I spent every summer in Greece as a kid. Here are 8 places you should visit that aren't Mykonos or Athens.

Most of my summers in Greece were spent in Thessaloniki, where both of my parents grew up. It's the second-biggest city in the country after Athens and dates back to 316 BC.

Ancient ruins and majestic Byzantine churches can be seen in the city's downtown area. But the most important landmark is the White Tower, which was built in the 15th century after Thessaloniki fell to the Ottomans. The White Tower now has an exhibition on the city's history, and you can go up to the top for spectacular views from its balcony.

Thessaloniki is also packed with so many delicious tavernas and restaurants. My mom recommends visiting the Ladadika neighborhood at the city's center for dinner, or going to Aretsou for views of the water. Try the bougasta, a Greek dessert of custard wrapped in phyllo, or koulouri, Greek sesame bread rings that were my mom's childhood favorite.

"Walk in the Thessaloniki promenade to enjoy a sunset and, if the sky is clear, a perfect view of Mount Olympus," she added.

Sure, Santorini's got those gorgeous white buildings, and Mykonos has the wild nightlife. But if you're looking for an incredible beach vacation, you may be better off on the mainland.

Even as a kid, I remember being stunned by the beaches in Halkidiki. The sand is soft and white, the water is warm, and the colors of the sea are the brightest blues you'll ever see. One summer, my mom and uncle took me to a different beach every day, and she still loves to tell the story of how I gave all the Halkidiki beaches an "A++" because I loved them so much.

Halkidiki is near Thessaloniki, so it's also a great place to visit if you want to combine a city escape with a beach destination. Plus, with so many local tavernas by the sea, you're sure to have a great meal of octopus, ouzo on the rocks, and some calamari.

"If all you want for your vacation is to lie on a beach and listen to the waves, Halkidiki is your destination," my mom said.

Meteora is another childhood trip I'll always remember. Located in central Greece, the Meteora monasteries — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are perched on huge cliffs that will take your breath away.

Orthodox Christian hermit monks first began coming to the cliffs of Meteora around the 9th century, looking for peace and isolation. In the 14th century, the first Meteora monastery was built, spearheading the beginning of the site's monastic community, according to Visit Meteora. Six of the 24 monasteries remain active today, with more than 60 nuns and monks.

"It's absolutely amazing to realize that monks built these monasteries and lived there for centuries," my mom said. "The unique rock formations and nice sunsets offer many photo opportunities. It's a really special place that makes me feel close to heaven."

Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the "navel of the world." The myth goes that Zeus released one eagle from the east and one from the west, and the birds met in the middle at Delphi, where the famous oracle was built.

In addition to being an incredible archaeological site, Delphi also has a stunning natural backdrop. My mother said she still remembers the sweeping views of the valleys and the lovely olive trees.

"I loved visiting Delphi because of its history, but also because of the beautiful natural surroundings," she added.

For as long as I can remember, the Olympics have been a huge point of pride in our household. My parents always loved reminding me why Greece walks first in the Parade of Nations, and why the Greek flag is always flown during the closing ceremony.

So, as a kid, it was incredibly special to visit Olympia, where the Olympics first began. The games were held in Olympia every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD, and ruins from the sporting events still stand there today.

"Olympia has always had an emotional impact on me," my mom said. "To be able to walk in the same field where the Olympics started moved me very much when I visited for the first time."

"I think this would be a special place for someone who loves sports or history," she added.

I have this distinct memory of seeing candy-colored houses along the water in Corfu. The city is a great option if you want to visit a beautiful Greek island without fighting hundreds of other tourists for a picture of the sunset.

Once under Venetian rule, the Italian influence is still apparent in much of Corfu's architecture and delicious food. Along with beaches, the island is known for its lush flora and fauna. My parents took my sister and me to Corfu when we were kids and said it was a great spot for family vacations.

My dad also recommends adding a trip to Ioannina on the way to Corfu to visit the Perama Cave.

Rhodes was ruled by the Knights of St. John from the 14th to the 16th century, and it still feels steeped in medieval history. I remember being wowed as a kid while walking past the castles, under the stone arches, and through the tiny cobblestone alleys in the island's old town.

Rhodes also has plenty of beautiful beaches, as well as Butterfly Valley — my mom's favorite part of the island.

The Cycladic island has become popular in recent years thanks to TikToks of tourists waving their napkins at the Barbarossa restaurant, but Paros is significantly larger in size than Santorini or Mykonos. That means you can easily escape summer crowds whenever you please, while still joining the bustling nightlife if that's your scene.

I recommend renting an ATV or car after your boat docks on the island. One of my favorite memories in Paros was riding through the beautiful hilltops dotted with tiny white churches and stumbling upon secluded beaches.

You could spend days exploring the small villages of Lefkes and Piso Livadi, or relax by the calm waters of Santa Maria beach. It's also easy to take a day trip to Antiparos, just 7 minutes away by ferry.

Just make sure not to leave without dinner or drinks at Siparos, one of my favorite places on the island to watch the sunset.