Mykonos, Corfu, Athens, Zakynthos, Santorini, etc… Chances are that these names will remind you of something, and for good reason, they are the most visited places in Greece and the most known from abroad.
However, it would be a huge mistake to limit Greece to only these very touristic destinations (and overcrowded ones). The country is indeed full of other interesting and underestimated places, frequented by locals but neglected by international travelers.
Here are a few alternative places to explore a more authentic side of Greece and dive deeper into its splendid culture :
Meteora
The area of Meteora is full of mystery. It is often shrouded in fog and contains many rocky peaks on top of which hermits have chosen to live or find refuge.
Meteora landscape in Northern Greece
Today there are 12 active monasteries remaining whose only six can be visited. They all date from the 14th and 15th centuries.
The access to the monasteries is relatively difficult. A system of ropes and nets has been designed to facilitate the provisioning of basic goods.
It is important to note that the dress code is strict for women. It is important to note that the dress code is strict for both men and women : shoulders and legs must be fully covered. Some monasteries provide long skirts for women that can be worn during the visit.
It is possible to reach Meteora from Athens by train to Kalambaka.
Kefalonia (island)
Myrtos beach in Kefalonia
The island of Kefalonia is mountainous and features many caves. It is probably one of the most underestimated and wildest islands in Greece. Venetian fortresses, beaches with clear turquoise waters, small pictorial villages, Kefalonia has it all. The island has a permanent population of around 35,000 people.
Adventure seekers can visit the Melissani Cave, the so-called cave of the nymphs which features clear shining water and stalactites. For hiking enthusiasts it is also recommended to climb the Mount Aenos summit which does not raise too much difficulties.
To get to Kefalonia it is possible to take the ferry from Patras (Kefalonian Lines) or from Brindsi in Italy (Endeavour Lines).
For those who prefer to fly, Easyjet and Ryanair operate flights in summer.
Pelion
Typical view of Pelion a landscape
The Pelion region is a peninsula located about 4 hours drive from Athens. It differs from the rest of the country in that its geography and landscape are much greener. One can find forests and valleys but also small villages with stone houses that one must reach by taking tortuous paths.
Among others, the following villages are particularly charming: Makrinitsa, Mouresi, Tsagarada, Portaria, Mikro, Damouchari, etc…
Eventually, the area features a gastronomic specialty that is difficult to find elsewhere : Spetzofaï (pita topped with roasted sausage, peppers, onions and hot tomato sauce)
Zagori (Epirus)
Vikos Gorge in Epirus - Zagoria by Joerg (Creative Common license)
The Zagorias are in some ways the wild side of Greece where one has the impression to travel out of time. Zagoria (or Zagori) is a mountainous region in the northwest of Greece and features the most distinctive scenery of the whole country. This specificity is not only geographical but also cultural with a dialect that is only spoken there. The region is full of picturesque villages that are scattered throughout the mountains and contain plenty of small paths or stone bridges. Houses are also made of stone with slate roofs and turn out particularly charming. For nature lovers, don't miss the Vikos Gorge which is one of the deepest canyons in the world in proportion with its width. The biodiversity in Epirus is quite large, you could even meet there wolves and even some bears.
Kastoria
Cityscape of Kastoria with Orestiada lake
Kastoria has been built around the Orestiada lake which is one of the most beautiful spot in the whole Balkan region. In previous centuries the city was notably renowned for its furs trade. It is now a pleasant place for relaxation and turns out to a host a quite different atmosphere from the rest of Greece thanks to its lake and the surrounding limestone mountains.
Nowadays Kastoria is home to about 35,000 people and features many cute Byzantine churches. One can also notice some Ottoman architecture reminding of Greece’s history. Speaking of architecture one can immediately feel the proximity with Macedonia and notably Ohrid which reminded be Kastoria to some extent.
Kastoria’s location makes it perfect to stop for a few days if you are on a Balkan roadtrip due to the nearby borders with both Albania and Macedonia.
Monemvassia
Ancient Fortress in Monemvassia
The giant rock that houses the fortress broke away from the Greek mainland as a result of an earthquake. Monemvassia has attracted the interest of many powers throughout history: the Venetians, the Ottoman Empire, the Byzantines, etc...
According to historians, the city housed up to 30,000 inhabitants in the 18th century. After the Second World War it became a ghost town before being slowly repopulated.
During the last decades the place has known a renaissance and attracts Athenians willing to escape the capital for a weekend.
The city is located 4 hours drive from Athens.
Lefkada (island)
Porto Katsiki beach in Lefkada
Lefkada was damaged by the earthquakes of 1948 and 1953. It has therefore been subject to multiple reconstructions throughout History. The architecture varies greatly depending on whether you are in the main towns or in the remote villages. There some houses were built with stone or wood while in the urban areas you will find more colorful houses. But the island is especially renowned for its coastline. Lefkada offers paradisiacal beaches with emerald and crystal clear waters. They are probably the purest and most beautiful ones in Europe : Porto Katsiki, Kalamitsi, Mylos, Agiofili, etc…
Lefkada is connected to the Greek mainland by a bridge and it is therefore possible to get there by car. The island is also easily reachable through the Aktion international airport.
Byzantine church in Chios
Chios (island)
The island of Chios is located only 11 km away from Turkey and offers a perfect synthesis of the charms of Greece thanks to its creeks, its ancient sites and its various typical villages which keep a strong cultural authenticity. One of the he island specificities is due to the numerous mastic trees which are now an emblem of the place. Various products are made from mastic extracts and not only the taste is quite pleasant but it also owns many medicinal virtues (digestion, relaxation, etc…). The product is now exported all around the world and provides a boost to the local economy.
Besides its beauty the island is famous for being the native land of the poet Homer.
Xania (Chania)
Chania’s lighthouse in Crete
Xania (sometimes spelled Hania or Chania) is second most important city in Crete. It is way more interesting to visit than the capital of the island (Heraklion).
Small street in Chania
The city features a Venetian port which is protected by walls. Its historic center is a paradise for strolling along the docks and through its alleys. Due to its complex and long history the city is now covered with Ottoman, Venetian, Jewish and Greek monuments. One can find churches, monasteries, lighthouses, various stores selling regional and even a mosque. (The minaret got destroyed in the 1920s but most of the building remains untouched.)
Eventually, the city hosts a small international airport which makes it quite easy to reach.
Kerkini lake
The site is a former swamp located near the Bulgarian border and surrounded by mountains. You can take a boat ride and watch many birds in their natural habitat. There are in particular some Dalmatian pelicans which are an endangered species. The area is extremely peaceful and relaxing. If you are roaming through Northern Greece it is definitely a must-see and a good opportunity to admire a different side of the country than the usual Greek sceneries.
Bonus :
Hydra (island)
Hydra coastline
Depicted in my Travel photography report : click here