More often than not, the Greek Islands get a lot more attention. Apart from Athens, the capital city of Greece, most tourists commonly head to the likes of Santorini. Corfu, Mykonos, Crete, and more. But what about the destinations on mainland Greece? What about Delphi and its history? Kastoria with its lakeside scenery? Or even Nafplio with its coastal views? There's a lot more to mainland Greece than just Athens. And while the Greek Islands truly are magnificent, these destinations also offer something special. They're waiting for you to discover them the next time you travel to the Mediterranean!
Delphi
History buffs will go gaga over the ancient city of Delphi. The entire place is one huge archeological site, complete with ruins and relics from Ancient Greece and beyond. Though the town itself is still pretty provincial, there are countless museums and other similar facilities that welcome archeologists, historians, and the like to spend time here. And don't forget that this is still technically the Greek countryside too. The views from up here will take your breath away. They're enough for you to want to visit Delpi even if you're not into history or archeology.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Olympia
Here's another one for the history buffs: Olympia! Alongside
Athens. and Delphi, the city completes the trinity of archeological sites in Greece. And by its name alone, you already know why this place is so historic, right? Though it's a bucolic town on the Peloponnese peninsula, the city is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The ruins here were the very same venue where the first sporting event took place all those years ago. Though they may not look anything like the grandiose arenas that host the Olympics today, they still hold a valuable place in sports history.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Thessaloniki
As the second-largest city in mainland Greece, there's no way you should miss Thessaloniki! It's as much of a coastal paradise as Athens is. Not to mention quite the resort town too. With a good number of fabulous hotels and quality resorts on offer, as well as a few exquisite luxury homes too, Thessaloniki is the closest thing to the
French Riviera that you'd get in Greece. Even the grand architecture shows that it's as important of a metropolis as the Greek capital as well as other major cities in Europe.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kastoria
While Italy has
Lake Como, Greece has Kastoria! Located in the Western Macedonia region, this is a picturesque town that's worth putting on a postcard. Or in this day and age, posting about on a
travel inspo Instagram account. Anyone who sees it online will surely be enamored by its lakeside serenity, provincial charms, and fairytale-like appeal. Though it's not exactly the archetypal Mediterranean escape that the country, specifically the Greek Islands, is known for, it's still a great destination to visit during the hottest season of the year.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ioannina
Another lake town Ioannina on mainland Greece that's worth checking out is Ioannina. The capital city of the region of the same name, it's a fairly big and crowded metropolis, oftentimes as busy as the likes of Athens and Thessaloniki. However, it shares the same serenity and pleasant scenery as Kastoria. So much so that some parts of it are downright provincial, both in looks and vibe. The cobbled streets and forested areas reek of the Greek countryside, in many ways even the
French countryside. Such storybook-like charms are perfect for any traveler who just wants to relax and revel in the Mediterranean beauty of Greece.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Veria
Perched atop the Vermio mountain range in northern Greece, Veria is a surprisingly big city. It's technically part of the Greek countryside, especially since it's in an area that's not exactly easy to get to. But the town's size and liveliness almost make it as busy as other well-known metropolises in the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe. Fortunately, however, Veria hasn't lost its rural charms too. You'd especially have to see its vibrant peach blossoms in spring. This natural phenomenon practically paints the entire region with a beautiful shade of pink. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nafplio
Finally, there's the beautiful seaside town of Nafplio on the Peloponnese peninsula. While Veria has its peach blossoms to color the town, this charming commune has its ever-vibrant bougainvillea trees. They're planted all over the city, adding a nice floral touch to its cobbled streets, old stone houses, and more. And if that's not enough, don't forget that this is a coastal city too! It's just as paradisical as the Greek Islands and other seaside destinations in the Mediterranean and beyond. It's almost as if Nafplio was built specifically for tourists and locals alike to enjoy summer in the best way possible!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Da
While the Greek Islands are beautiful and paradisical don't overlook the equally enchanting destinations on mainland Greece. There's more to this part of the country than just its famous capital city!
