The Greek villages are hidden gems that represent an
incredible alternative for people who try to escape from the busy rhythm of the
islands and beaches, in a country that attracts thousands of tourists.
The most common images which spring into our minds will
probably be those of pristine beaches and beautiful sunsets in Corfu,
Cephalonia, Ithaki. Leukatha and Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea, and Andros, Santorini,
Mykonos, Samos and Paros in the Aegean.
The truth is that are many other beautiful places to visit
in Greece, including dozens of enchanting and fairy-tale villages.
SYRRAIKO
Syrraiko is village is a hidden gem in Ioannina. Once passed the stone gate, following a stone
paved path that directs one to the centre of the village, built by experienced
craftsmen who created works of art.
PARTHAINONAS IN HALKIDIKI
Parthenonas appeared in the writings of Herodotus when he
described a settlement called Parthenopolis, located in the area of modern
Parthenonas. Pottery from the
Archaic Period shows evidence of a village being there since antiquity.
KARYTAINA
Karytaina is a village situated on a hill, on the banks of
the river Alpheios. It dates back to the
13th century and became the seat of the barony under the Frankish
Principality of Achaea. Its castle was built on a steep, rocky mountain and it is
one of the most important fortresses of the Peloponnese. The area came under
Ottoman control in 1460 and its residents were among the first to rise up
during the Greek War of Independence 1821-29.
Today, Karytaina is a protected traditional village. The Greek writer,
Nikos Kazantzakis described it as the “Toledo of Greece.”
AMBELAKIA is a village in Larissa, in Central Greece. It is
also one of the most historic villages in the municipality of Tempe and it has
been declared a traditional settlement dotted with numerous beautiful houses
and well-preserved stone fountains.
ACHARNES, CRETE
With a history going back 5.000 years the village of
Acharnes is one of the most traditional villages in Crete. It is located on the
slopes of Mount Giouchtas and is close to the capital of Crete, Heraklion.
DIMITSENA, PELOPONNESE
This village has a plethora of amazing monasteries and a
unique architecture that gives the village a traditional atmosphere. Built of mountain slopes it offers great
views of plains of Megalopolis and the mountain Taygetos. In 1975, the shipping magnate, Yiannis Carras
started to construct the tourist resort Porto Carras.
MIKRO PAPIGO
The impressive mountain landscape is the backstage for a
village built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Timphy. This beautiful village has stone-paved alleys
with houses and mansions built in the perfect Zagorian architectural style.
ARACHOVA, CENTRAL GREECE
Arachova is a mountainous village at the foot of Mount
Parnassos. It is the most cosmopolitan
winter destination in Greece, favourite among celebrities and ski fans due to
its modern ski installations and its proximity to Athens. Most important for lovers of history is that
Arachova is near the site of ancient Delphi.
MAKRINITSA – VOLOS
Also known as the balcony of Pelion, Makrinitsa offers a
fabulous view and has houses built in the traditional style which are extremely
well preserved. Also, the traditional
fountains are scattered around the cobblestoned paths of this picturesque town.
NYMPHAION
Nymphaion is a Greek village surrounded by a renowned beech
forest, with old houses that have been restored into traditional guest houses
selling local products. The settlement
offers unique forest trails ideal for mountain biking and horse riding.
Nymphaion was settled by Vlach travellers in 1385 who fled
to the mountains after fighting the Ottomans. Also, the residents were among
the first to part in the war for Greek Independence from 1821-29.
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