Mainland Greece

The Peloponessos: Heart and Soul of Greece

There is much that has been written and said about the beauty of the Greek islands. But lost in the commotion over Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Corfu is the fact that some of the most beautiful and interesting places in Greece are not on the islands, but on the mainland in areas like the Peloponessos. For many, the Peloponessos is the true Greece and it is as worthy a place to visit as any ten islands combined. Lots of great beaches, sea, mountains, interesting towns like Githeon. The Diros Caves are the most amazing natural attraction in Greece along with the volcano of Santorini. Visit the Byzantine city of Mystras overlooking the city of Sparta. See my Peloponessos Guide at www.greecetravel.com/peloponessos

Have a look at my guide to Nafplio and the Argolis. Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece. The whole area of the Argolis is rich in archaeological sites, like Myceneae, Epidavros, Argos and the impressive excavations at Nemea. A popular weekend destination for Athenians, especially in the off-season. The city of Nafplio will remind you of the architecture of the Plaka with lots of terrific restaurants, ouzeries and nightlife and some really impressive fortresses. There are plenty of nice beaches in the area. You can even drive to the island of Poros for the day. Many people do the Argolis as a day-trip with George the Famous Taxi Driver but you could easily spend several days here. You can read about my experience with him at www.athensguide.com/taxitrip.html

See also the Town of Kalavrita. Great skiing, beautiful mountains, a fantastic gorge and a narrow guage train that climbs through it for 22 kilometers past waterfalls and rapids, and the spectacular Cave of the Lakes. This is a nice place to visit in the off-season, especially when there is snow.

Visit the fortress town of Monemvasia, Greece's answer to the Rock of Gibralter on the hottest day of the year, if not the century. See my pages on Ancient Olympia too.

The Mount Pelion Peninsula

Though the Greek islands seem to get all the attention in actuality some of the most beautiful towns, beaches and landscapes are on the mainland, particularly the Mount Pelion region which could be described as the Colorado Rockies on the Aegean. Pine covered slopes, orchards, streams, incredible beaches and the finest ouzeries and mezedes in Greece are a good reason to go. It's also convenient to the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonysos and Skyros.
See my Guide to Pelion at www.greecetravel.com/pelion

More Mainland Greece

I have created a site for Delphi  where they say the Oracle still lives, and on the same site you can read about Galaxidi and Nafpaktos and the ferries that are now obsolete because they built the Rion-Antrion bridge which connects the Peloponessos to the mainland. Meteora where giant rock formations crowned with five-hundred year old monasteries which look like they are inaccessable to anyone but James Bond is one of the most amazing places on earth. Visit my pages on Thessaloniki, the second largest and hippest city in Greece, and also my pages for Macedonia .The resort town of Loutraki is famous for its mineral waters, beaches, nightlife and a casino where you never lose! (just kidding). The Attika Peninsula is the area outside of Athens and is great for day trips by car or taxi. People who visit Ipiros will tell you that this is the most beautiful part of Greece with crystal clear rivers and deep gorges, forested mountains and beautiful beaches too. If you come from North Carolina and want to see a part of Greece that will remind you of home then visit Evrytania.

Be sure to read my Guide to Driving in Greece at www.athensguide.com/driving

One of the best ways to explore the mainland is by hired taxi or limo and if you are a group sharing the cost it can be cheaper than doing a tour with a large group. They even have a bus that can seat 12 people. See www.greecetravel.com/taxi or for larger groups see Billy's Bus Tours

OK. You made it through the fifth page. But there is still more. Return to the menu at the top.