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Home > How to get to Greece

How to get to Greece

Introduction

Greece is one of the most captivating and historically rich tourist destinations in the world. With over 6,000 islands and islets scattered across the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian Seas, of which only about 227 are inhabited, the country offers a myriad of destinations to explore. The Greek islands are famous for their paradisiacal beaches, picturesque villages with white houses and blue domes, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. However, beyond the islands, the Greek mainland also offers numerous historical, natural, and cultural attractions. This guide will explore how to reach the Greek islands and how to combine island visits with mainland exploration, creating a complete and unforgettable itinerary.

Reaching the Greek Islands
1. Direct flights

The quickest and most convenient way to reach many of the major Greek islands is through direct flights from major European and international cities. The largest and most popular islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Kos, Skiathos, Karpathos, Samos have international airports that welcome direct flights from several European cities, especially during the summer tourist season.

2. Sea connections

If you prefer a more traditional and romantic approach, ferries are the ideal way to reach the Greek islands. Greece has an extensive network of ferries that connect the mainland to the islands and the islands to each other. The main ports on the mainland from which ferries depart to the islands include:

  • Piraeus Port (Athens): the largest port in Greece and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. Ferries depart from here to all the Cyclades islands, the Dodecanese islands, Crete and many others.
  • Rafina Port: located northeast of Athens, it is a smaller but convenient port for the northern Cyclades such as Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos.
  • Igoumenitsa Port: located on the west coast, ferries depart from here to the Ionian islands, including Corfu and Paxos.

Ferries vary in speed and comfort, from fast ferries to slower traditional ferries that offer a more relaxing and picturesque travel experience. Tickets can be booked in advance online, especially during peak season.

Visit the following site: https://www.ferryscanner.com/en/ferry/?ref=ztjln2f&utm_source=meraviglioseisolegrecheiunavecchio&utm_campaign=Ferryscanner+affiliate+program+EN

3. Travel from one island to another

Once you reach one of the Greek islands, you can explore the other islands via local ferries or small internal flights. For example, the Cyclades are well connected to each other, making it easy to “island hop” between Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos and other nearby islands. The Dodecanese islands such as Rhodes, Kos and Patmos are also connected by regular ferries, as are the Sporades.

Exploring the Greek mainland

Mainland Greece is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, natural wonders and vibrant cities that are worth exploring. Here are some of the most interesting itineraries and destinations:

1. Athens and its surroundings

The capital of Greece is often the starting point for most travelers. Athens is a city rich in history and culture, where the ancient blends with the modern. The Acropolis, with its iconic Parthenon, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. In addition to historical sites, Athens offers a vibrant nightlife, picturesque neighborhoods such as Plaka and Monastiraki, and numerous world-famous museums such as the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum.

2. The Peloponnese

South of Athens, the Peloponnese is a region that contains many of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Here you can visit:.

  • Mycenae: An ancient city that was the heart of the Mycenaean civilization, famous for the Lion Gate and the tholos tombs.
  • Epidaurus: Known for its ancient theater, one of the best preserved in Greece, which still hosts theatrical performances today.
  • Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympic Games, with an archaeological site that includes the stadium, the temple of Zeus and various other remains.

Il Peloponneso offre anche bellissime spiagge, pittoreschi villaggi di montagna e aree naturali incontaminate, perfette per escursioni e attività all’aperto.

3. Central Greece and Mount Olympus

Continuing north, Central Greece offers a number of unique attractions, including:

  • Delphi: considered the center of the world in ancient times, Delphi was the site of the most famous oracle in Greece. The archaeological site includes the Temple of Apollo, the theater and the stadium.
  • Meteora: a group of monasteries built on spectacular rock formations, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monasteries offer breathtaking views and are accessible via steps carved into the rock.

For nature and hiking lovers, a visit to Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and the mythical home of the Olympian gods, is an experience not to be missed. There are various hiking trails that allow you to explore the mountain’s rich flora and fauna.

4. Northern Greece: Thessaloniki and Macedonia

Further north, Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, offers a different feel than Athens. With its rich Byzantine and Ottoman history, the city is a mosaic of different cultures and architecture. Highlights include the White Tower, the city’s symbol, and the Rotunda, an ancient mausoleum that became a Christian church.

A short distance from Thessaloniki, lies the region of Macedonia, which includes important historical sites such as:

  • Vergina: site of the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, with a museum displaying the rich finds from the mound.
  • Pella: ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom, with extensive archaeological remains.
Combining islands and mainland

For those who want a complete experience of Greece, combining island hopping with mainland exploration is the ideal option. A possible itinerary could be:

  • Athens: start your trip with at least two days to explore the city and acclimatize.
  • Peloponnese: rent a car and spend a few days exploring the region’s archaeological sites and natural beauty.
  • Crete Island: fly or ferry to Crete and spend a week exploring its beaches, villages and historical sites.
  • Mykonos and Santorini: take a ferry from Crete to Mykonos, then Santorini, to experience the best of the Cyclades.
  • Back to the mainland: finish your trip with a visit to Mount Olympus and Thessaloniki, before returning to Athens for your flight home.

Exploring Greece, combining its fascinating islands with the rich history and culture of the mainland, offers a complete and fulfilling travel experience. Whether you are a beach lover, a history buff or a nature lover, Greece has something for everyone. Planning your trip carefully and considering the various means of transportation available will allow you to make the most of all that this incredible country has to offer.

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