In reply to robbiebrookie:
We just completed an extended van trip to the Greek mainland, including a few weeks in Leonidio and Kyparissi, travelling overland through Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria each way (early Sept to mid Nov). There's a "highlights" summary on our blog
http://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2017/11/11/highlights-from-a-balkan-odyssey... Here are some thoughts on your questions:
- it's a fabulous trip, and we're already planning for a future re-run. I'd definitely take the opportunity to explore the rest of what Greece has to offer (Aris' excellent select guide is a real inspiration) as you'll find many outstanding crags (eg around Athens, at Meteora and elsewhere in the Peloponnese) which you'll likely have to yourselves.
- Whilst I understand that van camping is strictly illegal in Greece, it is widely tolerated and we found some absolutely gorgeous beach parking spots. Check out Vlychada
https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2017/10/23/vlychada/ and Kondyli
https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2017/10/09/nafplio-kondyli/ for example) - having said that, in Leonidio we stayed at Camping Semeli which is a tremendously friendly spot in a perfect location and is really good value, so I'd recommend some time there.
- We travelled overland in both directions, and really enjoyed the adventure of exploring new cultures and crags in Romania and Bulgaria. There is some excellent climbing (Karlukovo Cave has to be seen to be believed
https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2017/09/22/karlukovo-cave-wow/) but the real treat is the journey itself - get there now whilst it's still "off the beaten track", it won't be for long. Having said that, I'd get the Ancona - Patras ferry for one of the legs as some of the roads make for tiresome driving.
Plenty more inspiration for your trip on our blog at
https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/category/greece/ and feel free to PM me for any specific beta if you plan on a Balkan Odyssey to get there.
Post edited at 09:10