When one thinks of Greece, the first image that comes to mind is silky-sand beaches with emerald waters and lots of sun on charming white-washed Greek islands. Little do travelers know that mainland Greece offers all that… and so much more.
So is mainland Greece worth visiting, you ask? Absolutely! And this is why.
Welcome to “All About Greece”, part of “TO BHMA International Edition Travels Greece With You” series. Here, we answer your questions and introduce you to this wonderful country we call home and you call vacation!
The Best of All Worlds
Just one of the incredible beaches you’ll find in mainland Greece. Pelion, Greece
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One thing few people know about mainland Greece: its award-winning beaches can easily compete with those on the Greek islands. So if you think it’s all mountains. Think again.
Places like Halkidiki up north, Pelion in central Greece, and Parga on the Ionian coast are home to some of the most incredible beaches in the country. And yes, there’s a shore for every taste.
In other words, mainland Greece is so diverse that travelers will never run out of things to do and places to discover.
So beaches aside, we’re talking everything from traditional mountain villages and sleepy fishing towns to unique landscapes like the Meteora rock formations and the ancient sites you’ve read about in myths and books.
This is where you can start your day with a hike in the woods, enjoy a coffee in a traditional mountain village at noon, and enjoy a fresh fish dinner by the seaside in the evening.
Mainland Greece is where you’ll find dozens of open-air village festivals (panegyria) in the summer, ski resorts in the winter, traditional Easter celebrations in the spring, and tsipouro distillation festivities in the fall.
What’s more, many mainland destinations are also less crowded in the summer, more affordable and full of character.
Who is it For?
Yes, there are ski resorts in the winter for the mainland Greece traveler. Kalavryta, Greece
Mainland Greece is for the adventure lover, the history fan, the sports enthusiast, those of you seeking real, genuine experiences. It’s about slow, meaningful travel. And ideal for road trip lovers, not to mention happy campers.
Some things to keep in mind: expect longer distances. Public transport isn’t always the most convenient way to get around. Mainland Greece is best explored by car, giving you the freedom to do so at your own pace.
Although many mainland destinations like Halkidiki do have sexy beach bars and exciting nightlife, most of the spots you’ll discover will bring you closer to a more authentic side of Greece. Think “live like a local”.
Places to Visit
The best of both worlds: mainland Greece. Here in Parga, Epirus
In all honesty, the list could go on forever, but below I recommend some of the areas that should definitely be on your bucket lists.
First off, Mount Olympus: the legendary home of the Greek gods, a hiking lovers pick, and a true nature paradise.
Arcadia: a short drive from Athens, with dozens of traditional villages, monasteries, village feasts and archaeological sites.
Next up, Mani: rugged, wild, carved in stone, with a back-to-basics feel, ideal for camping fans and carefree types.
Epirus: a nature and outdoor-sports paradise, unique stone architecture and all-night dance festivals.
The Meteora monasteries perched on top of towering rock formations rising from the Thessaly plain. A must for the religious travelers, and yes, the climbers too.
Nafpaktia: an underrated destination boasting amazing beaches and the true mountain life experience.
And of course the towns of Kavala, Xanthi, Florina, Karpenisi, and Kastoria, each with its own character, history, and reasons to explore.
So before you plan your next trip to Greece, spend a couple of days in Athens, and then make sure to head to the mainland for some authentic Greek action. Who knows? You may just like it even more than the famous islands.