Greece is known for its white villages, its seaside and its serenity. It is impossible not to fall in love with this magnificent country and its warm inhabitants.
Between its mainland, its peninsula and its many islands, Greece has something to amaze all travellers.
Continental Greece
Comprising the regions of Epirus, Thessaly, Macedonia and Western Thrace, Continental Greece is a mountainous region with a rich history, ideal for visits and hikes.
Mount Olympus dominates Thessaly and much parts of Greece… It is not surprising that the gods of Greek mythology chose it as their place of residence. But Thessaly is above all the land of the monasteries of the Meteors, located at the top of the “rocks sent from heaven”. These unique buildings, some of which are still inhabited, are sometimes quite complicated to access, but the effort is well worth it. Especially since they offer exceptional views of the surrounding valleys.
To the west, far from the beaten track, Epirus is the most mountainous region in Greece. However, the many “lost” villages in the valleys where small rivers flow offer a dream setting for hiking. Epirus is home to traditional Greek life and gastronomy.
Finally, to the west of the Epirus coast, the Ionian Islands have the most beautiful sandy beaches with turquoise blue waters in the country.
In Greek Macedonia, you can walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great by going to the ancient city of Pella, where he grew up. Odessa has an old Byzantine bridge, and it is also in this region that the Lake Vegoritida is located.
In the Thrace region, Samothrace Island offers swimming spots that seem almost unreal. Indeed, there are many small hidden lakes called “Vathres”, formed by waterfalls, which invite you to relax.
Southern Continental Greece
At the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula are the regions of Central Greece and the Peloponnese. They are more touristic, especially because it is here that Athens is located but have a very rich culture and history. This is reflected in the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites left behind by the great cities of antiquity (Athens, Corinth, Corinth, Thebes and Sparta) and its glorious past.
Beyond its many ancient sites, the Peloponnese offers superb natural landscapes such as the Vouraïkos Gorge, the Neda Falls, hidden in the middle of the mountains and many beaches. It is also a region where the inhabitants are famous for their friendliness and the many festivals they organise. Such as the largest carnival in the country, that takes place in Patras, north of the Peloponnese.
Finally, Central Greece is probably the region with the most ruins and historic sites. Athens is obviously a city not to be missed with the Acropolis and the Parthenon. You can also go to Delphi to see archaeological sites of offerings including the one dedicated to Apollo.
Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece, it offers an impressive diversity of landscapes.
If the coasts have many assets, notably the cities of Heraklion and Chania, or the beaches of Elafonisi and Balos, the centre of the island is rarely visited and yet allows beautiful encounters in the small villages lost in the middle of the mountains.
For hikers, the Samaria Gorges are a must, accessible by boat or by road.
Aegean Islands
The Aegean Islands, which include the Cyclades and the Sporades, is an archipelago in eastern Greece.
Santorini is undoubtedly the best known of all these islands because of its white colored houses with blue roof. Mykonos is popular for its festivals that attract travellers from all over the world.
The island of Amorgos is less touristy, but it will delight nature lovers. It is a preserved volcanic island.
Finally, the small islands of Polýaigos and Kimolos are ideal for travellers seeking tranquility.
