Thessaloniki
This northern port city is one of the best spots in mainland Greece. A stroll through the streets of Thessaloniki means stepping back in time. Among the modern houses are the well-preserved and appreciated Byzantium ruins in the heart of the city.
Halkidiki
Looking at photos of Halkidiki, you might think it was photographed on one of the many beautiful beaches on the Greek island. The peninsula consists of her three “legs”: Cassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. Together, it resembles the trident of the Greek mythological god Poseidon.
Epirus
The region is known for its dense forests, mountainous terrain, fairytale villages, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and unpretentious seaside resorts. The main attraction of Epirus is that it has the sparsely populated villages that make up the municipality of his Zagori, better known as Zagorochoria.
Vikos Gorge
The Epirus region is home to one of mainland Greece’s most beautiful national parks, Vikos Aos National Park. This park is a nature lover’s dream. There are many hiking trails to explore, many of which offer spectacular views of deep canyons and beyond.
Athens
Everyone should visit the capital city of Greece at least once, as Athens is the perfect introduction to Greece. There are many museums in the city that provide a wealth of knowledge. Start by climbing the slopes of the Acropolis and visiting the ancient Agora and other important sites scattered about. Many of them are located within walking distance.
Livadeia
Just a few hours’ drive from Athens, Livadia makes a great stopover on road trips north to Delphi and the famous Apollo sanctuary. The Herkina River flows through the city, so you can immerse yourself in nature right away.
Galaxidi
The city of Galahidi was once a naval powerhouse and played a key role in the Greek War of Independence in the 18th century. This is one of mainland Greece’s most underrated spots. Take time to admire the neoclassical houses that line the waterfront, explore the harbor and let yourself be carried away by the cool sea breeze.
Kalamata
Kalamata Olive! But that’s not the only reason you should take the time to explore Kalamata. Just a three-hour drive from Athens, this seaside town is very convenient if you want to explore more of mainland Greece. Prioritize exploring rather than driving on your way to the Peloponnese.
Mani
In addition to Kalamata, the Peloponnese has extraordinary coastal routes to some magical places. One of them is the Mani Peninsula. Mani is well known for its stone towers that cover the area. Each one represents a past history. Many castle-like houses date back to the 15th century, during the Byzantine Empire.
Nafplion
In case you didn’t know, between 1823 and 1834 Nafplion was the first capital of the newly formed Greek state. In mythology, Nafplius was the son of the Greek god Poseidon, after whom the city was named. Translated as “navigator” or “navigator”, it is an unquestionable name for people’s connection to the sea and sea occupation.