Greek Mainland

Travel Guide
Nafplio showing street scenes and night scenes
Explore scenic mountains, gorges, villages and shoreline. View the lasting monuments that ancient Greeks built to honor their beloved gods.

Visit the Greek Mainland for an ideal vacation spot, whether your interests include fascinating history, good food, beautiful scenery or even mountain skiing.

Start your vacation in Athens to see many archaeological treasures from the early days of Greek civilization. Climb to the Acropolis and walk past the Parthenon. Visit the Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum for further study.

From Athens, cross high over the narrow Corinth Canal to explore the Peloponnese. This ancient land includes the archaeological site of Olympia, a religious center where the ancient Olympic Games originated. Visit Sparta, one of the most powerful city-states of the ancient world.

Macedonia is where Greek mythology says the gods lived on Mount Olympus. Hike trails past scenic waterfalls, forests and gorges to appreciate why the area is so revered. Today it’s possible to ski here and on other mountains in Thessaloniki just north. To the east, West Thrace has mountains, rivers and an interesting blend of Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman culture.

In the northwest, Epirus offers additional outdoor delights, including kayaking on the Arachthos River and hiking between the more than 40 hillside villages of Zagori. View the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world.

The central part of Mainland Greece is Thessaly. Along the Pagasetic Gulf, Volos is a modern city with an interesting place in mythology as the launch point for Jason and the Argonauts, while Magnesia is the home of centaurs of ancient legend. Head inland to Meteora to marvel at several rock monasteries in amazing perches atop steep rocks.

As you travel across Greece, stop to visit villages, farms and wineries. Purchase inexpensive carafes of wine, enjoy a healthy Mediterranean diet and listen to stories of ancient times.

Fly to Athens from many international cities. Rent a car for the maximum flexibility in creating a customized itinerary. Alternatively, join one of many Greek Mainland themed tours focused on archaeological sites, culinary exploration, outdoor recreation or other interests.

Where to stay in Greek Mainland

Academy of Athens which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(2,178 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Athens City Centre. Top attractions like Syntagma Square and Acropolis are major draws. Catch the metro at Panepistimio Station or Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Athens City Centre
Plaka featuring night scenes, dining out and street scenes

Plaka

4.5/5(637 area reviews)

Discover the "Neighborhood of the Gods" with its close proximity to the Acropolis and numerous archaeological sites. Wander through Anafiotika's traditional Cycladic architecture and visit some of the numerous museums.

Plaka
Athens showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a ruin

Monastiraki

4.5/5(473 area reviews)

Flea market vibes abound in this bustling shopping district, where you can find clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores. Easily accessible via Monastiraki Metro Station, it's perfect for bargain hunting and exploring Athens' old town.

Monastiraki
Church of Hagia Sophia showing a church or cathedral

Thessaloniki City Centre

4.5/5(202 area reviews)

While visiting Thessaloniki City Centre, you might make a stop by sights like Tsimiski Street and Church of Hagia Sophia.

Thessaloniki City Centre
Mount Lycabettus featuring a city and mountains

Kolonaki

4.5/5(213 area reviews)

Upscale central Athens area on Mount Lycabettus' southern slopes, featuring boutiques, haute couture shopping, and museums like Benaki and Goulandris. Enjoy nightlife at bars, ouzeries, and ride the Lycabettus Funicular to the summit.

Kolonaki
New Acropolis Museum showing a city

Koukaki

4/5(20 area reviews)

Southeast of Athens, Koukaki boasts the charming Drakou and G. Olympiou pedestrian zones filled with cafes and restaurants. Easily accessible via Akropoli and Syngrou-Fix metro stations, tram lines, and numerous bus routes.

Koukaki
Sofitel Athens Airport
Sofitel Athens Airport
5 out of 5
Athens International Airport, Spata-Artemida, Attiki
The price is ₩300,733 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
₩300,733
₩347,467 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Spata-Artemida. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,486 reviews)
"Perfect. Don't miss out going to Jennys Rooftop."

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2024

Sofitel Athens Airport
The Stanley
The Stanley
4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The price is ₩129,439 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
₩129,439
₩151,460 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,562 reviews)
"The stanley was more than we expected, with easy access to transport, the area it was situated to reach the different site seeing options, the staff were very friendly and even went out if their way to help and assist you with enquiries. The food was exceptional the views from the roof top and even ..."

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024

The Stanley
Euphoria Retreat - A Holistic Wellbeing Destination Spa
Euphoria Retreat - A Holistic Wellbeing Destination Spa
5 out of 5
Mystras, Sparta
The price is ₩619,843 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
₩619,843
₩709,865 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sparta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mistra Castro and Mitropolis are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"This place is literally magic on earth! True place for health and wellness! Every detail is perfect. The rooms, the spa, the food, the staff. Our favorite place to stay in the world!"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2024

Euphoria Retreat - A Holistic Wellbeing Destination Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Athens Studios
Athens Studios
3A Veikou St, Makrigyianni, Athens, Attiki
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (969 reviews)
"Good location if you have limited time to explore Athens. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Basic accommodation but clean and comfortable. We would return again."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Athens Studios
Great Living Koukaki
Great Living Koukaki
10 Erechthiou, Athens
Stay at this apartment in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (351 reviews)
"Our stay at the Great Living Koukaki was amazing. Great location. - 10 min walk to Acropolis and great restaurants. Accommodation was clean and would highly recommend to others"

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2024

Great Living Koukaki
Peri's Hotel
Peri's Hotel
2 out of 5
Sarantaporou St. & Vas. Margeti St., Spata-Artemida, Attica
Stay at this aparthotel in Spata-Artemida. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (789 reviews)
"The staff was extremely friendly, very nice and hospitable. We had a late flight and shuttle was waiting for us, he suggested where we can eat or have food delivered to us. He went beyond and even called in our order. We had a long layover and stayed here to rest it was and older style but felt very ..."

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024

Peri's Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Greek Mainland