The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In Greece

A land of incredible natural beauty, fascinating history, and colorful

folklore, Greecearguably has something for everyone. From quaint coastal towns to
alpine mountain villages and multicultural Macedonian cities, heres a selection of
ten must visit, off-the-beaten-path destinations where you will discover a different
side of this remarkable country.

Nafplio
Few cities reflect Greeces rich and diverse history as well as Nafplio, one of the
countrys 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 and 17th centuries. It
flourished as modern Greeces first capital in the early 1800s. 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 in the Argolic
gulf, a short ferry ride from the city, offers unique views over Nafplio and an ideal
setting for romantic getaways.
Parga
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 Pargas 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 Greeces finest.

Kalambaka

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, a
complex of abrupt rock formations that host one of Greeces 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 towns picturesque old quarter, Sopotos, much of which
is built under the shadow of the rocks, and enjoy beautiful Macedonian traditional
architecture.
Kastoria
Northern Greeces 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 Kastorias rich Byzantine past. The lovely
promenade around the lake is perhaps one of Greeces most scenic walks, offering
spectacular views of Kastoria and its surrounding mountains.

Karpenisi
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 countrys Little Switzerland. The towns 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.
Metsovo
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 Greeces more
picturesque towns. The city was home to some of the countrys most skilled
stonemasons who used the regions 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.

Veria
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 Pauls Podium, to historical Macedonian and Ottoman
architecture and winding stone-paved streets and squares, theres plenty to explore.
Perhaps one of the citys most intriguing features is its well-preserved old Jewish
quarter and synagogue, remnant of Verias 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 Macedonias first capital.
Xanthi
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. Xanthis 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, Xanthis culinary traditions
represent an intriguing cosmopolitan mix, typical of the region.

Galaxidi

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 towns compact Nautical Museum. This town is now known as a famous
yachting destination. Its waterfront and colorful streets are decorated with lovely
two-story traditional buildings, cozy cafs, and Greek tavernas. One of the towns
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

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 cafs, 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 Hislops historical novel The Island.