From Epirus to the Peloponnese, weve gathered five wonderful destinations on the Greek mainland that will make you feel like youre on an island.
How about a seaside escape without setting foot on a boat for even a minute? Mainland Greece is full of picturesque coastal places and impressive beaches that can offer you dreamy summer holidays. From Epirus to the Peloponnese, we have gathered and present five destinations that will make you feel as if you are on an island.
Parga
At a distance of 60 km from Preveza, Parga is a beautiful colorful town that could rival any island. Built amphitheatrically at the back of a picturesque bay, where the lush little islet of Panagia nestles, sheltered under the shadow of its Venetian castle, the famed seafaring town will surely steal your heart. Stroll through the old town with its distinctive architecture and climb up to the Venetian castle to enjoy the wonderful view over the Ionian. A standout of Parga is its impressive beaches. Valtos, Lichnos and Sarakiniko await you for refreshing dips. It is worth adding to your itinerary a visit to antiquity’s most important necromanteion, the Acheron Necromanteion, located about 20 km from Parga.
Syvota
Emerald hills, turquoise waters and scattered islets in the gorgeous sea compose a landscape of exotic beauty in Syvota Thesprotia, one of the most popular seaside resorts in Epirus. In the mornings the village center buzzes with life, with people enjoying their coffee by the sea overlooking the yachts moored in the little harbor, while as evening falls, Syvota offers many more options so you do not miss a thing. The star beach of the area is the paradisiacal Bella Vraka, which connects Syvota with the islet of Mourtemeno. Visitors can reach the islet by walking through the sea, as the water does not exceed 40 centimeters in depth. Another famous beach you should not miss is Pisina, located on the islet of Mourtos (access is possible only by caique or boat). Between Syvota and Perdika two more wonderful beaches await you: Mikri and Mega Ammos.
Galaxidi
Three hours from Athens, after a wonderful drive through the mountain ranges of Phocis, the stately and romantic Galaxidi welcomes you with scenes of noble beauty, an island atmosphere and the scent of another era. An ideal destination for short and longer getaways, combined with nearby excursions and routes either to the mountains or the sea. Designated since 1978 as a traditional settlement, with stone-paved alleys, elegant neoclassical mansions and the houses of sea captains that attest to the glorious maritime past of the area, it is beautiful. Colorful facades, flower-filled pebble-paved courtyards and balconies adorned with ship figureheads create a picturesque island setting on the mainland. If you have more time, a lovely idea is to visit Delphi, the most important religious center of antiquity, 30 km from Galaxidi. You can also hop over to Amfissa, the capital of the prefecture of Phocis, the seaside Itea as well as Arachova.
Ermioni
In about two hours from Athens you can find yourself on a «island» on the mainland. We are talking about Ermioni, thepicturesque seaside town in southeastern Argolis, 85 km southeast of Nafplio. Built amphitheatrically on a long, narrow, pine-covered peninsula, with its picturesque harbor and tavernas serving tasty seafood, Ermioni gives the feeling of an island, while offering visitors beaches that never let them get bored. Kouverta, Petrothalassa, Sentoni, Dardiza and the beaches around Bisti satisfy every taste. Also, Ermioniis the ideal place to organize full-day excursions to destinations such asSpetses, theHydra, Nafplio, the ancient theater of Epidaurus andthearchaeological site of Mycenae.
Pylos
Pylos is one of the most beautiful small towns of Messinia. Built amphitheatrically on the Bay of Navarino (where in 1827 the battle of the same name took place), offering panoramic views of the waters of the Ionian, with tall houses with red tiled roofs reflected in the waters, it resembles an island settlement. After you have your coffee in the central Square of the Three Admirals, explore the sights: the Niokastro, built by the Ottomans in 1573 and considered one of the best-preserved castles in Europe, as well as the islet of Sphaktiria, which you can visit by boat. As for the beaches, the famed Voidokilia steals the show. The star beach of western Messinia, with a crescent shape, powder-white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters, is a place you simply must visit. It is located next to the Gialova Lagoon, 10 km from Pylos. The wider area has been designated a place of outstanding natural beauty and is included in the Natura 2000 network. For the best view of the Bay of Navarino, it is worth the effort to go up to Palaiokastro and the Cave of Nestor below it. Between the lagoon and the Bay of Navarino, you will find Chrysi Akti, also known as Divari, an endless beach with fine sand and turquoise waters. North of Voidokilia are the beaches of Romanos and Petrochori, among the most beautiful in Messinia.
