Best Places to Go Within Greece, From Frequent Traveler

Greece’s second-largest metropolis just isn’t solely often known as the nation’s gastronomic capital (undoubtedly cease by eating places like Kanoula or The Rouga), but it surely’s additionally affectionately often known as the house of “halara.”

That means “chill” or “take it straightforward,” the phrase denotes a extra laid-back tempo of life than in the capital, Athens.

I’ve at all times felt this relaxed vibe had a lot to do with the town’s proximity to the Thermaic Gulf, which is greatest skilled with a stroll down the waterfront.

Thessaloniki can be wealthy in historical past and tradition, dwelling to the Rotunda (a Roman monument from the 4th century), Hagia Sophia Church, a Jewish Museum, and a world-class movie competition.

Not lengthy after I moved to Greece, a few of my classmates and I visited the Meteora monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage web site situated within the central Thessaly area.

Though I might pored over footage, the sheer magnificence and surreality of the monasteries, constructed and renovated between the 14th and sixteenth centuries on high of unimaginable peaks, utterly floored me.

We hiked among the trails and visited a number of of the monasteries — the steep stairs had been utterly value it for the views. Plus, the autumnal colours of the time made the panorama much more dramatic.

Extra adventurous guests may discover the world by paragliding or mountain climbing.

My subsequent mission is to go to the monasteries throughout Easter and expertise centuries-old traditions on this unforgettable setting.

Halkidiki’s three peninsulas (also called “fingers” or “legs”) — Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos — host among the nation’s greatest seashores.

A few my favorites are Karydi and Fava Seaside, situated within the village of Vourvourou on Sithonia, about two hours from Thessaloniki.

Within the village, I like to recommend stopping at Anchor Foodbar for an excellent brunch — my college buddies and I went nearly day by day throughout our journey final yr. The Greek-style shakshuka and yogurt bowl with tahini and poached pear was subsequent degree.

About midway between Athens and Thessaloniki lies Pelion, a peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea and curves again towards the mainland.

The hills are thick with chestnut timber and myths, as Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts) was stated to have been raised by the centaur Chiron on Mount Pelion.

My buddies and I visited Milies, a quiet village on the peninsula with cobbled streets, outdated stone homes, and a historic steam practice, Moutzouris.

Situated about 4 and a half hours west of Thessaloniki is the area of Zagori. There, 46 picture-perfect villages recognized collectively as Zagorohoria are nestled among the many Pindus Mountains.

A number of the highlights of our journey included seeing Vikos Gorge (one of many deepest on this planet) and the crystal-clear Papingo Rock Swimming pools, in addition to looking for the extremely Instagrammable stone bridges that dot the area.

Relying on the season, actions equivalent to rafting, kayaking, river trekking, climbing, and even truffle searching are additionally out there.

Mentioning Athens is not precisely unique, however there is a purpose it reveals up in each journey information. It is the capital, in spite of everything, and residential to among the most iconic historical landmarks, from the Parthenon to the Theatre of Dionysus.

Nonetheless, I might been to Greece practically 20 occasions earlier than I lastly made it to Athens, and once I did go, the town shocked me.

Sure, the ruins are unimaginable, however so is the vitality — avenue artwork, rooftop bars, and a meals scene that mixes custom and creativity.

My favourite neighborhoods are the offbeat Exarchia, the artistic Kypseli, and the old-school Petralona.