Though Greece’s many islands tend to steal the show, they do not hold a monopoly on the nation’s natural beauty. From Meteora’s monasteries to the forested peaks of the Pelion, there are heaps of gorgeous discoveries on the mainland and around the coast. Some, such as Vikos Gorge or the White Mountains in Crete, are as lovely as nature intended, while others — step forward, Monemvasia — are impressive man-made wonders. The less-visited seaside gems of the Ionian coast or eastern Halkidiki also shine; and there are spots on the islands whose famed beauty fills many an Instagram feed.
I’ve been exploring Greece for 30 years and I’m still amazed by the magical landscapes that lie in wait for those who venture out beyond the resorts. This handy guide should help you discover some of these fabled scenes for yourself. Here are some of the most beautiful places in Greece.
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1. Monemvasia
There’s a hint of Game of Thrones in stunning Monemvasia. This fortified town sits on the side of a massive monolith that rises out of the sea on the southeastern shores of the Peloponnese, in mainland Greece. Back in medieval times, visitors not arriving by boat could only gain access by a heavily defended causeway (hence the town’s name, which effectively means “one way in”). From the waterfront, Monemvasia climbs all the way up to its fortress via twisting streets, Byzantine churches and a mosque that houses an archaeological museum. Don’t expect much nightlife: this is a place for relaxing escapes.
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For a truly one-of-a-kind stay, book into Moni Emvasis Luxury Suites, whose spacious castle guest rooms would satisfy Queen Cersei herself.
Or explore Monemvasia (as well as historic Nafplion and magical Meteora) on a 12-day guided tour.
2. Meteora
The sandstone pinnacles of Meteora, in the Thessaly region of northern Greece, are impressive landmarks in themselves. But it’s the ancient monasteries dotting their peaks that merit Unesco world heritage status. The promise of isolation drew Orthodox monks here in the 12th century and they soon established monastic communities. There were more than 20 monasteries by the 16th century, but only six of these institutions remain active to this day. With its stone bridge, Agios Stefanos is the easiest to access, but visits to the others require varying degrees of legwork. It’s worth it though: Meteora is surely among the most memorable landscapes anywhere in Europe.
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You’ll love the views of the rock formations from the Meteora Hotel, where they’re best enjoyed while lazing beside the property’s good-sized pool.
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Or visit on a four-day guided tour that also takes in Delphi’s archaeological museum and the stadium at Olympia.
3. Pelion
Located about halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki, the Pelion peninsula is renowned for its beauty. Pine-covered peaks roll down to the sea, where they end abruptly in cliffs, coves and scattered fishing villages that are largely untouched by time. The kalderimia (cobbled tracks) weave through the hills, connecting picturesque communities clustered around central squares shaded by plane trees. With no big hotels or mass-market tourism, this is a place of simple pleasures: swimming, hiking, long lazy lunches. And with this being the home of the centaurs (mythical half-man, half-horse beings) the stories of the Pelion are as otherworldly as its beauty.
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Stay right on the seaside at Six Keys, an all-suite boutique hotel in a former boatyard.
Or discover the peninsula’s villages and shores on a self-guided walking holiday.
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4. Vikos Gorge
The mountainous Zagori region is a world heritage site — and Vikos Gorge is its most dramatic attraction. Carving its way through the limestone Pindos Mountains of northwest Greece, Vikos is so impressive that it’s been dubbed Europe’s Grand Canyon. The river at its bottom (a raging torrent when winter snows melt; gentler in summer) is crossed by centuries-old bridges built by hand from blocks of stone. Above them, forested slopes rise up to meet sheer cliffs. It’s staggeringly beautiful. There’s plenty of interesting wildlife here too (bears, eagles, orchids) and the villages are out of this world.
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Mikro Papigo 1700 Hotel & Spa is owned by an Olympic gold medallist and has fabulous views down into Vikos Gorge.
Or spend a day trekking through Vikos Gorge on a weeklong walking holiday with G Adventures.
5. White Mountains
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These mighty mountains act as western Crete’s spine, separating the gentle northern coastline from rockier shores to the south. Whatever the season — whether in winter snows or under summer’s relentless glare — these bare limestone peaks have a pallid complexion. There are multiple summits, impressive caves, some 50-odd gorges and a scenic central plateau, all of which make the White Mountains (Lefka Ori in Greek) a magnet for hiking holidays. A particular highlight is Samaria Gorge, among the longest in Europe, but there are others (Imbros in particular) that merit strapping on your walking boots.
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You won’t find digs more characterful than Milia Mountain Retreat: an abandoned village brought back to life as guest accommodations.
Or put your best foot forward on a guided, small-group walking holiday that ticks off the mountains’ main landmarks.
• Best hotels in Crete
• Best villas in Crete
6. Athos
The Halkidiki region in northern Greece covers three peninsulas (or “legs” to the locals), of which Athos is the easternmost and quietest. It’s best known for its men-only monasteries, but there are other historical attractions too: this is the birthplace of the philosopher Aristotle. Halkidiki’s climate is cooler and wetter than further south in the islands, giving rise to a landscape that’s lush with the plants and trees about which Aristotle wrote. It’s a situation that lends itself to lovely walks in the forest interspersed with swims in the sea and water sports at unspoilt beaches.
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Treat yourself to a stay at Avaton Luxury Beach Resort, a member of Relais & Chateaux, where the architecture references that of the monasteries of Athos.
Or discover Mount Athos and the peninsula’s sights it on a day cruise from Thessaloniki.
7. Lake Kerkini
Although this reservoir and its surrounding wetlands — all set against a backdrop of Macedonian mountains — have stacks of natural beauty, it’s the birdlife hereabouts that makes Kerkini so spectacular. There are pelicans, pygmy cormorants and flamingos standing on bright pink legs; there are jewel-coloured kingfishers, bee-eaters and songbirds; and there are eagles, storks and herons among the 300 species known to occur here. Get to see them on a canoe excursion, explore on a plava (flat-bottomed boat), or even hire a bike and potter around the lakeside villages, sampling local buffalo-milk yoghurt as you go.
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Stay overlooking the lake at Hotel Erodios, which has a swimming pool, restaurant and 24 rooms with lovely views.
Short on time? Discover Kerkini on a day trip from Thessaloniki instead.
8. Santorini
You can’t talk about beautiful places in Greece and not mention Santorini. It isn’t the world’s only sea-flooded volcano, but it is nevertheless unique thanks to its scattering of whitewashed villages that cling to the crater’s rim like frosting on a cake. Their predominantly western aspect makes these villages a magnet for sunset-seekers, but those views across the cobalt sea are fantastic at any time of day. Though you’re further removed from the sea, the views get even better the higher you climb. Ascend to Pyrgos — a hilltop town and former island capital — for unforgettable scenery and fewer crowds.
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Soak up those views in seclusion from your private terrace at Santorini Sky, a fabulously luxurious, all-suite retreat.
Get a close-up of those views by hiking Santorini’s famous cliff-hugging footpath as part of an island-hopping walking tour.
• Best cave hotels in Santorini
• Best affordable hotels in Santorini
9. Navagio Beach/Shipwreck Cove
It’s thanks to Instagram that this beach is the top attraction in Zakynthos. Tucked into a cove beneath the north coast’s sheer cliffs, it’s made unique by the rusty shipwreck (navagio) on its smooth, white pebbles. Beyond admiring it from a clifftop viewpoint, the only way to experience this famous landmark is by boat, with the most convenient day trips departing from Agios Nikolaos. The enormously popular viewpoint is a long drive from the south coast’s main resorts, so stay locally for a chance to get there before the crowds arrive.
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Mikro Nisi House, a north Zakynthos hideaway named for the small island (mikro nisi) that it overlooks, is within easy driving distance of the shipwreck.
Norwegian Cruise Lines offers shore excursions to Navagio on its Greek itineraries featuring Zakynthos.
10. Ionian Riviera
This stretch of western Greek coastline stretches from Parga to Paleros, with Preveza (and its handy airport served by UK flights) at its heart. Views out to sea are studded with Paxos, Lefkada, Meganisi and other isles, but the hinterland itself is just as special. Here you’ll find mountains, wineries, history and all kinds of activities from jeep safaris to whitewater rafting. The riviera’s real beauty lies in the juxtaposition of forest, sea and charm-packed villages. It’s a scene that’s endlessly diverse and colourful, combining all the appeal of the islands with a sense of the undiscovered.
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Racconto Boutique Design Hotel in Parga is a handy adults-only base with a sophisticated air.
Dig a little deeper into Preveza’s culture by discovering local food and drink on a walking tour.
• Best underrated Greek islands you can explore on a cruise
• Best places in Greece for couples
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