Greece - Mainland between Athens and Thessalanike
 

We've spent 6 weeks already in Greece, visiting the Peloponnese region, Athens, Paros, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Mykenose and we have loved it. Now we are considering visiting the mainland between Athens and Thessalanike. Has anyone done that and is it worthwhile? We did get to Delphi, but missed Meteora. Are there many ruins and places of interest on the mainland? Any suggested itineraries? Thanks in advance - June

if you like traditional villages and rich green nature and nice beaches, try the Pilio mountain near the city of Volos. It is half the way from Athens to Thessaloniki. You will be surpised by the beauty of the place!

From Mount Olympus to Thessalonica, thre's some of Europe's most extraordinary - and undeservedly ignored - archaeological sites. Personally, I'd rate Vergina the most interesting site in the whole Europe-Med area.

The author of this thread got disappeared after a spot of irritation. But it sums bits up fairly well:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...perhaps-th.cfm

In this area, I visited Thessaloniki, Veria , Vergina, Meteora, Arachova and Delphi. I enjoyed all these places, but found Meteora to be a highlight. The tomb of Philip of Macedon and museum in Vergina were very impressive as well. I have more detailed notes, including where I stayed and favorite food, if you are interested.

Delaine - I would be most interested in seeing your notes. Please email me at dgunbug at aol dot com. Thank you so much!

As already mentioned, Pilio (Pelion) is a beautiful area near to Volos about half way between Thessaloniki and Athens. It has different landscape to other areas of Greece as it is very green even during summer, lots of springs, dramatic cliffs that plunge down to the sea and some spectacular beaches. The houses have a particular style too, with overhanging balconies and Pelion stone tile roofs. There are quite alot of traditional mansions, some have been converted to hotels/b&bs.

It is quite mountainous as you leave Volos to head into Pelion, there are numerous charming villages eg Makrinitsa (with outstanding views toward Volos), Tsagarada, Vizitsa. Milopotamos is a beautiful beach (good swimming and lunch spot). The north side of Pelion is the most picturesque (Mama Mia was partly filmed around Damouchari which worth visiting for lunch/swimming as it is so beautiful).

Pelion is a good combination with Meteora and if you want something different to archaeological sites since there are none/few as far as I know. Depending on the time of the year you can go walking/hiking along ancient mule trails (summer is too hot for walking & winter it is covered in snow).