Unveiling Greece's Lesser-Known Wonders
Journey Through Zagori's Ancient Trails and Stone Villages
Venture into the heart of Zagori, a region in northwestern Greece that presents a side of the country often overlooked by mainstream tourism. This area, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2023, is characterized by its cluster of picturesque stone villages and dramatic pathways winding through the Pindus mountains. A highlight for adventurers is the Vikos Gorge, one of the world's deepest canyons, offering hikers a journey through serene hamlets and historic monasteries. For accommodation, charming mountain guesthouses, such as Avrogonio, which has transformed 18th-century stone houses into comfortable apartments, provide an authentic stay.
Ascending Folegandros' Rugged Hillsides
Folegandros, a rugged Cycladic island, offers a refreshing contrast to its more famous neighbors, Santorini and Mykonos, with its understated charm. The island's whitewashed village, perched atop dramatic cliffs, provides romantic vistas of the Aegean Sea. A winding, steep path leads up to the Church of Panagia, an essential visit for its stunning sunset views. Luxurious stays like Gundari, with its 27 suites and villas featuring infinity pools, are nestled within 80 acres of pristine natural landscape.
The Secluded Beaches of Koufonisi
Beyond the well-trodden paths of Santorini and Mykonos, the Cyclades hold a hidden gem: Koufonisi. This small island group, comprising Ano Koufonisi and the uninhabited Kato Koufonisi, is celebrated for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can leisurely alternate between sunbathing and refreshing swims, with secluded spots like Devil's Eye, a natural pool carved into the cliffs, offering an unparalleled private beach experience. A spacious villa rental on Airbnb, built on two levels with ample outdoor spaces and just a five-minute walk from Finikas beach, provides an ideal base.
Patmos: An Island of Spiritual Grandeur
Patmos, irrespective of one's religious convictions, emanates a profound sense of spirituality. Home to a monastery founded in 1088, believed to be where Saint John composed the Book of Revelation, the island is also visually stunning. Its unique blend of Byzantine architecture, volcanic terrain, and a thriving community of artists and intellectuals makes every visit feel like a rare discovery. Pagostas, a three-bedroom guesthouse with exquisite interiors and a sea-view rooftop terrace, offers a memorable stay.
Amorgos' "Blue Paths" and Coastal Beauty
Amorgos, the easternmost island in the Cycladic chain, lives up to its reputation as an 'unspoiled' destination. This ruggedly beautiful island boasts a dramatic shipwreck (featured in the film 'The Big Blue') and the whitewashed Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, clinging precariously to a cliff 300 meters above the sea. Exploring its 'blue paths'—a network of ancient donkey trails—connects hikers to traditional villages and monasteries. An Airbnb rental with a hot tub overlooking the sea provides the perfect vantage point for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Cycling the Scenic Coastal Route of Spetses
Spetses, the southernmost of the Saronic islands, is a short boat ride from Kosta on the Peloponnesian coast. Known for its rustic beauty and cultural richness, this island is blanketed with fragrant pine trees, earning it the ancient name 'Pityoussa' (pine-abundant). With cars largely restricted, motorbikes are the local transport. Visitors can enjoy a slower pace by cycling the 26-kilometer coastal road or embarking on an off-road trail to the island's highest point. The historic Poseidonion Grand Hotel, opened in 1914, offers a luxurious stay with its French Riviera-inspired architecture, grand marble staircase, and hand-painted tiles.
Hydra: A Glimpse into Timeless Island Life
A two-hour ferry ride from Athens transports visitors to Hydra, a charming port town cherished by luminaries such as The Rolling Stones and Leonard Cohen. With its abundance of donkeys and absence of cars, Hydra offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era of island life. Brianna Chrisopulos of Kensington Ultraluxe recommends observing the fishing boats arrive in port from a waterfront cafe, a simple yet authentic experience. The Thinking Traveller's 'Citrus' villa, located in a waterfront hamlet on Plakes beach, offers direct beach access and a perfect terrace for enjoying afternoon aperitifs.
Touring the Syros Countryside in a Vintage Car
Syros, the vibrant capital of the Cyclades, is notable for its harmonious blend of Orthodox and Catholic communities, a legacy of its Venetian and Ottoman past. Days can be spent relaxing on Delfini beach, exploring neoclassical architecture in Ermoupolis, visiting archaeological sites, and admiring local ceramics. A unique way to experience the island is to tour the countryside in a Citroën Pony, stopping at remote villages and concluding with a picnic. Hotel Aristide, a nine-room boutique hotel in the elegant Vaporia neighborhood, showcases a private art collection and a rooftop restaurant, with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Snorkeling in Kefalonia's Secret Swimming Holes
Kefalonia is an ideal destination for those seeking a holiday filled with forest hikes, refreshing dips in clear waters, and sunset views from relaxed tavernas. Home to the only national park in the Greek islands and renowned beaches like Myrtos, the island also offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Boat tours lead to prized spots where one can observe sea turtles and lionfish amidst underwater caves and reefs. Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa Kefalonia, a Relais & Chateaux property, provides 12 villas with sensory-rich experiences, including fragrant wildflowers and fresh local flavors.
Tinos: Immersed in Marble Heritage
Tinos presents a quieter, unspoiled side of the Cyclades, distinct for its abundant marble. Sourced from local quarries in villages like Panormos and Pyrgos, this material has been used in temples and monuments across Greece for centuries. Visitors can explore galleries and workshops, such as the Museum of Marble Crafts, and discover other artistic endeavors, like the earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain objects by French ceramicist Sabrina Binda. Odera Tinos, a 77-room property designed with local materials, offers rooms with private infinity pools overlooking the Aegean.
Wine Tasting on Windswept Santorini
Santorini, famous for its ancient caldera and stunning cliffside architecture, is an island of intense beauty. While popular, it's still possible to avoid crowds by visiting during shoulder seasons, exploring sites during off-peak hours, and engaging in more intimate activities like wine tasting. Estate Argyros and Santo Wines offer excellent tastings of Assyrtiko, with breathtaking views of the caldera. Santorini's unique volcanic soil and viticulture, where vines are trained into basket shapes to protect them from strong winds, produce distinctive wines. Katikies Kirini Santorini, with its cliffside setting and spa featuring a cave pool, offers a luxurious escape.
Driving the Rustic Mani Peninsula
The Mani Peninsula, the southernmost tip of mainland Greece, is best explored by car, with stops at charming stone villages and rugged beaches. Kardamyli, a fishing village mentioned in Homer's 'The Iliad', retains an untouched charm. Visitors can explore the house of writer Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor and his wife Joan in Kalamitsi, which operates as a museum and can be rented. Kyriamai Hotel, a restored 19th-century tower house in Gerolimenas, offers 23 stylish rooms, an impeccable restaurant, and a picturesque bay, making it an ideal place to disconnect.
Descending a Vertical Cave on Antiparos
Antiparos, a small, secluded, and serene island, is a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Activities include swimming in turquoise waters, strolling through the harborfront village, and visiting a goat-inhabited islet. For a truly unique experience, explore the Cave of Antiparos, descending 85 meters into the earth amidst dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, some estimated to be 45 million years old. The Rooster, a 17-key boutique hotel with private sundecks and close proximity to Livadia beach, offers an ideal blend of land and sea.
Savoring Athens' Archaeological Sites from a Rooftop
Athens offers much more than its legendary ruins, including a vibrant wine bar scene and world-class antique shops. However, no visit is complete without experiencing historical sites like the Temple of Hephaestus, Theatre of Dionysus, and the Parthenon. For a relaxed sightseeing experience, enjoy panoramic views of the Acropolis from a rooftop bar, such as the one at Apollo Palm, or pack a picnic to watch the sunset from Philopappos Hill. The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, located on the Athenian Riviera, offers luxurious accommodation with 300 suites and bungalows, a waterfront spa, and exquisite seaside dining options.
Strolling Through Traditional Naxos Villages
Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, offers a coveted Greek getaway with its nearly three dozen tranquil villages and miles of sandy beaches. The absence of cruise ships contributes to a relaxed atmosphere. While Chora, the main town, is worth exploring, a more traditional experience can be found by meandering through any of Naxos's 33 quaint villages. Laguna Coast Resort, set on 480 acres of wetlands and a lagoon, provides unique experiences such as outdoor cooking classes and horseback riding.
Savoring the Culinary Delights of Sifnos
Sifnos is the perfect island for those seeking a slow-paced holiday rich in rugged beauty and acclaimed cuisine. The legacy of chef Nicholas Tselementes, considered the founder of modern Greek cooking, is evident in the island's culinary scene. Visitors can savor local flavors like revithia (chickpea stew) and manoura (a local cheese). An evening at Loggia, a wine bar carved into the cliff with live DJ sets, is highly recommended. Verina Astra's independent villas, perched on a steep hill overlooking Poulati beach, offer panoramic Aegean views and authentic Sifnos cuisine.
Swimming and Sunbathing on Milos
Milos boasts over 70 beaches, providing sun-worshippers with countless options for spontaneous dips and relaxing on the sand. Renting a four-wheel drive allows exploration of the island's lesser-known swimming holes. Don't miss the lunar-like Sarakiniko Beach, with its bone-white volcanic rock contrasting beautifully with the clear turquoise waters. Skinopi Lodge, composed of seven stone villas nestled among olive trees, lavender, and thyme, offers an indoor-outdoor living experience with al fresco showers and breezy spaces for relaxation.
Hiking a World's Biosphere Reserve on Crete
Crete, Greece's largest and most populous island, offers a diverse range of activities, from white sand beaches to ancient ruins. For adventure, head to Samariá Gorge, a World's Biosphere Reserve and national park, created in part to protect the rare kri-kri Cretan goat. The 10-mile point-to-point hike begins at a high altitude and ends at the black-sand beach of Agia Roumeli. Metohi Kendelis, a quiet Chania hideaway within a 16th-century farmhouse, offers three restored guesthouses and organic produce from its farm.
Adopting a Slower Pace on Serifos
Serifos, an underrated Cycladic island, evokes a bygone era with its tranquil beaches, seaside tavernas serving fresh seafood, and hiking paths leading to ancient churches and monasteries. The island's distinctive windmills are a prominent feature at the entrance to the mountain village of Ano Chora. Nōstos, a boutique hotel with 17 rooms, some with private balconies and outdoor jacuzzis overlooking the water, embodies Cycladic charm with whitewashed walls, natural textures, and the soothing aromas of thyme and lavender.