Mainland Greece: the perfect itinerary of things to see

Mainland Greece is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in Europe and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

A land steeped in mythology, history, archaeology, and art, it is the cradle of modern civilization and a stage for landscapes of rare beauty.

On its mainland territory, Greece boasts an incredible series of ancient ruins, mountain or seaside villages, charming towns, untouched nature, delicious cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere for an unforgettable travel experience.

To compose this mosaic of places and emotions, we have gathered suggestions, insights, and ideas about the best places to visit on a tour of mainland Greece.

Our journey in mainland Greece must start from its capital and symbolic city; few places in the world like Athens can offer a wealth of historic attractions, culture, great food, and vibrant social life for a unique and enriching experience.

DISCOVER: ATHENS, THINGS TO DO IN A DAY DURING SUMMER

From the wonders of its Acropolis to taverns where you can savor delicious dishes based on Greek salad and fresh fish, the city presents a blend of historical and contemporary features with its modern part built around ancient monuments, such as the Plaka neighborhood, the National Garden, the largest public park in Athens, Syntagma Square, home to the Parliament, the Monastiraki neighborhood with its Sunday flea market, and of course the famous Accropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, and the Theater of Dionysus, just to name a few, thanks to which Athens is considered one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. This link shows you the islands of Greece that are easily reached from Athens.

Shaped like a large mulberry leaf, to the west of Athens lies the broad peninsula of the Peloponnese, connected to the mainland by the Rio-Antirrio bridge.

Littered with temples, fortresses, Byzantine churches, Mycenaean palaces, and archaeological remnants, the Peloponnese tells a long story of ancient civilizations and cultures within landscapes of great impact. Don't miss a visit to the archaeological site of Mystra at the foothills of Mount Taygetus, the Vouraikos Canyon to be discovered aboard a cog railway, and reach the Mani Peninsula, a rural and scenic area still untouched by mass tourism.

It is worth reaching the marvelous Valley of the Gods crossed by incredible hiking and mountain biking trails leading to the nearby stunning Alfos River Valley or the Wine Road of Nemea south of Corinth to taste some of the best red wines in Greece.

Among the ancient marvels are the ruins of Olympia, where the first Olympic Games in honor of Zeus were held and which still hosts the ceremony for the Olympic flame before each opening of the Modern Olympic Games.

In this archaeological site are the ruins of the Temples dedicated to the Greek deities Zeus and Hera, sports facilities such as the stadium and the gym, and some of the best-preserved monuments and temples in all of Greece, earning it UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Throughout its territory, the Peloponnese boasts several historical sites considered among the best destinations to visit in Greece, almost all of which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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These include the seaside town with three fortresses of Nafplio, the fortified town of Monemvasia hidden on a cliff of the eastern coast of Laconia, connected to the mainland only by a small road that leads into the perimeter of its ancient walls to discover a quiet and charming village with cobbled streets and sea viewpoints.

A large archaeological site still far from the most beaten tourist paths is the city of Mycenae south of Corinth, one of the must-see destinations for cultural, historical, and landscape aspects of the Hellenic country.

Home to the legendary hero of the Trojan War Agamemnon, the city is surrounded by imposing stone walls that protect the royal palace and burial sites where many gold artifacts and funerary monuments were found.

Epidaurus, like Mycenae, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage thanks to its ancient theater with a capacity of 14,000 people and extraordinary acoustics that still host theatrical performances of ancient Greece during the Epidaurus Festival (in July and August).

If we move to the central part of Greece, the first stop we must head towards is the stunning rock formation of Meteora, crowned by some of the largest and steepest Orthodox monasteries in the world, built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution.

This complex of six monasteries is perched atop sandstone pinnacles overlooking the void, set in a breathtaking landscape. Not surprisingly, the word meteora in Greek means "suspended in the air," a perfect description for the spectacular cliffs that rise more than 1,200 feet in the air and overlook the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki.

Of the 24 Byzantine monasteries in Meteora, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, six are still active and open to the public.

Located in the north of the country, Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the gateway to the beautiful little towns of Macedonia and the northern Aegean islands.

Although less touristy, it is still worth visiting for its mix of ancient and new attractions, from Byzantine walls, the White Tower, and hammams to vibrant food markets, museums, art galleries, Byzantine churches, treasures of ancient Greece, a long series of festivals, social events, and a lively nightlife both in the historic center and in modern neighborhoods, especially along a waterfront dotted with many cafes and restaurants.

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Just south of the city of Thessaloniki is the Halkidiki Peninsula, home to some of the best sandy beaches in northern Greece and a perfect combination of modern luxury and ancient tradition.

Formed by the distinctive three fingers that extend into the Aegean Sea, the Halkidiki Peninsula boasts the fantastic golden sandy beaches of the Sithonia promontory, the nightlife and luxury resorts of Kassandra, and the mysterious Mount Athos, which is home to some of Greece's most stoic monastic communities with around 2,300 Orthodox monks living in the 20 monasteries located around the mountain.

At the foot of Mount Parnassus lies what in ancient Greece was considered the center of the world, the city of Delphi.

This stunning archaeological site owes its fame primarily to being the location where the Oracle of Delphi conveyed Apollo's directives to mankind.

For centuries, kings and citizens came here on pilgrimage to obtain answers to their questions through the prophecies of the Pythia, the high priestess of its temple.

Delphi is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and still preserves the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the oracle site, the Athenian Treasury, the theater, and the hippodrome that once hosted events of the ancient Pythian Games.

Zagori is a region of great natural beauty in the northwest of mainland Greece that boasts two national parks, dense forests, rough mountains carved by rivers and dotted with traditional villages characterized by stone houses dating back to the late eighteenth century.

This is one of the most attractive and unspoiled places to visit in Greece.

The best way to enjoy the area is to walk the numerous trails that connect the towns; one of these paths allows you to explore the magnificent Vikos Gorge, among the widest in the world, with its 900 meters of depth and 12 km in length, walking from the top of Mount Astrakas to the waterfalls of the Voidomatis River against the backdrop of Mount Timfi.

The scenic surroundings of Zagori include the splendid alpine lake Drakolimni, the gems of the traditional Zagorohoria villages, and the stone bridge of Kalogeriko.

Mount Olympus is one of the most symbolic and impressive places in all of Greece; it is the mountain of the 12 ancient deities and the highest peak in Greece at 2,918 meters above sea level.

Along its slopes, trekking paths wind up to the summit or less demanding walks through the Enipeas Gorge amidst landscapes of great impact that are even more evocative thanks to the mythical atmosphere of the place.

In the region of Florina, we find the Prespa lakes, a natural oasis at 850 meters above sea level where migratory birds can be observed for intense birdwatching sessions.

At the foot of the hills at the far northern end of the Argolic Gulf stands the charming port city of Nafplio, wrapped in a medieval atmosphere that permeates the narrow streets, squares, castles, Ottoman fountains, ancient walls, statues, and monuments, neoclassical and Venetian buildings.

From here you can also embark to the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, the most photographed location in Nafplio.

Here you'll find the most authentic Greece. Ioannina is the largest city in Epirus, located on the western shore of Lake Pamvotida.

Home to the university, the city is lively with a dynamic student population that contributes to its youthful atmosphere. If you're looking for an unusual destination, here is where to go.

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The ship is the most convenient and fastest way to reach mainland Greece and the islands from the ports on the Adriatic coast.

With Grimaldi Lines, you can reach Greece from the port of Brindisi. From the Apulian port, Grimaldi Lines' destinations are Corfu and Igoumenitsa, the gateway to Epirus, from where you can easily reach the renowned beach resorts or the famous Meteora.

Traveling aboard the Kydon Palace and Europalink, two gems in the passenger fleet of the Grimaldi Group.

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Welcoming and relaxation are assured by the crews and service levels: interior and exterior cabins or superior suites for overnight rest, cafeterias, self-service, and on the Kydon Palace, an à la carte restaurant particularly careful in the menu, a sunbathing area on the external deck for your first tan of the holiday, and a children's play area equipped with everything needed for their fun.

The Kydon Palace also offers a pool with a pool bar overlooking the Mediterranean, while aboard Europalink there is a wellness center with a sauna and a wide choice of treatments and massages.

Thanks to the promotion "Return to Greece Discount," you can save 20% year-round on the return ticket for the Brindisi-Corfu and Brindisi-Igoumenitsa routes. A special mention should be made for campers, who have always loved discovering the most hidden corners of Greece; Grimaldi Lines offers the "Camper & Meal" promotion, which provides a 30% discount for those who want to taste the onboard chef's offerings, both at the self-service and in the à la carte restaurant.

Grimaldi Lines also departs to Igoumenitsa and Corfu from the port of Ancona with the ships Florencia and Venezia.