Greece | Travel Information (Mainland)
Mainland Greece offers a mix of big-history cities and jaw-dropping natural spectacles. The most dramatic of these is Meteora, whose name means “suspended in the air”, an apt description for its monasteries perched improbably on towering rock pillars.
Athens needs little introduction, and I’ve explored its alternative side as well as the classic sites. But I’d also recommend Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki, which is well connected to Athens by fast, frequent trains. It’s perfectly possible to visit all three in a single trip, and I’ve put together an itinerary that links them together.
Mainland Greece borders Albania (northwest), North Macedonia (north), Bulgaria (northeast), and Turkey (east). Even without touching the islands or beaches, mainland Greece stands up very well on its own and makes a year-round destination.
Here are some useful things to know about Greece, to help you plan your visit.
- Capital: Athens
- Language: Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist-facing areas.
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Visa: Greece is part of the Schengen Area. UK, EU & US citizens can visit visa-free for short stays (subject to Schengen rules).
- Electricity & adapters: Standard European plug types (C/F) at 230V.
Here are my articles related to Greece. Here’s more coming soon. If you would like updates, I have a regular newsletter.
