Which region of Greece should you choose? Forget about islands
Filled with historic sites, sunny beaches, and diverse landscapes and cuisines, these six land gems rival any island postcard and deserve a place on your next Greek itinerary.
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Thessaloniki is one of my favorite places in the world I love admiring the views of the Thermaic Gulf from the waterfront
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Greece's second largest city is not only known as the country's gastronomic capital (be sure to visit restaurants such as Kanoula and The Rouga), but is also affectionately called the home of “halara”.
Meaning “relax” or “don't worry,” it heralds a calmer pace of life than in the capital, Athens.
I've always felt that this laid-back atmosphere had a lot to do with its proximity to the Thermaic Gulf, which is best experienced by walking along the waterfront.
Thessaloniki is also rich in history and culture – home to the Rotunda (a 4th century Roman monument), Hagia Sophia, the Jewish Museum and a world-class film festival.
Visiting the monasteries of Meteora is like entering heaven It's easy to see why Meteora was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
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Shortly after moving to Greece, some of my classmates and I visited the Monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central region of Thessaly.
Even though I looked through the photos carefully, the sheer beauty and surrealism of the monasteries, built and renovated between the 14th and 16th centuries on the tops of amazing rocks, completely amazed me.
We hiked some trails and visited a few monasteries – the steep stairs made up for the views. Additionally, the fall colors at this time made the landscape even more dramatic.
The more adventurous can also explore the area by paragliding or climbing the rocks.
My next goal is to visit monasteries during Easter and experience traditions dating back centuries in this unforgettable setting.
See also: I grew up in Florida. Here are her hidden gems
Chalkidiki's three peninsulas boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the country Fava Beach is one of my favorites in the country
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Chalkidiki's three peninsulas (also known as the “fingers” or “legs”) – Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos – have some of the best beaches in the country.
My favorites are Karydi and Fava Beach, located in the village of Vourvourou in Sithonia, about two hours from Thessaloniki.
Once in the village, I recommend stopping at Anchor Foodbar for a delicious brunch – my university friends and I went there almost every day on our trip last year. The Greek shakshuka and the yogurt bowl with tahini and poached pear were absolutely exceptional.
Pelion is saturated with Greek mythology My friends and I really enjoyed our visit to the village of Milies
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About halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki lies Pelion, a peninsula that juts out into the Aegean Sea and then curves back toward the land.
The hills are densely covered with chestnut trees and myths, because according to legend, Jason was raised by the centaur Chiron on Mount Pelion.
My friends and I visited Milies, a quiet village with cobblestone streets, old stone houses and the historic Moutzouris steam railway.
One of my favorite memories from Greece is a road trip with friends to the Zagori region The Vikos Gorge is one of the deepest in the world
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The Zagori region is approximately four and a half hours west of Thessaloniki. There, 46 picturesque villages, known collectively as Zagorohoria, are spread out among the Pindos Mountains.
Highlights of our trip included seeing the Vikos Gorge (one of the deepest in the world) and the crystal clear Papingo Rock Pools, as well as searching for the incredibly Instagrammable stone bridges dotted around the region.
Depending on the season, activities such as rafting, kayaking, river trekking, hiking and even truffle hunting are also available.
And of course, I must mention the capital, Athens Athens is home to many iconic monuments
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Mentioning Athens may not be very original, but there is a reason why it appears in every tourist guide. After all, it is the capital and the site of some of the most iconic historical monuments, from the Parthenon to the Theater of Dionysus.
However, I went to Greece almost 20 times before I finally visited Athens, and once I went there, the city surprised me.
Yes, the ruins are amazing, but so is the energy – street art, rooftop bars and a food scene that combines tradition with creativity.
My favorite neighborhoods are the unusual Exarchia, the creative Kypseli and the old-school Petralona.
The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider
