Hidden Treasures
Ah, Greece—home to azure waters, savory moussaka, archaic buildings, and mythological tales. Where do you even begin? While Santorini and Mykonos almost always take the spotlight, we’ve got 25 more hidden gems just for you. No queues, just vibes.
Damouchari
With a population lower than 50, this Pelion paradise is a delightfully authentic Greek spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its natural harbor split into two bays and creates the only safe anchorage along the eastern Pelion coast. The village’s most striking features are the white stone buildings and crystal waters.
Neoklis Fil., CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kythira
Time moves slower on this Ionian treasure, where Aphrodite supposedly emerged from the sea. The island’s 30 beaches remain pristine, while its medieval castle watches over villages where local women still make traditional sweets called “rozedes”. When you get here, make sure to try the unique Greek honey thyme.
Comzeradd, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Naxos Town
Remember we highlighted tales of Greek mythology? Well, Naxos Town is purported to house the cave where Rhea hid Zeus in a cave. Walking through Naxos Town feels like stepping into a living museum with the marble Portara gateway standing sentinel since 530 BCE.
Zde, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Serifos
Mining history meets minimalist beauty in Serifos, which is rich in hiking trails, lovely beaches, and medieval architecture. The dramatic Chora sits 200 meters above sea level, where 1,000-1,500 locals preserve their mining heritage. This spot also has a few churches, including St Athanasius, Piatsa, and Agios Konstantinos church.
Antonio D Amico, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Agistri
Getting here will take you at least an hour if you are driving or coming by road from Athens. Its proximity makes it the perfect getaway location. Three main villages—Milos (Megalochori), Limenaria, and Skala—have about 1,200 residents, with a plethora of beaches and resorts chiming over clear waters.
Folegandros
This locale also has three villages: Chora, Ano Meria, and Karavostasis. Luckily, these villages are connected by paved roads. You can get to this paradise by ferry from multiple spots, including Santorini. Fun fact: Its name is purported to be derived from Minos, Zeus’ son. The best parts are its tall cliffs and a large cave.
Etienne O. Dallaire, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kythnos
Kythnos, also called Thermia, is home to a thermal spring that once attracted Roman emperors. This spring is still bubbling in Loutra Bay, welcoming you for a peaceful bath. The island has over 90 beaches, some of which you’ll have to hike to get to. If you’re an adventure buff, Kythnos calls.
Roman Klementschitz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kavala
Tobacco warehouses were transformed into art spaces to line this amphitheater-shaped (arena) city. For festival junkies, this is it! Kavala hosts a couple of cultural events during summer—June to August. Some notable ones are the music and performance festivals called Philippi, the Kavala AirSea Show, Cosmopolis, and Yiannis Papaioannou, among others.
Ververidis Vasilis, Shutterstock
Samos
Archaeologists, mathematicians, and anyone into such will love Samos, which is Pythagoras’ birthplace. Besides scholars, wine connoisseurs will also love it here because local vineyards produce sweet Muscat wine. Foodies, don’t worry; Somos is also abundant in grapes, citrus fruit, olives, honey, olive oil, dried figs, and almonds.
Volos
Modern Greece’s Argonaut legacy lives on in this port city, where about 90k residents thrive on steel and manufacturing industrialization. It’s also home to a few research facilities like the Institute of Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (iBO). Scientists will love it here.
Khane Rokhl Barazani, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Karpenisi
Winter lovers, you’ll adore Karpenisi snow blankets with a ski resort—the Velouchi Ski Centre. Dubbed the “Switzerland of Greece,” this place also rains all year round, so when going there, keep this in mind. Do check out the From Mountain Heights to Coastal Bliss Private Cretan Tour, starting at $319 per adult.
Unknown, Author, Wikimedia Commons
Astypalea
This butterfly-shaped island’s medieval castle crowns a town of 1,000+ residents. Eight windmills guard the harbor, while the beaches here have small pebbles in place of sand. This is an adventurer’s utopia with plenty of sites—Querini Castle, Church of our Lady Portaitissa, Baths of Talara, and Negrou Cave.
Zde, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ioannina
Mist often shrouds Lake Pamvotida’s island monastery, where monks once lived. Today, 71,082 inhabitants share their city with Europe’s oldest Jewish synagogue, which is still in use. Here, gastronomy leads the foodie’s guide with treats like sker bourek. Nature lovers, ensure you pass by the Kalama Narrows Gorge and Lake Pamvotida.
Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Skyros
Wild Skyrian ponies roam this diverse island. The north is a forest zone calling for nature lovers; the south is mountainous calling for hikers; the east is where many believe Achilles left with the Greeks, and the west houses the main port—the Port of Linaria. The most fascinating activity has to be bird-watching.
Lefkada
Lefkada links to the mainland by a floating bridge, and the island’s Porto Katsiki west coast beach ranks 45th in Europe. Lefkada is also an extreme sports junkie, people into windsurfing, paragliding, and 4x4 off-road excursions. If you want to relax, a walk to Lefkada’s beaches will suffice.
Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Preveza
Preveza is a beautiful hub, and there is so much to do. You can go swimming with the dolphins, enjoy the local cuisine, stroll around town, or shop for lovely relics in the local shops. For those who love some historical richness, this is the spot where Cleopatra and Antony prepared for battle.
Nikos D. Karabelas, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Pylos
When you book your stay at any of Pylo’s hotels—Karalis Beach Hotel or W Costa Navarino—be sure for mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets. This natural harbor has sheltered ships since Mycenaean times. The 1827 Battle of Navarino changed modern Greek history here.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pylos-sfaktiria.JPG
Aegina Town
If you love pistachios, Aegina town has plenty. Just 40 minutes from Piraeus, this former capital preserves neoclassical splendor and amazing landmarks like the Temple of Aphaea, The Tower of Markellos, and the Temple of Zeus Hellanios. Food? Try katsoula (fish dish), grilled octopus, and desserts like kourabiedes.
Jorge Láscar, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Methoni
In the south of Pylos, you find Methoni. Visits to the Methoni castle and the Sapientza Isle are a must. There is also a plethora of restaurants to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This town is also home to so many festivals, including The Marriage of Koutroulis.
Marios Ioannides, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Limni
Limni is a northern Euboea gem where all its establishments are reflected in the waters. When you get into the town, you are welcomed by The church of Genesis tis Theotokou. For some history lessons, pass by The Museum of Hydrobiology. And, if you are around Limni in early September, attend the Fair of Panaghia Limnia.
Agnee, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Edessa
Water powers this city’s history, with 12 waterfalls running through its heart along River Edesseos and hikers will have the time of their lives chasing any of the 12. Besides nature, there are two sport clubs to enjoy some Greek football and handball.
Florian Augustin, Shutterstock
Kastoria
Kastoria is a Greek hidden gem with everything for everyone—solo, duo, or family trips. Byzantine churches intrigue religious visitors, photographers have plenty of canvases to capture, especially on the Ntoltso, the stairs off Patr, and Doltso spot. The Ottoman homes will also make the best family portrait background.
Konstantin737, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kalamata
Have you ever heard about black Kalamata olives? This is their source. Besides enjoying some olives, you can enjoy Kalamata’s delicacies from the best eateries, like Notias for seafood, Ta Rolla for some Mediterranean treats, and Tavern Argo for authentic Greek cuisine.
G Da, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Thassos
Thassos rhymes with Thanos; hmm…are they related? We aren’t sure, but what we know is that Thassos is absolutely stunning. Start with the Archaeological Museum of Thasos. More things to do are swimming in the turquoise waters, engaging in adventurous watersports, riding a romantic sunset horse, and hiking.
An. Antoniou, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lamia
Lastly, welcome to Lamia, named after Poseidon’s daughter. This hidden gem deserves so much love due to its sites like the Archaeological Museum of Lamia and happy eateries like the Veránta, where a past client only remarked, “Great food, service was great. Very nice atmosphere, friendly environment. Of course, we’ll come back!!”
.jpeg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
