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SMALL TOWNS IN GREECE

SMALL TOWNS IN GREECE

Date: 2017-09-26

The small villages in Greece can be described as stunning, picturesque, scenic and beautiful. With a fascinating history, colorful folklore, sun-kissed beaches in the south to alpine mountain villages in the north. In the small towns you will discover a different side of this remarkable country.

TOP SMALL TOWNS

1.FISKARDO

The fishing village can be found on the Ionian island of Kefalonia. Fiskardo was once ruled by Venetians who left their architectural style stamped on the village. With fishing boats, large yachts, pebble beaches and coves with trees down to the waterline, Fiskardo is a traditional Kefalonian village.

2.PARIKIA

Built around the harbor, it is the capital and largest town on the island Paros. From the old windmill in the town center you can walk by the whitewashed buildings with colourful doors and windows to the 13th century castle on the highest point of the island. Parikia is relatively flat, so you can walk or bicycle to nice beaches.

3.NAFPLIO

Nafplio is a popular day trip destination from Athens. The Greek architecture features from the days of Venetian rule – a prime example of Mycenaean Revival or 20th century neo-Mediterranean architecture is the National Bank of Greece. Sights to see include the clock tower, churches dedicated to saints Nicholas and George and the brightly lit waterfront at night.

4.METSOVO

Metsovo in northern Greece is popular during winter because it is close to skiing. Take a walk to the 15th century church of Agia Paraskevi. famous for its carved wooden temple, or you can visit the 17th century castle, a folk art museum or a monastery with a watermill or one with 17th century wall paintings.

5.CHORA, PATMOS

Though it has only a few hundred residents, Chora is the island’s capital. Old whitewashed buildings creep up a hillside that is capped by an ancient 12th century Byzantine monastery. Dedicated to St. John the Theologian the monastery dominates Chora’s landscape. The monastery can be reach by walking the narrow pathways to the top where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.

6.GALAXIDI

The small town on the Gulf of Corinth is considered one of the most scenic small towns in Greece. The old naval town is filled with mansions built by sea captains and now home to Greece’s most important shipping families. At the first maritime history museum you can learn more about the people of the town.

7.AGIOS NIKOLAOS, CRETE

You will find a festive holiday atmosphere on this Crete island town. There is many to do and something for everybody, from shopping, arts, pretty beaches, museums, archaeological ruins and three waterfronts to explore. You can hike a trail to a colorful nearby village, go scuba diving or play a round of golf.

8.MITHYMNA, LESBOS ISLAND

Between the key local landmark, the Byzantine Castle of Mithymna and the sea, the picture-postcard features brown stone houses climbing up the hillside. Surrounded by farmlands, including olive groves and fishing boats in the harbor rand stone houses decked out with flowers visitors will found warm hospitality in this charming town.

9.KALAMBAKA

As one of Greece most beautiful places in the country, it is not difficult to see why. Red-roofed houses fill a small valley between Meteora pinnacles, with some of the old houses extending right up to the rock. In a 10th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary the remains of an ancient Greek temple can be found. It is not only the gateway to the famous monasteries of Meteora, Kalambaka but also a good place to buy handmade wooden souvenirs.

10.PARGA

Famous on posters for the Greek beach resorts, the ancient town has sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. You can explore two historic castles, the 14th century Venetian castle and the runs of Ali Pasha castle. You can also take a stroll through the nearby orchards and olive groves.

11.MYKONOS TOWN

Named after Mykons, who was either the son or grandson of the Greek sun god Apollo, Mykonos is a good place to learn of the Greek mythology. The town is famous for its windmills dating back to the Venetians, with some of them converted into homes. Highlights is Petros the Pelican who guards the waterfront and Little Venice and the fishermen’s houses with balconies that extend over the water. Mykonos has a cosmopolitan feel with all the colourful decorated white houses.

12.SYMI TOWN

The town is a magnet for travelers with waterfront cafes and benches overlooking the water. It is built on a hill with homes climbing the hillside on this mountainous island. Other attractions include an 18th century Greek Orthodox monastery, a castle overlooking the city that was built by the Knights of St. John, and numerous churches and chapels, some built by the Byzantines.

13.MONEMVASIA

This former fortress village is quite beautiful - linked by a causeway to the Greek mainland on the Peloponnese coast. The medieval village is well noted for its architecture, with red tile roofs topping rustic coloured buildings. Be enchanted by the old castle topping the island. The walled village shows off its Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman past quite well.

14.OIA

Attracting travelers since the 13th century, today it is one of Santorini’s top tourist destinations. People come here for the dramatic views, stunning sunsets and to look at the old captains’ houses. Buildings are snow white; churches are topped with deep blue domes that match the water surrounding the island. You can safely walk the narrow streets or strolling among the many art museums. The village is car-free.

The standard overland public transport in Greece is the bus. The best way to supplement buses is to rent a scooter, motorbike or car, especially on the islands where – in any substantial town or resort – you will find at least one rental outlet.

The best time to visit Greece is during spring and early summer from mid April to mid June or September to mid October. Temperatures during summer times is high with heat waves of 40° are routing.