Greece is a lovely holiday destination and besides the Greek islands, the mainland also has excellent places for both summer and winter holidays. You’ll find peaceful fishing villages full, old fortified towns and fulfilling cities for your next city break. Visit Greece’s archaeological sites, enjoy its fascinating culture, its spectacular coastline and its picture-perfect scenery!
The areas marked with red in the map of greece below are the mainland of Greece!
Regions of Greece Mainland
Macedonia
The region of Macedonia in Greece covers the largest part of northern Greece. It varies geographically, as it has a long coastline, impressive mountainsides, and large plains, too. Macedonia Greece is a perfect place for summer and winter holidays. The most popular summer destinations in Macedonia are Halkidiki, Pieria, and Kavala, famous for the fabulous beaches and the relaxing atmosphere. Winter destinations include Kastoria, Florina, Loutra Pozar, and Mount Olympus, places that distinguish for their natural beauty. Do not miss a visit to the interesting sightseeing of the region, including Dion, Vergina, Pella, and Philippi.
Epirus
The region of Epirus is geographically located on the north-western side of Greece, close to the borders with Albania. The majority of this region is mountainous, but many famous tourist places have developed there over the last years. Parga and Sivota are the most famous summer places in Epirus Greece, attracting thousands of visitors with gorgeous beaches, the green landscape, and the interesting sightseeing. However, it is also popular for the winter holidays. The most famous winter destinations in Epirus are the town of Ioannina and the mountainous villages of Zagoria.
Thessaly
The region of Thessaly is located on the northern side of Greece, between Macedonia and Sterea. Watered by the Aegean Sea from the eastern side, only a few parts of Thessaly are open to tourism. Meteora is the most impressive site of Thessaly Greece, with huge rocks standing in the middle of a valley and monasteries constructed on top of these rocks. Pelion is also a great place for a holiday: gorgeous natural beauty, with amazing beaches and lovely villages in the mountains. According to Greek mythology, Pelion was the homeland of the Centaurs, the mythical creatures half-men half-horses. Nice beaches are also found on the coasts of Larissa, the largest town of Thessaly.
Western Greece
From the picturesque beach resort of Parga to the spectacular Pindus Mountains, Western Greece really does have something for everyone. If you like the outdoors you can hike in the mountains and also walk the length of the stunning Vikos Gorge, the second-longest in Greece after the Samarian Gorge on Crete. Here too in the north of the region are the unique Zagorian villages, with their beautiful stone-built houses, rugged characters, and ancient trails that lead between them.
Central Greece
The region of Sterea is located in central Greece, just above Peloponnese. From the eastern side, it is watered by the Aegean Sea and from the western side, it is watered by the Ionian Sea. Apart from a handful of places, this region is not much open to tourism, especially to foreign tourists. The ancient oracle of Delphi is the most famous place in Sterea Greece, while the other tourist places are mostly visited by Greeks. Nafpaktos, Arachova, Karpenisi, and Evia island are getting particularly popular for holiday all year round.
Peloponnese
Peloponnese is the most popular region of the Greek mainland in terms of tourism. The close distance to Athens, the beautiful resorts and the interesting sightseeing attract many visitors to Peloponnese Greece all year round. Historically, it has been the main field of action for Greece since the prehistoric times. In fact, it hosts the most important archaeological sites of Greece, including Olympia, Epidaurus, and Mycenae. Surrounded by sea from all sides, the region provides amazing beaches. The most famous areas include Nafplion, Gythio, Monemvasia, and Pylos.
