Greece Mainland Road Trip: Athens, Meteora & Chalkidiki

Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world. This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere. This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes, and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn. Once you have enjoyed a history and art fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.

The small, charming port town of Nafplio is situated on the Argolic Gulf in the northeast of the Peloponnese Peninsula, just one and a half hours by car from Greece’s capital, Athens. The town is known for its remarkably scenic location, overlooking a picturesque harbour and presided over by two medieval castles, including the spectacular Palamidi fortress. At the centre of Nafplio’s historical Old Town lies the large, marble-paved Syntagma Square, lined with quaint cafes and featuring the Arsenal, a stately building occupied by a fascinating museum. At the other end of the square, a historic mosque now occasionally functions as a cinema. Nafplio serves as a popular weekend getaway for Athenians eager to escape the big tourist crowds of the city and enjoy Nafplio’s excellent restaurants, boutique shops, impressive architecture, quayside cafes, fine beaches and old-world atmosphere.

Kalambaka is a town in Thessaly in northern Greece, primarily known as the gateway for visiting the nearby cliff-top monasteries of Meteora. This magnificent Greek Orthodox temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, looms over the modern town and provides a fascinating insight into Greek history of the 14th to 16th centuries. There are many monasteries to visit, and many house on-site museums showcasing religious art and other historical artefacts, such as ancient manuscripts. Key monasteries include Great Meteoron, St. Stephen and Holy Trinity, which offer the best views over the town and its surrounds. The area is also renowned for rock climbing, with 170 peaks and over 600 different bolted routes to choose from.

The port city of Thessaloniki enjoys a waterfront location at the Thermaic Gulf of Macedonia in northern Greece. This tourist favourite offers a wealth of cultural sights, vibrant cafe culture and exciting nightlife. Explore the ancient archaeological sites, including the remarkably well-preserved Roman Agora in the heart of town, the Rotunda Monument and the Arch of Galerius, among many others. The iconic architectural style of the Byzantine empire is evident throughout the city, most notably at the Agios Demetrios church and the Byzantine Baths, both protected UNESCO World Heritage sites. The White Tower - the well-preserved 16th-century structure - is the city's most emblematic landmark. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a must-visit, as is the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Find a mix of esteemed shops and fabulous boutiques in the shopping district surrounding Tsimiski Street, or enjoy the myriad restaurants, cafeterias and nightlife on the lively seafront promenade.

Situated in the Chalkidiki region of Northern Greece, the peninsula of Sithonia is sandwiched between the cosmopolitan city of Kassandra to the west and Mount Athos to the east. Also known as Longos, Sithonia is known for its wonderfully mild climate and offers a land of dramatic cliffs, pine forests, countless secluded coves, and over 100 pristine white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of fun-filled activities: rent a boat to explore remote and secluded beaches, cycle along the spectacular Sithonia Circuit, bike, or hike through Sithonia’s magnificent mountains. The crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea are perfect for diving, snorkelling and swimming. History and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the traditional villages of Parthenonas and Palia Nikiti.