6 Beautiful Towns in Greece Everyone Should Visit
I fell in love with Greece because of its charming towns. I love the country’s beaches too! That’s why the following 6 towns are my absolute favorite in the entire country. They combine the best of both worlds: nature and architecture.
As you will notice, these towns are not tourist hotspots. That’s precisely why I like them so much. Locals far outnumber visitors! Therefore, you get to experience Greek culture first hand. On your other hand you’ll have your favorite beverage.
Get your camera ready and prepare to be dazzled! Now, please do not rush and stay at least one night in each town. You don’t want to be one of those tourists that miss on the best Greece has to offer.
Skopelos Town
Skopelos is in the heart of the Sporades achipelago, in Thessaly. Maybe you’ve heard of its popular sister: Skiathos. However, Skopelos is completely different. Giant pine forests cover most of the island, and there are fewer tourists.
Its capital, Skopelos Town, looks straight out of movie. In fact, the country declared it a Traditional Settlement of Outstanding Beauty in 1978. Since it’s on a slope, it offers epic views over the sea and the rest of the island.
Skopelos highlights include a Venetian Castle and the gorgeous Panagitsa Tower (Virgin Mary Church). There are countless bars and restaurants where you can chill and admire the views. It’s got a permanent population, so you can visit all year round.
We stay at the Skopelos Village Hotel, on the coast, pretty close to the town. It looks like a traditional Greek village and offers unforgettable views. The rooms are extra comfy and tastefully decorated. It’s got two pools and a full size spa.
Nafpaktos
I discovered Nafpaktos by accident, while visiting Patras. I liked it so much that I stayed for 10 days! Nafpaktos is an architect’s dream! A historian’s dream too. The famous Battle of Lepanto when the Holy League defeated the Ottomans took place here in 1571.
The town boasts an impressive Venetian Fortress on top the hill that towers above the coast. On your way there, stop at the Kastro Cafe for a bite and jaw dropping views. The Venetian Port is a sight to behold.
As if that was not enough, Nafpaktos has two splendid beaches. However, what I like the most is its vibe. There are almost no foreigners here. Children play on the squares, families visit churches, and everybody says hi!
The Amaryllis Hotel has the best location in town. It’s on a small hill, 2 minutes from the beach and the Venetian port. Book a deluxe room to enjoy the views. The complimentary breakfast is homemade and delicious.
Nafplio
The first place my husband and I went to after moving to Athens was Nafplio. Our local friends told us we would love it. They were right! Nafplio is a gorgeous peninsula on a bay in the Peloponnese.
Since it was the country’s first capital, it holds a special place in everyone’s heart. It’s a small city with elegant Greek mansions, Venetian buildings, and Ottoman architecture. Its most celebrated landmark is the Venetian Palamidi fortress, from 1714.
Bourtzi Castle is older. The venetians built in 1473 on an islet in front of the town. It’s a short boat ride there from the port. Gravitate towards Naflplio’s Old Town, considered by Greeks a masterpiece. Almost forgot my favorite beach: Arvanitia is a 15 min. walk from the center.
The Agamemnon Hotel is on the coast, overlooking Bourtzi Castle. So central and yet so quiet! Book a sea view room with a balcony with breath-taking views. The traditional complimentary breakfast is served on the onsite restaurant with sea views.
Ermoupoli
According to my husband who’s an architect, the capital of Syros, Ermoupoli, is the nicest city in the Cyclades. I agree! It’s also the archipelago’s capital and biggest town. Besides, it’s very easy to go there from Athens and a great all year round destination.
Ermoupoli has two clear parts. The area on the coast is from the 1820s and all about neoclassic buildings. Its epicenter is the Town Hall Square. Since the Aegean University is behind, it’s full of students. One of Greece’s greatest Opera Theatre’s is next door: Apollon.
Ano Syros up the hill is older and boasts superb byzantine architecture. You can walk or take a taxi there. Go in the afternoon and you’ll see a killer sunset. You have to visit the Capuchin Monastery from 1637 and the Church of Saint George from 1208.
The best hotel in Ermoupouli is the Apollonion Palace Hotel. It’s an original 19th Century Mansion directly on the coast. It’s got direct access to the sea and a sunny terrace where you can chill and enjoy the views.
Lindos
Lindos is the nicest town in Rhodes, one of Greece’s most popular islands. However, and unlike Rhodes Town, it’s very quiet. You can go from one to the other on a public bus in an hour. It’s totally worth it.
Lindos’ Acropolis crowns a hill overlooking the sea. Its inside Lindos’ Castle from the 14th Century. The remains of a 14th Century Byzantine Church complete the feast. You have to climb a lot to get there, so go early in the morning or late afternoon.
The rest of Lindos is a maze of atmospheric aisles and cobbled streets. Go down the hill and enjoy a splendid sandy beach. Lindos’ steep cliffs are north of the beach. The sea caves are to the south of the beach.
We stayed at the Maris Lindos Suites & Apartments. It’s halfway on the slope of a hill, just 600 feet (200 m) to the beach. The hotel has several terraces with old trees. The rooms are elegant and big.
Rethymno
I went to Rethymno with my parents and had a fantastic time. They wanted a superb beach, I wanted history. Rethymno has both. Due to its location in the middle of Crete, the city has been important for centuries.
Its perfectly preserved Old Town is full of 16th century villas, fortresses, gates, palaces, and arches. You will also see outstanding Byzantine architecture. Look out for two mosques from the Ottoman period, and get lost in the Jewish quarter.
Rethymno’s long sandy beach is one of Crete’s best. You can walk for hours along the coast, or just 20 minutes to the center. What’s more, since it enjoys great weather all year long, you can spend time on the beach even in winter.
We stayed at the one and only Hamam Oriental Suites in the Old Town. It’s an authentic Ottoman hammam in perfect shape. You can sleep under an original dome! The rooms have antiques. The family that runs it will treat you like a king.
