The Greek rail network is one of the smallest in Europe. In fact, there are just two main lines: one to the north of the country and another to the Peloponnese. The mountainous landscape of the country does not allow for an extensive network but the truth is that neither has the railway ever featured among the Greek government’s top priorities. Only over the last twenty years has been an effort to modernise and upgrade existing rail services, and as a result the travelling time between Athens and Thessaloniki is now less than five hours.

For railway enthusiasts however Greece is not short of scenic routes, some of them otherwise inaccessible.

All trains to and from Athens depart the city from Larisis station (Metro: Stathmos Larisis)