Atmospheric castle towns, labyrinths of cobbled alleys, imposing fortresses and palaces. From Thrace to Crete, the old towns of Greece have a unique way of transporting you back in time.
Traveling through the old towns of Greece is a unique experience in every season. Walking their streets, you feel as if you are in an endless open-air museum. It is like stepping into a time machine and losing yourself in the history of the place. Castles and walls, labyrinths of cobbled lanes, buildings of rare beauty and architectural value, imposing fortresses and palaces, distinctive corners brimming with life, colors and aromas, sweep you away on a different journey. From Thrace to Crete, follow us on a stroll through the most beautiful old towns of Greece.
Monemvasia Castle:The «Gibraltar of the East»
A monument of global significance and one of Greeces top destinations, Monemvasia, at the southeastern tip of Laconia, seems plucked from the imagination. The living fortified town with its 40 Byzantine churches and labyrinthine cobbled alleys stretches languidly toward the Myrtoan Sea. Here you feel that time is stopped in other eras. The atmosphere is magical, full of romance and History. You reach the rock of Monemvasia by crossing a bridge. Leave your car in front of the main gate and begin your stroll through the impeccably preserved medieval settlement. Cobbled lanes, old mansions and Byzantine churches coexist harmoniously with traditional guesthouses, dozens of shops, restaurants and cafés. In the central square, with the famous cannon pointing toward the sea, is the Archaeological Museum, and you will also see the renowned Church of Christ Elkomenos, with rare icons, among which the one of the Crucifixion stands out. In the Upper Town, the silence of the ruined city blends with the scents of wild herbs. On the edge of a cliff, 300 meters above the Myrtoan Sea, towers the Church of Agia Sophia, built in the 12th century. From here, the view of Monemvasia and the sea that spreads at its «feet» is spellbinding.
Nafplio Old Town: Rendezvous with History
The Venetians «Naples of the East», Greeces first official capital, remains stately. Venetian fortresses, beautiful neoclassical buildings, Venetian architecture, paved narrow lanes and flower-draped balconies create a romantic setting in the Old Town ofNafplio- one of the loveliest in Greece. The cobbled Syntagma Square is encircled by historic buildings, such as the Venetian Fleet Warehouse, which today houses the Archaeological Museum, the Vouleftiko, formerly the mosque of Aga Pasha, and the former mutual-teaching school, known in recent years as Trianon. Other important sights include the Church of St. Spyridon (where Ioannis Kapodistrias was assassinated), the Church of St. George (with important icons and frescoes, such as the copy of Da Vincis Last Supper), Three Admirals Square with the Town Hall, the Governors House or Palataki, as well as Philhellenes Square. To admire the city from above, climb the steps up to Palamidi, which rises atop a huge grey rock. From the Old Town you can cross over to Bourtzi, while the more romantic will be thrilled with the walk along the Acronafplia path.
Corfu Old Town:Venetian aura and alleyways
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the atmospheric Old Town ofCorfuis where nostalgic ambience meets the islands energy. A stroll reveals buildings of rare beauty and architectural value, with Venetian, British and French influences, picturesque squares, churches with elaborate bell towers and several interesting museums. Wander through the Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, sip coffee beneath the stone arches (the «volta», as the locals call them) at the Liston, visit the - the only one of its kind in Greece - Museum of Asian Art and make a stop at the Church of St. Spyridon with its soaring bell tower. In Campiello, the oldest and most charming quarter of the Old Town, you will lose yourself in the narrow alleyways with tall buildings and laundry hanging from the windows. Do not miss a walk through the two well-preserved fortresses, the Old and the New, to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Medieval City of Rhodes: In the footsteps of the knights
The beautiful Old Town of Rhodes is the islands main attraction. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. A stroll here is enough to see the colorful mosaic of traces left behind by the islands successive conquerors. From the moment you pass through one of its gates, you will feel as if you are walking onto a film set that fires the imagination. The most imposing building of the castle is the Palace of the Grand Master - the most important monument from the era of the rule of the Order of the Knights of St John on the island. Walk along the Street of the Knights, which is built over a road of the ancient city, along Socratos Street with its shops, and through all the alleyways of the old town that lead to some landmark. It is a vibrant city, full of atmospheric restaurants, cafés, bars and shops, uniquely blending yesterday with today.
Chania Old Town: A melting pot of cultures
The Old Town of Chania is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Greece. From the Venetian harbor with the Egyptian Lighthouse- the jewel and emblem of the city- the journey back in time and History begins. Arabs, Venetians, Turks and Egyptians left their mark on this place. Venetian mansions, churches that have a bell tower but also a minaret, Orthodox churches beside Oriental hammams, traditional trading quarters and museums with rich collections will catch your eye. Feel the citys unique atmosphere by ambling through the picturesque lanes and pausing at Syntrivani Square, in Splantzia (old Turkish neighborhood), in the Jewish Quarter and in the Christian quarter of Topana.
Rethymno Old Town: Charm of another era
The Old Town of Rethymno is a labyrinth full of surprises. It is a joy to walk and drink in every breath of this town. Walks begin from the picture-perfect Venetian harbor with its famous lighthouse and continue into the alleys with the magnificent mansions of another era, hidden blossoming courtyards and the many Venetian and Turkish monuments. On your stroll you will see the Venetian Loggia, the Rimondi Fountain (with the coat of arms of the Venetian governor Rimondi), the grand Church of St. Francis, which houses the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, the Neratze Mosque, which hosts the citys Conservatory, the impressive Our Lady of the Angels, the Great Gate of Rethymno (Porta Guora), the Historical and Folklore Museum in a 17th-century Venetian mansion and other important sights.
Ano Poli, Thessaloniki: Stroll around the Castles
You cannot visit Thessaloniki and not take a stroll in the Ano Poli, the most fairy-tale neighborhood of its center. This special part of Thessaloniki begins from the north side of Agiou Dimitriou Street, reaching north to the walls of the Acropolis, west and east to the corresponding Byzantine Walls, which survive almost entirely in the area. Here you will discover another Thessaloniki, drawn from the past, with narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses of Macedonian architecture, but also with elements that attest to Ottoman influences, picturesque squares, little tavernas and significant monuments. Make a stopat the impressive Yedi Kule or otherwise Eptapyrgio and at the Trigonion Tower from where theview over the whole city and the Thermaikos Gulf will remain unforgettable. Every stroll here ends with tsipouro and meze at oneof the meze tavernas that preserve the ambience of another era.
Doltso, Kastoria: Like a movie set
A stroll throughDoltso, the old town ofKastoriais one of the experiences you should not miss if you find yourself in the beautiful city ofWestern Macedonia. Starting from the central square, just a few meters from the lake, wandering through the neighborhoods atmospheric stone-paved lanes will transport you to another era. The imposing and stately mansions, the two- and three-storey buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries, stand as irrefutable witnesses to an economy that flourished thanks to the vigorous commercial and artisanal activity of Kastorias furriers. Some in ruins and others impressively restored, the mansions ofKastoriaare of great interest for their masonry, architecture and painting.
Kavala Old Town: In the Panagia quarter
A walk through theOld Town of Kavala and specifically in thePanagiaarea is like a stroll through Kavalas 2,500-year history.Quiet cobbled lanes and colorful mansions with wooden balconies and flower-filled courtyards transport you to another era. Starting from Karaoli Square, you can walk up Theodorou Poulidou Street and see theImaret– a splendid monument, a classic example of Islamic architecture. Built in the early 19th century by Mehmet Ali (founder of the last Egyptian Dynasty), it has been restored and operates as a hotel. As you head toward the tip of the Panagia Peninsula, you will find Mohammed Ali Square, where the «konak» of Mohammed Ali and his statue stand. At the tip of the peninsula of the Old Town, you can walk to theLighthousewith panoramic sea views. At the top of the Old Town stands the imposingKavala Fortress,one of the citys most important historic monuments, which has at times been ruled by Lombards, Franks, Byzantines and Ottomans. From there you will enjoy a unique view toward the North Aegean. Complete your stroll at the impressiveKamares, the old Aqueduct, the citys hallmark and a work of the early 16th century.
Xanthi Old Town: An open-air museum
The old town of Xanthi is an open-air museum, a true jewel for the entire region. It was designated a traditional settlement in 1976 and is one of the best-preserved architectural ensembles in all of Greece. Xanthis old town hides emotions and surprises in every corner. Brimming with labyrinthine cobbled lanes and well-preserved mansions, those once built by the areas wealthy tobacco producers, it gives you the feeling of a completely different era that enchants you. The Folklore Museum, the Xanthi Gallery and the Daniel Mansion, where Manos Hadjidakis was born, are some of the most important sights that will catch your eye. If you find yourself in the city on a Saturday morning, do not miss the famous bazaar that fills the street with colors and aromas from many different cultures.
