Travel Blog
Recipe of joy
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GREECE
Best Holiday Destinations in Greece
Things to do and see in mainland Greece
The continent's surprises
Published on June 1, 2024
Thessaloniki - the cosmopolitan city
It's situated in the northeast of the country and is Greece's second-largest city after the capital, Athens.
Thessaloniki is a must-visit for travelers heading east towards Bulgaria or Turkey and a departure point for ferries going to the Sporades islands.
Established in 315 BC by the Macedonians, it eventually became a part of the Roman Empire, fended off barbarian invasions, thrived economically under the Byzantine Empire, and was ruled by the Ottomans.
It's where the brothers Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius, creators of the Glagolitic alphabet, and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish state, were born.
While strolling around the Roman Agora area, near the lovely Piazza Aristotle with a view of the sea, we discovered the depth of its history. We also explored the Byzantine fortress perched above the city and wandered through the ancient Arch of Galerius, which dates back to the 1300s B.C. It was constructed to commemorate the triumph over the Persians.
The Byzantine church of Agio Dimitrios
The beach and the White Tower
If you're into Byzantine churches, you should visit the impressive church of Agio Dimitrios, which is the city's symbol, or the ancient Christian temple of Hagia Sophia.
As you stroll along the seafront, you'll stumble upon the White Tower, known as the Blood Tower due to its history as a prison and torture chamber used by the Ottomans. Nowadays, you can enjoy a stunning view of the gulf from there.
But that's not all... you'll encounter the local youth who populate the streets, the many bars and clubs of this college town that give it a vibrant and festive vibe.
If you're keen on experiencing it and being part of it, this is the place for you.
Meteora - hanging in the sky
The Roussanou Monastery
Roughly 3 hours away from Thessaloniki, in the northern part of the Thessaly plain, sandstone rock formations abruptly soar hundreds of meters high, stretching towards the sky in pursuit of tranquility.
The Meteora, named for being "suspended in the air," are cliffs created millions of years ago by natural forces. They now overlook the plain below and are home to unique monastic complexes on their mountaintops.
Picture yourself time-traveling back to the 13th century, needing to find refuge from well-known invaders like the Crusaders, Serbs, and Ottomans.
In this situation, Orthodox monks, under the leadership of Athanasius, withdrew to the valley and established the amazing cluster of monasteries situated on the edge of the cliffs, distant from the sins of humanity and near to the skies.
Their life in the monastery was isolated and self-reliant, protected by the remote location of the monasteries, which could only be reached using movable ladders, pulleys, or ropes.
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Today, this UNESCO-protected site draws in believers and tourists from around the globe due to its stunning scenery and rich cultural and religious history.
Monastic life is still ongoing in the monasteries today, with only 6 out of the original 24 remaining active and open to visitors at specific times.
Starting from Kalambaka town, there's a scenic road that meanders between the cliffs. Along the way, there are designated stops where you can reach the monasteries by climbing stairs carved into the rock.
We visited the Transfiguration, Holy Trinity, Varlaam, Roussanou, Saint Stephen, and Saint Nicholas monasteries to explore the monks' prayer and daily life locations.
The optimal moments to explore the scenic route are during sunset, offering an unmatched view of Thessaly, or in the morning when the landscape transforms into a lunar scene enveloped in mist, turning the cliffs into otherworldly formations and the monasteries into castles floating among the clouds.
Athens - the center of Ancient Greece
Athens, the capital, economic, and cultural hub of the country, made a strong impression on me with its size and the visible neglect in the city streets.
Situated strategically in the southern part of the country, it could be a great idea to stay there for a few days before heading to the Port of Piraeus and sailing towards one of the numerous stunning islands of the Aegean.
From any spot in the city, you simply have to look up to catch sight of one of the most renowned locations globally, the Acropolis, the core of the old city and the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, arts, and sciences.
Purchase tickets to access the archaeological site online to skip the long lines under the scorching summer sun. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring for the entire day or close to it.
The ancient Parthenon Temple's ruins, known for its distinctive line of Doric columns, have been a remarkable architectural feat, existing since 432 BC to honor the goddess Athena and withstand the test of time.
Explore the ruins of the Temple of Nike, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Temple of the Erechtheion with the Caryatids. These ancient structures have overlooked the bustling city below for 2,000 years.
At the Acropolis Museum, a big building situated at the base of the hill, they preserve materials from the site, ancient objects from daily life, and a set of statues so lifelike that they appear to be men who have suddenly made eye contact with Medusa.
The Temple of Erechtheion and the Caryatids
The Acropolis Museum
In the city below, wander through the charming streets of Plaka, watch the changing of the guard at the Greek Parliament in Syntagma Square, and then head towards the National Archaeological Museum nearby for more insights into ancient history.
Around 8 kilometers from the city center lies the Port of Piraeus, a well-organized port area where we found the ferry waiting to transport us to our next destination in under a night: Crete.
Practical information and helpful tips for mainland Greece
Population: 10.4 million individuals
Religion: Orthodox Christian
Security: Overall sense of safety
Currency: Euro
Entry requirements: ID card for Europeans or Passport. No required vaccinations
Best time to visit: June to October
How to wear: light and comfy clothes, sunglasses, and a hat.
Don't forget to bring pants and a scarf for your trip to Meteora.
Road conditions: good all around. Service stations for refueling or car maintenance are not available along the highway. You can travel by car, motorcycle, or scooter.
How to go there: There are non-stop flights from Italy to Athens and Thessaloniki.
Meteora is a 2.5-hour drive from Thessaloniki.
Ferries from Brindisi or Ancona to Igoumenitsa offer the option to bring your car on board and then travel on to Meteora.
Power outlets: similar to those in Europe
Internet: wifi is common everywhere
Food: moussaka, gyros, tzatziki, feta cheese, Greek salad, Galaktoboureko dessert, and Baklava
Souvenir: olive oil, honey, olive wood items, handmade leather sandals, Mati the Greek lucky eye
