Greece

Greek history meets a revamped and expanded rail network

Greece may be best known for its islands, but there are ample attractions on its rail-served mainland--albeit with a few asphalt diversions--to make a superb vacation. Greek train journeys also offer surprisingly diverse landscapes, whether traveling along the coast or through mountains and valleys and across quaint stone bridges.

Road networks were heavily promoted over the country's iron track for a very long time, but rail travel is once again gaining popularity. In Athens, a tram network links the city center to the south coast, and the underground metro grid continues to be extended to outer suburbs, easing transport and road congestion.

With the 2004 Olympics as the impetus, much of the rail network and stations around Greece also received upgrades; main routes have been upgraded so that they are fast, convenient, and comfortable, and line improvements and extensions are planned or in progress. Some railroad projects are still in progress and new routes are announced seasonally; avoid disappointment by confirming routes before setting off.

For more information on Greece contact the Greece Tourist Board.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.