Greece could also be famend for its attractive islands, however there’s much more to this sunny Mediterranean nation than simply that, and this text is right here to introduce you to a few of the greatest locations to go to in mainland Greece, a radical record curated by a well-traveled native.
High 10 Locations To Go to in Mainland Greece
1. Athens
Any record of one of the best locations to go to in mainland Greece ought to begin with the Greek capital itself. One of many oldest cities on the earth, Athens is understood for its monuments, most of which date again to historical occasions. Topped by the imposing Parthenon and the opposite spectacular buildings that adorn its Acropolis, Athens is much more than its historical previous, although.
From its picturesque Outdated City – also referred to as Plaka – to the extra residential neighborhoods of Koukaki and Kolonaki to the glistening beachfront that awaits solely a brief drive away, Athens is a metropolis of many faces, best to fulfill the wants and wishes of any sort of traveler.
Whenever you go to Athens, you’ll have the prospect to pattern mouthwatering dishes in open-air eating places that vary from no-frill eateries frequented by locals of all ages to fine-dining choices with impressed menus created by well-known cooks. However leisure in Athens doesn’t finish at its eating scene. Town additionally boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and golf equipment the place you may celebration and dance amongst locals and guests alike till the early morning hours.
For historical past buffs, Athens is a real paradise with a number of layers of historical past displaying up at each flip. In fact, sun-drenched ruins and legend-evoking historical columns take middle stage in Athens. Aside from the Acropolis, there are a lot of different historic websites to wander via, studying extra in regards to the metropolis’s previous as you go. As for museums and artwork galleries, you’ll be spoilt for selection.
To benefit from your time in a various metropolis the dimensions of Athens, our journey advisors will add solely the experiences that suit your journey type to your Athens itinerary. From then on, our professional Athens staff will guarantee you’ve got probably the most unforgettable moments within the metropolis they name house.
2. Thessaloniki
Aside from its capital metropolis, Greece additionally has its very personal co-capital. That is no apart from the steeped-in-history Thessaloniki, the second-largest metropolis in Greece and the nation’s indeniable meals capital.
Few cities in Greece have been as fiercely beloved as Thessaloniki. A shoreline that spreads for over 5 kilometers, a romantic promenade doused in golden gentle throughout sundown, a number of layers of wealthy historical past, and a various native delicacies solid by the affect of numerous cultures this buying and selling port metropolis has seen all through the centuries make Thessaloniki a particular vacation spot to go to in Northern Greece.
The final word image of Thessaloniki, the White Tower tirelessly appears out to the ocean for hundreds of years on finish. For panoramic views of this massive metropolis but in addition a glimpse into its previous, it’s value taking the uphill stroll to Ano Poli – the Higher City.
With its maze of cobbled streets and a captivating mix of Greek and Ottoman structure, Ano Poli evokes occasions that belong to the previous, fascinating the creativeness of each passerby and providing splendid views for so far as the attention can see. On a transparent day, you may even catch sight of the mighty Mount Olympus within the distance.
Past sightseeing, Thessaloniki is the proper metropolis to take pleasure in unparalleled culinary delights, a real gastronomic vacation spot that may please even probably the most demanding of tastebuds. Thessaloniki’s delicacies is as various as the town’s structure, its very soul if you’ll.
With an excellent mix of contemporary components the blessed Greek soil renders and century-old recipes originating in Turkey and even farther east, native dishes in Thessaloniki are delicious, usually spicy, however at all times mouthwatering. From the sweetness of the standard bougatsa to the enduring simplicity of the bagel-like koulouri to the big selection of spiced meze dishes you may attempt on the metropolis’s conventional eating places, Thessaloniki guarantees to go away an enduring style in your mouth that can linger in your reminiscence lengthy after you’re again house.
3. Delphi
The Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi was thought to be the Heart of The World by Historical Greeks and for good motive. In Delphi, the mightiest Oracle resided, and other people from all corners of the then-known world flocked to Delphi to seek the advice of the legendary creature earlier than making grand selections that might have an effect on the lives and fates of whole cities and populations.
Located in an space of unfathomable pure magnificence, the archaeological web site of Delphi is second solely to that of the Acropolis of Athens by way of historic significance. Historical relics are scattered throughout a big space and that’s why it’s sensible to go to on a guided tour. Relaxation assured that you simply’ll decide one of the best from a big selection, at all times with the assistance of our professional journey advisors.
But, Delphi isn’t nearly its historical past and historical ruins. These days, subsequent to this archaeological web site of uncommon magnificence and utter historic significance lies a laid-back city tucked away within the mountains, probably the most tranquil locations to go to in mainland Greece as a part of a multi-day Greek itinerary. However don’t suppose that Delphi lacks modern-day excitements. A brief drive away, Arachova awaits to seduce you with its energetic nightlife and glorious eating scene.
4. Historical Olympia
Talking of outstanding archaeological websites, Historical Olympia must be yet one more obligatory cease on any quest to find probably the most spectacular locations to go to in mainland Greece.
The birthplace of the Olympic Video games, Historical Olympia has no scarcity of extraordinary monuments to marvel at, such because the Stadium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Aside from its grandiose constructions although, Historical Olympia is generally identified for instilling the Olympic Spirit and the values it represents on the earth, because the Historical Olympics had been the embodiment of peace, unity, and mutual respect.
These days, Historical Olympia breathes historical past at each flip. However its magic doesn’t finish there. Set in an space of unimaginable pure allure, Historical Olympia appeals not solely to historical past buffs but in addition to nature lovers. Furthermore, its prime location within the Western Peloponnese renders it the perfect base from the place to discover the pure and cultural riches of this lesser-known a part of Southern Greece.
When planning a visit to Greece with JayWay, our professional journey advisors will ensure to craft the proper Peloponnese itinerary for you, including stops that can make your journey all of the extra memorable, like Historical Olympia, and selecting one of the best boutique lodging and top-quality actions and companies.
5. Nafplio
When Greece grew to become an unbiased state after virtually 400 years below Ottoman occupation, the seaside city of Nafplio within the Peloponnese grew to become the nation’s capital. The a number of attractive neoclassical mansions which are scattered throughout Nafplio stand as a testomony to the town’s superb previous as the primary capital of Greece. Throughout your strolls via the quaint Outdated City, you’ll catch glimpses of the primary pharmacy or highschool in Greece, amongst a number of different notable buildings.
Aside from its huge historical past and gorgeous structure although, Nafplio can be a spot that can amaze you with its stunning Aegean Sea views and nostalgic promenades. It’s a small but thrilling city constructed below the shadow of two mighty uphill fortresses, Palamidi and Akronafplia, with another in the midst of the ocean, the photogenic Bourtzi, guarding Nafplio for hundreds of years on finish.
Nafplio can be a culinary heaven the place conventional eating places and impressed cooking lessons take you on a gastronomic journey via the evolution of Greek delicacies with a give attention to regionally sourced components.
Talking of native merchandise, close to Napflio, you may wander round historical vineyards at one of many nation’s most celebrated wine areas, Nemea. Well-known for its purple Agiorgitiko selection, Nemea guarantees an impressive wine expertise with insightful excursions via family-owned wineries and very good wine tastings.
Though Nafplio is a enjoyment of its personal proper, it’s additionally the perfect base from the place to embark on an ideal journey to discover the numerous charms of the Peloponnese. Close to Nafplio, two of probably the most important historical websites await. The UNESCO-listed Mycenae Citadel with its famed Lion Gate was probably the most legendary city-states in Historical Greece, an excellent place the place tales and myths of Homer’s Historical Greek mythology heroes come to life as you wander via the traditional ruins.
Historical Epidaurus is an equally spectacular UNESCO web site. Identified to your complete historical world, Historical Epidaurus was a sanctuary of Asklepios, the god of medication. On this huge archaeological web site, you’ll see a number of remnants that date again to antiquity. Famend for its glorious acoustics, the Historical Theater of Epidaurus stands out among the many constructions that dot the historic web site, although.
From wandering round its picturesque alleys to tasting scrumptious native meals to studying historical past, Nafplio has one thing for everybody and our professional journey advisors will show you how to select one of the best Nafplio actions and experiences so as to add to your Peloponnese itinerary.
6. Kalamata
We’re not prepared to go away the Peloponnese simply but. Steeped in historical past, graced with breathtaking landscapes, and blessed with top-quality native merchandise, it’s no overstatement to say that this land of wonders is Greece in miniature. Due to this fact, it’s no shock that a few of the greatest locations to go to on the Greek mainland are within the Peloponnese.
If you happen to’re curious to see what an actual Greek metropolis seems like, Kalamata may simply be the proper place. This sun-drenched coastal metropolis in Southern Greece is constructed alongside the shores of the Messinian Gulf and embraced by the imposing Taygetus Mountain. Though Kalamata has a wealthy historical past, it’s largely identified for its vibrant vibes, a contemporary metropolis the place you may have a tremendous time, it doesn’t matter what season you’re visiting.
From having fun with lengthy seaside walks to taking a stroll via a park with classic trains to mingling with locals within the Outdated City’s again streets over a glass of home wine and probably the most delectable meze dishes, Kalamata will seduce you with its sluggish tempo of life and genuine ambiance.
Whereas in Kalamata, if there’s one factor you shouldn’t miss, although, is delving into the world of beautiful additional virgin olive oil and sampling Kalamata Olives to your coronary heart’s content material. Town of Kalamata and the prolonged area of Messinia that engulfs it are blessed with the perfect local weather to encourage the manufacturing of beautiful additional virgin olive oil, one of the best reward you may carry again house with you out of your journey to Southern Greece.
Much like Nafplio, Kalamata also can function the proper base from the place to see extra of the Peloponnese. Close to Kalamata, the coastal cities of Koroni and Methoni are well-known for his or her mesmerizingly stunning castles, whereas Pylos is a laid-back seaside city the place you may style contemporary fish and seafood on the native taverns. For nature lovers, the Polilimnio Waterfalls are a brief drive from Kalamata whereas Historical Messini, a lesser-known archaeological web site by Greek requirements, awaits to fascinate historical historical past lovers of all ages.
7. Mani
We’ve already established that the Peloponnese is likely one of the most genuine elements of Greece. One of many area’s best-hidden treasures is Mani, an space of uncommon pure magnificence, spectacular structure, and distinctive legends mirrored in traditions and cultural occasions that reside on to this present day.
The Mani Peninsula is Greece’s Deep South, a distant space that would solely be reached by sea till not too long ago. The inviting turquoise waters of Mani’s sandy seashores or rocky coves come into sharp distinction with its dramatic naked mountains. But, the magic of Mani lies on this range and the alternating landscapes that may be nothing wanting fascinating.
Mani is house to a number of small cities the place time appears to have stood nonetheless. From Areopoli, a picturesque gem of a city, identified for igniting the glint of the Greek Struggle of Independence towards the Ottoman occupation, to Kardamyli, a dreamy seaside city famend for the reason that occasions of Homer for its pure charms and beloved by intellectuals from all throughout the globe, Mani has no scarcity of great locations to make use of as a base.
But, the charming seaside villages of Mani, like Limeni or Gerolimenas, can’t be missed both. These are the perfect locations to absorb the old-world allure of Mani and savor scrumptious seafood dishes at conventional eating places on the sting of the ocean.
However the wonders of Mani don’t cease there. Whereas in Mani, don’t miss the prospect to get into the depths of the awe-inspiring Diros Caves, probably the most spectacular cave system in Greece the place you’ll have the prospect to admire century-old stalagmites and stalactites as you’re paddled via the calm waters of an underground lake.
Then, Cape Tainaro awaits for what have to be probably the most rewarding experiences you possibly can ever have in Greece. Standing proudly on the southernmost tip of mainland Greece, Cape Tainaro presents an unforgettable mountaineering alternative with extraordinary vistas of the deep blue sea.
No place in Mani is bizarre. This can be a land of divine magnificence and mystical places that you simply’d by no means know existed. But, right here at JayWay, that is what we do greatest. Unveiling the key gems in all of the locations we’re providing.
8. Monemvasia
One of many oldest regularly inhabited settlements in Europe, the fortress city of Monemvasia is a fairytale come true. As a consequence of its strategic location, the Citadel of Monemvasia has been an necessary industrial and buying and selling put up all through its historical past. In the course of the Center Ages, it flourished, and that is evident in Monemvasia’s attractive medieval structure, greatest admired within the city’s vehicle-free historic middle.
The Citadel of Monemvasia connects to the Peloponnese Peninsula by way of a brief causeway. Constructed on a rock within the sea, Monemvasia is likely one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in Europe. When you step inside the principle fortress gate, you’ll really feel as if you’ve traveled again in time. The cobbled slender streets and lack of autos or annoying metropolis sounds transport you to occasions passed by. As you stroll alongside the quaint streets, previous stunning squares and Byzantine church buildings with many tales to inform, you are feeling as in the event you’re starring in a interval drama.
The fortress city of Monemvasia has two elements: the Decrease and the Higher City. Within the Decrease City, you’ll discover conventional eating places serving native dishes and a number of other lodging choices that give you the chance to sleep throughout the partitions of an precise fortified city that by no means ceased to be inhabited all through the centuries.
The Higher City is now not inhabited but it surely presents an unparalleled mountaineering alternative via pure trails dotted with ruins that date again to a number of durations in Greek historical past. To not point out the jaw-dropping views you’ll take pleasure in at each flip.
Talking of mountaineering, for the extra adventurous, a round path permits you to stroll your complete perimeter of the promontory, previous a scenic lighthouse and memorable panoramas as you go. For a photo-worthy seascape, head to Portello, the previous gate to the fortress for individuals who approached it from the ocean, and prepare to snap hundreds of pictures with the waves crashing onto dramatic black rock formations.
9. Meteora
Talking of rock formations brings us to our subsequent suggestion on this record of one of the best locations to go to in mainland Greece. Meteora in northwestern Greece is understood for its complicated of otherworldly rock formations the place one of many nation’s most vital monastery complexes – second solely to Mount Athos – is constructed. To be extra exact, the monasteries of Meteora are constructed atop tall pillar-like rocks, creating a novel spectacle that resembles a stone forest of kinds.
Meteora was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1988 for its pure panorama, extraordinary structure, and cultural significance. Initially, twenty-four monasteries had been constructed on the high of those stone columns. These days, solely six of them nonetheless operate.
All six monasteries are open to the general public for visits and we strongly advocate you go to at the very least a few them throughout your journey to Greece. Not solely as a result of they’re distinctive by way of structure and cultural wealth, but in addition as a result of the views of the encompassing space from up there can’t be put into phrases. They’ll go away you speechless, and so will watching the sundown in Meteora, an expertise you gained’t simply overlook.
Meteora can be the proper vacation spot for adrenaline seekers as you may go mountaineering, mountain biking, or river rafting there. For extra mundane pleasures, the small city of Kalabaka presents one of the best lodging and eating choices below the shadow of the Meteora rocks.
10. Ioannina
This record of one of the best locations to go to in mainland Greece may by no means be full with no point out of Ioannina, one of many prettiest and most romantic locations in Greece. The biggest metropolis within the gorgeous area of Epirus, Ioannina is the perfect metropolis break any time of the yr, even within the winter months. Dominated by the enchanting Pamvotida Lake, the town abounds not solely in magnificence but in addition in historical past. As a college metropolis, Ioannina can be identified for its energetic ambiance.
Among the best issues to do in Ioannina is to take lengthy lakeside strolls, having fun with probably the most nice views as you go. In the midst of the lake, a small island with no identify awaits to lure you in its magic. A brief ferry journey from the guts of Ioannina brings you to this tiny gem, a tranquil lake island the place you may sit again and loosen up amongst locals and fellow vacationers.
Again within the metropolis of Ioannina, take your time exploring the Outdated City, this nostalgic gem the place old-world structure is adorned with colourful avenue artwork and stylish cafés co-exist in excellent concord with the occasional conventional kafeneio.
No journey to Ioannina is full with no go to to the marvelous fortress that crowns the town. One of the vital spectacular examples of Greek defensive structure, the Citadel of Ioannina is break up into two Citadels, homes a number of museums, and boasts splendid views of the lake and the remainder of the town.
Round Ioannina, the blessed land of Epirus patiently awaits to be found by anybody wishing to delve into the entrancing allure of genuine Greece. Deep gorges, just like the world-renowned Vikos Gorge, stunning seashores, and scenic mountain villages are simply accessible from Ioannina, rendering the town among the finest locations to base yourselves if you wish to get to know a comparatively unknown but fascinating a part of Greece.
We do hope you loved studying about one of the best locations to go to in mainland Greece and that we impressed you so as to add a few of these outstanding locations to your subsequent Greece itinerary – alongside the Greek Islands of your selection maybe. In your journey to be as seamless and memorable as doable, attain out to JayWay and go away it to our journey specialists to craft the proper Greece itinerary for you.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s enthusiastic about journey and storytelling, a mixture that makes her best for her position as our content material supervisor.
