Hailed as the birthplace of democracy, Greece is a southeastern European country that flaunts its well-preserved ancient charm. Beckoning travellers from all over the world, the country is packed with bountiful monuments, architectural marvels, islands and mainlands. Along with the sun-drenched beaches of Crete, and the rugged cliffs of Santorini, myriad small towns in Greece are worth exploring. The timeless allure of the country and an incredible fusion of its history and hospitality, make it a popular destination to spend relaxing holidays. In this guide, we are going to unveil some of the amazing towns that you must not miss to include in your itinerary.
7 Small Towns In Greece
Adorned with whitewashed buildings and home to iconic blue-domed churches, countless small towns in Greece strike a chord in the hearts of people with curious minds. Here are some of the gems from a long list:
1. Chora
Drawing the attention of tourists who are looking for a budget-friendly travel destination, Chora is one of the wonderful small towns in Greece known as one of the most iconic destinations in Greece. Home to some of the stunning beaches such as Skala Beach, Meloi Beach, and Grikos Beach, the town welcomes locals and tourists to soak up beach vibes and spend an unforgettable time amidst sun, sand and serenity. One of the major attractions of the Chora is the Folklore Museum where you can explore the wonderful collections of the region’s ancient treasure. Bursting with vibrant bars and restaurants, Chora is a perfect place to land for a mesmerising holiday experience.
Places To Visit: Church of Panagia Gremniotissa, Tzamaria Beach, Agia Irini
Places To Stay: Argo Boutique Hotel, Anatoli Hotel, Hotel Grotta
Must Read: Top 27 Places To Visit In Greece
2. Galaxidi
Perched at the northern shores of the Gulf of Corinth, Galaxidi is one of the majestic small towns in Greece that flaunts its rich historical and cultural charm. The town is known for delighting visitors with the most scenic vistas, as well as a perfect destination to indulge in Greek culture. Housing numerous neoclassical mansions, cafes and restaurants, Galaxidi offers an ideal oasis for family holidays in Greece. Let your adventurous souls to dive into an island-like atmosphere, enjoy strolling through cobbled streets and admire the stunning traditional architecture of the region at its best.
Places To Visit: Maritime Museum, Agios Nikolaos Church
Places To Stay: Galaxa Mansion, Ganimede Hotel, Hotel Galaxidi
3. Parga
Nestled in the heart of northwestern coasts and surrounded by lush greenery, Parga is one of the pedestrian small towns in Greece known as a picturesque Mediterranean destination. The town is packed with gorgeous beaches, vibrant houses, a gigantic hillside, fine cafes, and a Venetian castle. The castle is a main attraction of the Parga and attracts crowds from all over the world to witness the stunning sunset views. For relaxation seekers, the town boasts many beaches such as Valtos and Lichnos, which are known as a perfect summer holiday destination. Along with admiring the amazing gems of Parga, save some time for an evening stroll through orchards and olive groves, adding an extra dose of charm to your trip.
Places To Visit: Venetian Castle of Parga, Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin, Aphrodite’s Cave
Places To Stay: Dracos Hotel, Valtos Beach Hotel, Olympic Hotel
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Greece
4. Mykonos
Named after the grandson or son of the Greek sun god Apollo, Mykonos is one of the gorgeous small towns in Greece famous for its windmills. A perfect place where locals and tourists can indulge in Greek mythology, admire Cycladic architecture and observe the region’s rich cultural heritage closely. Along with amusing visitors with its Venetian time windmills, Mykonos offers a delightful escape where you can spend an amazing time amidst sun, sand and serenity. Other attractions that you must include in your places to visit in Mykonos are Petros the Pelican, and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. and Little Venice where you can see fishermen’s houses with balconies.
Places To Visit: Little Venice Mykonos Quarter, Paradise Beach, Panagia Paraportiani
Places To Stay: Hotel Madalena, Palladium Hotel, Poseidon Hotel Suites
5. Symi
Flaunting its magical waterfront charm, Symi Town is known as the prettiest village in Greece that draws tourists from far and wide to enjoy a seaside vacation amidst nature’s lap. This mountainous island offers visitors a cosmopolitan feel and allows them to spend a mesmerising time with their loved ones at the hillside. Packed with waterfront cafes and benches, from where you can admire the gorgeous scenery of nature, the main attraction of Symi town is a Greek Orthodox monastery, a castle built in the 18th century by the Knights of St.John and offers panoramic views of the city. The town also features numerous churches and chapels which still echo the tales of the Byzantine period here. So, history buffs are welcome to explore the hidden gems of the town and learn some interesting facts about Symi.
Places To Visit: Archaeological Museum of Symi, Castle of Symi, Νανού
Places To Stay: 1900 Hotel, Albatros, Dorian Hotel
Suggested Read: Greece Travel Tips
6. Monemvasia
Renowned as one of the most beautiful small towns in Greece, Monemvasia is a wonderful medieval town that captures the attention of honeymooners, vacation lovers, as well as history buffs. With historical buildings at every corner of the town, and notable Greek architecture adorned structures, Monemvasia offers a tranquil escape where you can also indulge in the region’s culture influenced by Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman past. From Muslim Mosques to Byzantine Churches, there are countless blissful places to visit in Greece that await your exploration. Don’t miss to witness jaw-dropping vistas of the city from the fortress of Youlas, which is one of the prime attractions of Monemvasia.
Places To Visit: Monemvasia Fortress, Agia Sofia Church, Our Lady of Harisafittisa
Places To Stay: Malvasia Traditional Hotel, Aktaion Hotel, Byzantino Boutique Hotel
7. Oia
Counted among the tourist gems of Santorini, Oia is one of the wonderful small towns in Greece famous for delighting visitors with breathtaking sunset views. The town is packed with bustling streets, Greek architecture and food courts which is perfect for enjoying a scenic stroll. Dotted with white homes with blue roofs, Oia is a traffic-free town that boasts numerous art scenes, culinary delights, and shopping centres. Amusing visitors since the 13th century, the town also offers many sightseeing places that define the Cycladic beauty of the region and keep the travellers engaged and mesmerised.
Places To Visit: Oia Treasures Art Gallery, Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn, Ammoudi Bay
Places To Stay: Aperanto Suites, Danae Suites Santorini, Secret View Hotel
Further Read: Greece In February
From Chora to Oia, there are countless small towns in Greece brimming with charm and authenticity, each town has its own story to tell and is packed with unique surprises for visitors. On your next trip to Greece, don’t miss to add these hidden treasures to your itinerary that offer a glimpse into Greek life beyond the bustling cities.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Small Towns In Greece
Which are the famous cities to visit in Greece?
Some of the best cities that you must include in your itinerary are as follows:
- Athens
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Corfu
- Thessaloniki
- Rhodes
Which is the best island to experience the nightlife in Greece?
Greece boats are bountiful islands where you can experience and enjoy its vibrant nightlife. These islands are as follows:
- Mykonos
- Zakynthos
- Skiathos
- Kos
- Corfu
What is the best time to visit Greece?
To enjoy your Greece tour at its fullest and indulge in outdoor activities and sightseeing in a pleasant weather, the best to plan your trip is during the late spring in May or Fall in September and October.
Which is the official language of Greece?
The official language of Greece is Greek. However, the English language is also used for communication in Greece.
Which is the smallest town in Greece?
Greece is packed with many small towns that are worth exploring during your next trip. These towns are as follows:
- Metsovo
- Oia
- Paros
- Mithymna
- Kastro
- Galaxidi
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