From Northern Greece to the Peloponnese and Crete, these are some of the most beautiful Greek villages worth visiting, according to Lonely Planet.
Lonely Planet recently featured some of the most beautiful Greek villages, inviting its readers to discover «village life» when they visit Greece. The article showcases gorgeous mountain and seaside settlements from every corner of the country. From Northern Greece to the Peloponnese, the Cyclades and Crete, these are the villages singled out by the famed travel guide.
Nymfaio, Florina
Just a short drive from the city of Florina, there is a stone village, built at 1,350 meters on the slopes of Mount Vitsi, that looks straight out of a painting. This is Nymfaio, which has been recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Europe. The village impresses with its distinctive architecture and setting. The arched wooden footbridge at the entrance, linking two impressive mansions, the stone-paved paths, the cobbled lanes, the well-crafted stone houses and the towering beech trees that surround the village create a unique ensemble. The settlement is designated a traditional one, with stone and wood prevailing. InNymfaiois the headquarters ofArcturos, the non-profit organization known for the protection it provides to the bears that live in Greece.
Tzoumerka
The Tzoumerka (also known as the Athamanika Mountains) cradle a cluster of beautiful villages shared between the prefectures of Ioannina and Arta. Surrounded by the rivers Arachthos, Aspropotamos (Acheloos) and their countless tributaries, they stand out for the wild beauty of their landscapes. Rivers, gorges, waterfalls, caves, monasteries hidden in the rocks and stone-built villages compose a unique setting for lovers of mountains and history. Syrrako and Kalarrytes, built facing each other like stone masterpieces, are two of the loveliest villages not only of the area, but of the whole of mountainous Greece. The settlements preserve intact the traditional Epirote architecture with stone-built houses and slate roofs. A major landmark of the area is the historic Plaka Bridge (the largest single-arch bridge in the Balkans).
Mastichochoria, Chios
The famous Mastichochoria of Chios, with their distinctive fortification architecture and unique character, feel like a living museum. Mastiha, which has made Chios known the world over, gave its name to these medieval settlements in the south of the island. Mesta is the best-preserved Mastichochori and one of the loveliest medieval castle-villages on the island. Its distinctive architecture dates from the Byzantine period and the village resembles a true fortress. Known as the «painted village», Pyrgi, about 25 km from the town of Chios, stands out for the exterior decoration of its houses with striking geometric patterns. West of Pyrgi lies the fortified village of Olympoi, smaller but equally impressive.
Apeiranthos, Naxos
Apeiranthos is the most famous mountain village of Naxos. A village that keeps its traditions, the distinctive local idiom of its inhabitants, reminiscent of the Cretan dialect, and its architectural character from the era of Venetian rule. Here you will stroll along marble-paved lanes with vaulted arches, admire the Venetian towers and stone-built two-storey houses, visit interesting museums (Archaeological, Folklore, Center of Visual Arts, Natural History and Geological) and enjoy coffee with the locals in traditional kafeneia, such as «Apeiranthos», on the main square of the village.
Villages of Tinos
To discover the charm of Tinos you should explore the interior and visit its beautiful villages. Pyrgos is the largest village on Tinos, a designated traditional settlement and one of the most picturesque villages in the Cyclades. Birthplace of renowned sculptors and painters and the island’s center of marble craftsmanship, this village is an open-air museum of folk art, with wonderful marble creations adorning every corner of it. Kardiani is a surprise of a village: unexpectedly green, with distinctive architecture and ample sea views. The whole village is an architectural jewel. Also very special is Volax, which owes its name to the large granite boulders (volakoi) that surround it, creating a unique setting - a «lunar» landscape in the middle of the Aegean.
Villages of Amorgos
Amorgos boasts one of the most beautiful Choras in the Cyclades and two ports, Aegiali and Katapola. In the northern part of the island, 17 km from Chora, Aegiali is lively and more youthful. There you will find many bars, tavernas and a long sandy beach with blue waters. From the bay of Aegiali climb up to the picturesque villages perched on the mountain: Tholaria, Lagada and Potamos are ideal for leisurely strolls along narrow white cobbled lanes with arches and for rakomelo in the kafeneia.
Villages of Mount Dikaios, Kos
Scattered on the lush green slopes of Mount Dikaios, the villages of Kos are true jewels. Make a stop at the abandoned village of Haihoutes (also known as Agios Dimitrios due to the church of the same name). Then head to the mountain village of Zia, the highest inhabited point on the island, which offers fantastic sea views and is famed for its sunset. On the main street of the village you will find several shops with traditional and handmade products. Do not miss the village of Asfendiou with its wonderful views and beautiful churches. Pyli is another picturesque village worth discovering. Three kilometers southeast of the village, at an elevation of 300 meters, lie ruins of the medieval settlement of Paleo Pyli.
Kardamyli, Peloponnese
At the foot of Taygetos and overlooking the Messinian Gulf, Kardamyli is the jewel of Messinian Mani. This historic seaside village is 35 km from Kalamata. Dense olive groves, stately cypresses, well-kept stone residences with lush gardens, pebbly coves and its quaint little harbor compose a cinematic setting that captivates nature lovers and artists, Greek and foreign. On a hill with olives and cypresses stands Old Kardamyli, a ruined settlement that enchants every visitor. In the historic settlement you will see the Mourtzinos Tower (of the last Maniot captain of Kardamyli), built in 1807, and the church of Agios Spyridon with its elegant bell tower. If you enjoy hiking, a walk on the trails of Taygetos and in the area around Kardamyli will lead you to villages with stone houses, Byzantine churches, old fountains and olive mills.
Villages of Amari, Crete
A stroll through the picturesque villages of the fertile Amari, in the prefecture of Rethymno in Crete, gives visitors the chance to discover settlements that count many centuries of life, important cultural monuments and age-old little churches, all in harmony with the splendid nature of the area. Meronas is a beautiful village built at an altitude of 620 m, in a verdant location with running water. In the center of the settlement, it is worth visiting the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos with its high-quality frescoes. Thronos is a well-tended settlement with a single taverna, perched on a hillside. The church of Panagia has excellent 14th-century frescoes. The valley’s namesake village, Amari, is a magical blend of Venetian buildings, with a square lined by cafés and blooming flowerpots.
