I’ll admit it. I daydream about visiting Greece almost every single day. The blue-and-white villages, the sparkling Aegean Sea, the food… it never gets old. But while the big-name destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos grab most of the spotlight (and the crowds), there’s so much more to this country if you know where to look.
With overtourism on the rise, many travelers are craving a more authentic side of Greece. That’s why I’ve rounded up the best places to visit in Greece that often fly under the radar. Whether you’re planning your first Greek adventure or your tenth, these spots will show you a side of the country most tourists miss.
Kastellorizo
Tucked just a mile off Turkey’s south coast, tiny Kastellorizo is the smallest inhabited Greek island, measuring only 4.63 square miles. Despite its size, it even has its own airport, though you can also arrive by ferry from Athens, Rhodes, other Greek islands, or the nearby Turkish town of Kaş.
The harbor is a postcard come to life, with pastel-colored houses wrapped around a sparkling turquoise bay and steep cliffs rising behind them. There isn’t a long checklist of sights, just peaceful lanes to wander, inviting waters to swim, and cafes to linger in. For a unique view, climb the 400-step staircase to the Monastery of Saint George of the Mountain and gaze across the island to Turkey.
Paros
Recently crowned the best island in the world, Paros more than lives up to the hype. Its beaches glow with golden sand and crystal-clear water, while charming villages like Naousa and Lefkes allow you to stroll through cobblestone streets.
Grab a table at waterfront spots such as Mario Restaurant or Tsachpinis to enjoy fresh seafood with unbeatable views of the Aegean. When you’re ready for a quick adventure, hop on the seven-minute ferry from Parikia or Pounta to Antiparos, a tiny neighboring island perfect for a leisurely lunch, a refreshing swim, or even a bit of cliff diving.
Syros
As the capital of the Cyclades, Syros stands apart from the classic white-and-blue postcard image of its neighboring islands. Here, neoclassical architecture meets a unique cultural scene, giving the island a character all its own.
“An island that has everything. A great town, interesting museums, one of the best cocktail bars of the Cyclades (Theosis), an old town on top of a hill, hikes, beaches, and hosts international festivals,” says Nicoletta Barbata, Travel Advisor at One Quarter Greek. “Hermoupolis, the main city, has amazing neoclassic buildings, it reminds me a bit of the Italian Palermo.”
Zagori
For a completely different side of Greece, head to Zagori, one of the best places to visit in Greece for mountain scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage region in the Pindus Mountains of Epirus is made up of 46 stone villages, called Zagorohoria, spread across 386 square miles of deep forests and rugged peaks. The villages are linked by a network of centuries-old stone bridges and stairways.
Skip the beach towel and lace up your boots to trek the dramatic Vigos Gorge, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s deepest gorge relative to its width. You can also climb Mount Tymfi or tackle the famous Vradeto Steps, a path of 1,200 steps and 39 turns that once served as the only connection between the villages of Kapesovo and Vradeto.
Amorgos
Perched on the eastern edge of the Cyclades, Amorgos is a quiet escape where time seems to stretch and slow. Its main town, Chora, sits high above the Aegean on a hilltop chosen centuries ago to protect residents from pirate raids. Today, it’s a maze of sunlit squares filled with cozy cafes and tavernas serving traditional Greek food.
“It doesn’t try to impress you; it just is,” says Christina Drangana, Athens Operations Manager for Eating Europe. “The cliffside monastery of Hozoviotissa feels more like a pilgrimage than a sightseeing stop, and the views are outrageous, sea, stone, and sky folding into one another. I spent a week there without checking the time once. Amorgos is for people who want to feel lost, in the best possible way.”
Plataria
On the quiet northwest coast of mainland Epirus, Plataria is a charming seaside village that easily ranks among the best places to visit in Greece if you’re craving a slower pace. Home to fewer than 1,000 residents, it offers a laid-back alternative to the busy Ionian islands just across the water. The village sits close to Igoumenitsa, a major port city with ferry connections, and the pretty resort town of Sivota, making it an easy stop for travelers exploring the region.
Spend your days soaking up the sun on peaceful Plataria Beach or enjoying fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants like BYTHOS and Augostinos. Accommodations here lean small and welcoming, with cozy homeshares and boutique stays such as Villa Rosanna, where you can settle in and savor the slow-paced charm of coastal Epirus.
Zakynthos
Often overlooked in favor of Mykonos or Santorini, Zakynthos is one of Greece’s most gorgeous islands and a paradise for those willing to look beyond the usual hotspots. While it’s known as a lively summer resort, the magic truly shines in the off-season when the crowds thin.
Spend your days exploring the turquoise waters of the Keri Caves, taking a boat tour to spot sea turtles around Marathonissi, or standing below the cliffs of the famed Navagio Shipwreck Beach. Between adventures, you can simply kick back on a sunbed, order a long, lazy seaside lunch, and soak in that signature Ionian charm.
