If the idea of a coach tour does not appeal, a buggy adventure is the opposite. This four-hour morning outing puts you in a small off-road vehicle and takes you on dirt tracks through the countryside around the rock towers, with stops at viewpoints and, depending on the route, at places you could not reach in an ordinary car. The terrain is the point: gravel, dust, ruts and gentle climbs, with the towers rising above the trees and the plain of Thessaly stretching out below. It is a fun, noisy and slightly muddy way to spend a morning, and it gives you views that are different from the usual tourist viewpoints. Groups are small and led by a guide, so you can stop for photographs and learn something about the landscape and the hermit history. It suits adults and older teenagers who like adventure, and it is especially good for people who enjoy driving but not walking.
How it works
You meet the operator in the Kalambaka or Kastraki area, receive a safety briefing and are shown how to drive the buggy. Buggies normally seat two, and in many tours of this kind drivers need a valid licence, so check the requirements in the tour details before you travel. A guide leads the group on a set route. The details of the route, the minimum age and whether the tour includes a monastery or cave visit can vary, so read the description carefully.
What to expect
The ride is on unpaved tracks and some quiet roads, so dust or mud is part of the experience. Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty, closed shoes and sunglasses, and expect helmets and sometimes goggles to be provided. In winter the mornings are cold and wet ground makes the tracks slippery, so the operator may change the route or cancel in poor weather.
Speeds are moderate and the guide controls the pace, but you still need to concentrate on the track. Passengers who get motion sickness may find the bumps tiring. The tour is not a quick sprint but a four-hour outing with plenty of pauses.
Making the most of it
Book the morning departure for cooler air and clearer views, and pair it with a sunset viewpoint or a relaxed dinner in the evening. Bring water, a scarf or buff for dust and a phone you can secure in a pocket. If you want to see monastery interiors too, schedule a separate visit on a day when they are open, since a buggy tour is mainly about the landscape. Travellers who prefer a pedal-powered option should look at the electric bike tours.
Good to know
The tracks around the towers are shared with walkers, farmers and wildlife, so the guide will set sensible speeds and ask you to keep a safe gap between buggies. Dust can be heavy in a convoy, so a scarf, buff and clear glasses are a real help. Keep phones and wallets in zipped pockets, and tie back long hair.
If you wear contact lenses, a pair of glasses is a useful backup. The tour is a fun way to see the landscape, but drive calmly and follow the guide's instructions, so that everyone enjoys the morning and the countryside stays peaceful for the people who live there.
What to expect
The experience
A guided morning drive in small off-road buggies on dirt tracks and quiet roads around the rock towers, with viewpoint stops.
Best time
A dry morning, when the air is cooler and the views are clearest.
How long
About four hours including the briefing and stops.
Tips
Wear clothes that can get dirty, bring sunglasses and a buff for dust and check the licence and age rules before you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventure seekers who want a fun, off-the-beaten-track morning.
- Families
- Best for older teenagers and adults, subject to the operator age rules.
- Couples
- A shared adventure that finishes with a relaxed lunch.
- Pair with
- A sunset viewpoint, then dinner in Kastraki.
- Time needed
- A morning.
Good questions
Do I need a driving licence for the buggy tour?+
Tours of this kind often require a valid licence for the driver. Check the requirements in the tour details before you book.
Is it suitable for children?+
Age and height limits apply, so check with the operator. It suits older teenagers and adults best.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes and clothes that can get dusty or muddy, plus sunglasses. In winter add a warm, windproof layer.
Does the tour include monastery visits?+
The focus is the landscape and the tracks. Visit monasteries separately, checking their weekly closing days.
Does the tour run in bad weather?+
Heavy rain can make tracks unsafe, so the route may change or the tour may be cancelled. Ask about the policy when you book.
