10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece
Greece’s beauty doesn’t need to be described. The Greek gods were absolutely faultless in their design of their nation. Greece offers a wide variety of breathtaking tourist destinations.
Beautiful scenery and landscapes will take your breath away, delicious foods and drinks will satisfy your sweet tooth, and locals will enchant you with their tales and folklore. Greece is a place that seems like it belongs in a fantasy.
Greece and the Greeks never cease to impress, regardless of the time of year or the month.
Enjoy your time in this ancient nation, which is known for its many historical landmarks. Greece will undoubtedly make your vacation extraordinary, from the architecture to the people.
Here are some of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece:
- Ikaria
- Thessaloniki
- Nafplio
- Hydra
- Corfu
- Olympia
- Chania, Crete
- Sifnos
- Assos
- Lefkada
1. Ikaria
One of the most unique places to visit in Greece is Ikaria. Ikaria is an island in the North Aegean Sea and one of the East Aegean Islands. It is one of the best 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
Ikaria is west of Samos and south of Chios. Its capital is the town of Agios Kirikos. Tourism on Ikaria is unimposing for all and reflects an “Ikarian Balance” between nature, freedom, time, and development.
The island is world famous for being one of the five Blue Zones, places where people reach extraordinary high ages. The island has the highest population of people 90 years and older in the world.
There is only one little airport on the island, which can only accommodate domestic flights and small aircraft. Ikaria is connected to Athena by air (1-2 flights per day; 50-minute travel time), and there are weekly flights from Lesvos, Crete, Lemnos, and Thessaloniki.
You must take a taxi or rent a car to go to the island’s capital, which is about 12 kilometres from the airport. As an alternative, you can also take advantage of public transport.
One in 3 people on Ikaria lives to be over 90.
And they live well too.
2. Thessaloniki
The greatest way to see Thessaloniki is on foot. There are many places to see in Thessaloniki, however they are not all limited to UNESCO legacy sites. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
The Roman Agora, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotonda, the Byzantine Bath, and the Cinema Exhibition Hall are a few of the locations. Greeks like the unusual fusion of Asian, Arab, and Mediterranean flavours found in Thessaloniki cuisine.
On its eastern shore, Thessaloniki is bordered on its southeast by Mount Chortiatis and is located on the northern edge of the Thermaic Gulf. With a population of about 1 million, the metropolitan region can be split roughly into three sections: the northwest, the centre, and the southeast.
The city’s centre area, which corresponds to the area formerly enclosed by Byzantine walls, can be further split into the “Ano Poli” (Upper City) district, which is situated on a hillside near the southwest corner of Chortiatis, and the area between the Upper City and the sea.
The majority of the city’s retail, leisure, and educational institutions are located in the latter, making it the “centre” of Thessaloniki.
There are tourist info and ticket booths at the central bus stations. You can get a free bus line chart there. The tourist information office is at Tsimiski 136, a few minutes from the White Tower. It is open M-F 08:00-20:00, Sa 09:30-16:00 in winter and 08:00-20:00 in summer.
3. Nafplio
Beautiful Nafplion, in the eastern Peloponnese of mainland Greece, is within two hours’ drive from significant archaeological sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
During the Greek War of Independence, it was one of the first towns to be freed.
Additionally, this served as Greece’s first independent capital.
There is no airport in Nafplion. The most convenient is the Athens airport that receives flights from all Greek islands and from abroad.
From Athens, you can reach Nafplion by rental car or by bus from Kifissos Bus Station.
Being only 140 kilometres from Athens, Nafplio is a well-liked tourist attraction.
It is known for Bourtzi, a little fortification constructed during the Venetian era on an island in the harbour of Nafplio. There are numerous significant archaeological sites nearby.
4. Hydra
So close to Athens that you can hop across whenever the mood takes you, this small, hilly island in the Saronic Gulf has over the years mesmerised its visitors with its quaintness, rich history and cultural allure.
The moment you arrive on Hydra, you instantly feel the change of pace. The main port is cosmopolitan and elegant, with its 18th-century mansions, captains’ houses, old churches, wells and marble-covered alleyways that fan out everywhere. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
Everywhere you look, water taxis buzz around the island like bees.
The main town, Kaminia, Vlichos, Molos, Episkopi and Mandraki are just some of the highlights of an island which nurtured a revolution that won independence for an entire country.
The island of Hydra is a popular small island of the Saronic Gulf, just a couple of hours ferry ride from Athens.
It is famous for its picturesque architecture, the vivid nightlife, and cosmopolitan character.
5. Corfu
Corfu, an island off the northwest coast of the country, is unquestionably one of the top Greek islands to visit because of its rich cultural history. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
One of the several beaches on this island can help you choose your ideal paradise. White sand beaches contrast beautifully with the untamed mountains in the background.
It offers a wide range of activities in addition to beach tanning, such as taking an olive tasting tour or touring an old monastery.
Don’t miss: Agni Bay’s Gorge is a hidden gem that you should not pass up while visiting the island.
Make it a point to see Cape Drastis, which is located at the island’s northernmost point, as well. One more is the Vlacherna Monastery.
What to eat and where: Being an island, seafood and shellfish are the famous delicacies of Corfu. Sykomaïtha, a fig-based cake is another specialty of this town which you must definitely taste.
The Venetian Well is one of the fine dining options on Corfu Island. Taverna Kalami is where you can enjoy the local cuisine and seafood.
The Old time Cafe Bar Bistro is famous for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Tourist Attractions: Palaiokastritsa, Sidari, Achilleion. St. Spyridon Church
Things to do: Water sports, Fort sightseeing
6. Olympia
The most renowned and significant sporting event in ancient times originated in Olympia.
From 776 BC to 393 AD, the Olympic Games were held here every four years. From from the 10th century BC, the location served as a place of worship for the Greek god Zeus. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
A day trip from Athens to ancient Olympia is most definitely worth your time.
It’s a unique place where history really comes to life. Despite its small size, there are quite a few things to do and see in Olympia as well as some fascinating places nearby.
By Train: There are several trains a day from Athens to Pirgos, where you change to the train for Olympia.
Information on schedules and fares is available from the Stathmos Peloponnisou (train station for the Peloponnese) in Athens.
7.Chania, Crete
Without including Crete, a list of the tourist destinations in Greece would be lacking.
The vast island of Crete is home to a variety of diverse topographies, including long coasts, sweeping mountains, verdant forests, and rocky terrains. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
In addition to hectic cities, there are also calm villages. Greek island Crete, which is the biggest, is well-known for its fascinating ancient Greek ruins and historical landmarks.
The beauty of it, though, cannot be discounted. One of the safest spots in Greece to travel is there as well.
Don’t miss: Beautiful Elafonissi Beach, stunning White Mountains, deep blue water at Balos Lagoon, artefacts at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the wilderness of Spinalonga, Samaria Gorge National Park, sunset at Falassarna Beach, peaceful Sacred Monastery of Arkadi, wine tasting tours at Manousakis Winery, shacks at Stalis Beach, and opulent Palace of Knossos
Where to stay: Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Minoa Palace Resort & Spa, and Ilianthos Village Luxury Hotel are the best luxury hotels in Crete. They would cost you around 30,000 per night. Papadakis Villas, Village Heights Golf Resort, and Niriis Hotel are your best picks for budget options.
What to eat and where: Desserts at Yaourtaki Greek Frozen Yogurt, Greek platter at Georgia’s Traditional Taverna, organically prepared natural food at Ntounias, best steaks at The House Steak Restaurant, drinks at Taverna Harakas, and mocktails at Cafe Dimitris
Tourist Attractions: Knossos, Samariá Gorge, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Lake Kournas
Things to do: Musuem tours, monastery visits, boating.
8. Sifnos
White sand beaches like Chrisopigi and Vathi Beach may be found in Sifnos.
They offer reward booths, a public changing area, and you may rent sun loungers and umbrellas. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
Avoid skipping Chryssopigi Monastery, a whitewashed religious community on the seashore that is bursting with Christian craftsmanship.
The island is renowned for its exceptional stoneware and excellent cruising conditions.
Sifnos is a traditional Cycladic island famed for its white-washed houses, quaint Greek chapels, pristine beaches, and friendly locals, but what you might not know is that it is also thought to have the best culinary scene in the region too.
There are almost daily ferries to Sifnos from Piraeus, the largest port in Athens. The ferry trip from Athens to Sifnos takes from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the vessel and the route.
Sifnos hotels range from $47 to $213 per night with an average of $76, while most vacation rentals will cost $160 to $440 per night for the entire home.
9. Assos
Assos’ name means ‘island’ in an ancient Greek Dorian dialect. Though there is evidence of quite earlier settlements, it is first mentioned as we know it in the 16th century, during the Venetian occupation of Kefalonia. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
You can get to Assos by car or, if you are visiting in the summer, by boat. Going by boat is very popular with tourists as the route is very scenic, with the novelty of the view from the sea.
But you can also drive there. It is 36 km north of Kefalonia’s capital town, Argostoli.
There are some tour buses that can get you there but otherwise, you will need to use a car or taxi.
The single main road leading there winds down a steep hill and ends up in a parking lot just outside of Assos
It is an experience in and of itself to climb the hill to the Venetian fortress that was constructed at the highest point of the Assos peninsula.
Since the distance is considerable, bring water with you. As you get closer, the arched castle entrance will be visible amid beautiful olive tree forests, bringing history to life.
10. Lefkada
Lefkada, an exquisite island in the Ionian Sea, is well-known for its several world-famous beaches and variety of lush forests. It is one of the 10 best offbeat destinations to explore in Greece.
The renowned beaches of Lefkada have undoubtedly been captured on camera. However, once you get there, you’ll quickly realise that they’re much better in person.
There are 24 islets in total that surround Lefkada, with Aristotle Onassis’ Skorpios being one of them.
A floating swing bridge connects it to the Central Greek coast on the other side (length: 50 m).
Visitors from across Greece may easily access Lefkada thanks to the bridge.
Lefkada is home to a number of outstanding attractions, including churches and monasteries, attractive towns, lush vegetation, scenic coves with clear, turquoise waters, crowded and remote beaches with breathtaking beauty, a substantial cultural legacy, and hospitable residents.
The port city and island’s capital is Lefkada. A “fish backbone”-like structure can be seen in the town planning, which is highly specific.
This town’s unique personality is derived from its charming alleys, intimate squares, classic homes, beautiful belfries, and paved pedestrian areas. A wall surrounds the city.