Discover the Hidden Gems of Mainland Greece

Mention Greece and many travelers immediately think of Santorini, Mykonos, or another gem hidden amidst turquoise waters, studded with white stucco buildings and punctuated by hidden cove beaches. However, the Greek islands aren’t the only places worth spending your hard-earned vacation days and dollars.

Travelers may be especially keen to add Hellenic sites to their future itineraries after perusing virtual offerings like Greece From Home or hearing that Greece is considering reopening hotels in July. You don’t need to crowd into Athens or the archipelago’s beaches to see the best of this ancient country or sample its many delicacies and drinks.

Here are four regions in mainland Greece that will impress you with their history, scenery, and a great mix of things to see and do. They’ve been here for centuries, and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

1. Ioannina

Ioannina makes a perfect base for exploring the northwestern region of Epirus. The city traces its origins to the 6th century AD as an important Byzantine Empire border town and later became the site of largely peaceful cohabitation among the Muslim, Christian, and Romaniote Jewish populations. One notable landmark is the Ioannina castle Its Kale, the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece. Inside, you’ll find the tomb of Ali Pasha, the city’s Ottoman ruler, and an old synagogue.

Outside the city, explore Zagorochoria, a collection of 46 traditional stone villages nestled in the Pindus mountains. On the route from Aristi to Megalo Papigo, take a moment to appreciate the ruins of the Panagia Spileotisas Monastery, accessible via a scenic walk through a virgin forest. Enjoy a glass of homemade cherry juice at the Sterna in Megalo Papigo before heading to Mikro Papigo, with a stop at the Papingo Rock Pools.

For lunch in Vitsa, visit Kanela & Garyfallo, an innovative restaurant known for its mushroom-themed menu created by chef and owner Vassilis Katsoupas. Continue to Oxia, which offers breathtaking views over the Vikos Gorge, the world’s deepest canyon measured by width. As you drive between villages, keep an eye out for old stone-arched bridges, like the Kokkoros bridge between Dilofo and Kapesovo.

Visit Zitsa northwest of Ioannina, where you can sample the “orange wine” at the Domaine Glinavos. This semi-sparkling wine is made from the Debina grape and aims to revive the old-world flavors of the region. Take time to explore the Municipal Engraving Gallery, which boasts an impressive collection of engravings by Greek artists. Don’t leave the village without trying the walnut-chocolate cookies from the local Bakery, crafted by American-Greek duo Anna and Kostas. On your return to Ioannina, consider stopping by the Stala Beer (by appointment), a rising artisanal brewery in the area.

2. Meteora

Situated in central Greece, Meteora is characterized by a cluster of towering rock pillars that were formed approximately 25 million years ago. This breathtaking landscape started to attract hermits and ascetics in the 11th century who sought seclusion, constructing hermitages in high-altitude caves and establishing Meteora as a haven for solitary spiritual life. Today, six monasteries remain active, standing as a testament to its significance as Greece’s second-largest monastic complex after Mount Athos.

Each monastery is uniquely situated on its own pillar, some soaring as high as 600 meters (1969 feet) above the ground. The Monastery of Great Meteoron, the largest, features the Museum of Greek History. The bell tower of St Nicholas Anapafsas offers sweeping views of the Thessaly plain. Most monasteries require visitors to climb a few steps, but this is still easier than the paths the original monks took.

To retrace the steps of the early rock climbers, consider hiring a guide to access hidden caves and hermitages or alternatively enjoy a hike through the stunning landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset. For the best view, find a spot between the Monastery of Holy Trinity and Rousanou Monastery.

3. Nafplio

In 1823, the eastern Peloponnese city of Nafplio became the first capital of a newly independent Greece. This status lasted only a little over a decade, but Nafplio’s importance as the strategic metropolis of the Argolic Gulf goes back centuries. Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans all laid claim to this city.

Stroll through the narrow, cobblestone alleys of the old town for a glimpse into Nafplio’s Venetian and Ottoman past. Visit the Archaeological Museum for insight into its Mycenaean-era history and explore its three famous fortresses. For a stunning view, climb the 900+ steps—or take a taxi—to the Palamidi fortress, an 18th-century masterpiece of Venetian military architecture. Don’t miss the Akronafplia fortress, featuring remnants of walls dating back to the Bronze Age, and catch a boat to the Bourtzi Castle, one of Nafplio’s most photographed landmarks located on a tiny islet off the harbor.

When leaving the city, visit the Epidavros Theater, one of Greece’s best-preserved ancient structures. Plays are still performed there during the summer Athens & Epidavros Festival. On your way back to Athens, stop by the Silo Art Factory, a warehouse showcasing the creations of artist Stelios Maragos, identifiable by a tall Trojan horse made entirely from recycled materials.

4. Monemvasia

Often referred to as “the Gibraltar of the East,” the fortified town of Monemvasia sits atop its own island, linked to the mainland by a short causeway. Founded in the 6th century, the town has changed hands numerous times; you can observe evidence of its architectural mélange as you wander the main cobblestone street or navigate through the narrow alleyways and winding staircases of the lower town. The moment you pass through the gates, you’ll feel transported back to the Byzantine era, through Venetian and Ottoman rule.

A well-preserved 13th-century Elkomenos Christos Cathedral on the main square is worth visiting, as is the Monemvasia Archaeological Collection, located in a former mosque. Although the upper town requires a steep climb, the view of the town’s ceramic rooftops against the Myrtoan Sea’s azure backdrop is rewarding. Perched on a cliff, the 12th-century Church of Agia Sofia showcases a stunning blend of Byzantine and Venetian architecture, with an octagonal dome regarded as one of the most beautiful of its kind.

As a significant commercial outpost, Monemvasia may have been the source of the first international wine brand. Known today as Malvasia in Italy, Malvoisie in France, Malmsey in Portugal, and Monemvasia in Greece, the wine is believed to have originated in Crete. However, it was loaded onto ships in Monemvasia, thus carrying the city’s name.

Knowledge of the winemaking process was lost during Ottoman rule, but modern local vintners are working to revive it; you can taste the contemporary version at the Monemvasia Winery. On your route back to Athens, stop by Stamatakos Olive Oil, a family-owned organic olive oil producer specializing in high-phenolic olive oil, to refresh your palate.