Is there more to explore in Greece than just Athens and the islands? The answer is a resounding YES! There are many incredible Greek mainland destinations in this beautiful country that you need to see. From ancient ruins to stunning landscapes, Greece has something for everyone. Let us help you uncover the hidden mainland gems of this amazing country!
Island life is amazing, but there is so much out there to discover!
Meteora: Our Top Greek Mainland Destination
Otherworldly Meteora is a sight to behold! Awe-inspiring monasteries perch atop dramatic rock spires hundreds of feet above the valley floor. The cliffs, pillars, and valleys rival those of the American Southwest. The monasteries are incredible feats of engineering, and you can visit many of them. They are filled with gorgeous pieces of Byzantine art, icons, and holy relics. Meteora it is a must-see destination for any traveler to mainland Greece.
Meteora is spectacular
While you can do a long day trip from Athens, we highly recommend spending a night. Watch the colors and shadows play over the valley and rock formations as the sun sets and rises. Look down and around as you walk the trails. You will see rare flowers, birds, and animals. The Meteora monasteries are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Meteora-Antichassia region is a Natura 2000 Ecological Zone, meaning its rare species are protected.
Explore this stunning destination and be sure to take lots of pictures! From Athens, you can choose from many day-long and multi-day trips to Meteora and Delphi.
Delphi: The Heart of the Greek Mainland
Delphi is the perfect stop and a must-see Greek mainland destination on your way from Athens to Meteora. Explore the site of the famous Oracle and the ruins of the 2,500-year-old Temple of Apollo. This was the center of the ancient world! You walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and King Midas who were among the multitudes who came to consult the Oracle.
You must also visit the Archeological Museum. There you will see the “Charioteer of Delphi” one of the most famous, important, and best-preserved classic Greek bronze statues. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to the well-preserved theater on the hill above the Temple. It is quite a hike but worth the view.
You might not be able to consult the Oracle, but you will find inspiration at Delphi.
Thessaloniki: The Second Capital of Byzantium
Thessaloniki is a vibrant and culture-filled city in the north of mainland Greece. We especially loved the Byzantine Museum which some consider to be better than the one in Athens. You can take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. See the famous White Tower with its museum and awe inspiring views from its balcony. Visit the Rotunda, lunch at one of the excellent restaurants, or take a boat tour.
Thessaloniki’s rich history dates back over 3,000 years. You will see relics everywhere from its Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Jewish past. We passed impressive Greek and Roman ruins right along the streets on our walk to the waterfront. You can visit many of them for free. Many of its Byzantine churches and a whole district of the city are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Local tours are, of course, available.
For those who enjoy an active social scene, Thessaloniki was recently ranked as the world’s fifth-best party city by Lonely Planet. It is home to a variety of festivals, special events, and concerts. These range from an International Book Fair to a Street Food Festival, to the ThessFringe Festival, set to rival that of Edinburgh’s famous Fringe Festival. Whether you are looking to explore history, partake in the vibrant nightlife or just relax and take in the sights, Thessaloniki is the perfect destination for you!
Nafpilo: An Awe-Inspiring Destination
Nafplio, or Nafplion, is a stunningly romantic Greek mainland destination located just two hours from Athens. You will experience cozy streets, medieval fortresses, and a small island fortress called the Bourtzi. This town is the perfect place to explore the Peloponnese. From restaurants and cafes to shops and beautiful old buildings, and of course a beach, Nafplio is sure to have something that will make your mainland Greece vacation truly unforgettable.
Getting Around the Greek Mainland
In mainland Greece, you can get around by car, bus, ferry, train or guided tours. However, we do not recommend driving in Athens, as it can be stressful.
A word about taxis in Greece: drivers are fairly well-known to not speak much, if any, English. We experienced this ourselves. When hailing a cab, know what to expect.
Regardless of your Greek mainland destination, our favorite way to travel in Greece is with a private driver. We used a private driver for a day in Athens and another for an overnight trip to Meteroa.
In both cases, the driver took us to all the places we wanted to see, took us to a great local restaurant (not a tourist spot!) and waited as long as we wanted at each attraction. They translated for us when needed. A bonus, we could talk to them about what it was like to live in Greece. We were fortunate that our Athens driver had been one of the guards in the Changing of the Guard ceremony so we could ask questions about what a hot and miserable job it is.
If you have three or more travelers, you can save money and have a much better experience with a private driver.
Finally, since you will almost certainly travel through Athens, be sure to take time to visit one of the best museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum.
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