight ferry from Bari in the south east of Italy to Igoumenitsa in Greece. You can sleep in your van on the ferry and they provide electric hook up.

Great Tip Thank you

 

[Dyddi]

Good for you.
From 1981 until Covid most summers we spent driving to Greece and back to Bristol. Earlier years car and tent but from 2012 by VW. Travelled most of the routes and much of mainland Greece. Anything I can help with - you are most welcome to make direct contact - not sure how we do that on here.
First thoughts - buy a Michelin map of Europe, pin it up on the wall and start looking at routes - or take it to the pub. First decisions are where to cross the Channel and whether to go via the Alps and Italy-Greece ferries or via Eastern European EU countries. Both are interesting.
It's about 20 hours total driving time, most borders are now in the Schengen area and Park4Night and ACSI will give destinations.
I would avoid the 'badlands' of BiH and SRB. Sadly, Kosovo is a no-no.
I could go on and on and on but that won't suit all readers. Let me know if you want more.
Kalo Taxidi.

 

[WelshGas]

Good for you.
From 1981 until Covid most summers we spent driving to Greece and back to Bristol. Earlier years car and tent but from 2012 by VW. Travelled most of the routes and much of mainland Greece. Anything I can help with - you are most welcome to make direct contact - not sure how we do that on here.
First thoughts - buy a Michelin map of Europe, pin it up on the wall and start looking at routes - or take it to the pub. First decisions are where to cross the Channel and whether to go via the Alps and Italy-Greece ferries or via Eastern European EU countries. Both are interesting.
It's about 20 hours total driving time, most borders are now in the Schengen area and Park4Night and ACSI will give destinations.
I would avoid the 'badlands' of BiH and SRB. Sadly, Kosovo is a no-no.
I could go on and on and on but that won't suit all readers. Let me know if you want more.
Kalo Taxidi.

Only VIP members can communicate privately by Direct Messaging.

 

[Dyddi]

A bit more: Superfast Ferries are currently (until 31st March) offering 20% discount for early booking. Their crossings from Ancona to Patras save driving the length of Italy and Camping-on-Board is usually available if booked well in advance.

 

[marchugo]

If I remember right, camping-on-board is no longer available at most ferries to Greece since the beginning of this year.

Marc.

 

[Dyddi]

Superfast including information on Camping-on-Board unless I am misreading it on: https://www.superfast.com/en-gb/special-offers/20-early-booking?pbid=2
which came through within the last fortnight.

 

[Dyddi]

More on Superfast: "If you travel between Ancona, Igoumenitsa and Patras you can also enjoy your camper while being on board. During Summer months the Camping-on-Board accommodation lets you stay in the coziness of your motorhome while having power and sanitation facilities at your disposal." What you don't seem to get is the 20% discount on the vehicle. More confusing still, Superfast are offering C-on-B from Venice (campers up to 10m length) and there's nothing quite like looking down on Venice as you come into the port early morning. Except, that is, when the ferry is diverted to the industrial port and the city of rising damp is a mere smudge on the horizon.
Oh, to be on the road again ...
PS Thanks to Welshgas for info on messaging.

 

[FiFiLaDrew]

Hello!

This is my first post, so please be kind!

A quick backstory: Over 30 years ago, I had a 1966 split-screen camper. Its top speed was 50 mph (on a good day with a tailwind), and it had to be started with a crank handle. I was living the dream—until, unfortunately, it was stolen.

For decades, I dreamed of owning another, hoping to recapture that feeling. Recently, the stars aligned, and I had the chance to buy a 2018 Beach (3 seats in the rear). To be honest, I had to get divorced to afford it, but here we are!

Buying the van was more of a leap of the heart than of logic—a story I may share another time.

Now, onto the question: I’m planning a road trip from Cardiff to Athens (where my best friend lives). I’m thinking of taking about two weeks and leaving sometime in mid-to-late September. This will be my first big road trip, and I haven’t even figured out how to brew coffee in the van yet!

I plan to do lots of UK weekend trips this summer, but I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for campsites, must-see spots, or essential things to do along the Cardiff to Athens route?

I’d really appreciate any advice you can share!

Thanks in advance!

I've got nothing useful to add I'm afraid other than a cheery wave from an ex 1966 splitty owner too

 

[Ashley B]

And here's another member planning similar - https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...&share_fid=34937&share_type=t&link_source=app

Thank you I'll take a look

 

[Ashley B]

There is an overnight ferry from Bari in the south east of Italy to Igoumenitsa in Greece. You can sleep in your van on the ferry and they provide electric hook up.

oooo thank you, I'll have a look at that now!