It’s the northernmost Greek island, positioned within the northern Aegean Sea close to mainland Greece, masking an space of 380 sq. kilometers and accessible by ferry from Kavala or Keramoti. I found wealthy marble quarries, conventional honey manufacturing, charming low-rise lodges with an intimate vibe, and an enchanting historical historical past as a hub for gold mining.
I relaxed on the beautiful seashores (my favourites had been the serene Paradise, the white-sand Chrissi Ammoudia seashore and the pristine Marble Seashore), explored the traditional ruins of the Agora in Limenas, hiked the luxurious trails of Ipsarion Mountain, visited the standard village of Panagia, loved conventional delicacies on the picturesque harbour of Limenaria and found the fifth century BC Acropolis within the capital, Limenas.
- Location: northern Aegean Sea, 6 miles off the northeastern coast of mainland.
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: late spring or early fall (nice climate and fewer crowds)
My private highlights…
- Occurring a sea-kayaking tour with Insula TASOS and exploring hidden sea caves.
- Discovering Maries Waterfall which was positioned within the western a part of the island – I reached it by way of a brief hike from Maries village!
12. Lefkada – Boho Seashores and Ionian Hues
That is much less well-known however nonetheless very enchanting island! It’s additionally severely jaw-dropping and I discovered vibrant Ionian structure, vividly painted buildings, charming slender alleys, excellent white pebble and sandy seashores and putting turquoise waters with a laid-back, bohemian vibe and a contact of sophistication thrown in!
It’s the fourth largest Ionian Island, masking an space of 302.5 sq. kilometres, located within the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of mainland Greece. I drove throughout a floating bridge and a causeway to achieve it from the mainland.
I personally cherished enjoyable on the breathtaking seashores (my favourites had been the secluded Porto Katsiki and the tranquil Egremni) visiting the Citadel of Agia Mavra, having fun with water sports activities in Vassiliki, mountaineering the luxurious path to the Nydri waterfalls, exploring the peaceable Panagia Faneromeni Monastery and strolling the cobbled streets of the gorgeous village Agios Nikitas.
- Location: the Ionian Sea, 0.6 miles west of the mainland
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: late spring or early fall (nice climate and fewer crowds)
My private highlights…
- Visiting the Lefkas Earth Vineyard – I used to be actually charmed by the beautiful environment and their particular crimson wine!
- Visiting the quirky Folklore Museum – it was nice to admire the historic fairly embroidery work they’d on show!
13. Meteora, Kalabaka – Monasteries on Sky‑Excessive Pinnacles
That is such a novel place! I discovered it to be a spot of really breathtaking magnificence, with historical monasteries perched atop large rocky pinnacles, making a putting distinction in opposition to the luxurious valleys and the standard stone structure of the close by city of Kalabaka. I completely cherished the way it exuded such a tranquil and religious vibe!
Nestled within the Pindus Mountains and overlooking the Plain of Thessaly in central Greece, close to the city of Kalabaka within the Thessaly area, this UNESCO World Heritage web site dates again to the 14th century. It consists of six Japanese Orthodox monasteries constructed precariously atop 1,300-foot-high sandstone pinnacles.
I stayed right here for 2 days and climbed the steep stairs carved into the rock formations (which had been fairly difficult, to be trustworthy!). I explored the beautiful monasteries—my favorites had been the Nice Meteoron and Varlaam—wandered by means of the distinctive rock formations and caves, hiked scenic trails, and found the wealthy historical past and exquisite Byzantine frescoes displayed inside the monasteries.
- Handle: Meteora Monasteries Meteora, Kalabaka 422 00 Thessaly
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: late spring or early fall (nice climate and fewer crowds)
My highlights…
- Staying on the close by Alsos Visitor Home, I cherished the cosy vibe and the terrace the place we ate breakfast with the unbelievable views of the towering Meteora rock formations!
14. Nafplio – Vibrant Streets and a Citadel on the Gulf
This picturesque seaside city completely charmed me! I discovered a beautiful mix of Venetian and neoclassical structure with vibrant facades lining cobblestone streets, hilltop castles and a mixture of seashores, from sandy stretches to pebble coves with crystal-clear waters.
Situated on the japanese a part of the Peloponnese peninsula, within the southern a part of the mainland, it sits on the Argolic Gulf, about 86 miles southwest of Athens, making it very accessible for each day journeys and longer stays from the capital. It was truly the primary capital of contemporary Greece from 1823 to 1834 and I used to be awestruck by the medieval castles, slender cobblestone streets, Ottoman fountains, and the traditional partitions, church buildings, statues, and monuments.
I spent a few days exploring the majestic Palamidi Citadel, perched excessive above the city, strolling alongside the romantic promenade to the Bourtzi fortress on a tiny islet, admiring the distinctive structure, and unwinding at cute cafes within the historic Syntagma Sq..
- Location: northeastern a part of the Peloponnese peninsula 85 miles southwest of Athens.
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: late spring or early fall (nice climate and fewer crowds)
My favorite highlights…
- Climbing the entire 999 steps up the hillside to Palamidi Citadel and – it was wonderful to see outdated city’s vibrant buildings, the Argolic Gulf and the Bourtzi fortress on its islet as soon as I used to be lastly up there!
- Folks watching with an expresso and a Bougatsa (a creamy custard pie) within the charming cafe Koustenis in Syntagma Sq..
15. Mystras, Peloponnese – Byzantine Ruins on a Mountain Slope
It is a jaw-dropping fortified city! It has a dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Taygetos and is adorned with well-preserved medieval ruins that embody palatial complexes, Byzantine church buildings stuffed with ornate frescoes, and monastic buildings. I believed it exuded a mysterious and tranquil vibe!
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Taygetos, overlooking the Eurotas Valley within the southeastern a part of the Peloponnese peninsula, close to the trendy metropolis of Sparta and about 215 kilometers southwest of Athens, it was based by the Franks within the thirteenth century and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage web site.
I took a 3.5-hour bus trip from Kifissos Bus Station to Sparta, paid the 12-euro entrance payment, and spent half-hour climbing the pretty difficult paths to the fortress. As soon as there, I explored the realm whereas having fun with the unbelievable panoramic views!
- Location: Peloponnese area, 136 miles southwest of Athens.
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favorite highlights…
- Eating on the stylish Chromata Restaurant which was positioned on the Mystras entrance – I used to be completely received over by the spectacular views of the Mystras ruins and the smoky eggplant dip and Gigantes Plaki (baked large beans in a wealthy tomato sauce with herbs).
16. Delphi Theatre, Phocis – Historical Oracle with Valley Views
This is without doubt one of the most essential archaeological websites within the nation! It’s an historical Greek theatre, and I discovered it to be a wide ranging spot, with spectacular historical structure completely built-in into the mountainous panorama, and unbelievable, peaceable views of the valley.
Situated inside the archaeological web site of Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, about 180 kilometers northwest of Athens, this 4th-century BC theatre is now a UNESCO World Heritage web site.
Constructed as Apollo’s sanctuary and oracle, its 35 rows might maintain as much as 5,000 friends at a time, who in historical instances loved performs, poetry readings, and musical occasions.
I drove 2.5 hours from Athens, paid the 12 euros entrance payment and climbed the reasonably difficult stone steps for quarter-hour then explored whereas gazing on the panoramic views on the similar time!
- Location: Delphi 330 54
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
17. Mount Olympus Nationwide Park – Mountaineering to the Residence of the Gods
This was established in 1938 as Greece’s first nationwide park! I believed this protected pure space was lovely with dramatic landscapes of rugged peaks, thick historical forests, alpine fields, deep gorges, uncommon plant species and cascading waterfalls. I like that it’s additionally near golden sandy seashores and conventional stone-built mountain villages.
Situated within the northern a part of the mainland, straddling the border between the areas of Macedonia and Thessaly, close to the city of Litochoro, it’s not overrun by vacationers, which is why I cherished it a lot! Although some curious guests do come, the realm nonetheless retains a peaceable attraction, with a handful of campsites and budget-friendly lodges obtainable.
I took the 4 hour prepare journey from Athens and spent a few days right here, mountaineering the Enipeas Gorge, ascending Mytikas (which is the best peak in Greece!), visiting the paranormal waterfalls of Orlia, and discovering the gorgeous conventional mountain villages of Litochoro and Paleos Panteleimonas.
- Location: Mount Olympus Nationwide Park Litochoro 602 00 Pieria
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Occurring a four-hour guided mountaineering tour to see the putting Enipeas Canyon – it was additionally superior to see the picturesque Enipeas Waterfall and its emerald inexperienced pool.
- Attempting among the native delicacies – my favorite was the Fasolada (a conventional Greek white bean soup) and Loukoumades (scrumptious deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey).
18. Lake Kerkini – Flamingos, Buffalo and Tranquil Shores
That is distinctive and unspoilt magnificence spot! It’s synthetic reservoir house to serene waters lined with sandy lakeshores and stuffed with various chook species and surrounded by towering mountains. Conventional villages with charming stone-built homes reside close by.
It’s positioned within the northern a part of the nation, within the area of Central Macedonia round 100 kilometres northwest of Thessaloniki. It was created in 1932 and spans about 110 sq. kilometres and in addition to being in coronary heart of the chook migration route it’s house to buffalo herds, various fish varieties, over ten species of amphibians and nineteen species of reptiles.
I drove 1.5 hours from Thessaloniki and noticed pelicans and flamingos on a ship tour and explored the scenic lakeside mountaineering trails.
- Location: northern Greece, 62 miles northwest of Thessaloniki.
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: April to Might and September to October (when the pelicans cease right here)
My highlights…
- Occurring a enjoyable 4 hour 4×4 off-roading tour – we went trails alongside the foothills of the Krousia and Belasica mountains, the beautiful wetlands, and even the buffalo grazing areas.
19. Monemvasia Fortress – A Medieval Stronghold by the Sea
It is a medieval fortress city positioned on a small island! I discovered it to be a novel and fascinating spot, with a timeless vibe, that includes enchanting medieval stone buildings and Byzantine church buildings nestled inside historical fortress partitions, all perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Situated on a small island off the southeastern Peloponnese coast, it was based within the sixth century and served as a key Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman stronghold, that includes well-preserved medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views.
I drove for 4 hours from Athens, paid the 8-euro entrance payment, and climbed the steep steps for half-hour to achieve the highest. I then spent just a few hours exploring the medieval buildings, strolling by means of the cobblestone streets, visiting the church buildings, and soaking within the views from the fort.
- Handle: Monemvasia Fortress Monemvasia 230 70 Laconia, Peloponnese
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Stopping on the rustic-chic Emvasis Cafe and cocktail bar afterwards – I cherished the nice and cozy welcome, the very good views of the ocean and the fortress and the divine Loukoumades (fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon).
