5 Hidden Gems in Greece
Greece is a beautiful country and, believe it or not, it’s not just about Athens and its surroundings. There is so much more to explore – amazing islands, beautiful beaches, blue lagoons, almost anything that you can imagine one Mediterranean country could have. Many of those places are not that well-known and they get less crowded in the high season and that’s one of the reasons we enjoy visiting such places. So, we bring you some of our favorites – 5 hidden gems in Greece.
Before we start, be sure to check out our Cultural Places Platform and discover the amazing tours that will help you explore your destinations at your own pace.
Let’s start enjoying these Greek gems.
Naxos
Naxos is the largest and the greenest island of the Cyclades island group. When you get there, you’re surrounded both by the blue sea and high mountains. Naxos is a perfect place if you love a good relaxation time because of its perfect beaches, but also, if you love live cities, you’ll not regret visiting this island. Just go to its capital Chora – you’ll feel that cosmopolitan buzz that you love, and you’ll have so many interesting places (including awesome ruins) to explore while you’re there.
Paros
Set right next to Naxos, Paros is another slightly less popular Greek destination. It’s a perfect place for exploring traditional Greek cuisine without having to spend a huge amount of money – actually, everything is less pricey than in some more popular destinations. Nightlife on Paros is very rich, there is a wide range of restaurants and bars and there is music played on the streets, too. Visit Parikia, the capital of Paros with narrow cobbled streets, blue and white houses, old churches, and small shops.
© Olaf Tausch/ CC BY-SA 3.0
Patmos
Patmos is an island set near the Turkish coast. It is often known as the sacred island where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation while he was in exile. That is why it is an important and ancient pilgrimage site for Christians – it is designated as “Holy Island” as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You must visit the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse that was St John’s shelter. Besides visiting the sacred places of Patmos, you have to wander around, find some of the perfect volcanic-soil beaches and enjoy the sunshine and crystal-clear sea.
Kythera
Among the less-known Greek (or even Mediterranean) destinations, Kythera island is the most beautiful. Its beaches are quite empty, and you can meditate and rest your body and soul in peace and relax in warm seawater. Visit the Palaiopi beach that is known as the birthplace of the Aphrodite – the goddess of beauty. Island is also known for its wild nature and natural waterfalls that create an idyllic landscape, and if you want to swim cold, crystal-clear water that is where you can do it.
© Carole Raddato/ CC BY-SA 2.0
Ikaria
Ikaria is another wild and green island and it is known to be one of the 5 Blue Zones – the places where people are the healthiest and live the longest. Some say that it is because of the relaxed lifestyle of its inhabitants – lack of stress and enjoying the smallest things in life. Some also say that you can find the meaning of life if you visit Ikaria. If you’re feeling adventurous you should take surfing lessons – it’s one of the top things to do in Ikaria. Also, be sure to visit the most famous beach on Ikaria, Seychelles Beach, but remember that getting there is a kind of adventure, too. It is reachable by boat or by walking a rocky, 10-minute-downhill path, but it’s totally worth it.
© Vasiliki Theodoridou/ CC BY-SA 2.0
You will agree with us that Greece is one truly beautiful country and it deserves to be explored completely. So, why not start with one of these hidden gems?
