When planning to jet off to Greece, you may envision an idyllic island with white-washed houses and pristine shores. But whilst the stunning islands of Greece certainly are alluring, so too is the lesser-explored mainland. From fascinating historical sites to expansive lakes and wildlife havens, the undulating terrain of the mainland is home to an endless supply of breathtaking viewpoints and places to discover.

Here, we open your eyes to three of the most incredible hidden gems of mainland Greece.

Sacred monasteries of Meteora

Northwest of Kalabaka, Thessaly, lies a series of sky-scraping sandstone rock formations that stand more than 600 meters tall. Rising from the lush countryside, these soaring natural pillars are topped with expertly crafted Byzantine monasteries. This impressive sight of ancient architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see for anyone traversing mainland Greece.

The Meteora towers are set in an emerald valley, rich with diverse fauna and flora including rare birds such as the Asproparis, or Egyptian Vulture – an almost extinct species. Take your binoculars and set off to explore the enchanting treks and trails in the area, and see if you can find the 24 original monasteries that offered refuge to wandering monks here centuries ago..

Ancient fortress-city of Monemvasia

This stunningly picturesque medieval city in the south-eastern Peloponnese region is almost entirely surrounded by the glistening Aegean Sea – except for a small causeway that connects the island to the mainland. Founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century, the stone archways, walls and cobbled streets are remnants of multiple eras, all leaving their trace on the architecture and rich history of this precious landmark.

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Spend the day getting lost in the labyrinth of tiny paths that take you through the lower town, where souvenir shops and tavernas surround the main square. Then, follow the signs to discover the upper town, lined with quaint stone houses and ancient ruins, before arriving at the show-stopping fortress of Monemvasia.

Tranquil Lake Kerkini

Set in central Macedonia, Lake Kerkini is a vast, shimmering pool set amidst luscious wildflowers, with Mount Beles dominating the skyline beyond. Created in 1932 by building a dam to the Strymon River, the wetland is home to an enormous array of wildlife, including many fish species, extensive birdlife, and even wolves, deer and buffalo.

A boat trip across the still waters of the lake is sure to bless you with views of great white pelicans, eagles, cormorants and more. This national park is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature whilst exploring mainland Greece, and there are plenty of trails to hike and opportunities to get out on the water.

Take your time

When exploring mainland Greece, it’s easy to let time pass you by and become engulfed by the natural beauty, welcoming culture and delicious cuisine. To ensure you manage to see all the sights you want on your trip, be sure to plan your itinerary ahead of time, leaving plenty of room for traveling and soaking up the Mediterranean sun in each of your destinations.

Disclaimer: The pictures in this post has been taken from open source like Pixabay/ Unsplash and Pexels under Creative Common Licences.