MAINLAND GREECE TRAVEL ARTICLES
Plan your trip to mainland Greece the smart wayMainland Greece is only a generic term that defines a huge territory too many times overlooked by tourists and travel agents alike.
When they think about Greece, most people think about Mykonos, Santorini or a large group of tiny islands scattered all over the sea. While islands have their charm, mainland Greece is also a lovely place to visit.
The Chalkidiki Peninsula
My first contact with Greece was on the mainland, in Chalkidiki, (alternative spelling variants – Chalkidike, Chalcidice, Khalkidhiki or Halkidike), a peninsula and regional unit of Greece, located in the north of the country. I had accommodation in Savros, a small village in the Strymonian Gulf, at the intersection of Kassandra and Sithonia, two of the three “fingers” of the Chakidiki peninsula.
The third finger is Mount Athos and it isn’t open to tourists. You can go until Ouranopolis, the last town before the wilderness of the mountain. By the end of the road that leads to the forest. there’s a big Greek guy with a huge gun. You don’t need to understand Greek to know that you have to turn around and you’d better be quick (just kidding, the guy was peaceful but that was the end of the public road).
Thessaloniki
Then there’s Thessaloniki, a vibrant and neat city, with its old tower and its fish restaurants.Thessaloniki has a very beautiful beachfront promenade and lots of amazing Orthodox churches.
If you want to taste the best Greek sweets, go to Thessaloniki.
Mount Olympus & Olympic Riviera
There’s also Mount Olympus and the Olympic Riviera, with Platamonas, Paralia Katerini, Nei Pori and Olympiaki Akti.
Epirus
This mountain area is heavily underrated. Towns like Ioannina and Dodona, places like the Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains and the Zagorochoria villages are definitely worth a visit.
As you head south, you’ll get to Meteora, Kalambaka, Trikala, Larissa, Delphi and many other towns and villages.
Everywhere you’ll see ruins, remainders of ancient civilizations, rocks, goats and a lot of welcoming restaurants. You’ll see the ancient site of the hot gates of Thermopylae and the huge statue of King Leonidas.
Athens & Surrounding Areas
Athens deserves a full week trip itself, as there are many historic landmarks to see here. I only name the prison of Socrates, but the list of such landmarks could go on for a long while.
The nearby beach resorts are merely populated by locals. From Marathon and Nea Makri to Rafina, the coast can be the ideal spot for a peaceful vacation. I loved the calm atmosphere and the amazing (fried) shrimps in Nea Makri.
Piraeus and Glyfada are two neighborhoods worth visiting, even though they aren’t as touristy as other spots in Athens (perhaps this is for the better).
The Peloponnese Peninsula
Suthwest from Athens, there’s Nafplio, Monemvasia and the entire Peloponnese peninsula. The Corinth canal separates it from the mainland.
However, since the Corinth canal is man-made, Peloponnese isn’t considered an island. If it were an island, it would have been bigger than Crete.
How many days (or lives for that matter) would you need to visit this whole territory?
What To Do in Thessaloniki for 3 Days?
Discover an unforgettable 3-day adventure in Thessaloniki! Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. From ancient ruins to bustling markets, find out what to do in Thessaloniki for 3 days.
Afitos: Beaches, History & Scenic Views
Kassandra Snorkeling Trip ☑ Enjoy convenient round trip transportation ☑ Use provided snorkel gear and wetsuit ☑ Snorkel through reefs, tunnels, and caves ☑ Driver/professional guide (divemaster or instructor) ☑ Duration: 3 hours...
Ammouliani Island: Halkidiki’s Hidden Gem
Mount Athos & Ammouliani Island (mixed cruise) ☑ Glass bottom boat cruise starting from the port of Ouranopouli ☑ One hour and 30 minutes stop on Ammouliani island ☑ Guide in multiple languages ☑ Spotting dolphins swimming along is...
Litochoro, the Picturesque Town at the Foot of Mount Olympus
Olympus Mountain Guiding - Mytikas 2918m in a day ☑ Professional guide ☑ Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotel from Neoi Poroi, Platamona, Leptokarya, Dion, Litochoro) ☑ Safety Gear (Helmet, Harness) ☑ Photos & Video ☑...
Beaches in Thessaloniki or Within Easy Reach
Small Group Trip. Swimming and Relax on Beautiful Beaches ☑ Trip to Chalkidiki to two stunning beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxation ☑ Spend approximately 2-3 hours at each beach ☑ Flexible for the time and the meeting points...
How To Visit Thermopylae, the Hot Gates Today & King Leonidas’ Statue
Marathon, Thermopylae, Thebes/Plataea, Herodotus Private Tour 10h ☑ With this unique tour, you’ll delve into the Herotodus’ telling of the Persian Wars by visiting all the major battlefields in a single day with a historian guide ☑ Air-conditioned...
Greece 10-Day Itinerary & Road Trip from Athens
10 Day Private Tour Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini ☑ This private tour offers a fully personalized, luxurious getaway ☑ Leave all the planning to someone else on this seamless, 10-day tour ☑ Hotels, transit, tours, guide, and select...
Islands near Thessaloniki (or Easy to Reach)
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you say Greek Islands? If you're like most people, you'd think of Santorini, Mikonos or some other islands by south of Athens. Some would think of Corfu and some others of Crete, Zante or Rhodes. How many of you would...
Dion Archeological Park – Swamps, Sanctuaries and Dragonflies
Day Trip by Train from Athens to Dion and Mount Olympus ☑ Skip the hassle of driving or arranging transport with a day trip by train ☑ Visit the Archaeological Park of Dion, Platamonas Castle, Enipeas Waterfall & Litochoro ☑ Learn about the...
How To Visit the Meteora Monasteries in 2024 – Organized Tours or Self-Guided Visits?
Meteora monasteries in Greece are a miracle of nature and craftsmanship. Visit Meteora in a full-day trip from Athens, or sleep over in Kalabaka.
Beaches Near Athens – Nea Makri
Nea Makri is one of the best beaches near Athens, Greece. Easily accessible, Nea Makri is a quiet town and a seaside resort great for a beach vacation.
Mount Olympus in Greece
Mount Olympus in Greece is one of the most beautiful places on this planet. It has hikes for all levels, waterfalls, lizards and even a holy cave.