Greece

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.

Even without touching on the islands or beaches, mainland Greece stands up very well on its own and works as a year-round destination.

Thessaloniki waterfront from the Zongolopoulos Umbrellas with view of white tpwer and hotels

Greece: Useful Information

Language

Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist-facing areas.

Currency

Euro (€).

Time Zone

Eastern European Time (EET; UTC+02:00). Daylight saving time (UTC+03:00) is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Dialling Code

+30

Visas

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) with 230V power.

Tourist Information

https://www.visitgreece.gr

Transport Links

International airports, ferries, rail services, and extensive bus networks.

When to Go

Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer is hot and busy, especially on the islands; winters are mild in the south.

My Articles On Greece

Recent posts from Mainland Greece, including trips to Thessaloniki, Athens and Meteora plus itinerary