Greek beaches are the undisputed protagonists of the summer season. However, one should not underestimate the charm of the Greek mainland.
Northern Greece in particular offers locations of jaw-dropping natural beauty, definitely worth exploring.
Extremegreece.com, a site that was created in order to provide users with all the necessary information regarding ecotourism and extreme sports in Greece, recommends these 3 destinations as the top three spots in Northern Greece. These amazing destinations are also ideal for trekking enthusiasts.
Mount Olympus
Mt. Olympus’ wonderful nature of rich flora (over 1700 species, more than 20 of which endemic) and fauna (more than 30 species of mammals, 100 species of birds, 18 species of reptiles) left the modern Greeks with no choice but to proclaim it the first National Forest in 1938.
At 263 km from Athens and 78 from Thessaloniki (Greece’s second biggest city) the area is ideal for the lovers of alternative activities, ranging from trekking to paragliding, canyoning, rafting, climbing, mountain-biking and jeep safari.
Meteora
Meteora is the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. The first traces of their history can be foun in 11th c. when the first hermits settled there. The rock monasteries have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage and they form one of the most important stops in the cultural map of Greece.
Vikos Gorge
The gorge begins 600m after Monodendri village and constitutes a true natural monument. In its deeper part, it reaches approximately 2.200m width.
Due to its geological isolation and the absence of human presence, Vikos gorge is home to many rare plant and flower species of Epirus. There have also been recorded more than 110 bird species, 19 serpent and amphibian species, as well as many rare butterfly species. Finally, in Aoos and Voidomatis rivers live 7 fish species.
