From the most stunning beaches you’ll ever come across to the awe-inspiring scenery, there is so much to see on this mythical island. While many tourists visit the Greek islands each year, many skip right over to the smaller islands and overlook the true beauty of mainland Greece. So we have put together a handful of locations you must explore on the mainland – take a look for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

Pin this for later!

The Peloponnese

This is one you may have heard of already. Located in the south of Greece, it offers you everything you could wish for if you are looking for a dreamy week away in the sunshine. Walk along what feels like an endless coastline of sandy beaches and listen to waves lapping against the shore. Other than beautiful beaches, Peloponnese offers you a stunning variety of scenery and unspoiled areas for cycling. Not forgetting the popular old towns and their romantic bars where you can enjoy some good wine and fresh local food.

With a great bus network that runs through the island you can easily visit many places on the Peloponnese such as Dendra, Mycenae and Epidaurus. Peloponnese has dry climate on the east, cold, snow and rich vegetation in its central and mountainous parts and rain and heat on the west.

Delphi

Delphi is one that simply can’t be missed out of any list about mainland Greece. Built around a sacred spring, Delphi was considered to be the omphalos – the center (literally navel) of the world and is an ancient city, home to one of the most famous sights in all of Greece, The Oracle at Delphi.

Located 2,500 meters into the mountain that is situated in the center of the country, the most important people of the ancient world once visited this site to ask for advice from the Pythia, the priestess of Apollo. It is said that her answers, usually cryptic, could determine the course of everything from when a farmer planted his seedlings, to when an empire declared war. The ruins here are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing together many historical events, myths and culture – this is the ideal location for history lovers.

Pelion

The is the place where you will come back with a story to tell your friends. Situated between Athens and Thessaloniki, Pelion is far away from the crowds and is often called the ‘Greek Switzerland’. Upon arrival, you will instantly notice people talking about the many mystic figures and legends of Greece.

With its forest characteristics, this landscape is the one for those of you who love to go hiking – everywhere is signposted which makes this an incredibly pleasant activity. On your visit here you will come across one, if not more, anecdotes from Greek mythology. Pelion was home to events that lead to the infamous Trojan War, as well as the homeland of Chiron the Centaur.

Meteora

Situated at the end of a long valley, here you will find giant rock formations that are five hundred years old and look almost like mountains. Most come to visit or simply gaze at the six ancient monasteries that have been built right into the rocks. According to Wikipedia, access to the monasteries at Meteora was originally (and deliberately) difficult, requiring either long ladders latched together or large nets used to haul up both goods and people. This required quite a leap of faith as the ropes were replaced, so the story goes, only “when the Lord let them break”!

Kalambaka and Kastrika sit at the bottom of these rocks with an array of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and a nightlife to be enjoyed by all who visit here. Meteora is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and is one of the most visited places in Greece with over 2 million visitors a year. This may be one of the most visually spectacular places you’ll ever come across.

Thessaloniki

Do you want to party a bit while in Greece? Then this is the location for you. With an entire district devoted to nightlife and wonderful food, your belly will constantly be full and your thirst quenched with a  visit to Thessaloniki. It has some of the finest hotels, beautiful beaches and best restaurants in northern Greece, you will feel as if you are living the life of luxury here.

Also home to the Thessaloniki Film Festival and the International Trade Fair as well as hosting numerous cultural events, it would take you years to experience all the second largest city in Greece has to offer, but it is one not to be missed.

Make sure you add mainland Greece to your bucket list and experience a holiday full of culture, numerous historical sights and stunning sandy beaches.