Greece´ 11 most beautiful towns - my point of view. I really do love this country and its people - their hospitality is quite unbeatable, perhaps goddess Nephele (Νεφέλη, spoken nefäli) is still walking around and spreading her hospitality ...
Greece, also known as Hellas and officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in southeastern Europe. It is situated on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula and almost all of it is surrounded by sea - the Aegean Sea and its isles to the east, the Ionian to the west, and the Mediterranean to the south. But Greece is so much more than Sirtaki, Souflaki, Ouzo and blue+white ...
Greece, also known as Hellas and officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in southeastern Europe. It is situated on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula and almost all of it is surrounded by sea - the Aegean Sea and its isles to the east, the Ionian to the west, and the Mediterranean to the south. But Greece is so much more than Sirtaki, Souflaki, Ouzo and blue+white ...
by Earl of Cruise
And if you adress the Greek with a few words in their language as: Kaliméra - which is `good Day´ (καλημέρα), Kalispéra - which is `Good Evening´ (καλησπέρα) or when you have been served: Efcharistó - which is `Thank You´ (ευχαριστώ), the even most proud Greek is willing to talk then in English, quite often even in French or German ... Even in these hard days.
Greece is a land of incredible natural beauty, fascinating history, and colorful folklore. Greece unarguably has something for everyone. From quaint coastal towns to alpine mountain villages, around mount Olympos, where the ancient gods lived ... and multicultural Macedonian cities.
Greece is a land of incredible natural beauty, fascinating history, and colorful folklore. Greece unarguably has something for everyone. From quaint coastal towns to alpine mountain villages, around mount Olympos, where the ancient gods lived ... and multicultural Macedonian cities.
I will publish here a
selection of eleven must visit, off-the-beaten-path destinations where you
will discover a different side of this remarkable country. But even in the touristic centers, when you leave the beaten-path´s, you will find precious gems.
Nafplio
Parga
Kalambaka
Antique Aegae was the summer capital of Macedon, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, lies 12 km (7 mi) south-east of the city center of Veria.
Agios Nikolaos
Here in Chora was for a long time the center of modern Greek shipping located, as from this island the most families had been engaged in the shipping business, and Chora was homeport to most of the Greek vessels in the first half of 20th century.
It has a mix of post-World War I neoclassical mansions with vernacular Cycladic houses. The town squares are paved with marble. At the end of the headland are two islands. The first, linked to the mainland by a brick bridge, with a ruined Venetian castle and the second with a lighthouse. There are four museums: the extensive Archaeological Museum, Museum of Modern Art, a Nautical Museum and a Folklore Museum.
You reach the island of Andros by ferry from Rafina (shortest seaway! via a direct busline from the airport El Venezielos) or via ferry from Piräeus. The ferry stops at Gavrio from where you go by taxi or bus to Chora on the coast route ... it is a journey like on the Corniche, on the one side the Aegean and on the other the mountains.
The island is pleased by its climate, as even in October the land is still green - rain is steadly falling in the mountains of the island. And when you set your foot on this island, then latest you have "Greek temperature" no more - apoitment, apointment, apointment ...
The prices are moderate for Greece, as the most tourists are Greek.
On the northeastern coast of Andros Island you will find the beaches of Zorkos, Artemidi, Vitali, Gides, Ateni, Lefka, Vori, Achla, Gialia, the two beaches of Chora: Niborio and Paraporti, Lydi, Syneti, Pidima Grias, Agios Ioannis Kremmides and Agia Moni Beach in Andros Greece.
Andros Island is a popular vacation resort, due to its wonderful natural beauty, its culture and its close proximity to Athens. One can sail by f erry to Andros Island from the Port of Rafina. Ferries leave four times a day from Rafina to Gavrion and takes 2 hours. On Andros Island, visitors will find an amalgam of impressive features, such as beautiful beaches, significant archaeological and historical sites, lush valleys, endless olive tree plantations, breathtaking gorges and crystal clear springs. On this page you are provided with a map of Andros, travel information about the settlement of Batsi, Andros beaches and Andros sightseeing.
The settlement of Batsi is situated on the coast of southwestern Andros and is one of the most frequented resorts on the island. It is located on top of two hills that surround a lovely gulf area. Visitors are charmed by its quaint whitewashed houses, its picturesque harbour and its splendid beach, which is considered one of the best in Andros Island Greece.
Throughout Andros Island there are many archaeological and historical sites, as it has been an important cultural center of Greece from ancient times. With a good map of Andros Island, you can tour all the impressive sites. While vacationing in Batsi, we suggest you visit the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis and the Archaeological Site of Ipsili.
Nafplio
Palamidi fortress in Nafplio - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)
Few cities reflect Greece’s rich and diverse history as well as Nafplio,
one of the country’s most elegant and romantic destinations. Located in
the heart of the historic Argolis
region on the Peloponnese peninsula, Nafplio has deep cultural roots in
Ancient Greece and the Venetian period of the 15th to 17th centuries.
It flourished as modern Greece’s first capital in the early 1800s. It was here were 1830 King Otto of Bavaria did establish his residence and Kindom of Greece in the old fortress overtowering the city and port. The
city boasts gorgeous neoclassical mansions, beautiful Venetian
architecture and scenic alleys. Its landscape is composed by two
Venetian castles, Palamidi and Acronafplia, built on two successive
hills. Not to be missed, the small fortress of Bourtzi (depicted in the center of the bay, picture aboove) in the Argolic
gulf, a short ferry ride from the city, offers unique views over Nafplio
and an ideal setting for romantic getaways. The luxurious hotel group HELIOS, has a residence in Napflia, where you feel like your self set into a James Bond film set, when entering the NAFPLIA PALACE.Parga
Parga - © Yannis Chouvardas, source: Wikipedia (Original seize)
The quaint town of Parga is the most popular summer destination in Epirus, in western Greece. Built amphitheatrically on the slopes of
Pezovolos hill and surrounded by lavish greenery and beautiful blue sea,
the town has a laid-back island feel to it. Amongst Parga’s highlights,
visitors can enjoy its charming and colorful waterfront houses and
stone-paved squares, and visit the ruins of an old Venetian castle atop
the hill. Nearby Valtos and Lichnos beaches, connected to the port of
Parga by boat, are among Greece’s finest.Kalambaka
Kalambaka - Source: Wikipedia
With a population of roughly 12,000 people, the small town of Kalambaka
is located in central Greece. It is built on the foot of the most
spectacular Meteora pinnacles of the Pindos mountains, a complex of abrupt rock formations that
host one of Greece’s biggest and most important group of monasteries and
UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kalambaka has a rich history dating back to ancient Greece and
especially the Byzantine era, with plenty of beautiful Orthodox churches
and chapels. You can stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets of the
town’s picturesque old quarter, Sopotos, much of which is built under
the shadow of the rocks, and enjoy beautiful Macedonian traditional architecture.
The Pindos mountains with the monasteries, the Monks Republic Meteora - Source: Wikipedia
Kastoria
Kastoria © Nikos Kotoulas, Sourece: Flickr
Northern Greece’s hidden gem, the photogenic city of Kastoria is built
on a narrow strip of land amidst the still waters of beautiful Lake Orestiada, giving the impression of a floating island. The city
flourished during the 19th century as a fur trade and manufacturing
center, and many of its traders’ luxurious mansions and traditional
houses can be admired in the old quarters of Doltso and Apozari, along
with 72 beautiful churches that are a testament to Kastoria’s rich
Byzantine past. The lovely promenade around the lake is perhaps one of
Greece’s most scenic walks, offering spectacular views of Kastoria and its surrounding mountains.
Lake Orestiada - Source: Wikipedia
Karpenisi
Karpenisi, town hall and city square - Source: Wikipedia
Widely popular among winter sport enthusiasts and nature lovers, Karpenisi is a small town situated in a remote and sparsely populated
area of central Greece that is called the country’s ‘Little Switzerland.’
The town’s reputation owes much to the unspoiled natural beauty of its
surrounding mountains, alpine forests, and whitewater rivers, which make
it an ideal destination for true escapism. For its size, Karpenisi
offers a decent choice of traditional lodgings, bakeries, and
restaurants, and boasts a wide variety of local delicacies, such as its
famous leek sausages and internationally awarded prosciutto, crafted
from a porcine breed native to the area.
Karpenisi - © George Terezakis, source: Flickr
Metsovo
Metsovo © Dimitris Siskopoulos, source: Flickr
Situated at an altitude of 1,200 meters in the very heart of the
majestic mountain range of Pindos in Epirus, Metsovo is undoubtedly one
of Greece’s more picturesque towns. The city was home to some of the
country’s most skilled stonemasons who used the region’s rich natural
resources to build gorgeous mansions, monasteries, fountains, and
cobbled streets and squares, most of which remain untouched by time.
Nearby mountain peaks, slopes and pristine forests offer an arresting
sight to visitors, who can enjoy scenic hikes in the surrounding area.
Despite the rapid increase in tourism in recent years, Metsovo still
preserves its traditional character, perfectly combining the past with
the present by offering a multitude of cultural and sport activities all
year round.
Metsovo - Source: Wikipedia
Veria
the view from Monastery of St. John the Baptist © Dimitris Rentis, source: Flickr
The old city of Veria is situated in northern Greece, between the slopes
of Mount Vermio and the shores of Aliakmon river. Entrenched in
deep-rooted history dating back to ancient Macedonia, Byzantium and the
Ottoman Empire, Veria offers a wealth of cultural experiences. From
superb Byzantine churches and remarkable monuments, such as Apostle Paul’s Podium,
to historical Macedonian and Ottoman architecture and winding
stone-paved streets and squares, there’s plenty to explore. Perhaps one
of the city’s most intriguing features is its well-preserved old Jewish
quarter and synagogue, remnant of Veria’s prosperous Jewish community
resident until the 1940s. Veria serves as a convenient base to explore
the picturesque monasteries and mountain villages scattered around in
the area, and visit the famous archaeological site of Aeges, ancient
Macedonia’s first capital.Antique Aegae was the summer capital of Macedon, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, lies 12 km (7 mi) south-east of the city center of Veria.
Facade of Philip II tomb Vergina - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)
Crown and ossuary of Philip II - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)
Xanthi
Xanthi - © Pixabay
Located in Thrace, on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Xanthi is
known as ‘the city with a thousand colors’ for its vivid, multicultural
atmosphere. The city owes much of its fame and fortune to its formerly
bustling tobacco industry and its renowned traditional carnival,
which is held every February or March. Xanthi’s old town is said to be
an open museum, exhibiting a fascinating fusion of architectural
traditions that reflect the religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity of
the peoples that lived and prospered in the city. Much like its
architecture, Xanthi’s culinary traditions represent an intriguing
cosmopolitan mix, typical of the region.
Folklore Museum - Source: Wikipedia
Galaxidi
View on Galaxidi from the hilltop - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)
The picturesque coastal town of Galaxidi is located on the northern
shores of the Corinthian gulf, in central Greece. A former wealthy and
busy port, Galaxidi has managed to preserve much of the previous glory
of its nautical history, exhibited in the town’s compact Nautical
Museum. The Maritime Museum of Galaxidi, is a museum which includes the Chronicle of Galaxidi which was published by Konstantinos Sathas in 1865. It used to serve as a town hall for Galaxidi. This town is now known as a famous yachting destination. Its
waterfront and colorful streets are decorated with lovely two-story
traditional buildings, cozy cafés, and Greek tavernas. One of the town’s most popular cultural events is alevromoutzouroma,
held on the first day of Lent, or Clean Monday. The custom commands
that participants blacken their faces with coal and throw colored flour
at each other, creating a wonderfully colorful buzz.Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos - © Oliver Clarke, source: Flickr
The lovely town of Agios Nikolaos is situated on stunning Mirabelo Bay, on the northeastern shore of Crete.
The town was named after the ninth century Byzantine chapel of Saint
Nicolas and was built as a service port for eastern Crete due to its
excellent location. Facing the sea on three sides, the town has several
waterfronts, each packed with cafés, shops, and restaurants that offer a
rich selection of shopping and dining. Its most extraordinary feature
is the photogenic lagoon of Voulismeni, a deep body of water that is
connected to the sea by a narrow inlet, which, according to legend, is
bottomless. From Agios Nikolaos, travelers can visit the infamous ‘leper
island’ of Spinalonga, place of quarantine of lepers until 1957, which
was featured in Victoria Hislop’s historical novel The Island. 
Lagoon of Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)
Habor facade of Agios Nikolaos - Source: Wikipedia
Chora
Chora, view into the old port of Chora, Andros, in the center, the old Venetian fortress and the lighthouse - Source: Wikipedia
Chora (Χώρα, "main town") is the former municipality on the island of Andros, in the Cyclades, Greece.
Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality
Andros, of which it is a municipal unit, and shares the island of Andros
with the municipal units of Korthio and Ydrousa. The municipal unit has an area of 102.756 km2. Its population was 3,901 inhabitants at the 2011 census.Here in Chora was for a long time the center of modern Greek shipping located, as from this island the most families had been engaged in the shipping business, and Chora was homeport to most of the Greek vessels in the first half of 20th century.
It has a mix of post-World War I neoclassical mansions with vernacular Cycladic houses. The town squares are paved with marble. At the end of the headland are two islands. The first, linked to the mainland by a brick bridge, with a ruined Venetian castle and the second with a lighthouse. There are four museums: the extensive Archaeological Museum, Museum of Modern Art, a Nautical Museum and a Folklore Museum.
You reach the island of Andros by ferry from Rafina (shortest seaway! via a direct busline from the airport El Venezielos) or via ferry from Piräeus. The ferry stops at Gavrio from where you go by taxi or bus to Chora on the coast route ... it is a journey like on the Corniche, on the one side the Aegean and on the other the mountains.
The island is pleased by its climate, as even in October the land is still green - rain is steadly falling in the mountains of the island. And when you set your foot on this island, then latest you have "Greek temperature" no more - apoitment, apointment, apointment ...
The prices are moderate for Greece, as the most tourists are Greek.
Map of Andros, with Gavrio on the left and Chora on the right - Source: Andros Tours
Andros Island has many beautiful beaches for
endless hours of swimming and sunbathing. Apart from the stunning beach
of Batsi, in sequence starting from the southwestern tip, we come across
the beaches of Plaka, Apothikes, Chalkolimnionas, Palaiopolis, Agia
Marina, Delavogias, Kolona (the small beach in Batsi), Kypri, Chryssi
(Psili) Ammos, Agios Petros, Gavrio, Kourtalis, Fellos, Pisolimnionas,
Limanaki, Kaminaki, Vlychada, Pyrgos, Selienitis and Peza in Andros
Greece. We recommend using your map of Andros Island to check off your
favourite beaches. On the northeastern coast of Andros Island you will find the beaches of Zorkos, Artemidi, Vitali, Gides, Ateni, Lefka, Vori, Achla, Gialia, the two beaches of Chora: Niborio and Paraporti, Lydi, Syneti, Pidima Grias, Agios Ioannis Kremmides and Agia Moni Beach in Andros Greece.
Andros Island is a popular vacation resort, due to its wonderful natural beauty, its culture and its close proximity to Athens. One can sail by f erry to Andros Island from the Port of Rafina. Ferries leave four times a day from Rafina to Gavrion and takes 2 hours. On Andros Island, visitors will find an amalgam of impressive features, such as beautiful beaches, significant archaeological and historical sites, lush valleys, endless olive tree plantations, breathtaking gorges and crystal clear springs. On this page you are provided with a map of Andros, travel information about the settlement of Batsi, Andros beaches and Andros sightseeing.
The settlement of Batsi is situated on the coast of southwestern Andros and is one of the most frequented resorts on the island. It is located on top of two hills that surround a lovely gulf area. Visitors are charmed by its quaint whitewashed houses, its picturesque harbour and its splendid beach, which is considered one of the best in Andros Island Greece.
Throughout Andros Island there are many archaeological and historical sites, as it has been an important cultural center of Greece from ancient times. With a good map of Andros Island, you can tour all the impressive sites. While vacationing in Batsi, we suggest you visit the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis and the Archaeological Site of Ipsili.
- the Churches of the Assumption of the Virgin, Agia Tsour a, Agios Georgios and Panagia Theoskepasti
- the Kambanis Fountain
- the Tourlitis Lighthouse
- the Museums (Archaeological, Folklore, Maritime and Modern Art)
- the Sariza Spring in Apikia
- the Tower of Agios Petros and the lighthouse in Gavrion
- the Ancient City of Andros, the Geometric Settlement of Zagora and the Archaeological Museum in Palaiopolis
- the Dionysus Springs and the Church of Taxiarchis of Melidas in Menites
- the Epano Kastro and the Folklore-Ecclesiastical Museum in Ormos Korthiou
- the Church of Taxiarhis in Messaria
- the Leontos Bridge and the Bisti-Mouvela Tower in Stenies
The reception room and lobby - courtsey PARADIS LIFESTYLE ART HOTEL
The Pool - courtsey PARADIS LIFESTYLE ART HOTEL
Main Lounge - courtsey PARADIS LIFESTYLE ART HOTEL
Detail in the Main Lounge - courtsey PARADIS LIFESTYLE ART HOTEL
The dining room - own photography
The lobby - own photography
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