Greek Mainland

Travel Guide
Nafplio showing street scenes and night scenes
Arvanitia Beach showing general coastal views and a sunset
Nafplio City Centre featuring a pebble beach and rugged coastline
Arvanitia Beach showing general coastal views and a pebble beach
Temple of Olympian Zeus which includes a temple or place of worship, heritage elements and heritage architecture
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
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
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
Sofitel Athens Airport
Sofitel Athens Airport
5 out of 5
Athens International Airport, Spata-Artemida, Attiki
The price is ₩298,825 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩298,825
₩345,262 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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! (2,490 reviews)
"The really roll out the red carpet for guests here! The rooms have so many amenities and toiletries, & beautifully designed bathrooms. I wish I could stay at a Sofitel hotel everywhere I travel to!"

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Sofitel Athens Airport
The Stanley
The Stanley
4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The price is ₩115,632 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩115,632
₩135,743 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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! (1,564 reviews)
"Transport brilliant literally outside metro station. Surrounding side streets a little dark & dodgy but nice little bars with locals drinking. Hotel staff so lovely and the buffet breakfast best I’ve ever had. Served on rooftop restaurant overlooking the acropolis!! Perfect !!"

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

The Stanley
Titania Hotel
Titania Hotel
4 out of 5
52 Panepistimiou Avenue, Athens, Attiki
The price is ₩122,778 per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
₩122,778
₩143,859 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (795 reviews)
"Great place to stay, very friendly team and felt welcomed."

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Titania 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.
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! (973 reviews)
"Strategic location"

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Athens Studios
Varaba Country House
Varaba Country House
Ekklisia Panagia, Markopoulo Mesogaias
Stay at this aparthotel in Markopoulo Mesogaias. Enjoy an airport shuttle (surcharge), daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (703 reviews)
"I had a 7 hr layover in Athens, booked Varaba, and was delighted with the sweet homey family atmosphere. No dinner but with a menu they ordered it in for me. Met a lovely Canadian family in the open eating courtyard. Felt so well taken care of, when I was exhausted."

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

Varaba Country House
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! (816 reviews)
Out of the way, good shuttle. 12 minutesto airport
"It was ok. I arrived late and had sent the hotel a message about 4 hours before, but they didn’t get it. I called for the shuttle but nobody answered. I took a taxi for 20 euros, arrived at the hotel a little after midnight, and the lobby was dark and door locked. I booked this hotel because it said ..."

Reviewed on Nov 15, 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