Most Popular Seaside Destinations in Greece
We decided to search and suggest some of the most wonderful places in Greece for those wishing to leave the urban city life aside — let it be for a few days or a weekend — as the following areas are a great choice for a short escape that will help you fill your batteries…
Mainland Greece is hospitable and traditional. It can offer the visitor many suggestions for an adventurous holiday since it has a special structure that is characterized by an unexpected change in landscapes and scenery. Every corner of the hinterland gives an opportunity to lovers of nature to experience unique holidays full of action. Greece will also bring you in touch with its history and culture.
*Tip: A nice way to get to know a place is to taste its local cuisine as well as its agricultural products.
Greece is a country with incredible natural beauty, fascinating history and folklore tradition. This country undoubtedly offers something different for every taste. From the picturesque coastal towns to mountainous villages and multicultural cities, there are many that could make the top list of cities that one must absolutely visit. The following destinations offer a different side of the country and are really worth your time if you are into an exploration mood. These are the best suggestions for anyone who wants to live an authentic holiday in Greece. Let’s get a taste!
Volos (Thessaly)
Volos is perhaps the most beautiful and certainly the most popular city in Thessaly region. With a rich history that takes you back to ancient Iolkos, the hometown of the Argonauts, Volos will amaze you. Volos owes its charm mainly to its beautiful promenade, its great building structure, the neighbouring Pelion mountain and, of course, to its famous “tsipouro” (traditional drink), a ritual that was started by the Asia Minor refugees of 1922 and became a characteristic custom of this city. Around the city, you can find several monuments and beautiful corners for walks, both in the centre and in the suburbs. Take a walk around the promenade downtown. You could start from the west, from the Municipal Theater of Volos (which is one of the greatest in the Balkans). Beyond you will find the town hall of Volos. A little further behind the front of the promenade, but overlooking the sea, the Neoclassical of the Municipal Conservatory, and behind it the modern, glass tower, the Art Center, Giorgio de Chirico. Visit the local and famous “tsipouradika”. Traditional and genuine they are spread around every neighbourhood of Volos, and every afternoon they are full of people. Here, gastronomy is at its best as you will enjoy a unique “ritual”. Tsitsiravla (a local dish made by tips coming from the buds of wild pistachio trees that are gathered in the spring), cuttlefish with greens and a great variety of other seafood appetisers. Over 40 local surprise appetizers might appear on your table! They accompany the “tsipouro”, which is served in individual 25 ml bottles. Enough with the city, let’s talk a bit about Pelion. According to the tradition of the Ancient Greeks Pelion was the mountain where people worshipped the Centaurs. It was also a place where gods and heroes would go in order to gain knowledge according to Greek Mythology. Today’s Greeks prefer it for a winter-summer holiday, while most European visitors are constantly buying land and old traditional buildings to set up their own earthly “paradise.” Whatever the case, from ancient times to today, Pelion attracts people. If you want to explore Mt. Pelion, you should know that the most popular mountain route is the one that connects Portaria with Zagora. The mountain road, after passing through Hania, sinks into the beech forest and descends to Zagora, which is historically and culturally considered the capital of the eastern Pelion. Some of the destinations that come to mind are places such as Tsagarada, Agios Ioannis, Mylopotamos, Damouchari, Fakistra, Chorefto. In these and other destinations of Eastern Pelion, you will find hotels and rooms to let, beaches (organized and not), taverns with delicious food and rich natural beauty. Pelion is a favourite destination with beautiful villages, ideal for any season. Lush green landscapes surrounding the mountain and lovely beaches on both sides of the Pagasitic Gulf and the Aegean Sea will make you feel you are in paradise.
Kalamata (Messinia, Peloponnese)
Kalamata is only 2.5 hours away from Athens. With its glamorous seas, amazing food, great nightlife and economic accommodation, Kalamata is the new rising tourist destination of the country. Museums, shopping, entertainment and… possibly the best olive oil in Greece (or at least one of the most famous). Known also outside Greece for its wonderful olive oil and olives, Kalamata is the capital of Messinia prefecture and one of the most beautiful cities of the Peloponnese. Its castle is an important attraction, from where you can admire the view of the city. It is also worth visiting the Kalogria Monastery near the castle, where you will find the Byzantine tradition of weaving silk. The Benakio Archaeological Museum in its historic centre is yet another great place for you to explore. From the Railroad Park near the city’s harbour, you will find an open-air railway museum awarded by the European Commission. It is unique in its kind, the only one in Greece. Kalamata has great diversity: wild valleys and imposing mountains, sprawling beaches and pebble coves, proud villages and Byzantine churches harmoniously blend in a place that perfectly meets the expectation of an unforgettable holiday. The enormous organized beach of 4 km with quiet crystal clear waters is one of the charms of Kalamata. This beach wins the blue flag (prize for clean beaches) every year. The coastal front stretches along Navarino Boulevard and is one of the most beautiful places in the city for strolling, cycling and cool dives. On the west beach is the remarkable marina of the city with many tourist facilities, cafés and restaurants. The area has many options for nearby excursions. In the mountainous villages of the western slope of Mount Taygetos, on the way to the city of Sparta. The route to Sparta is one of the most beautiful in Greece. There are also plenty of activities that you could try such as mountaineering at the tops of Anina, Lipovouni, Marmarokastro, Vassiliki and Neraidovouna of Taygetos. You can also try some routes with a mountain bike or head to off-road tracks with jeeps. There are opportunities for paragliding, sea sports and bicycle rides. Other interesting areas near Kalamata are Agios Andreas, Gargaliani (Marathopoli), Kardamili, Koroni, Methoni, Kyparissia, Petalidi, Pylos (Gialova), Stoupa and Finikounda. If you have the time it is worth to pay a visit to the unique Cave of Diros in Mani Region.
Parga (Epirus)
Few places in Greece can combine the characteristics of the area of Parga. Parga is a seaside town with less than 3,000 inhabitants. It is amphitheatrically built -from the pavement “Pezavolo” to the Ionian coast. Opposite Parga, there are the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Parga is also near to the Acheron River. One thing is certain: Parga is a beautiful place that guarantees a quality escape and pleasant holidays any season. Parga has evolved into the most popular summer destination in the wider region of Epirus. An important reason in this is definitely its beaches. The central sandy beach of Parga is “Kryoneri”. This is the place where most holidaymakers go swimming. The waters are wonderful and you will not want to get out of the sea. You will enjoy a swim during the afternoon even more. Within 10 minutes from the centre of Parga, you can find the most famous beach in the area called Valtos. Just behind the castle, you will have the opportunity not only to swim but also to practice water sports. The beach of Valtos has all the necessary infrastructure to make you happy every minute you stay there. At the lovely beach of Lychnos, you will have the opportunity to see the small caves and admire the favour that nature has shown in the area. Of course, you should not forget to go to Agios Giannakis, where there is an outstanding underwater source of fresh water. During your tour around Parga and its surrounding areas, you will find several tavernas and fish taverns, “ouzeri” and café bars. Parga has been a tourist destination for several years, so as a result, the customer service provided by the shops is actually very good. There are some places in Greece that not only remind but also have nothing to envy from the Dalmatian coasts and the Norwegian fjords. One of those paradise escapes can be found in the “Epirus Riviera” in Parga and Syvota. When in Parga, you can take excursions to nearby destinations. There is a boat that runs daily, you can take it from the port of Parga and get to the small island complex of Paxos and Antipaxos. The beaches you can find there are literally magical, though they are inaccessible from land. Beaches like Marmaria and Agia Marina, are top choices. Voutoumi is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so it is definitely a must.
========================================
This publication was created for the Medium community by Hostelbay. Follow us for more exclusive tips about Greece and the Greek islands. On Hostelbay.com you can book hotels in Greece.
