5 Magical Little Towns in Greece You Need to Visit

One does not have to look past the sunlit islands, turquoise waters and ancient ruins for which Greece is famous to find something of interest; the country’s small towns are just as alluring.

Venture out to the mainland and you will come across some hidden gems that put on a more genuine display of Greek life, complete with their own share of history, striking scenery and culture.

The following is a selection of five such places in Greece well worth having on your travel agenda.

1. Arachova, Central Greece

Arachova, a handsome mountain town on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, has earned the moniker “Winter Mykonos.” With its traditional stone houses and a certain vivacity to the place, it is as much about cultural charm as it is natural beauty.

Things to see and do:

Wander the cobbled streets to find the kind of boutique shops that put out local honey, cheeses and rugs for sale. Make time for the old Church of Agios Georgios; from there one can take in the valley below. And since the renowned archaeological site of Delphi is but a short drive off, Arachova makes an ideal jumping off point.

As for when to come, winter is the season for skiing and a night in front of the fire, while spring brings out the best in the mountain’s flora.

2. Monemvasia, Peloponnese

Monemvasia, the medieval fortress town hewn from a great rock on the Peloponnese coast, has earned its moniker as the “Gibraltar of the East.” There is a certain fairytale quality to the place.

Things to do:

Take in the views of the sea from the castle walls. Make your way to the Church of Agia Sophia for a look at this fine piece of Byzantine architecture set above the cliff. Or simply putter about the maze of cobblestone lanes, past the old stone mansions and unassuming cafes.

For the most pleasant experience, plan a trip in spring or autumn; one will find the weather agreeable and the town less crowded.

3. Metsovo, Epirus

There is a certain magic to Metsovo, an alpine town in the Pindus Mountains that is as far removed from the coast of Greece as one could hope for. With its stock of traditional stone homes and red-tiled roofs, not to mention the good mountain fare, it is a very appealing place to be.

For those looking to make the most of a visit:

Head to the Averoff Gallery to see some fine Greek art. Make time for a hike through Valia Kalda National Park just down the road. And do not leave without trying the local cheeses; the smoky, semi-hard Metsovone is a particular treat.

The season is up to preference. Winter will put you in a cozy, snow-covered setting, while summer is better for the greenery and being out of doors.

4. Nafplio, Peloponnese

Nafplio has the distinction of being modern Greece’s first capital. It is a romantic seaside town with plenty of history and charm to spare, and between the Venetian architecture and its lively streets, one can see why it is considered among the most beautiful in the country.

For those looking for things to do:

Make the 999 step ascent to the Palamidi Fortress and be rewarded with fine views over the Argolic Gulf. A walk through Syntagma Square is also recommended; the area is full of neoclassical buildings and good cafes. Or put in for a boat ride out to the Bourtzi, the little fortress that sits on an island in the harbor.

As for when to go, Nafplio is worth a visit any time of year. That said, spring and autumn tend to be ideal for a combination of agreeable weather and a lighter tourist presence.

5. Parga, Epirus

There is an island feel to Parga even though it is on the Greek mainland; this seaside jewel of the northwest coast is famous for the way its brightly hued houses tumble down the hills to meet the turquoise below.

For those looking to make the most of a visit, the options are plentiful. One can while away some time on the fine sands at Valtos or Lichnos, or head up to the Venetian Castle and be rewarded with sweeping views over the Ionian. A boat ride out to Panagia is also well worth the trouble for a look at the white chapel on that idyllic little islet. The summer months are the ideal time to be here, when the watersports and beaches are in top form.

Final Thoughts

Greece has its share of magical small towns that put the country’s varied beauty on display, be it in the form of a rugged mountain or a quiet spot by the sea.

One can find an unforgettable journey in these places, with something to offer for those inclined toward history or adventure as well as those in need of a tranquil retreat.

It is time to make plans and set out to see what hidden treasures Greece has in store; every town here has a story of its own to tell.

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