15 Best Places to Travel to in Greece
Everyone has heard of Mykonos and Santorini, but there is so much more to the country than these Greek islands! If you’re willing to venture off the beaten track, Greece will reward you with its best ancient ruins, traditional villages, and beautiful beaches. Read on to find out where they are!
Central Greece
Remote, mountainous, and packed with ancient ruins, central Greece is one of the best places to visit off the usual tourist trail.
Meteora
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Meteora is a rock formation that is home to a complex of Orthodox monasteries. An awe-inspiring destination that combines rich cultural heritage with natural beauty, Meteora is one of the best places to visit in Greece. It is the perfect location not only for witnessing the ascetic lifestyle of Greek monks but also for hiking, bouldering, and cycling among one of the world’s most unique geological phenomena.
Pelion
One of Greece’s best-kept secrets is Pelion. A thickly forested mountain that offers views of both the Aegean sea and Pagasetic Gulf, to ancient Greeks it was known as the summer residence of the Greek Gods and the home of the Centaurs. Today, it is worth a visit for its incredible scenery: lush hiking trails and exquisite beaches, one of which – Damouchari – was featured in the popular Hollywood movie “Mamma Mia!”
Delphi
Delphi was home to the treasuries of the ancient city-states of classical Greece and is considered a very important archaeological site in the country. Its spectacular ancient ruins cling to the side of a mountain, overlooking the plains far below. Wander around its ancient Greek temple where the famous Oracle of Delphi was consulted and you’ll get a glimpse into what was once considered the center of the world by ancient cultures.
Western Greece
The Epirus Riviera stretching between Northern Greece and Western Greece, with its virgin forests and mountainous backdrops, is a ‘must’ when it comes to places to visit.
Zagorohoria
Nestled within the mountain range of Pindus in Northwestern Greece is a network of 46 villages called Zagorohoria. With only 3700 inhabitants, they are one of the most sparsely populated areas of Greece, where locals actively work towards preserving precious traditions. Exploring the stone-built mountain villages of Mikro and Megalo Papigo, which are amphitheatrically built on the slopes, is guaranteed to transport travelers to a fairy tale.
Parga
Pretty Parga is an ancient harbor located on the west coast of the Greek mainland. Towering above its port is an imposing Venetian castle. The town’s streets are small pedestrianized alleys, winding their way up the hillside to the castle gates. Known throughout Greece as one of the prettiest resorts in the area, visitors flock to the beautiful sunny beaches just outside the town. On summer evenings, Parga’s promenade becomes the central attraction, packed with busy tavernas and bars.
Peloponnese
Olive trees and rugged mountains are at the core of the Peloponnese’s scenery, making it one of the most stunning places to visit in Greece.
Mani
As the home of the Greek War of Independence, Mani is one of the most important places in the country’s history. The notches of its brave past can be felt around the area’s every corner, but particularly in its capital, Areopoli, which is peppered with emblematic stone towers and forts standing tall and proud under flags boasting Mani’s motto: “Victory or Death”.
Monemvasia
Approximately 300 kilometers from Athens lies the fortress town of Monemvasia. A charming settlement, known for its medieval castle perched atop a hill and Byzantine churches, Monemvasia used to be an island. Today it is connected to the shore of mainland Greece by a footbridge. Walking through the winding cobbled streets and Venetian arches of this uninhabited old town is bound to transport you to another time.
Ionian Islands
The Ionian sea has a lot more to offer than that shipwreck beach you keep seeing on Instagram.
Lefkada
With its endless golden sandy beaches surrounded by white cliffs and dense greenery, one could easily mistake Lefkada for being a part of the Caribbean. Yet, this underrated island is actually the jewel of the Ionian sea. Connected to the mainland by a floating pontoon, Lefkada is an easily accessible paradise for scuba diving lovers, kitesurfers, and sailors looking to explore the best of what the Mediterranean has to offer.
Ithaca
Home of the legendary Odysseus, who was lost at sea, and traveled the ancient world in Homer’s Iliad’, Ithaca is steeped in myth and history. With no airport and connected only by ferry, travelers here must make an extra effort. The result is a tranquil island, where village life and traditions continue much as they have for centuries. The main town of Vathi has a charming warren of alleys, hiding chic boutiques and small tavernas serving fresh fish.
Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos and Antipaxos are two tiny islands famous for their crystal clear, azure water, and fine white sand golden beaches. From Paxos, day trip boats leave regularly to Antipaxos, where you can find deserted bays with amazing snorkeling. Head to Vrika beach for lunch at one of the two tavernas right on the sand, and in the afternoon explore on foot and find your own tiny cove to swim from in glorious solitude.
Cycladic Islands
The Cyclades islands, characterized by their whitewashed villages, are some of the best places to visit in Greece.
Milos
Milos is best known for the Venus de Milo statue, which was discovered there in 1820 and is now displayed at the Louvre. However, few tourists know that, while Milos is far from being the largest Greek island, it hides many more treasures and archaeological sites. Not only does it possess the second-largest network of catacombs in Europe, but it has over 90 beaches. Sarakiniko beach’s dramatic lunar landscape is one of the most captivating sights in the country!
Koufonisia
Appearing as two tiny dots on the map, it would be easy to overlook Koufonisia… but that’s a rookie mistake to make when visiting Greece! Located in the heart of the Aegean, Koufonisia are two gems, ideal for those looking for a peaceful vacation. Ano Koufonisi is an entirely walkable beautiful island, filled with traditional whitewashed houses, and boasting some of the best beaches of the Cyclades, while Kato Koufonisi is the stuff of nature lovers’ and wild campers’ dreams – accessible only by fishing boat.
North Aegean Islands
The North Aegean sea is comprised of nine Greek islands, each with its own unique identity.
Ikaria
An island located just 30 miles off the coast of Turkey, Ikaria is famous for the longevity of its inhabitants. It is said that their secret lies in their relaxed ways and zest for life, which becomes easily apparent after spending some time there. The shops in Christos Rachon, the capital, do not open until well into the evening and the legendary celebrations of local patron saints, fuelled by wine and dancing, go on all night on this Greek island!
Samothrace
A rugged Greek island, Samothrace is for adventurous souls looking for an alternative to the typical sunny beach holiday Greece is so famous for. In fact, Samothrace has more waterfalls than beaches, flowing down from the top of Mount Saos, the highest mountain in the Aegean, to form refreshing natural pools. According to Greek mythology, Poseidon sat on the top of Mount Saos to watch the Trojan war… that’s how good the views there are!
Thassos
Near the shores of Greece’s Eastern Macedonia region sits Thassos, a verdant, mountainous island known as the “Emerald Island” for its lush landscape. Dubbed “the Athens of the north” by historians, the island has made its mark on Western civilization. Its important cultural past is still palpable today when visiting its classical Greek temples and standing in front of the famous 3.5-meter high statue of Kouros dating back to the 5th century BC.
Summing Up
If you are looking to discover the wonders of Greece, the above 15 places should serve as a good starting point. However, Greece has an incredibly rich cultural heritage and you can rest assured that fascinating surprises will await you around its every corner… as long as you are willing to look beyond the mainstream!
