When you think of Greece, white houses and bright blue accents quickly come to mind. And of course sun, sea and beach. But that is only a small part of what Greece has to offer.
It is exactly the variety that makes travelling through Greece so interesting. One day you are walking through a busy city, a few days later you are in the middle of the mountains or on a quiet coast. Sometimes you only have to travel a few hours further to end up in a completely different environment.
Between lively Athens and quiet Ioannina
Athens is a city where something is always happening. Terraces are full, scooters drive past and between shops and apartment buildings you suddenly come across a building that has been standing there for centuries.
Of course, you can go straight to the well known highlights, but it is also nice to simply turn into another street from time to time. That way you will naturally come across small squares, old buildings, interesting coffee bars and unexpected views.
Ioannina feels much quieter afterwards. Lake Pamvotida lies right in the middle of the city and the mountains are always close by. Walk along the water, visit the old town or wander through the streets around the castle.
That is also why Athens and Ioannina are nice to combine. In Athens, there is always something happening around you, while in Ioannina you naturally start taking a little more time.
Taking the historic train through Pelion
Pelion is a green, mountainous region with winding roads and villages scattered among the trees. Along the way, you almost constantly have views of the mountains, valleys or the coast.
A nice way to see the area is by taking the historic Pelion train. It runs from Ano Lechonia to Milies, crossing old bridges and travelling through the green landscape.
In Milies, you can continue walking along old paved paths, have a drink on the village square or simply wander around the village.
Pelion is especially nice if you want to combine walking, small villages and nature. You can also easily add a day by the coast.
Hiking and rafting around the Lousios Gorge
Around the Lousios Gorge, Greece looks completely different again. The landscape is green and rugged, the river runs deep through the gorge and several monasteries are built against the rock walls.
A good way to discover the area is on foot. Parts of the Menalon Trail run through this area, for example towards the Prodromos Monastery.
If you want to do something more active, you can also go rafting on the river. It gives you a completely different view of the gorge.
Make sure to allow enough time for this area. Along the way, there are many places where you will naturally want to stop and look around.
Myrtos and the view over the sea
A trip through Greece without the sea is of course almost impossible to imagine. Myrtos on Kefalonia is one of those places where the view alone makes the visit worthwhile.
The road runs high above the coast and from several points you can look out over the beach and the blue sea. It is therefore worth stopping at a viewpoint along the way.
Even if you do not stay at the beach for long, the drive there is already special.
Combine different sides of Greece
When travelling through Greece, it is especially nice to combine different regions and landscapes.
From Athens to quiet Ioannina, from the green mountains of Pelion to the Lousios Gorge and then back towards the sea.
So you do not necessarily have to choose between city, nature, culture, sea or adventure. By combining different places, you get a much better idea of how varied Greece really is.
And often, along the way, you will naturally come across places that were not on your list beforehand.