What to do in Peloponnese and Mainland Greece

1. Explore the coastal traditional Greek villages and towns

Nafplio

Nafplio is the first capital and one of the most beautiful traditional Greek villages. A masterpiece of Venetian, Ottoman and Greek architecture, it lies underneath the imposing Palamidi castle and features the fort of Bourgi in a small island right in the middle of the harbor. The maze of red and burnt-orange rooftops will take you to a trip across centuries while the refined beauty of the town, that elegance of the past, will turn you into a Nafplio regular once you walk those cobblestone streets.  

The region of Mani

The region of Mani is in Southern Peloponnese, and it expands in the prefectures of Lakonia and Messinia. It’s full of traditional Greek villages with stone-built tower-houses, rocky landscape abruptly 'diving' into the sea in impressive cliffs with some of the most wild beaches in mainland Greece. Limeni is one of the picturesque fishing traditional Greek villages of Mani with excellent fish taverns and beautiful tower houses. Here you can admire the tower house of the Mavromichalis family, which played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence. 

Galaxidi

Located only 3 hours by car from Athens and below ancient Delphi, the traditional Greek village of Galaxidi is a quiet mainland destination with the air of a distant, romantic island. On a short ride from Galaxidi, you can also visit Nafpaktos is the most beautiful traditional Greek village of Western Greece. The idyllic beaches face the Corinthian gulf; the majestic mountain embraces the town of Nafpaktia; the rich history is reflected upon two monuments, the Venetian castle and the Venetian port. 

2. Embark on a scenic road trip in Greece

Greece has great beaches, but the scenic drives and the beaches in mainland Greece and Peloponnese are beautiful too. Travelers may know the Greek islands best and think of Greece as perfect for a beach vacation, but you can take a great road trip in Greece through its spectacular mainland scenery. Here 3 suggested routes for a road trip in Greece: 

Northern Greece 

Start your road trip to the North to reach Ioannina. The lakefront city of Ioannina has exquisitely well preserved buildings, oozing Ottoman heritage, splendor and folklore architecture. The city was once the capital of Enlightenment in Greece! 

Next stop, Zagori. Once setting foot in the region, one realizes that Zagori is big on stone. There is a certain something about the elegance of Zagorian architecture that it's almost enchanting. Charming old villages will surround you with their earthy colors while the fresh mountain air will go straight to your lungs and give them a kick of life. 

Final stop, Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki has always been one of the most beautiful cities and has had one of the most interesting cultural blends! Regaling your senses with the excellent Greek food of Greece's gastronomic capital and exploring its culture, history and vibrant nightlife of Thessaloniki. 

Central Greece 

Head to the beautiful Galaxidi and spend your night there. Perfect for a relaxed stroll enjoying the enlightened Galaxidi and feel the sea breeze. After your delightful breakfast, take your rented car and visit the mountain village of Arachova. 

A visit in Arachova, reveals the charming combining of the old with the new and it is considered as the queen of Parnassos. The wild beauty combined with its unaltered traditional character, its cosmopolitan face and the numerous activities the majestic mount Parnassos offers, place it rightfully a top destination in mainland Greece and of course a chance to collect unforgettable memories! 

At the final part of your road trip, seek out the oracle on an ancient trail from the slopes of Mount Parnassus to the village of Delphi, once home to priestesses of Apollo who Ancient Greeks believed could predict the future.  

Peloponnese 

Pick-up your rental car and drive towards Peloponnese. Your first stop is the impressive Acropolis of Mycenae, built before 1100 BC, which you might recognize from the references in Homer's Iliad - it was Mycenae's King Agamemnon who led the Greek armies to the war of Troy, on behalf of his brother Menelaos, in order to bring back his beautiful wife Helen.  

Next stop, Nafplio, the picturesque Peloponnesian town packed to the brim with architectural beauty and history. Nafplio is the first capital of modern Greece and one of the most beautiful towns. A masterpiece of Venetian, Ottoman and Greek architecture, it lies underneath the imposing Palamidi castle and features the fort of Bourgi in a small island right in the middle of the harbor. 

Continue your road trip to the medieval castle of Monemvasia. Stroll the cobblestone streets among the stone built houses, churches and squares. Walk all the way to the lighthouse and discover the canons that used to drive away pirate ships. 

3. Visit an actual medieval town in Peloponnese

Medieval towns are popular and fascinating as well as historic sites; these places strike a self-confident pose in many a snapshot that captures the ambiance of old times. If you decide to explore them, make sure to have the following suggestions in your list!  

Monemvasia 

Visiting Monemvasia, the most famous medieval town in Peloponnese, feels like time traveling. Even from the castle's entrance, one wonders what it used to be like when admission could not be taken for granted! Admire this natural fortress literally built in the rock! It is one of the nicest places to visit in Southern Greece. The fortress and the old city are beautiful and rich in history. 

Mystras 

Mystras in Peloponnese is an archaeological site close to Sparta, in the region of Laconia. The Castle Town of Mystras was very strong in the Byzantine times and actually in the last decades of the Byzantine period, this was the second most important town after Constantinople. On top of the castle hill, there was the Palace of the Despots, while Mystras Greece is mostly famous for its several Byzantine churches with the interesting architecture and the valuable frescoes. 

Methoni & Koroni 

Methoni and Koroni are two majestic seaside castle towns in Peloponnese and ideal destinations for a road trip in Greece. They are intertwined in myriad ways, even though they are about 30 minutes’ drive by car apart from each other. Yet the drive is quite beautiful and leads travelers to think they are twin towns. And although it’s the seaside Venetian castles that steal the spotlight in both towns, their amazing beaches with turquoise waters will win visitors over for good. 

4. Discover the splendor of ancient Greece

Delphi 

Ask the oracle at the center of ancient Greece. Delphi was once home to priestesses of Apollo who Ancient Greeks believed could predict the future. Once believed to be the center of the world and the site at which Apollo spoke through his oracle, Delphi is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece so it’s no surprise it’s one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. 

Epidaurus 

Test the outstanding acoustics of Greek theaters in ancient Greece. The Ancient Theater of Epidaurus is the best preserved among the theaters of ancient Greece. It was aimed to shelter musical and singing contests, as well as drama performances dedicated to Asclepius’ worship. Beside the most famous Ancient Greek theater, it has perfect acoustics. No wonder it is considered the biggest stone resonator in the world. The works of the great tragic poets Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides performed in this theater touch the souls of spectators even in our days. 

Olympia 

Learn about the Olympic history from the home of Zeus to the modern games . Home to Olympic Games in ancient Greece that took place every four years (the 4-year period was called the Olympiad), Olympia has seen moments of glory and disappointment alike. Walk through the impressive ruins and marvel at the numerous attractions of the site such as the massive temple of Zeus, the museum and the stadium where athletes used to train and compete in ancient Greece. 

5. Taste the olive oil from the famous Greek olive trees, the essence of the Mediterranean Diet

The Greek olive trees played great role from antiquity as a symbol of Goddess Athena who according the Greek tradition, she was the one that she planted the first Greek olive tree in Athens. It was used to made wreaths of olive branches during the Olympic games, as offerings to Gods as therapeutic treatment and many other uses. Greeks were the first that they planted and cultivated the olive trees in Mediterranean area. Nowadays Greece is one of the top three countries that they produce olive oil for the worldwide market. 

Kalamata 

Kalamata olive oil is only found on the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece and its a part in the human diet for thousands of years. These Greek olive trees distinguishes by their almond shape and sharp point with a unique purple / black color. 

Amfissa 

Named after the city in the hills surrounding Delphi, the legendary home of the ancient Greek oracles, Amfissa olives are oval with a fine supple skin. These Greek olive trees have the distinct characteristic of giving table olives that range in color from leafy green to midnight black and every possible hue in between. 

Corinthia 

Corinthia is a land with long history. The ancient traveler and geographer, Pausanias, mentions the Greek olive trees of Corinthia in his work. Greek olive trees are indissolubly connected to the cultural heritage, the customs and the economic life of the region. The sea breeze, the abundant sunshine, the fertile soil and the special climate of the region create the purposes for the production of quality products. 

6. Visit the best Greek wineries and try wine

Nemea 

Spend your day among the wineries of Nemea, one of the country's most important wine-producing areas. They're especially known for their Agiorgitiko wine, believed to have been first grown from a vine brought by the god Dionysus. These grapes, which are similar to Merlot, are considered to be one of the finest Greek red varietals and have grown in the region for thousands of years—possibly since the 4th century BC. The ancient red wine called Fliasion was also believed to be produced in this area. 

Naoussa 

Naoussa is a destination for nature lovers, surrounded by fields producing peaches, apples, cherries and the red wine variety of “Xinomavro”. Located in Northern Greece, 100 km from Thessaloniki, the town of Naoussa can certainly be the starting point of beautiful trips and explorations of this part of Greece. Naoussa was Greece’s first wine region to be given its own official appellation in 1971 and actually served as a model for the Greek appellation system. The wine of Naoussa is a structured, savory red made exclusively from Macedonia’s flagship red-wine grape Xynomavro. 

Monemvasia 

There is a really good reason to visit Monemvasia and this is of course to taste the famous Malvasia wine in the surroundings where it originated. Malvasia is an ancient family of grapes that includes a diverse collection of noble varieties. These grapes are capable of producing wine of any feasible color in dry, sparkling and sweet styles. 

7. Swim in the sea, under waterfalls, and in alpine lakes

Lakes for swimming in mainland Greece and Peloponnese 

Vouliagmeni Lake, in the heart of the Athenian Riviera, is the hidden treasure of Attica’s nature. The lake’s brackish waters which are continuously replenished both by the sea and the underground thermal springs offer a natural and unique thermal spa experience. 

Plastiras lake is an artificial lake very close to the town of Karditsa and nearby Meteora. The landscapes being formed at this altitude offer amazing pictures. Don’t miss to combine you’re your tour at Plastiras lake with a lunch at the traditional mountain villages of the surrounding area.  

In 2 hours from Athens, travelers can reach Lake Doxa, another artificial lake located at Feneo, Korinthias, at 1.100 m above sea level. In the middle of the lake you’ll see the church of Agios Fanourios. 

Beaches in mainland Greece and Peloponnese 

Swim at a white pebbled beach, with exotic crystal water of unique beauty at Voidokilia beach. The sheltered bay is referred to in Homer's Odyssey and archaeologists believe it was used by King Nestor as a port in ancient times. 

Pelion in Thessaly also has excellent sandy beaches. Among our personal favorite are Horefto, Agios Ioannis and Milopotamos. 

Swim under a waterfall in mainland Greece and Peloponnese 

After some easy river-trekking {upstream} you may reach a waterfall in the northern part of Peloponnese at Mt. Helmos. This water comes from the springs of Styx, famous for the myth about the Achilles hill 

Enipeas Gorge is another  popular gateway for ascents to the summits and mountain huts of Mount Olympus. But it is a stunning place on its own as well and well worth your visit. 

8. Enjoy activities in Mainland Greece and explore the stunning Greek nature

Hiking 

Conquer the home of the gods while hiking through divine nature at Mt Olympus. Mt Olympus was believed to be the habitat of the 12 Gods. It is not only the tallest mountain in Greece, but also one of the steepest to climb. In fact, hiking Mt Olympus is mostly done during the summer, otherwise weather conditions can be extreme. 

Cycling 

Nafplio is ideal location in Peloponnese for those seeking some adventure in perfect sync with the stunning vista of the Argolic gulf. It's always better when seen on those two wheels! Enjoy a cycling route that will definitely be worthy of all the effort. Experience some of the city's highlights like Acronafplia on two wheels with this amazing coastal cycling. You can see in a short distance the scenery to change over and over again. You start your cycling tour from the town, you continue though fields and hills and in a few minutes you cycle across the beach. 

Horse Riding 

In the Greek mainland as well as the Greek islands there are horse riding centers scattered across the countryside offering horse riding tours and riding courses. In Greek mythology this relationship between man and horse has a divine dimension; Mount Pelion was the home of the mythical creatures Centaurs, half-men, and half-horses. Here, ancient Greek heroes like Theseus, Achilles and Jason came to master the arts taught by the Centaurs.   

9. Go to the top of Meteora: 60 million years old rocks that were formed 60 million years ago

The wondrous natural landscape of Meteora is the second largest pilgrimage and monastic area in Greece. The area that has been named a UNESCO world heritage site features imposing rock formations that will awaken serenity and tranquility while taking your breath away by the fascinating views.  

Meteora and Monasteries

At Meteora you may visit some of the oldest Monasteries in Greece. Each one of the monasteries is special. One thing that is common among them is their unique location and construction, which meant that, until the end of the 19th century, monks and nuns had to use rope ladders up and down the rocks to transport the simplest of goods.  

Meteora hiking 

Hike through the impressive Meteora rocks, see many secret places, ruins of old monasteries and have the chance to take amazing photos. Discover the paths of the first monks and see this unique geological phenomenon walking at its heart. Hiking in Meteora gives you the opportunity to see the monasteries and landscape from an entirely new perspective. 

Food and Wine 

Don’t miss to combine your trip to the town of Kalambaka with a visit to the nearby town of Trikala. A key area of the town for any foodish is the Manavika, a spot where traders once flogged their wares, it is now full of tavernas. Here you can try any of the local specialties such as country sausage, veal liver, pork shank, lamb chops and galotyri, a fresh soft cheese similar to a thick yoghurt.  

10. Traditional Greek foods in mainland Greece

The traditional Greek foods are actually the most characteristic example of a Mediterranean diet, sharing also many characteristics from Middle Eastern and European cuisines. The traditional Greek foods are composed of many products such as olive oil, vegetables, herbs, bread, fish, fruits and various meats, including lamb, poultry, beef, and pork.  In the mountain regions of the mainland, people cook more meat, as they have easier access to cattle and sheep breeding. There are numerous recipes with meat in Greece, accompanied by pasta, potatoes or vegetables. Kleftiko is a very popular meat dish. 

Greek custard pie with phyllo (Bougatsa) 

Thessaloniki is well known for its pastries and one in particular it made famous is the semolina custard pastry, bougatsa. You can find these on every street corner. Another recognized dessert of Thessaloniki is the trigono Panoramatos. Trigono, which means “triangle”, is a dessert which consists of buttered sheets of fyllo are folded into triangles.  

Greek cheeses 

There are many unique Greek cheeses, like Graviera, Kefalotyri, Myzithra, Kaseri and Metsovone. However, the most known is Feta, which is the basic ingredient of the Greek salad, but also of many pies and other recipes. 

Greek white bean soup (Fasolada) 

Fasolada, is another popular dish. It is simply beans that get to boil with onions, carrots and celery. It is simple, good nourishing and warming food. It is Greek countryside served in a soup bowl! 

11. Learn how people in ancient Greece used to conquer stress and anxiety, and improve your mental performance

Nature, other than endowing Greece with rare landscapes and special splendors, also gave the country resources with important therapeutic properties. The Greeks were among the first to discover the beneficial properties of thermal water. “Whoever comes here forgets”. They used it not only for cleanliness and therapy, but also for relaxation.  

Pozar

Located in the district of Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Pozar Thermal Baths, in the foothills of Mt. Kaimaktsalan, is an impressive site for so many reasons. It boasts hot springs, pools, and rivers with thermal water as well as natural and artificial waterfalls. 

Kammeva Vourla

150 kilometers north of Athens, is another great destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. Blessed with radioactive elements which some claim to be beneficial for healing a series of ailments, the hot spring’s water temperatures vary between 30-40 °C. 

Edipsos

Located about two and a half hours from Athens on the island of Evia, Edipsos is one of the most famous spa towns in Greece. The town has approximately eighty thermal springs. Starting from Edipsos, you can also explore the neighboring areas of Evia, which is one of the largest islands in Greece. 

12. Join Traditional festivities with the locals

Customs and traditions in Greece are an important aspect of the Greek culture. There are either of a religious character or coming from paganism. Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still celebrated today are religious. Some of them are the following: 

Name day celebration 

Most Greeks are named after a religious saint. A very important tradition is that everyone who has a name coming from a saint celebrated by the church celebrates his name on a given day of the year. 

August 15th

This feast celebrates Mary's ascent to Heaven. On this festive day, in the precinct of the temples or in the villages squares great celebrations are organized. This is an excellent opportunity to savour wine and a variety of local dishes served on large tables set for the occasion.  

Carnival 

Greece, the Carnival is called "Apokries". The festival consists of two weeks of the feast, beginning from the Sunday of Meat Fare and ends with the first day of the Lent, called Clean Monday (Kathari Deutera).   

Practical guide to Mainland

1. How to get around in the Greek Mainland 

Are you planning your holidays in mainland Greece? You’re probably wondering how to get around the country with numerous options of transportation and various points of interest. Keep reading and plan your best vacations ever.  

2. Where to stay in Mainland Greece

Stay in colorful coastal villages   

Nafpaktos

Nafpaktos is a coastal town in western Greece and one of the most picturesque places in the Mainland. What makes Nafpaktos so unique is that it combines the sea with the mountain and that it’ s an all year-round destination. The place is full of history so don’ t miss to visit the castle and then stroll through the old town with the beautiful houses and the blooming flowers. End up at the harbor which is the perfect meeting point with great cafes and restaurants.  

Nafplio

Nafplio was the first capital of Greece but, fortunately, retained its nineteenth century charm. It’ s about one of the most delightful towns in Greece as it was built under two castles- the fortress of Palamidi and the ancient acropolis of Acronafplia, which definitely you should explore. Here, you will stroll around the old town and you will enjoy your day walking among the bougainvilleas in the narrow streets or visiting some museums like the War museum or the Greek Folklore museum. Also, if the weather permits it, you can spend your day at the beach. 

3. How long to stay in Mainland and Peloponnese? 

4. What is the best time to visit Mainland Greece

Hope to see you soon

We hope our ‘What to do in Mainland Greece’ travel guide stays by your side during your holidays in Greece and we wish you the best time ever.
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