The 13 «secret» destinations of Europe for the summer

Lonely Planet recommends 13 «off-the-beaten-path» destinations for summer holidays in Europe. Among them is also a region of mainland Greece.

Greek islands may dominate the foreign press lists of top summer destinations, but mainland Greece also offers many options for those seeking less-touristy places for their holidays. Lonely Planet, in a recent article on secret summer destinations in Europe, singled out and recommends a magical region of Greece that combines mountain and sea in a unique way.

Lonely Planet «votes» Pelion for the summer

The renowned travel guide places Pelion among the 13 «secret places of Europe» for those who wish to spend their holidays in a destination that doesnt get swamped with tourists. «Sure, you could "bake" on the beaches of a Greek island, but in the blazing summer it can be hard to find space for your towel. Instead, head for the cooler Pelion peninsula», writes Lonely Planet.

Beyond Pelion’s picturesque seaside spots, such as Horto, Milina, Chorefto, Agios Ioannis and Damouchari, Lonely Planet suggests a summer escape to the traditional mountain villages linked by old cobbled paths. There visitors can admire church frescoes, savor tsipouro in the shade of plane trees and taste local specialties like spetsofai.

«High in the hills, the air is a few degrees cooler than on the coast, which is good for walking», the article notes, adding that in summer visitors can take a ride on the little Pelion train that runs the Ano Lechonia-Milies route.