Greek Mainland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Nafplio showing night scenes and street scenes
Arvanitia Beach featuring a sunset and general coastal views
Greek Mainland
Greek Mainland
Temple of Olympian Zeus which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

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 showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and an administrative building

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(483 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 street scenes, night scenes and dining out

Plaka

4.5/5(120 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Plaka. Check out Adrianou Street or Roman Agora while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Akropoli Station to get around town.

Plaka
Athens which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and building ruins

Monastiraki

4.5/5(90 area reviews)

Monastiraki is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Ermou Street and Monastiraki Flea Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Monastiraki Station.

Monastiraki
Church of Hagia Sophia which includes a church or cathedral

Thessaloniki City Centre

4.5/5(94 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Thessaloniki City Centre, check out sights like Tsimiski Street or Church of Hagia Sophia and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Agias Sofias Metro Station or Venizelou Metro Station.

Thessaloniki City Centre
Syntagma Square which includes a city

Syntagma

While you're in Syntagma, take in top sights like Syntagma Square and jump on the metro at Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Syntagma
Mount Lycabettus which includes mountains and a city

Kolonaki

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Benaki Museum while getting to know Kolonaki, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Aristippou Station or Evangelismos Station to see more of the area.

Kolonaki
The Stanley

The Stanley

4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The price is ₹14,981 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹14,981
₹18,064 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,904 reviews)
"Nice, clean hotel with friendly staff."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Stanley
Grand Hyatt Athens

Grand Hyatt Athens

5 out of 5
115, Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attica
The price is ₹11,702 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹11,702
₹14,836 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (683 reviews)
"Amazing spa with heated pool, sauna and steam. Great rooftop pool. Tasty breakfast."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Grand Hyatt Athens
Sofitel Athens Airport

Sofitel Athens Airport

5 out of 5
Athens International Airport, Spata-Artemida, Attiki
The price is ₹27,194 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹27,194
₹32,397 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Spata-Artemida. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,635 reviews)
"Convenient"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Sofitel Athens Airport
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 Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,167 reviews)
"Great location. Just step to the acropolis museum. The rooms resemble more of a hostel than a real hotel. But very clean, and it was quiet, at least the night that we stayed there. The AC worked great, which is a plus in the middle of the summer."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Athens Studios
Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments

Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments

Athinaidos 2 & Evaggelistrias, Athens
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (397 reviews)
"Great service"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments
The Omnia Collection Pagrati

The Omnia Collection Pagrati

30 Chremonidou, Athens, Attica, Athens
Stay at this apartment in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Syntagma Square and Parthenon are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (110 reviews)
"J’ai adorer l’appartement il était bien équipé"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

The Omnia Collection Pagrati
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