Best Greek Mainland Destinations to visit

The capital of Greece, Athens is famous for its long history and the amazing sightseeing. A trip to Greece is not complete without a visit to Athens. The best place for walking, as all sightseeings are found in close distance to each other, Athens is also a transportation hub to the Greek islands.
Why Athens: Archaeological sites, architecture, history, lively city, museums, nightlife, culture, great Climate, amazing gastronomy, festivals, long weekend getaway, family destination, alternative destination, underground scene.
Highlights: Acropolis, Plaka area, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Acropolis museum, Archaeological Museum, Temple of Poseidon.
Tips: Suggested stays: 3 nights, no car needed. Can be also your starting or ending point to your trip to the Greek islands.
Where is Athens: Athens is the Capital and the largest city of Greece.
How to get there: The Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” is only 30km away from the city center and receives National and International flights every day. Athens has also 3 ports (Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio) that connect the Greek mainland with the islands of Cyclades, Dodecanese, Saronic, Eastern Aegean and Crete by ferry. There is also a Railway Station (Larissis Train Station) linking Athens to Northern Greece & Thessaloniki, but also with other European cities and Turkey. Last but not least, Athens has two central Bus Stations (Kifissos & Liossion) that connect the Greek Capital with almost every Greek town.

Famous for the amazing beaches and the lovely nature, Halkidiki gets very popular in summer with both Greek and foreign visitors. The first peninsula of Halkidiki, Kassandra, has the busiest resorts, while the second peninsula, Sithonia, is calmer. The third peninsula, Mount Athos, is a monastic community and entrance is allowed only after special permission.
Why Halkidiki: Lush Nature, few picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, family destination, high-class restaurants and hotels, beach bars.
Highlights: Kavourotrypes beach, Armenistis beach, Cruise to Mount Athos, Vourvourou beach.
Tips: Suggested stays: 4 nights. Car is strongly recommended.
Where is Halkidiki: Halkidiki is a coastal region in the North of Greece and belongs to the region of Macedonia.
How to get there: You can reach Halkidiki by car/bus/taxi. The nearest Airport is Thessaloniki "Makedonia" Airport. From there you can rent a car or take a bus or taxi to Halkidiki. Also, note that there are KTEL buses that connect Halkidiki with many villages and towns around Macedonia and with Athens, too. There are central bus stations in Polygyros, Nea Moudania, Neos Marmaras and near the airport of Thessaloniki.

The second-largest town of Greece, Thessaloniki is located on the northern side of the country. It was founded in the 3rd century BC and took its name from the half-sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki. With a busy beach promenade, large shopping malls, interesting sightseeing and vivid nightlife, Thessaloniki is a nice base for excursions in northern Greece and a transport hub to Halkidiki.
Why Thessaloniki: Architecture, history, lively city, museums, archaeological sites, nightlife, culture, amazing gastronomy, festivals, long weekend getaway, family destination, alternative destination, underground scene.
Highlights: White tower, Beach promenade, Ano Poli, Aristotel square, Agia Sophia, Rotonda, Arch of Galerius.
Tips: Suggested stays: 2-3 nights. Car is optional.
Where is Thessaloniki: Thessaloniki is the second biggest town of Greece and is located in the Greek Northern Mainland, in the region of Macedonia.
How to get there: You can reach Thessaloniki by plane. The Makedonia International Airport is located 20 km away from the city center. Also, you can reach Thessaloniki from Athens and many other Greek cities by bus and train.

One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is also known as the Naval of the Earth. In the ancient times, this was the most famous oracle of god Apollo and people from all over the Mediterranean would come to ask for advice. The most famous sights of Delphi are the temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, the ancient stadium and the Archaeological Museum.
Why Delphi: UNESCO World Heritage site, archaeology, nature, amazing views
Highlights: Temple of Apollo, Ancient theatre, Athena Pronea Sanctuary, Ancient stadium, Archaeological museum.
Tips: A day tour from Athens or a 1 night stay. Can be combined with a visit in Arachova village and Mount Parnassus.
Where is Delphi: Delphi is an UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Archaeological sites of Greece located in Mainland Greece in the Region of Sterea.
How to get there: The best way to reach Delphi is by a day tour from Athens. There are also buses that depart from Athens (Liossion Bus Station). The bus trip lasts about 3 hours.

One of the most impressive spots of Greece, Meteora is located on the northern part of the country. They are actually huge granite rocks in the middle of a valley and on top of these rocks monasteries were built in the Byzantine times. The sight as you approach Meteora is stunning and so is the view from Meteora down to the valley. Mount Athos and Meteora are considered the holiest regions in Greece.
Why Meteora: UNESCO Cultural and Natural World heritage site, amazing views, incredible landscape, history, architecture, religion, hiking and rock climbing destination, nature, emblematic.
Highlights: Monastery of Agios Stefanos, Monastery of Agia Triada, Monastery of Varlaam.
Tips: Suggested stay: day tour from Athens or 1 night. Car is optional.
Where is Meteora: Meteora is located in Thessaly region in Northern mainland Greece.
How to get there: Meteora is accessible by bus, car & organized tours from Athens, Thessaloniki and Halkidiki. Also it can be reached by train from Athens, Thessaloniki and few more regions. The closest train station is located in Kalambaka where you have to take a car or a taxi to continue your trip. Last but not least, the nearest Airport to Meteora is Nea Anchialos National Airport in Volos. However, If you want to travel by plane, then you should better fly to Athens or Thessaloniki in the first place, as Eleftherios Venizelos and Makedonia Airport operate all year round and then continue your trip by bus/car/organized tours/trains.

The seaside town of Nafplion is a popular holiday destination all year round. Lovely beach resorts surround Nafplion and get much frequented for family summer holidays. A walk around the Old Town of Nafplion will bring you to ample squares, paved streets and elegant mansions. Do not miss a visit to Palamidi Fortress and to the Castle of Bourtzi. Nafplion is also a convenient base for daily excursions and cruise trips to the Saronic islands.
Why Nafplion: Picturesque town, History, romantic destination, Family destination, History, Architecture, Road trip.
Highlights: Old town, Akronafplia, Palamidi, Beach promenade, Boat trip to Bourtzi, Tolo beach, Arvanitia beach.
Tips: Suggested stay: 2 nights. Car is recommended. Day visits to Epidaurus and Mycenae.
Where is Nafplion: Nafplio is in Peloponnese, in the region of Argolida.
How to get there: You can reach Nafplio by car or bus. Frequent buses from Athens (Kifissos bus station).

Located on the north-western coasts of Greece, Parga is a seaside town with a lovely island style. At the entrance of the port, there is a small islet with a chapel on top, while a Venetian Castle stands on the hilltop above the town. Apart from the lovely port, Parga also stands for the amazing beaches. Valtos, Lichnos and Sarakiniko amaze visitors with their crystal water and the blue-green colour.
Why Parga: Lush Nature, picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, hiking, family destination, calm and easy-going.
Highlights: Town of Parga, Valtos beach, Venetian Castle, Acheron River, Day trip to Paxi, Ottoman castle.
Tips: Suggested stays: 3 nights. Car is recommended.
Where is Parga: Parga is a region in Epirus and is accessible by ferry from Kilini port (Western Peloponnese).
How to get there: You can reach Parga by car or bus. If you decide to travel to Parga by bus from another Greek city, you will have to take a bus to Preveza city first and then take another bus to Parga. You can also reach Parga by plane. The nearest airport is in Preveza (65 km away) and then you can rent a car or take a taxi.

Olympia is known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The first ancient Olympic Games took place in 776 BC and they were dedicated to the cult of Zeus. In Olympia, you can see the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, the Ancient Stadium, the workshop of Pheidias and other constructions. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is also among the most interesting museums in Greece.
Why Olympia: History, Impressive Archaeological sites, Nature.
Highlights: Ancient stadium, Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, Museum of Olympic games.
Tips: Suggested stay: Day visit. Car is recommended. Road trips to Pylos, Kalamata & Kyparissia.
Where is Olympia: Olympia is in Peloponnese, in the region of Ilia.
How to get there: You can reach Olympia by car or bus. If you travel by bus from Athens (Kifissos bus station) you have to reach Pyrgos first and then make a bus connection to Olympia. Last but not least, there are day tours and private transfers to Olympia from Athens.

Among the most popular archaeological sites of Greece, Epidaurus is located on the north eastern side of Peloponnese. Mostly famous for the Ancient Theatre with the amazing accoustics, this site is visited by thousands of visitors every year. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus hosts important theatrical performances in summer.
Why Epidaurus: History, Ancient Theatre, Festivals, Archaeology, Lush Nature.
Highlights: Ancient theatre, Greek Festival, Ancient stadium, Archaeological museum, Small theatre, sanctuary of Asklepios.
Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is recommended. The trip can be combined with Nafplion, Mycenae and Porto Heli.
Where is Epidaurus: Epidaurus is in Eastern Peloponnese, in the region of Argolis.
How to get there: You can reach Epidaurus by car or bus. There are also day tours from Athens.

Although Porto Heli is mostly known to Greek tourists, its large port gets very busy in summer with many private yachts and fishing boats that moor there. The lovely beaches of the area attract many families looking for calm vacations. Porto Heli also serves as a good base for daily excursions in this part of Peloponnese and as a transport hub to Spetses island.
Why Porto Heli: Family destination, Fancy hotels, Lush vegetation, beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Highlights: Boat trip to Spetses, beautiful beaches.
Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is strongly recommended. Continue your trip to Spetses.
Where is Porto Heli: Porto Heli is in Peloponnese, in the region of Argolida.
How to get there: You can reach Porto Heli by car or bus. If you travel by bus, you reach first Kranidi or Nafplio and then make a connection to Porto Heli. Alternatively, you can travel to Porto Heli by ferry from Athens (Piraeus).

Pelion is a region for all seasons. Mount Pelion is actually a peninsula in central Greece, between the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf. The eastern side of Pelion gets very popular in summer for the gorgeous beaches and the exotic water. The central part of Pelion is more suitable as an autumn and winter destination, due to the mountainous villages and the lush green nature.
Why Pelion: Lush nature, picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, mountainous, all year round destination, architecture, tradition, amazing views, gastronomy, hiking, cycling, outdoors activities.
Highlights: Tsagarada village, Makrinitsa village, Portaria village, Milies village, Mylopotamos beach, a trip with the Steam train.
Tips: Suggested stay: 4 nights. Car is strongly recommended.
Where is Pelion: Pelion is located in Thessaly region in Northern mainland Greece.
How to get there: Pelion is accessible by bus or car. If you visit it by bus, you have to reach first Volos and then take the bus to one of the villages of Pelion.

In the Medieval times, Mystras was the second most important town of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople. In fact, Constantinos Paleologos, the last Byzantine Emperor, was a governor of Mystras before his coronation. Today, the archaeological site of Mystras is surrounded by walls and has many Byzantine churches with interesting frescoes in the interior. On top of the hill, there is the Palace of the Despots.
Why Mystras: History, Impressive Archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights: Byzantine churches and frescos, Palace of Despots, Archaeological museum.
Tips: Suggested stay: Day visit. Car is recommended.
Where is Mystras: Mystras is a UNESCO World Heritage castle in Peloponnese, in the region of Lakonia.
How to get there: You can reach Mystras by car or bus. From Athens, you need to take the bus to Sparti and then from Sparti another bus to Mystras.

The archaeological site of Mycenae is located in the north eastern side of Peloponnese, in close distance to Nafplion. It is mostly famous from the story of the Trojan War, as Mycenae was the kingdom of Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks in the war. Visitors in Mycenae are impressed by the giant walls, constructed by Cyclops according to the myth, and by the Treasury of Atreus, the vaulted tomb of Agamemnon.
Why Mycenae: History, Impressive Archaeological site.
Highlights: Lion gate, Treasury of Atreus, Archaeological museum.
Tips: Suggested stay: Day visit. Car is recommended. You can combine your trip with a visit to Nafplio and Epidaurus.
Where is Mycenae: Mycanae is an archaeological site in Peloponnese, in the region of Argolida.
How to get there: You can reach Mycenae by car or bus.There are buses from Athens., Nafplion and Argos. You can also do an organized day tour from Athens.

Monemvasia is among the most impressive and romantic towns in Greece. The Medieval Castle of Monemvasia is entirely built against the slopes of a huge rock, connected to the mainland through a narrow pathway only. This town was constructed to be invisible from the mainland in order to escape enemy attacks. When the sea is clear, from the top of Monemvasia you can see the mountainpeaks of Crete.
Why Monemvasia: Amazing Medieval Castle town, Romantic destination, History, Beautiful views.
Highlights: Medieval town, Church of Christ Elkomenos, Archaeological museum.
Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is optional.
Where is Monemvasia: Monemvasia is a Medieval Castle town in Peloponnese, in the region of Lakonia.
How to get there: You can reach Monemvasia by car or bus. There are buses from Athens and Sparta.

Located on the south eastern side of Peloponnese, Gythio is a beautiful town that spreads around a large port. The region stands for the long sandy beaches, the clean water and the mountainous villages. Gythio serves as a convenient base for excursions to Mani, an abrupt and secluded region with traditional towers. Opposite the port of Gythio, there is a small island that can be reached through a narrow pathway.
Why Gythio: Quaint, Tranquil, Picturesque, Family destination, calm and easygoing.
Highlights: Gythio town, Mavrovouni beach, Ancient theatre, Historical museum, Lighthouse, Shipwreck.
Tips: Suggested stay: 2 nights. Car is strongly recommended.
Where is Gythio: Gythio is a town in south Peloponnese, in the region of Lakonia.
How to get there: You can reach Gythio by car or bus. From Athens, you have to take a bus to Sparti and then change to another bus to Gythio.

Mostly a family holiday destination, Kyparissia stands out for the relaxing atmosphere and the calm beaches. The Old Town is built around the remains of a Byzantine Castle, on the hill top above Kyparissia, while the New Town is built between the hill and the sea. This town serves as a convenient base for daily excursions in this part of Peloponnese.
Why Kyparissia: Family destination, nice beach, traditional town, calm and easy, ideal for road trip.
Highlights: Medieval castle, Town, Beach, Peristeria ancient site.
Tips: Suggested stay: 2 nights. Car is recommended. Road trips to Pylos, Kalamata & Olympia.
Where is Kyparissia: Kyparissia is in Peloponnese, in the region of Messinia.
How to get there: You can reach Kyparissia by car or bus. From Athens, you take the bus from Kifissos bus. The nearest airports are in Kalamata and in Athens.

Although it is not that famous to foreign visitors, the Venetian architecture of Nafpaktos make it among the most beautiful towns in Greece. A strong Medieval Castle stands on top of a hill above the town, while the picturesque harbor gets very busy in summer. A large beach starts from the port and extends for long, while many other lovely beaches are found in the surrounding region.
Why Nafpaktos: Picturesque, calm and relaxing, family destination, nice beach.
Highlights: Venetian Castle, Statue of Cervantes, town beach.
Tips: Suggested stays: 1 night. Car is recommended. Trip can be continued to Mesolongi and Western Greece.
Where is Nafpaktos: Nafpaktos is a small town located in the Western Greek Mainland and more specifically in the regional unit of Aitoloacarnania of the region of Sterea.
How to get there: Buses link Nafpaktos with many locations in Sterea and Peloponnese. From Athens, you can take the bus from Kifissos Bus Station and reach Nafpaktos via Rion - Antirion cable bridge within a 3-hour trip.

A mountainous town in close distance to Delphi and only three hours drive from Athens, Arachova is the most popular winter destination in Greece. It gets so busy for the lively nightlife and the three ski centres of Mount Parnassus. In Arachova, there are many luxurious accommodation and wooden chalets for your stay.
Why Arachova: Winter destination, ski resort, traditional villages, mountainous, forest, nature, hiking, outdoors activities.
Highlights: Beautiful village, skiing in Mount Parnassus, visit the Archaeological site of Delphi.
Tips: Suggested stays: 1 night, car is strongly recommended.
Where is Arachova: Arachova is a village located in Mainland Greece in the regional unit of Boeotia in the region of Sterea.
How to get there: Arachova is 160 km away from Athens and is easily reached by car or bus. Buses depart almost everyday from Liossion bus station in Athens.

Nature is blooming all year round in Zagorochoria, a mountainous region on the northwestern side of Greece, just between Ioannina and the Greek-Albanian borders. With the amazing nature and the picturesque villages, Zagorochoria makes a perfect autumn and winter destination. Worth to see is the Gorge of Vikos, the second deepest gorge in the world, after the Grand Canyon.
Why Zagorochoria: Lush Nature, picturesque villages, mountainous, all year round destination, architecture, history, tradition, amazing views, gastronomy, hiking, cycling, rafting, canoe kayak, outdoors activities.
Highlights: Vikos Gorge, Papigo village, Rocks pool, Voidomatis river, Sarakatsani Shepfold Museum, Plakida bridge, Monodendri village.
Tips: Suggested stays: 4 nights. Car is strongly recommended.
Where is Zagorochoria: Zagorochoria is a region consisted of different villages located in Epirus, in the Northwestern mainland of Greece.
How to get there: You can reach Zagorochoria by car or bus.The central bus station of the region is located in Ioannina. All buses with direction to Zagoria villages depart from that point. Therefore, you have to reach Ioannina first and then take another bus.
If you want to reach Ioannina by bus from Athens, you have to take the KTEL bus from Kifissos bus station. You can also reach Ioannina National Airport by plane and then you can rent a car or take a bus to Zagorochoria.

Located on the north eastern side of Peloponnese, Ermioni is mostly frequented by Greek tourists. This small seaside town has a lovely beach promenade and many secluded beaches to enjoy a day under the hot sun. It is regularly used as a base for daily excursions in this part of Peloponnese. Just opposite the bay is the island of Hydra, that can be reached by hydrofoil from Ermioni.
Why Ermioni: Quaint, Tranquil, Picturesque, Family destination, calm and easygoing.
Highlights: Town of Ermioni.
Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is optional.
Where is Ermioni: Epidaurus is in Eastern Peloponnese, in the region of Argolis.
How to get there: You can reach Ermioni by ferry from Athens (Piraeus), car or bus.

Located on the northern side of Greece, the mountainous town of Kalavryta is visited mostly by Greek tourists. Due to its beautiful nature and the ski centre, Kalavryta is an autumn and winter destination. Interesting sights to see in the region are the Monastery of Mega Spileo, the Monastery of Agia Lavra and the Cave of the Lakes. A hike around Kalavryta will also bring you to traditional villages and spots with great view.
Why Kalavryta: Autumn- Winter destination, Ski, Snowboard, Mountainous, Lush Nature, History, Traditional village, Architecture, Hiking.
Highlights: Monastery of Agia Lavra, Skiing in Helmos, Mega Spilaio Monastery, ride with Cog train.
Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is recommended.
Where is Kalavryta: Kalavryta is in Peloponnese, in the region of Achaea.
How to get there: You can reach Kalavrita by car or bus. From Athens, you take the bus from Kifissos bus station to Aigio and then make a bus connection to Kalavryta. There are also buses from Patra. The nearest airports are in Athens and in Patra.

A small town in western Greece, Mesolongi spreads around a large sea lake. Actually, this sea lake provide the main economical sources of the inhabitants, through fishing and producing fish roe. Tourism in Mesolongi is not much developed but it constitutes a nice break on your traveling around the country.
Why Delphi: Nature, calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery.
Highlights: Sea lake, Tourlida islet, Garden of Heroes, Kostis Palamas Museum.
Tips: Suggested stays: 1 night. Car is recommended. Trip can be continued to Nafpaktos and Western Greece.
Where is Mesolongi: Mesolongi is a small town located in the Western Greek Mainland and more specifically in the regional unit of Aitoloacarnania of the Region of Sterea.
How to get there: Buses link Mesolongi with many locations in Sterea and Peloponnese. From Athens, you can reach Mesolongi by bus from Kifissos Bus Station or by private car. On your way from Athens, you will pass through the amazing cable bridge of Rion-Antirion.

The third largest town of Greece, Patra is geographically located on the northern side of Peloponnese. Although it is a busy town with interesting places to visit in the surrounding region, Patra is mostly famous as a gateway to Europe. Daily ferries from Italy arrive in the port of Patra, serving thousands of visitors from European countries. Many ferries to the Ionian islands also depart from Patra.
Why Patra: Architecture, History, Lively city, Museums, Nightlife, Culture, Amazing Gastronomy, Festivals.
Highlights: Medieval Castle, Church of St Andrew, Roman Odeon, Beach Promenade.
Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night.
Where is Patra: Patra is in Peloponnese, in the region of Achaea.
How to get there: You can reach Patra by car or bus. Frequent buses from Athens (Kifissos bus station). Also, since Patra is a big Port, there are ferry connections to Italy (Bary, Brindisi, Ancona, Venice and Trieste) as well as to some Ionian islands (Ithaka and Kefalonia). Last but not least, Patra has a International Airport 40 km away from the city center.

In the ancient times, Sparti was the most powerful city-state of Greece, along with Athens. It had developed a strong military power and a strict society formation. The modern town of Sparti is among the few Greek towns that have been constructed according to an urban plan, presenting little tourist interest. The remains of the ancient town lay in close distance to the modern town.
Why Sparti: History, Museums.
Highlights: Archaeological museum, Trip to Mystras.
Tips: Suggested stay: Day visit. Car is recommended. You can also continue your trip to Monemvasia, Gythio and Elafonissos or Mani (Limeni, Areopoli, Gerolimenas, Oitilo).
Where is Sparti: Sparti is in Peloponnese, in the region of Lakonia.
How to get there: You can reach Sparti by car or bus from Athens. There are frequent buses from Kifissos bus station. There are also frequent bus connections from Kalamata. The closest Airports to Sparti are in Kalamata and Athens.

Best Greek mainland destinations

Athens

Halkidiki

Thessaloniki

Delphi

Meteora

Nafplion

Parga

Olympia

Epidaurus

Porto Heli

Pelion

Mystras

Mycenae

Monemvasia

Gythio

Kyparissia

Nafpaktos

Arachova

Zagorochoria

Ermioni

Kalavryta

Mesolongi

Patra

Sparti

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