Destination: Greece

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Natural Wonders

THREE WEEKS

Greece is also famous for the amazing variety of its landscapes. These are best enjoyed in springtime (April to May), when a stunning display of wildflowers adds a spectacular splash of colour to the countryside. Meanwhile the green mountains and forests of northern Greece provide cool respite from the sun-scorched islands.



Start with a few days in Athens, and then head north to view the amazing monasteries of Meteora. From here, continue north to Litohoro for a visit to mighty Mt Olympus, home of the gods of ancient Greek mythology, before moving on to the Prespa Lakes, the largest body of water in the Balkans and an important bird sanctuary. The next stop is the delightful Zagoria Villages district of Epiros, where fairytale slate-roofed villages lie scattered around the dramatic Vikos Gorge.

From here, move south to the Peloponnese and ride the mountain railway up the Vouraïkos Gorge from Diakofto to Kalavryta, before continuing through the mountains of Central Arcadia and onwards to the magical Venetian town of Monemvasia, the Gibraltar of Greece. If time permits, catch a ferry from Gythio to Crete for the opportunity to experience the superb Samaria Gorge. Return to Athens via Santorini, whose sheer cliffs were created by one of the largest volcanic eruptions ever recorded.