A Greek region with masses to offer
Central Greece holidays are dazzling due to the sheer number of places to see and things to do. First up is cosmopolitan Athens, Greece’s capital, home to world-class museums, lively neighbourhoods, exciting restaurants and, of course, the Acropolis. Heading east you’ll come across archaeological sites including the mysterious Delphi. Press on, passing small traditional villages until you come to the eastern coast where you’ll find charming seaside hamlets like Parga and vast expanses of beach on which you can relax. As you head north, you’ll uncover the Unesco World Heritage Site of Meteora, with its otherworldly monasteries that sit atop towering rock formations seemingly suspended in the sky.
In the surrounding area you’ll find rolling farmland and quaint villages where foodies will find their heaven, sampling locally made goats’ cheese, delicious cured meats and handmade pasta. Holidays to Central Greece also offer plenty to keep adventure lovers happy, no matter what the season. In winter there’s great skiing and snowboarding to be found in the mountains, while there are hundreds of hiking and mountain bike trails that can be enjoyed year-round. The region is also criss-crossed with rivers, which can be discovered on thrilling rafting or kayak trips. Wherever you go in Central Greece, there’s no doubt you’ll have an absolute blast.
All resorts in Central Greece
Three tips for a top trip
Buy a museum pass
With so many world-class cultural attractions and museums to see in Athens, you’ll get the best bang for your buck by purchasing a museum pass.
Brush up on mythology
Central Greece’s history is the stuff of legend. At important archaeological sites, it’s worth paying for a local tour guide who’ll bring everything to life.
Find the best meze
In Volos, eating meze and drinking ‘tsipuro’ is elevated to an art form. Swap dinner for small plates of salted fish, tasty olives and marinated veggies.
Best attractions to see in Central Greece
Meteora
At this Unesco World Heritage Site you can wonder at giant rock columns that are topped – rather surreally – with a remarkable complex of Byzantine monasteries.
Delphi
For the ancient Greeks, Delphi represented the centre of the Earth. What remains is a fantastic complex of ruins where you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The Acropolis
Many argue that Western civilisation started at the Acropolis and the Parthenon temple that sits on it. You can spend a day soaking up the history here.
Your Central Greece questions, answered
Along the western coast you’ll find plenty of beach towns, such as colourful Parga. To the east is Evia Island, connected to the mainland by a bridge.
In cities like Athens and Volos, public transport is great. If you’re planning on exploring further out into the region, consider renting a car for more freedom.
Any time of the year is great, it depends on what you like to do, and the kind of weather you prefer. It tends to be hot and mainly dry here from June to September. and there are often more than 300 hours of sunshine in July and August. This is a perfect time, then, for any sun worshippers or if you want the beach to be your main focus. June and September are probably better for exploring and energetic outdoor activities. But there’s plenty to see and do in Central Greece whenever you take your holiday.
Central Greece is a real crowd-pleaser – nature lovers, adventure seekers, gourmet fans, ancient historians and culture buffs will all find plenty to keep them entertained.
There are plenty of good beaches in this area, and each one has its own different attractions. Valtos, beneath the castle at Parga, is a beautiful pebble beach lined by cafes and restaurants. It has calm seas, lots of facilities, and water-sports are really popular. Lichnos Beach, a short distance away, is a real natural beauty, lined by trees, with clean and deep turquoise waters and small pebbles. Sarakiniko is a well-organised place, popular with families, but, if you prefer a more private beach, Kruoneri and Piso Kruoneri are well worth a look.
Central Greece is famous for its rich history, archaeological finds and, of course, beautiful coastline. The area is scenic and mountainous, perfect for enjoying activities like walking, cycling. and watersports. The country is also known for its culture and is the home of ancient civilisation; the Acropolis of Athens is a perfect example of the beautiful old architecture. However, this place is not just about the past. You’ll also be delighted by its contemporary culture and arts scene as well as the thousands of events held at open-air theatres, castles, and squares throughout the year.
This area, like others in Greece, is known for familiar staples like moussaka, dolmades and souvlaki. However, a delicious local dish you might not have tried is Fasolatha, a classic Greek soup. It’s a simple but hearty combination of beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetables flavoured with thyme, parsley and bay. If you’re off for a day’s sightseeing, you might want to pick up some koulouri – large soft bread rings covered in sesame seeds. Anyone with a sweet tooth, meanwhile, is sure to love a galaktoboureko. These sweet custard slices are made with layers of flaky filo pastry, then sprinkled with cinnamon.
Yes, Central Greece is a great choice. Children of all ages will love the beaches in this area for one thing, and it’s reassuring to know they’re very safe too. The local people are very family orientated and welcoming, and restaurants and bars are geared to catering for your needs. There are many fun activities like watersports and mini-golf for you to enjoy together, and the kids will love visiting the local palaces and attractions. You could enjoy a day out on the Parga Tour Train, set sail on a boat trip, even hire your own. What fun!
There are so many historic sites in Central Greece that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Parga itself is considered one of Greece’s most magnificent historical places. And the abandoned settlement of Vrahonas, located on the hill near Sivota, is fascinating. You can still see the remains of over 50 houses here and, on its west side, explore the ruins of the Acropolis, which dates back to prehistoric times. The Vlacherna Monastery, on Corfu, just a short ferry ride from Igonminista, is also well worth a visit.