Where to Go on Clean Monday with Rental Car: The Top 4 Destinations
Clean Monday, a national holiday in Greece, offers the perfect opportunity for a long weekend escape. In case you have not yet decided where to go on Clean Monday keep reading below for some spring getaway inspiration.
#1 Lake Doxa: A Quiet Excursion into Nature
Speaking of nature, let's start our list with a destination you will absolutely adore if you are a fan of lush greenery and turquoise waters.
With car rentals from Athens downtown, in approx. 2 hours you will reach the mountainous side of Korinthia, where you will witness a landscape that seems straight out of a movie. During springtime, the lake looks almost unreal with its mesmerizing waters mirroring the lush vegetation and the blooming flowers that line its shores.
What to do in Lake Doxa
Before diving into all the things you can do in Doxa, we should point out that, as a destination close to Athens, it is ideal even for a day trip.
Lake Doxa is perfect for:
- A picnic.
- Flying a kite.
- Walking along its shore.
- Relaxing in the breathtaking natural scenery.
#2 Monemvasia: Escape to the most magical city of Eastern Peloponnese
We continue exploring the question, 'Where to go on Clean Monday?' with Monemvasia, a romantic place that blends nature with history.
While you can visit Monemvasia year-round, Clean Monday is a perfect time to embark on a relaxing road trip to a charming castle town with amazing sea views and a fairytale-like vibe.
Sights in Monemvasia
- The medieval castle of Monemvasia
- The house of the Greek poet, Yiannis Ritsos.
- The water mills of Talanta.
If you are eager to experience a unique spring road trip and explore new destinations you may consider combining your routes in order to visit more places in the Peloponnese. Visit Diros Caves to see the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, drive to Gythio, and step back in time as you wander through the streets of Limeni and Areopolis.
#3 Where to go during the three days of Clean Monday: The Beautiful Katerini
We’re heading north to see suggestions near Thessaloniki, so we can help you find where to go on the three days of Clean Monday. First up, we have Katerini, located in the foothills of Mount Olympus, is first up. With spectacular views of the famed peak and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, it’s the perfect spring getaway.
Then on Clean Monday you can take part in the traditional Lenten celebrations in town and surrounding villages, eat delicious local food, and enjoy the holiday in its extremely authentic way.
Activities you can do in Katerini
- Tour the Platamon Castle.
- Visit the archaeological site of Dion.
- Follow the hiking trails of Mount Olympus.
Though the panoramic view of Mount Olympus is mesmerizing, the nearby coast of Paralia Katerinis (just 10 minutes from the city center by car) offers pleasant walks along the sea.
#4 Lake Kerkini: A natural paradise
We’re finishing our suggestions with a beautiful lake a few kilometers outside the capital just a short drive away taking your rental car from Thessaloniki Airport.
Lake Kerkini, like Lake Doxa, is an artificial lake with surreal beauty that serves as a natural habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna. In fact, Kerkini is part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas highlighting its biodiversity and significance as an important wetland.
Alternative activities in Kerkini
- Go birdwatching to admire the famous Dalmatian pelicans.
- Go cycling along scenic paths where you may come across the water buffalos.
From Thessaloniki, you can discover many hidden treasures and visit mountain and coastal villages with your rental car. Even if you haven't organized anything for Clean Monday, you can still take advantage of an upcoming long weekend.
Click on our blog post "Destinations near Thessaloniki for a 3-day getaway" to find your next destination.