The Ionian Islands and Northern Greece: Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Thessaloniki, Olympus and Athos TRIP BLOG Photo: Andrzej Rękas · CC BY-SA 4.0
Greece · Corfu

The Ionian Islands and Northern Greece: Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Thessaloniki, Olympus and Athos

6 DAYS 6 places by WaTrips

Corfu Old Town, Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia, Navagio on Zakynthos, Thessaloniki's White Tower, Mount Olympus and Mount Athos.

Western and northern Greece are green and less crowded. See the Venetian old town of Corfu, the white cliffs of Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia and the famous Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos, best seen from the cliff-top viewpoint. Cross to Thessaloniki and its White Tower, walk the trails of Mount Olympus, home of the gods, and end with a boat along the coast of Mount Athos, the monks' republic (only men with a permit may land). June to September is best.

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STOP 1 OF 6

Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Ionian island of Corfu. It was ruled by the Venetians for four centuries, then by the French and British. Its narrow streets, Venetian houses, two fortresses and the Liston arcade show a mix of influences. The Spianada is one of the largest squares in Greece.

Best weather: Apr – Aug
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STOP 3 OF 6

Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck Beach, is a cove on the northwest coast of Zakynthos, surrounded by tall white cliffs. A rusting ship, which ran aground in 1980, lies on the sand. It is reached only by boat. A viewpoint on the cliff gives a famous view of the beach and turquoise water. Access is sometimes restricted due to rock falls.

Best weather: Apr – Aug
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STOP 4 OF 6

White Tower of Thessaloniki

The White Tower is the symbol of Thessaloniki, standing on the waterfront. It was built by the Ottomans in the 15th century to replace an older Byzantine tower and was once used as a prison. It is about 34 metres tall and now houses a museum about the history of the city. Its roof gives views along the seafront.

Best weather: Apr – Aug
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Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, at about 2,918 metres. In Greek mythology it was the home of the twelve Olympian gods. It became Greece's first national park in 1938. Hikers start from Litochoro and Prionia, staying in mountain refuges before climbing to Mytikas, the highest peak.

Best weather: Jul – Aug
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STOP 6 OF 6 · LAST STOP

Mount Athos

Mount Athos is a mountain peninsula in northern Greece, home to 20 Orthodox monasteries and a self-governing monastic community for over 1,000 years. Only men may visit, with a special permit. The monasteries hold treasures of Byzantine art and manuscripts. Boat cruises along the coast let others see the monasteries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best weather: May – Sep

Seasons from 20 years of NASA POWER climate data.

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