last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Mainland Greece
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Mainland Greece
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Featuring Athens and its region, Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, the site of Delphi, the stunning monasteries of Meteora and Mount Athos, as well as various natural spaces like Mount Olympus, Pelion, and Vikos-Aoos National Park.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mainland Greece has 9 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Aigai (1996)
This UNESCO-listed site in the north of the country features the remains of a palace and tombs, once the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia.
This UNESCO-listed site in the north of the country features the remains of a palace and tombs, once the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia.
Acropolis of Athens (1987)
At the heart of the city, this hill with the famous Parthenon and many other temples and monuments (the Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Theatre of Dionysus...) is the symbol of Athens. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is also one of the world's most visited tourist attractions.
At the heart of the city, this hill with the famous Parthenon and many other temples and monuments (the Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Theatre of Dionysus...) is the symbol of Athens. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is also one of the world's most visited tourist attractions.
Delphi (1987)
At the foot of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site of Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most visited sites in the country.
At the foot of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site of Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most visited sites in the country.
Meteora (1988)
In a stunning natural setting, these 24 cliff-top monasteries in central Greece are UNESCO-listed. The whole complex can be explored on a twenty-kilometre circuit.
In a stunning natural setting, these 24 cliff-top monasteries in central Greece are UNESCO-listed. The whole complex can be explored on a twenty-kilometre circuit.
Daphni Monastery (1990)
Along with Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni on the island of Chios, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Along with Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni on the island of Chios, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hosios Loukas Monastery (1990)
Along with those of Daphni and Nea Moni on Chios Island, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Along with those of Daphni and Nea Moni on Chios Island, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mount Athos (1988)
A UNESCO-listed site, the (20) monasteries of Mount Athos in their stunning setting are among the best-known Greek landmarks. However, access is tightly regulated and still forbidden to women.
A UNESCO-listed site, the (20) monasteries of Mount Athos in their stunning setting are among the best-known Greek landmarks. However, access is tightly regulated and still forbidden to women.
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki (1988)
This includes around fifteen churches and monasteries, along with the remnants of the city walls, all designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
This includes around fifteen churches and monasteries, along with the remnants of the city walls, all designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Philippi (2016)
North of Kavala, in Macedonia, this is the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of a small ancient town.
North of Kavala, in Macedonia, this is the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of a small ancient town.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Arta
West of Greece, not far from the sea, Arta has a 13th-century fortress, an old bridge, and Byzantine churches.
West of Greece, not far from the sea, Arta has a 13th-century fortress, an old bridge, and Byzantine churches.
Athens
Despite its traffic jams and pollution, the Greek capital is home to numerous monuments (including the UNESCO-listed Acropolis) and museums well worth an extended visit.
Despite its traffic jams and pollution, the Greek capital is home to numerous monuments (including the UNESCO-listed Acropolis) and museums well worth an extended visit.
Cape Sounion
South of Athens, at the end of Attica, the site is primarily known for the Temple of Poseidon built at its edge facing the sea, and also for its sunsets.
South of Athens, at the end of Attica, the site is primarily known for the Temple of Poseidon built at its edge facing the sea, and also for its sunsets.
Edessa
This northern locality is somewhat known for its waterfalls and a few historical remains, including the nearby ancient tombs of Lefkadia.
This northern locality is somewhat known for its waterfalls and a few historical remains, including the nearby ancient tombs of Lefkadia.
Euboea
Located north of Athens, this is the country's second-largest island after Crete. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. Visitors come primarily for its wild landscapes, beaches, and charming villages. Hiking is also a popular activity.
Located north of Athens, this is the country's second-largest island after Crete. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. Visitors come primarily for its wild landscapes, beaches, and charming villages. Hiking is also a popular activity.
Igoumenitsa
This port on the west coast, near Albania, is primarily known for its ferry connections to and from Italy. However, you can also enjoy its beaches or the nearby mountains of Epirus.
This port on the west coast, near Albania, is primarily known for its ferry connections to and from Italy. However, you can also enjoy its beaches or the nearby mountains of Epirus.
Ioannina
Built on the edge of a lake, Ioannina is the largest city in northwestern Greece. It has an old centre and several museums.
Built on the edge of a lake, Ioannina is the largest city in northwestern Greece. It has an old centre and several museums.
Kastoria
Located on the shores of Lake Orestiada, the city boasts a large number of beautiful Byzantine churches.
Located on the shores of Lake Orestiada, the city boasts a large number of beautiful Byzantine churches.
Kavala
A major port in northern Greece, Kavala also boasts old quarters, beautiful buildings, a castle, museums, and beaches.
A major port in northern Greece, Kavala also boasts old quarters, beautiful buildings, a castle, museums, and beaches.
Kozani
This Macedonian city boasts several museums and various buildings showcasing traditional Macedonian architecture.
This Macedonian city boasts several museums and various buildings showcasing traditional Macedonian architecture.
Larissa
The country's fourth-largest urban area, between Athens and Thessaloniki. Besides an archaeological museum, the city offers a few ancient ruins.
The country's fourth-largest urban area, between Athens and Thessaloniki. Besides an archaeological museum, the city offers a few ancient ruins.
Lavrio
This port, about sixty kilometres from the capital, is at the tip of Attica. It has recently been transformed into a terminal for numerous ferries to the islands and beyond.
This port, about sixty kilometres from the capital, is at the tip of Attica. It has recently been transformed into a terminal for numerous ferries to the islands and beyond.
Piraeus
It is the traditional port of Athens with multiple ferry services to the islands and a stopover for cruise ships. Piraeus is also home to an interesting archaeological museum.
It is the traditional port of Athens with multiple ferry services to the islands and a stopover for cruise ships. Piraeus is also home to an interesting archaeological museum.
Loutraki
Next to Corinth but on the other side of the canal, Loutraki is a major seaside resort in the Athens region with one of Europe's largest casinos.
Next to Corinth but on the other side of the canal, Loutraki is a major seaside resort in the Athens region with one of Europe's largest casinos.
Meteora
In a stunning natural setting, these 24 cliff-top monasteries in central Greece are UNESCO-listed. The whole complex can be explored on a twenty-kilometre circuit.
In a stunning natural setting, these 24 cliff-top monasteries in central Greece are UNESCO-listed. The whole complex can be explored on a twenty-kilometre circuit.
Daphni Monastery
Along with Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni on the island of Chios, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Along with Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni on the island of Chios, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hosios Loukas Monastery
Along with those of Daphni and Nea Moni on Chios Island, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Along with those of Daphni and Nea Moni on Chios Island, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mount Athos
A UNESCO-listed site, the (20) monasteries of Mount Athos in their stunning setting are among the best-known Greek landmarks. However, access is tightly regulated and still forbidden to women.
A UNESCO-listed site, the (20) monasteries of Mount Athos in their stunning setting are among the best-known Greek landmarks. However, access is tightly regulated and still forbidden to women.
Parga
On the west coast, it's a charming little port nestled between a bay and the mountains. You can visit an old fortress and, above all, enjoy its beaches.
On the west coast, it's a charming little port nestled between a bay and the mountains. You can visit an old fortress and, above all, enjoy its beaches.
Chalcidice Peninsula
This large trident-shaped peninsula in northern Greece is a tourist area known for its beaches, traditional villages, ancient ruins, and the presence of Mount Athos.
This large trident-shaped peninsula in northern Greece is a tourist area known for its beaches, traditional villages, ancient ruins, and the presence of Mount Athos.
Serres
A large city in northern Greece surrounded by forests and parks. The ruins of a medieval fortress can be seen there.
A large city in northern Greece surrounded by forests and parks. The ruins of a medieval fortress can be seen there.
Thessaloniki
Greece’s second city, in central Macedonia. It boasts numerous museums and remnants of its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past, some of which are UNESCO-listed.
Greece’s second city, in central Macedonia. It boasts numerous museums and remnants of its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past, some of which are UNESCO-listed.
Volos
It is primarily a major industrial port on the east coast of Greece, at the foot of Mount Pelion, and also serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
It is primarily a major industrial port on the east coast of Greece, at the foot of Mount Pelion, and also serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Archaeological Sites
Aigai
This UNESCO-listed site in the north of the country features the remains of a palace and tombs, once the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia.
This UNESCO-listed site in the north of the country features the remains of a palace and tombs, once the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia.
Amphipolis
These are the archaeological remains of an ancient city located between Thessaloniki and Kavala.
These are the archaeological remains of an ancient city located between Thessaloniki and Kavala.
Delphi
At the foot of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site of Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most visited sites in the country.
At the foot of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site of Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most visited sites in the country.
Philippi
North of Kavala, in Macedonia, this is the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of a small ancient town.
North of Kavala, in Macedonia, this is the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of a small ancient town.
Natural Heritage
Edessa Waterfalls
On the outskirts of the small town of Edessa in northern Greece, you can see the country's most impressive waterfalls.
On the outskirts of the small town of Edessa in northern Greece, you can see the country's most impressive waterfalls.
Lake Prespa
A large lake shared by Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, where it is designated a national park. Several Byzantine churches and abandoned villages dot its shores. The lake is home to significant bird colonies, including pelicans.
A large lake shared by Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, where it is designated a national park. Several Byzantine churches and abandoned villages dot its shores. The lake is home to significant bird colonies, including pelicans.
Mount Olympus
At 2,917 m, Olympus is the country’s highest point. It is also a national park with beautiful landscapes, perfect for hiking.
At 2,917 m, Olympus is the country’s highest point. It is also a national park with beautiful landscapes, perfect for hiking.
Mount Parnassus
This mountain near Delphi, with national park status, is home to two ski resorts. You can also hike here.
This mountain near Delphi, with national park status, is home to two ski resorts. You can also hike here.
Mount Pelion
Near the port of Volos, this forested mountain with numerous streams is known for its landscapes, villages with traditional architecture, trekking opportunities, and even winter skiing. Plus, the beaches are nearby.
Near the port of Volos, this forested mountain with numerous streams is known for its landscapes, villages with traditional architecture, trekking opportunities, and even winter skiing. Plus, the beaches are nearby.
Pindus Mountains
These mountains between Epirus and Macedonia attract hikers and enthusiasts of climbing, rafting, or canoeing. The area forms a national park (including its neighbor Vikos-Aoos since 2005) and boasts a rich wildlife, notably bears and wolves.
These mountains between Epirus and Macedonia attract hikers and enthusiasts of climbing, rafting, or canoeing. The area forms a national park (including its neighbor Vikos-Aoos since 2005) and boasts a rich wildlife, notably bears and wolves.
Must-see & highly recommended
Acropolis of Athens
★★★★ At the heart of the city, this hill with the famous Parthenon and many other temples and monuments (the Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike…
Athens
★★★★ Despite its traffic jams and pollution, the Greek capital is home to numerous monuments (including the UNESCO-listed Acropolis) and museums…
Meteora
★★★★ In a stunning natural setting, these 24 cliff-top monasteries in central Greece are UNESCO-listed. The whole complex can be explored on a…
Recommended
Delphi
★★★ At the foot of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site of Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most visited sites in…
Mount Olympus
★★★ At 2,917 m, Olympus is the country’s highest point. It is also a national park with beautiful landscapes, perfect for hiking.
Mount Pelion
★★★ Near the port of Volos, this forested mountain with numerous streams is known for its landscapes, villages with traditional architecture…
Chalcidice Peninsula
★★★ This large trident-shaped peninsula in northern Greece is a tourist area known for its beaches, traditional villages, ancient ruins, and…
Worth a look / Other
Cape Sounion
★★ South of Athens, at the end of Attica, the site is primarily known for the Temple of Poseidon built at its edge facing the sea, and also…
Edessa Waterfalls
★★ On the outskirts of the small town of Edessa in northern Greece, you can see the country's most impressive waterfalls.
Dion
★★ These are the ruins of an ancient city at the foot of Mount Olympus in Macedonia.
Dodona
★★ It is a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. It is located in the Epirus region, in western Greece.
Euboea
★★ Located north of Athens, this is the country's second-largest island after Crete. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait…
Ioannina
★★ Built on the edge of a lake, Ioannina is the largest city in northwestern Greece. It has an old centre and several museums.
Kavala
★★ A major port in northern Greece, Kavala also boasts old quarters, beautiful buildings, a castle, museums, and beaches.
Lake Prespa
★★ A large lake shared by Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, where it is designated a national park. Several Byzantine churches and…
Hosios Loukas Monastery
★★ Along with those of Daphni and Nea Moni on Chios Island, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is a UNESCO…
Daphni Monastery
★★ Along with Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni on the island of Chios, it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and is listed…
Mount Athos
★★ A UNESCO-listed site, the (20) monasteries of Mount Athos in their stunning setting are among the best-known Greek landmarks. However…
Mount Parnassus
★★ This mountain near Delphi, with national park status, is home to two ski resorts. You can also hike here.
Pindus Mountains
★★ These mountains between Epirus and Macedonia attract hikers and enthusiasts of climbing, rafting, or canoeing. The area forms a national…
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki
★★ This includes around fifteen churches and monasteries, along with the remnants of the city walls, all designated as UNESCO World Heritage…
Parga
★★ On the west coast, it's a charming little port nestled between a bay and the mountains. You can visit an old fortress and, above all, enjoy…
Preveza
★★ It's a seaside resort on the coast of Epirus.
Thessaloniki
★★ Greece’s second city, in central Macedonia. It boasts numerous museums and remnants of its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past, some…
Aigai
★ This UNESCO-listed site in the north of the country features the remains of a palace and tombs, once the first capital of the Kingdom of…
Amphipolis
★ These are the archaeological remains of an ancient city located between Thessaloniki and Kavala.
Arta
★ West of Greece, not far from the sea, Arta has a 13th-century fortress, an old bridge, and Byzantine churches.
Edessa
★ This northern locality is somewhat known for its waterfalls and a few historical remains, including the nearby ancient tombs of Lefkadia.
Igoumenitsa
★ This port on the west coast, near Albania, is primarily known for its ferry connections to and from Italy. However, you can also enjoy its…
Kastoria
★ Located on the shores of Lake Orestiada, the city boasts a large number of beautiful Byzantine churches.
Kozani
★ This Macedonian city boasts several museums and various buildings showcasing traditional Macedonian architecture.
Lake Plastiras
★ In the heart of Greece, this large artificial lake is a local tourist attraction.
Larissa
★ The country's fourth-largest urban area, between Athens and Thessaloniki. Besides an archaeological museum, the city offers a few ancient…
Lavrio
★ This port, about sixty kilometres from the capital, is at the tip of Attica. It has recently been transformed into a terminal for numerous…
Piraeus
★ It is the traditional port of Athens with multiple ferry services to the islands and a stopover for cruise ships. Piraeus is also home to…
Loutraki
★ Next to Corinth but on the other side of the canal, Loutraki is a major seaside resort in the Athens region with one of Europe's largest…
Mount Oeta
★ One of Greece’s ten national parks, home to griffon vultures and golden eagles.
Mount Parnes
★ This national forest park near Athens is renowned for its hiking trails.
Oropos
★ The Amphiareion of Oropos is an ancient sanctuary located north of Athens.
Philippi
★ North of Kavala, in Macedonia, this is the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of a small ancient town.
Rafina
★ East of Athens, it is one of the three possible ports for boarding to the islands.
Serres
★ A large city in northern Greece surrounded by forests and parks. The ruins of a medieval fortress can be seen there.
Volos
★ It is primarily a major industrial port on the east coast of Greece, at the foot of Mount Pelion, and also serves as a base for exploring…
- Amphipolis
- Arta
- Athens
- Cape Sounion
- Delphi
- Dion
- Dodona
- Edessa
- Euboea
- Igoumenitsa
- Ioannina
- Kastoria
- Kavala
- Kozani
- Larissa
- Lavrio
- Loutraki
- Mount Athos
- Oropos
- Parga
- Chalcidice Peninsula
- Philippi
- Preveza
- Rafina
- Serres
- Thessaloniki
- Volos
- Mount Olympus
- Lake Plastiras
- Mount Oeta
- Mount Parnassus
- Mount Parnes
- Mount Pelion
- Pindus Mountains
- Piraeus
- Daphni Monastery
- Hosios Loukas Monastery
- Meteora
- Aigai