Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But while many are eager to hop on a cruise and explore this European delight, they’ll only get to explore popular tourist destinations that are heavily ridden with tourist scams and footfall. While definitely a delight to explore, popular destinations leave you feeling like something is missing. Greece has countless beautiful and serene destinations with a lack of tourist footfall. Here are some of the most beautiful hidden gems in Greece:
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1. Kastellorizo
While many tourists head to one of several Greek islands, they usually skip Kastellorizo or Megisti, a municipality of Dodecanese in the Eastern Mediterranean. Kastellorizo is also where Europe meets Asia; it’s the easternmost island. Boasting bright blue waves and a coastline that stuns every visitor, Kastellorizo is perfect for beach lovers. While there are plentiful hidden gems in Greece, what makes Kastellorizo a heaven-sent is its isolation; it’s one of the few Greek islands that isn’t bustling with people, so you’ll be free to explore without any tourist footfall. Don’t even get us started on the seafood; Kastellorizo is known for its fresh sea delights, brought to you right from the shore.
2. Folegandros
Only a few tourist itineraries put Folegandros on the list despite it being one of the most beautiful and surreal Greek islands. Folegandros lies between Paros and Santorini, which takes away most of the attention, so Folegandros remains primarily untouched, save for the few tourists who wander into its terrain. However, the island is gradually rising to the top, with many realizing its stunning landscapes and unspoiled beaches are worth the trip. Folegandros isn’t your ordinary Greek island; it has stunning churches, numerous cafes, and beautiful pathways, making it the perfect spot for every type of traveler. One trip there, and you’ll realize why this is one of the best-hidden gems in Greece.
3. Ikaria
A few miles from Samos, Ikaria brings you a sparkling shoreline along the Aegean Sea and cliffs spotted with green shrubs. While Ikaria isn’t the only one to share the Aegean coastline, it exudes a coastal charm that makes every traveler want to extend their stay. Ikaria is rich in culture; the locals here welcome you with open arms and a love for tradition you might not find elsewhere. What sets it apart is how long the people of Ikaria live; most touch their 90s, a secret in the island’s rich diet and great environment. While most surrounding Greek islands are known for their bustling nightlife, Ikaria’s nights are pleasantly calm, bringing you an unmissable soothing ambiance.
4. Monemvasia
Head to Laconia, and you’ll find Monemvasia, one of Greece’s most underrated hidden gems. This small town usually escapes tourists’ eyes, adding to its serene charm and making it even more enjoyable. Monemvasia is practically a magnet for lovebirds; it is home to countless destinations with a natural romantic ambiance, so honeymooners looking to rekindle their love away from tourist footfall will take great delight in Monemvasia’s hospitality. While a simple stroll around its street is enough to make your day, Monemvasia is also a cultural and historical delight; it is home to the Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia, which itself lies in an ancient Muslim mosque.
5. Methoni
Extreme ruggedness meets a dramatic coastline at Methoni, a small fortified village in Messenia, Peloponnese, Greece. While this hidden gem in Greece isn’t the picture you imagine when it comes to picturesque islands, its rugged charm, coupled with an insane history, makes you fall in love. Methoni’s most popular destination is its namesake castle; Methoni Castle is a medieval fort, most of which has been taken by the sea but remains standing ever so tall to remind tourists of its victorious history. You’ll also be able to visit the local beaches, which bring a secluded appeal and offer many activities ranging from swimming to boating.
6. Nafplio
A glance at Nafplio and you’ll be surprised at its exclusion from most Greek itineraries; Nafplio is a coastal city in the Peloponnese and, despite its eye-catching allure, remains majorly unexplored because its more famous neighbor, Mycenae, overshadows it. Nafplio is home to countless tourist attractions, including the Fortress of Palamidi, which lies high on a 216-meter high hill and was built by the Venetians centuries ago. Nafplio’s historical significance makes it an excellent spot for history buffs, but you’ll also delight in its piers and boardwalks, which offer dramatic views. Nafplio’s promenade is worth countless visits; it is lined with multiple seafront eateries and boasts gorgeous vistas.
7. Megalo Chorio, Evrtyania
Evrytania lies in central Greece and is one of its most underrated regions. Unlike other destinations, what sets Evrytania apart is its highly diverse natural landscapes; it possesses much more than islands with just a simple coastline. Megalo Chorio is a village in Evrytania, so it’s home to the region’s finest attractions. It’s best to visit Megalo Chorio during winters when snowfall makes its gorgeous streets ten times more attractive, and the surrounding cliffs become a scene out of a Christmas storybook. Megalo Chorio’s cobblestone streets and buildings made out of stone add a unique touch to its appearance, while the forested mountains make you feel like you’ve stepped into a wonderland.
8. Mantineia
If you’re a sucker for expansive mountains and cliffs and a city that’s not shy to brag about its history, you’ll love Mantineia, one of the more underrated destinations in Greece. Mantineia might not bring you the coastal delights that every other Greek island possesses, but that’s part of its appeal. While most hidden gems in Greece offer you a vibrant place to live, Mantineia is delightfully calm; you can stroll along its courtyards and sip on the finest organic wine. Mantineia is also home to the Kapsia Cave, one of Greece’s most extensive and superb natural formations, allowing nature lovers to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
9. Arachova
Cobblestone streets, panoramic views, dramatic skylines, and buildings with intricate architecture make Arachova one of the most gorgeous hidden gems in Greece. Arachova lies in Boeotia, surrounded by a vast mountain range that adds to its allure. Arachova’s mountainous landscape naturally makes it an excellent spot for naturalists, who can take on its countless slopes or explore its winding trails. But that’s not all there is to Arachova; the town has an active nightlife, making it an ideal destination spot for anyone looking to interact with Mother Nature and party all night. It’s also quite close to Athens, so you’ll be able to enjoy popular tourist destinations too.
10. Vogatsiko
Vogatsiko is a village in Greece’s western Macedonia, and it goes so unnoticed that you won’t find it on most tourist itineraries. But don’t let its lack of popularity drive you away; Vogatsiko lets you explore Greece’s natural bounties and landscapes at your own pace. Vogatsiko is a historical landmine home to attractions like religious sites, cathedrals, and prehistoric settlements. It’s also close to Thessaloniki, which takes influences from Turkey. Vogatsiko’s eateries are worth the visit; you’ll end up overstaying and eating your weight’s worth in fresh seafood and delicacies.
Video Guide: 10 Hidden Gems in Greece
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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to the Hidden Gems in Greece
To make planning a trip to these hidden gems in Greece easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do at each destination during your trip to Greece.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportation and transfer options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to the hidden gems in Greece?
Want to plan a trip to the hidden gems in Greece but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to these hidden gems in Greece are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city vacations at the best price.
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