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Map Of Greece And Surrounding Countries
If you’re planning a trip to Greece and its neighboring countries, you’re in for a treat. This region is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural and cultural wonders in the world. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the pristine beaches of the Greek islands, there’s something for everyone here. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a comprehensive travel guide that covers all the top attractions, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences you won’t want to miss.
Top Attractions
When it comes to top attractions in Greece and the surrounding countries, there’s no shortage of options. Some of the must-see sights include:
- The Parthenon in Athens
- The Acropolis Museum
- The Blue Mosque in Istanbul
- The Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul
- The ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey
- The ancient city of Pompeii in Italy
- The Colosseum in Rome
- The Vatican Museums in Rome
- The beaches of Mykonos in Greece
- The volcanic island of Santorini in Greece
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are certainly worth visiting, don’t overlook some of the hidden gems in this region. Some of our favorites include:
- The island of Naxos in Greece
- The ancient city of Plovdiv in Bulgaria
- The town of Kotor in Montenegro
- The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
- The town of Ohrid in North Macedonia
- The island of Hvar in Croatia
- The town of Kruja in Albania
- The island of Zakynthos in Greece
Food Scene
The food scene in this region is nothing short of amazing. From fresh seafood to hearty stews and pastries, there’s something to suit every taste. Some of the top dishes to try include:
- Moussaka in Greece
- Baklava in Turkey
- Pizza in Italy
- Cevapi in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Goulash in Hungary
- Cheese burek in Serbia
- Ceviche in Croatia
- Banitsa in Bulgaria
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the best experiences. Here are some tips for saving money while still having a great trip:
- Travel in the shoulder season (spring or fall) to avoid crowds and high prices
- Use public transportation instead of renting a car
- Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or apartments
- Eat at local markets and street vendors instead of restaurants
- Take advantage of free walking tours and museum days
Outdoor Adventures
This region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top outdoor activities include:
- Hiking in the Pindus Mountains in Greece
- Rock climbing in Meteora in Greece
- White water rafting on the Tara River in Montenegro
- Kayaking in the fjords of Norway
- Skiing in the Swiss Alps
- Biking along the Danube River in Hungary and Austria
- Paragliding in the French Alps
- Scuba diving in the Adriatic Sea
Historical Landmarks
This region is steeped in history, and there are countless landmarks that offer a glimpse into the past. Some of the top historical sites to visit include:
- The Roman Forum in Rome
- The Palace of Diocletian in Split, Croatia
- The ancient city of Petra in Jordan
- The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
- The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens
- The Dubrovnik Walls in Croatia
- The medieval city of Kotor in Montenegro
- The ancient city of Butrint in Albania
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Some of our favorites include:
- The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
- The Legoland Discovery Centre in Istanbul
- The Science Museum in Athens
- The Disneyland Paris Resort
- The CretAquarium in Crete, Greece
- The Aquapark Istralandia in Croatia
- The Athens Zoo in Greece
- The Butterfly Valley in Rhodes, Greece
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, consider these off-the-beaten-path experiences:
- Visiting the abandoned village of Kayaköy in Turkey
- Exploring the abandoned city of Varosha in Cyprus
- Attending a traditional Greek wedding
- Visiting the abandoned city of Pripyat in Ukraine
- Exploring the abandoned town of Balestrino in Italy
- Visiting the abandoned village of Goussin in Greece
- Exploring the abandoned city of Ani in Turkey
- Visiting the abandoned village of Folegandros in Greece
Natural Wonders
This region is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Some of the top natural sights include:
- The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
- The Blue Lagoon in Iceland
- The Norwegian Fjords
- The Meteora rock formations in Greece
- The Milford Sound in New Zealand
- The Tatra Mountains in Poland and Slovakia
- The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
- The Grand Canyon in the United States
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for a party, you won’t be disappointed in this region. Some of the top nightlife spots include:
- The island of Mykonos in Greece
- The city of Belgrade in Serbia
- The city of Budapest in Hungary
- The city of Dubrovnik in Croatia
- The city of Split in Croatia
- The city of Athens in Greece
- The city of Thessaloniki in Greece
- The city of Istanbul in Turkey
Local Markets
For a taste of local life, be sure to check out the local markets in each city you visit. Some of the top markets include:
- The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
- The Plaka Flea Market in Athens
- The Rialto Market in Venice
- The Mercado Central in Valencia
- The Portobello Road Market in London
- The La Boqueria Market in Barcelona
- The Central Market in Budapest
- The Dolac Market in Zagreb
Beaches and Mountains
Whether you’re a beach bum or a mountain lover, this region has something for you. Some of the top beaches and mountains include:
- The beaches of Mykonos in Greece
- The beaches of Zakynthos in Greece
- The beaches of Hvar in Croatia
- The beaches of Santorini in Greece
- The mountains of Meteora in Greece
- The mountains of Pindus in Greece
- The mountains of Montenegro
- The mountains of the Swiss Alps
Cultural Immersion
To really immerse yourself in the local culture, consider these activities:
- Attending a traditional Greek wedding