Greece is also known as the country of ancient ruins and vibrant islands, however, away from the tourist-packed places, there are quiet villages that appear to have been left in the past. These picturesque beauties are distributed between mountains, coasts and valleys each having its own unique charm, tradition, and legend. When you envisage a real Greek getaway, do not forget to research on the visa process for Greece before you set out to have your adventure.
Wherever they are, stone-paved alleys, whitewashed houses, and the warm local hospitality, the villages of Greece are not places of the regular kind. They provide you with the actual flavor of the culture, food and natural beauty of the country. Are you willing to walk along beautiful alleys and quiet places? These are 10 of the most picturesque Greek villages that you should visit.
Here are the 10 Scenic Villages in Greece
1. Oia – Santorini
Oia is Santorini's crown jewel and one of Greece's most well-known destinations, with its classic white buildings, blue-domed churches, and enchanting sunsets over the Aegean Sea. This settlement, nestled on the rim of a caldera, provides visitors with breathtaking vistas as well as a romantic atmosphere. It is the perfect blend of beauty and heritage, as well as photographic elegance, particularly at golden hour, when the buildings are illuminated in pink and gold.
2. Metsovo – Epirus
Metsovo is a gorgeous alpine town in the Pindus Mountain. During winter, it is adorned with stone cottages, wooden balconies and snow-covered mountains which makes it a beautiful alpine view. Another thing Metsovo is famous about is its local cheese, wines, and traditional work. It is an excellent place to visit when someone wants to avoid the masses and see some fresh air, nice paths, and delicious Greek food.
3. Nafplio – Peloponnese
Nafplio, which is commonly referred to as the most romantic town in Greece, is gracefully situated along the sea and it is backdropped by the Venetian fortresses and neoclassical mansions. It is a perfect place to walk as it has narrow streets, palm-lined promenades and lively cafes. Visit Palamidi Fortress to get a breathtaking view or walk along the harbor to have a quiet evening with a lot of charm.
4. Arachova – Mount Parnassus
Arachova is a winter resort, particularly of skiers bound to Mount Parnassus. This small village is known by its traditional stone houses, small taverns and active nightlife in the cold months. Arachova is situated close to the ancient site of Delphi, an area that offers outdoor adventure and historical value, a feature that makes it a year round destination to the lovers of culture and nature.
5. Pyrgi – Chios
The village of Pyrgi is not like any other village in Greece due to the beautiful geometric patterns that are painted in all buildings. It is located on the island of Chios and is famed for its xysta designs and medieval layout. The village has also a fame of mastic trees and old churches. A stroll in Pyrgi is a tour in a kind of open-air art museum, with surprises everywhere.
6. Monemvasia – Peloponnese
The town of Monemvasia is a castle town hewn into a gigantic rock on the south east coast of the Peloponnese. It is also known as the Gibraltar of the East, with a cobblestone walk of stone mansions and Byzantine churches hidden behind centuries-old fortress walls. There are no cars in the old town so it is silent and magical like something out of a medieval fairytale.
7. Lindos – Rhodes
Lindos is a picturesque white-washed hamlet on the Greek island of Rhodes, crowned by an ancient acropolis that overlooks the sea. It has maze-like alleys with modest roof-top boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It comes along with donkey rides, ancient homes and beautiful beaches. The culture, the relaxation and the beauty of the island meet in Lindos.
8. Papingo – Zagori
Papingo are two villages in the northwest of Greece in the region of Zagori. It is located in the dramatic setting of the Vikos Gorge and the Tymfi Mountains, which is a hiker and nature lover’s paradise. The stone houses, the arched bridges and the natural pools nearby make it a pure, peaceful place that is difficult to resist.
9. Fira – Santorini
The capital of Santorini, Fira has beautiful panoramas of the caldera, which is built on the cliffs, and has a vibrant atmosphere. Although busier than Oia, Fira has a charm of its own with the cafes buzzing, art galleries and museums. Rides on the cable cars and donkey tracks go to the old harbor, and the sunset over Fira is similarly stunning.
10. Kastro – Sifnos
Kastro is a living museum in Sifnos island. It is centuries of history that have narrow streets, white houses with blue doors and ruins of ancient times. Kastro is built on a rock overlooking the sea and offers breathtaking sea views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Conclusion
The villages of Greece are the heart of the nation - a different piece of life, culture and beauty in each of them. No matter where you are drinking coffee in a mountain square or observing the sunset melting in the Aegean, these are places you will remember. They are quiet, scenic, and ideal destinations to tourists who need to feel the true spirit of Greece.
It is always good to know about the visa process in Greece so that you can make your dream trip a reality. Now, having your travel plans and itinerary ready, you will be ready to visit these picturesque villages and feel the real magic of Greece.
