As a seasoned Greece travel expert, I understand the disappointment of orange-coded islands disrupting plans. Rest assured, mainland and Peloponnese destinations remain code yellow, offering direct flights and authentic Greek experiences. Here are top recommendations.
THE PELOPONNESOS PENINSULA
Fly direct from Schiphol to olive-rich Kalamata in just 3 hours—the ideal gateway to Greece's largest peninsula. Discover thrilling bike rides around Kalamata, the enchanting fortress town of Monemvasia, ancient Olympia (birthplace of the Olympics), pristine Mani beaches, Lousios River rafting in Arcadia, and the epic Menalon Trail multi-day hike.
THE CHALKIDIKI PENINSULA
Fly to Thessaloniki and reach Chalkidiki's paradise in 40 minutes. Revel in unspoiled landscapes, turquoise seas across Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos—a perfect blend of beaches and adventure.
EPIRUS: NATURE'S MASTERPIECE
In Greece's rugged northwest, Epirus boasts dramatic scenery and authentic villages. Fly to Aktion Airport for quick access to vibrant Parga with its idyllic beach, sailing in Sivota, Pindos Mountain village hikes, or boating on Ioannina Lake.
CITY VIBES & NATURAL WONDERS: THESSALONIKI, VOLOS, METEORA
Land in lively, multicultural Thessaloniki for world-class cuisine and seaside cycling. Continue to Volos for meze platters and tsipouro in traditional tsipouradikas. Explore Meteora's otherworldly monastery-topped rocks with stunning hikes, then loop back to Thessaloniki.
