Mainland Greece is an affordable way to have a Euro summer - here's where you need to go
Greece is undoubtedly at the top of many peoples' lists when they plan a summer trip to Europe.
And most travellers head straight for the islands they've seen on Instagram: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros.
While the islands are, of course, stunning locations, there's so much more to explore on the country's mainland.
As a bonus, they're also a lot cheaper to visit and are much less crowded.
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Meteora is a magical spot. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Here are some mainland Greece spots you really shouldn't miss.
Meteora
Though you can visit Meteora as a day trip from Athens, it's worth spending a night or two in the nearby town of Kalambaka.
Meteora is a spectacular landscape of rocky formations, upon which multiple monasteries were built hundreds of years ago. You can hike around the area or drive between the monasteries, most of which are open to the public.
It's a magical kind of place, with an energy like nowhere else on earth.
Koroni
This town has the vibe of an island, but you can drive there from Athens. The small town is all cobblestoned streets, cute cafes, local taverns, gorgeous beaches and sea views everywhere you go.
It's a perfect compromise: you get to soak up the sun and swim in the sea, but you don't get the hordes of tourists and inflated prices that come with a trip to the islands.
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You don't have to fly to an island to get the best of the beach. Getty
Thessaloniki
If you love exploring cities, you need to plan a trip to Thessaloniki. This port city in the north of the country has a super young population thanks to the many universities located there - meaning there's great nightlife and a ton of affordable options.
Mt Olympus
This one's for the adventurers. You can do a one- or two-day hike to scale the iconic Mt Olympus in northern Greece. It's an epic trip, with an overnight stay in a rustic mountain lodge if you're up for it.
Not keen on physical exercise? Get a cab to take you to the halfway point where there's a great restaurant with beautiful views.
It's also right near the beach, so you can spend a couple of days relaxing by the water after you're done roughing it.
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Explore the charming towns of Mainland Greece. Getty
Athens
It seems like a no-brainer, but we need to include it. Some people skip over Athens or just spend a day here before heading to the islands, but it's a city that's worth at least a few nights.
Once you've seen the Acropolis, you can explore the rest of the city, where ancient and modern intersect in the best way. It's a grungy, gritty place, with great bars, restaurants, markets, and trendy neighbourhoods to explore.
Ioaninna
A beautiful city in central Greece, Ioaninna is perched on the edge of a lake and surrounded by picturesque mountains.
A favoured spot for hikers and mountain bikers, it's also a lively city with a great food scene that serves as a laid-back alternative to Athens. The city is also close to a bunch of stunning Greek mountain villages, perfect for day trips.
The forest meets the sea in Halkidiki. Getty
Halkidiki
A region in northern Greece, Halkidiki is made up of a bunch of peninsulas that jut into the beautiful blue Aegean Sea. The area has something for everyone: built-up beaches with resorts and nightlife, and secluded sandy bays surrounded by forest.
There are also a ton of archaeological sites in the area for any history buffs, including the birthplace of Aristotle.
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