Food and spirit lovers make the pilgrimage to this lively port town in the middle of the mainland for its famous ‘tsipourádiko’: traditional tavernas that serve tsipouro — distilled grape pomace — alongside exceptional plates of meze. Tsipourádika is to Greeks what aperitivo is to Italians; a beloved cultural practice that melds food and drink with socialisation. And with 600 tsipourádika in town, you can taverna-hop to your heart’s (or stomach’s) content: they say the more tsipouro you order, the better the meze gets: think marinated anchovies, calamari, octopus, shrimp, mussels, oysters and fried fish fresh off the boat.

Home of the souvlaki and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the second largest city in Greece is a haven for foodies. But beyond its gastronomic delights (of which bougatsa is one), this spirited city has a rich multicultural history, with Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish influences, juxtaposed alongside elegant 1920s architecture. This is best captured at the city’s grand dame, ON Residence, and the legendary Olympos Naoussa dining room downstairs, which recall a glamorous Art Deco mood. Explore its exuberant seaside promenade, visit the White Tower and wander the charming old town of Ano Poli, where houses in cornflower blue, bright pink and sunflower yellow feel like an old film set.

A quaint yet lovely port town, there’s a very good (and very luxurious) reason to visit this side of the Peloponnese: Amanzoe. This sprawling resort is an opulent ode to all things Hellenic; an impeccable temple with endless olive groves, immaculate pools, and palatial pavilions and villas. A hilltop paradise, expect some of the best views of the Aegean.

Nestled along the Ionian Sea, this postcard-worthy gem on Greece’s northwestern coast is a favourite among Greeks in summer, and it’s easy to see why. With its brightly hued houses, dazzling waters, a Venetian castle and close proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches on the mainland, Parga is an ideal escape for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Of course, Olympia is the birthplace of the ancient and modern Olympic Games, with the Olympic flame still ignited here every four years. This sacred site on the mainland was also a major religious sanctuary with over 760 significant buildings, of which the ruins of many still remain today. Don’t miss the ancient Olympic Stadium and the Museum, home to iconic artefacts like the Hermes of Praxiteles and the Victory of Paionios.

One of the most striking spots on the mainland, this unique citadel clings spectacularly to a rock off the east coast of the Peloponnese, connected only by a 400-metre-long tombolo. Brimming with Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman history, its impeccably preserved Old Town is a beautiful labyrinth of tiny cobblestone streets, majestic stone architecture and traditional tavernas — all with views of the Myrtoan Sea. For a luxuriously bucolic stay, try the Kinsterna Hotel, a converted estate with views of the magnificent castle town.

On the picks of almost-unreachable sandstone peaks, the Meteora monasteries form a surreal landscape like no other. Dating back to the 11th century, monks settled on these astonishing ‘columns of the sky’, the perfect place for absolute isolation and spiritual ascension. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest archaeological site in Greece, six of the original 24 monasteries remain today, with all accessible to visitors. Naturalists should also visit the neighbouring Pindos mountain range, the biggest in Greece and widely considered the backbone of the mainland.

The Peloponnese is one of the mainland’s most beautiful and celebrated regions, but Mani may just be the jewel in its shimmering crown. One of the central peninsulas that extend south from the heart of the Peloponnese, Mani’s wild beauty is unmatched; historic villages, fortified stone towers, endless olive groves and perfect pebbly coves dot both sides of its peninsula (Limeni’s brilliant turquoise beach is a showstopper). Slowly gaining momentum in travel circles, there’s a handful of lush accommodation options, too, including the exceedingly charming Kyrimai Hotel, which sits on the sea at the southernmost tip, dramatically overlooking the imposing and rocky Cape Tainaron.

A favourite holiday spot among Greeks, this three-pronged paradise in northern Greece is a must-visit summer destination on the mainland. Resembling three ‘legs’, its peninsulas Kassandra and Sithonia feature stretches of silky sand and turquoise blue waters, along with a host of hotels, restaurants and bars (particularly Kassandra, which is built for tourism and boasts a buzzing nightlife). The third leg is the holy Mount Athos, a monastic polity within Greece known for its monasteries and as the spiritual centre of Orthodox Christianity, and which is only accessible by application and gender (women are prohibited).

Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the Navel of the Earth, a spiritual home where the most prestigious oracle, Pythia, uttered the divine advice of god Apollo to mortals who travelled across the world to seek a prophecy. Today, Delphi straddles the old and new; made up of its ancient archaeological site and the modern-day town, which sits at the foot of Mt. Parnassus against a spectacular backdrop of the Pleistos Valley and Gulf of Corinth. One of the easiest day trips from Athens, this sacred site is a must-visit for history and nature buffs alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore ancient ruins while immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape.

This breathtaking mountain range is one of the most beautiful in all of Greece, renowned for its thick forests of beech, oak, maple, chestnut and plane trees, along with olive, apple and pear groves. Amidst this natural wonder, charming stone villages dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into traditional Greek life with grand houses, paved cobblestone alleys, old churches and elaborate stone-built fountains, all with a folksy, artistic feel. Below, the coast unveils its own beauty — quaint fishing villages, time-honoured tavernas and glassy blue-green coves, where a handful of beach umbrellas shade locals against the luxuriant backdrop of Mount Pelion.

Of course, visiting the mainland means a few days spent exploring its vibrant capital. Amid a cultural boom, this ancient city is thrumming with new restaurants, bars and galleries, all of which sit alongside remnants of its ancient past with pleasing incongruity. While the to-do list is extensive, try impressive restaurant impresario Ari Vezene’s latest venture, the open-fire Manári Taverna, or experience old Athens at the refined Taverna Oikonomou 1930 or rustic, underground icon, Diporto. For a swanky stay, try the brand new Anthology of Athens, a luxurious and holistic retreat with astonishing Acropolis views. While the ritzy Athenian Riviera is also having its time in the sun, with One&Only and The Ace setting up shop along this prized stretch of coastline — the perfect seaside reprieve from the town’s frenetic energy.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is unlike the familiar landscapes of Greece, instead, a land of dramatic mountains, blue-green rivers and ancient stone villages bunked into the lush forests of Epirus. A paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, hike through the breathtaking Vikos Gorge or raft down the Voidomatis River, admiring the region’s famed arched stone bridges from its impossibly clear waters. For unparalleled views, stay at Aristi Mountain Retreat, a luxurious eco-lodge at the foot of the National Park.

Ioannina, the capital of Epirus in northern Greece, wraps around the tranquil Lake Pamvotida, and with its still waters and natural beauty, life here centres around the lake. A multicultural melting pot with an intellectual history, this elegant castle town is also renowned for its culinary prowess, home to Dodoni — arguably the country’s favourite feta cheese — and unique local dishes, such as a moreish sweet pumpkin pie. Stay at the beautifully old-world Kamares Boutique Hotel, housed in one of Ioannina’s remaining original stone buildings, it sits beside the city’s venerated castle walls.