8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Greece
Avoid the most crowded spots and find a slice of Greece that's personalized to you.
Once you sit down to plan your Greece trip, the first stop is invariably Athens but where do you go from there? Forget Santorini and Mykonos, which are stunning but the obvious choices and well-trodden by tourists. Not only are there hundreds of other islands to explore, but Greece’s mainland is home to national parks and ancient history that overshadows Athens in a big way.
For a Greek vacation off the tourist route, Origin Travel Curator Dean shares his favorite destinations tailored to every type of traveler.
In November 2021, UNESCO named Thessaloniki as the first “city of gastronomy” in Greece, though it was just late recognition for something the locals have known for generations. “Thanks to its varied history with different civilizations from around the world, the result is a cuisine hotspot where every bite is an experience,” shares Dean. You’ll find all of the staples of Greek cuisine in this food capital, but some local specialties that Dean recommends are flaky bougatsa pastries, koulouria sesame bagels, spanakopita, and syrup-soaked trigona.
Athens is more known for culture and history than beaches, but the trendy suburb of Vouliagmeni turns that upside down. The area is even known as the Athens Riviera since the vibe and beaches could easily be confused for the Cote d’Azur. Just 30 minutes south of the capital, it’s the ideal destination to have the best of both worlds, combining the cosmopolitan ambiance of Athens with the paradise of a Greek island.
The history on the island of Rhodes makes the Parthenon look contemporary. Even though the Colossus of Rhodes is no longer standing watch over the harbor, there are plenty of archaeological sites that you can still visit. “Explore the historic old city, the Grand Knight's Palace, the flower-filled alleyways, and waterside dining in the new Marina district,” Dean suggests. “In the whitewashed town of Lindos, the beautiful Acropolis looks out over the sea for the most striking views around.”
With its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, colorful bougainvillea flowers, and crystal blue waters, Laidback Paros has managed to retain its authenticity unlike the more touristy Santorini and Mykonos. In addition to its local charm, you can also take a romantic ferry ride directly from Athens for an even more magical journey across the Aegean Sea. And if one island isn’t enough, there are direct connections to Santorini, Mykonos, and other neighboring destinations for some island hopping.
When in Greece, do as the Greeks do and take a trip to Crete (the town of Chania in Crete was named the top destination for domestic tourism in the country). While it is a popular island, it’s also by far the largest, meaning there’s plenty of space and coastline to carve out your own pocket. “Amazing beaches, mountain villages, archaeological sites, nature, hiking routes, and buzzing cities,” Dean lists, “Create is an island that has it all!”
The Peloponnese Peninsula is home to some of the most important archaeological monuments in the country and a third of Greece’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travel back in time to Olympia where the original Olympic Games took place or to the once-powerful city-state of Sparta. Elsewhere are the remarkably preserved ruins of the ancient cities of Mycenae, Corinth, and Epidaurus, where it’s easy to imagine yourself living with and walking among the Ancient Greeks.
The roughly 40 fairytale towns in the northwest corner of Greece are collectively known as the Zagorohoria, literally “the villages of the Zagori region”. The villages provide the charm, but the surrounding Vikos-Aoös National Park is a natural wonder of majestic proportions that’s popular for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor excursions. Hiking through the gorge, it feels as though Zeus carved it out himself.
Planning an off-season vacation? Don’t worry about it. Trikala is the holiday capital of Greece thanks to the annual Mill of Elves Christmas Park. The month-long event has become a symbol of the city and offers an immersive and interactive look into Greek Christmas traditions with over-the-top celebrations. In Trikala, you can get all of the festive holiday spirit of Northern European countries without having to endure the frigid weather.
Chat with a curator below and Origin will start planning your next trip to Greece, fully customized to your interests and passions.