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A brief guide

Geo areas of Greece

geo area attica
Attica
Attica is synonymous with Athens, one of the world’s most historically significant cities and a modern metropolis, buzzing with life. But its magic extends far beyond the centre, all the way down the Attica peninsula as far as Cape Sounion. Its coastline is filled with beaches, marinas, five-star resorts and smaller hotels, and dozens of restaurants and bars overlooking the sea. And let’s not forget the islands near Athens.

The historical and cultural wealth of Athens, combined with the modern and youthful vibe, make it an ideal city break destination. On the one hand, you have the iconic Acropolis and its world-famous museum, the Ancient Agora, Plaka and the historic centre. And on the other, the high-end restaurants, sidewalk cafes, shops, picturesque markets, galleries with contemporary exhibitions, and art and antique shops.

The Athens Riviera stretches along the southern coastline of Attica, from Paleo Faliro (north of Piraeus) to Sounion on the southeastern peninsula. Many are organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas and lively beach bars and restaurants on the water. And there are dozens of dining options, including seaside tavernas serving fresh seafood. Life here moves to the rhythms of summer all year long. At Sounion, you will stand awe-struck before the imposing Temple of Poseidon, especially during an energising sunset.

And the easy-to-reach island gems of the Saronic Gulf, with their sandy beaches, are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. From the port of Piraeus, take the hydrofoil or ferry to Aegina, Poros, Hydra or Spetses.
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)

geo area peloponnese 2
Peloponnese
A destination for all seasons, with a rich history and landscape. Destinations of authentic natural beauty, each with their own distinctive characteristics, stand eager to welcome you all year long: Messinia, Elafonisos, Monemvasia, Mani, Porto Heli, Kalavryta and Nafplio. It’s the land of Ancient Sparta, home of the holy olive grove and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. War, peace and culture saturate the cities and countryside of one of the most beautiful destinations of mainland Greece. Here, ancient monuments are scattered throughout the landscape, such as the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and next to it the Asclepius (a Unesco World Heritage Site).

The Peloponnese is a celebration of contrasts: majestic mountains embraced by a golden coastline of endless beaches and exotic coves. Road-trippers will never tire of its winding roads that disappear into the horizon, where sea and sky become one, and pure, unspoilt landscapes, technicolour water and fertile valleys. Its villages, both seaside and alpine, will enchant you with their age-old traditions and exceptional food. You’ll be transported to another time as you are introduced to ancient monuments and resplendent medieval Venetian and Byzantine castles. Then rest up at a traditional guest villa in a stone-built hamlet or a modern luxury multi-star hotel.
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)

geo area epirus
Epirus
In the west of the country, between the Pindos Mountains and the Ionian Sea, you’ll meet a different Greece. Peaks, gorges, rare plants and animals, lakes, rivers and an indented coastline of sandy beaches complement the ancient ruins of Dodoni and dozens of medieval castles, monasteries, arched bridges and traditional stone-built villages. The destinations are many and varied. From the picturesque Zagorohoria villages, Metsovo and Tzoumerka, to atmospheric Ioannina and the summer resorts of Parga and Syvota, Epirus will welcome you at any time of year.
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)

geo area ionian islands
Ionian Islands
The sapphire waters of the Ionian Sea welcome you to paradise. Kefalonia, Corfu, Zakynthos (Zante), Lefkada, Ithaca, and Paxi. All wonderful destinations for vacations. Carpeted with olive trees, pines and vineyards, they are fertile and green, a stunning setting for award-winning white-sand beaches and peacock-blue waters. You’ll also find that the hospitable citizens have music in their souls. On land, you’ll want to explore the monasteries and mountain villages and seek out waterfalls, hiking trails and scenic routes by car or motorbike. Nature lovers can retire to the wetlands for birdwatching or the marine parks for glimpses of elusive monk seals and Loggerhead turtles. As for sailing or cruising, there’s no better place than the Ionian, where the winds are favourable and the anchorages safe.
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)

geo area thessaly
Thessaly
Geological marvels (Meteora), majestic mountains and villages (Pelion), famous rivers (the Pineios) and a multitude of gorges, valleys, lakes and beaches… From the cities of Volos and Larissa, to the natural wonders of Lake Plastira, Tempi and Elati-Pertouli, Thessaly is the place for a wonderful journey through the heartland of Greece. It might be on the mainland, but Pelion boasts a number of popular beaches, with a choice of sand or white pebbles to go with the clear water. Some of the best are Horefto, Ai Ioannis, Papa Nero, Damouhari, Fakistra and from Mylopotamos to Potistika on the southern coastline.
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)

geo area crete
Crete
The largest island in Greece, Crete is renowned for its pin-up beaches, wild natural beauty, exquisite cuisine and thousands of years of culture and history. As Crete’s most celebrated author, Nikos Kazantzakis (of Zorba the Greek fame), once wrote: “The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their veins, sensing their soul beginning to grow.” Unsurprisingly, this mystical, pure and generous island to the south of the Aegean Sea captures the spirit of Greece and enchants everyone who visits. Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Malia, Hersonissos, Sitia, Sfakia… wherever you visit, it’s an island of thousands of vibrant images, filled with an open-hearted and vivacious spirit, rich history, world-famous cuisine and hospitable people.
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)

geo area aegean islands
Aegean Islands
A group of islands with heavenly blues and piercing whites, golden beaches. Luxurious Santorini, stylish Mykonos and abundant Naxos in the Cyclades and soul-soothing Kos and vibrant Rhodes in the Dodecanese. Also Serifos, Sifnos and Milos or perhaps Karpathos, Symi and Astypalea… as well as others where the feeling of summer goes on and on. Boat trips, walking and culture tours, delicious local products and recipes … and lots and lots of beach-time! All with the generous welcome of locals there. These are the islands like no other!
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)

geo area cyclades
Cyclades Islands
In central Aegean sea, a group of islands with dazzling white villages, golden beaches and clear azure water. The Cycladic islands took their name from ancient Greek writers, because they looked like forming a circle around the sacred island of Delos. In these small islands with a limited natural environment, the strategic geographical location and significant mineral wealth for the time, flourished the Cycladic civilization, of the daring seafarers and merchants who came in contact with other cultures on both sides of the Aegean, exchanging raw materials, products, but also knowledge, ideas and know-how.
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)

geo area halkidiki
Halkidiki
The three-legged peninsula of Halkidiki, a treasury of ancient Greek archeological sites and the birthplace of Aristotle, is one of the most geographically unique areas of Greece. Halkidiki, in a heavenly environment between the greenest mountains and bluest seas, is quite popular with tourists from the nearby Slavic countries and from Russia. Many visitors get permits to visit Mount Athos, designated a Unesco World Heritage site and a leading centre of pilgrimage and worship for the Orthodox religion.
geo area macedonia
Macedonia
From alluring Thessaloniki and enchanted forests to golden beaches and the glory of Mount Athos, Macedonia is a collection of diverse landscapes. As the surrounding nature changes from region to region, so do the people, culture and traditions. The city of Thessaloniki is surrounded by beautiful scenery. To the east lies Halkidiki, made up of heavenly beaches, unspoilt wilderness and the solitary world of Mount Athos. And elsewhere, the numerous destinations make up a mosaic of images, aromas and surprises: Serres, Drama, Kavala, Edessa, Kozani, Veria, Katerini and others.
(Based on text credited to discovergreece.com)