Things to Do in Thessaloniki: Your Guide to Authentic Experiences

Coming up: food you haven’t heard of, hikes you never knew existed, Peloponnese tours, two adventure-loving friends, and some of our favorite things to do in Peloponnese.
Though it’s only a 2-hour drive from Athens, the rural region of Peloponnese is VERY different from its big-city neighbor.
Yes, Athens has lots to love: it’s modern, cosmopolitan, full of life, and brimming with capital-city attractions and conveniences—but it’s not as traditional as most other parts of Greece.
… so if you’re looking for a slice of real Greece close to Athens, Peloponnese is exactly where you'll find it.
The most southern part of mainland Greece, it offers rural landscapes, world-class mountains and beaches, age-old locals, and hidden pockets of old-school life.
But because it’s such a local place, it’s best to explore it with local people. And that’s why we’re introducing you to Giorgos and Dimitris.
Good friends Giorgos and Dimitris are both big fans of outdoor adventures. Including:
And that’s why they live in the hill-backed region of Peloponnese.
One of the most varied parts of Greece, it serves up sun and seas, mountains and peaks, small towns and little villages, and access to pretty much any adventure you could ever want. Within the space of just 50 kilometers (30 miles), you’ll find endless types of outdoor fun…
The most accessible way to explore the peaks and panoramas of Peloponnese.
Giorgos and Dimitris offer a bunch of varied Peloponnese hikes, for all skill levels, and all types of people (including families, experienced hikers, and everyone in between).
Some of these Peloponnese hikes are 4 hours, easy, and mainly flat… while others are almost-all-day adventures with tricky terrain, lofty views, and paths only the locals know. Highlights include:
In short, these hikes aren’t just beautiful nature (although there is plenty of it!).
You also get history, heritage, cultural insights, real local people, and real local food. This is among the best Peloponnese hiking you can find, and it’s a great combo of stunning views and real Greek culture.
Hop into a raft, ride along a river, and see hidden sights along the way. A lovely cocktail of pretty places and adrenaline-inducing adventures.
Highlights include:
Each rafting adventure lasts between 3 and 5 hours, and they’re all suitable for all abilities. For a real rugged adventure, it’s one of the best things to do in Peloponnese.
Top tip: if you’ve never rafted before, now’s the time to do it. All equipment is professional and well-maintained, and Giorgos and Dimitris take care of you the entire way.
Giorgos and Dimitris also offer:
Whichever activity you choose, you’ll get a relaxed and laid-back day… and you’ll feel like you’re hiking in Peloponnese with friends (because, you are: our friends!).
… even on the toughest adventures, the big focus is always on real local life—you’ll meet local people, munch on local snacks, and see places most tourists never do.
Peloponnese is the type of place where everyday life is relaxed. Where everyone knows everyone. Where people say hello in the streets. Where neighbors help each other with daily tasks. And although all tours are organized and professional, that’s the Peloponnese you’ll see when you travel with Giorgos and Dimitris.
They love the region even more than you will: so they’re working with Upiria to introduce many more guests to their favorite parts of Greece.
So, on all adventures, you’ll always be accompanied by either Giorgos and Dimitris…
… and you also get 2 extra perks:
Usually, they like to adventure with small groups of between 2 and 8 people.
When you travel in small groups, you can:
And because you’re in a small group, you can make spontaneous en-route changes. Maybe you want to extend your Peloponnese hike a little, or cut your adventure short to eat more food and drink more coffee. In smaller groups, all these spontaneous changes are possible!
Most guests take these tours in either Greek or English.
… but the team can also speak some Italian and French.
So, whichever language you speak, it’s easy to take a tour with them.
As we say in Greece: páme!
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