From 6000 islands, beautiful beaches and historical sites to delicious local food, authentic and welcoming people Greece has it all. But modern tourism in Greece is usually connected to classic holidays and sun seekers enjoying the most beautiful beaches and sceneries in Europe. But Greece is destination for all 4 seasons and not just summer. With its rich history, mythology and original architecture Greece is full of pictorescue villages and towns. Majority of Greek population is living in 2 biggest cities – Thessaloniki in north and Athens in south of the country. Both of them are great solution for city break destination. But beside big cities Greece can offer numerous small towns where you can feel authentic and local traditions, where you can meet local people and make friends and where you can sit in local restaurant without reservation and taste the most delicious food that you ever tried. In this article you will find list of 5 most beautiful Greek small towns where you can explore authentic spirit of this amazing country.
1. City of Rhodes
The Old Town of Rhodes is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Greece, smell of leather. It is also one of the most cosmopolitan places of the Aegean. It is a great blend of European and middle eastern cultures as it is one of the most south-eastern Greek islands. Even the architecture reminds places of the bazaars of the middle East. The domes of the mosques and the slender minarets, bear witness to Turkish rule. The magnificent buildings of the knights, such as the mighty Grand Master’s Palace, are even more impressive. An unbelievable variety of shops, tavernas and cafes have established themselves there, with
holidaymakers from all over the world, bringing life to the old streets. The most beautiful view over the city and the Mandraki harbor is offered by a walk on the old city wall.
There is a picturesque labyrinth of alleys, lined with beautiful inner courtyards, mosques next to chapels from the Byzantine era, as well as Turkish fountains and ruins of Gothic churches. Or one can drive up to Monte Smith, past beautiful villas in tropical gardens, admiring the elegant Temple of Athena and the ancient stadium, while at the same time have all of Rhodes at their feet, the port, the beaches and all the Aegean blue Sea.
The Palace of the Grand Master is undoubtedly the medieval town’s main tourist attraction. It is located northwest, on the town’s loftiest point. Built by the Knights Hospitallers of Jerusalem, in the place of a previous fortification of the 7th c., it was the residence of the Grand Master and the place where conferences of the knightly order were held. The sarcophagi of all the Grand Masters are preserved inside the court.
2. Kavala
The city of Kavala is built on a hillside along the coast of the Aegean sea, a cultural crossroad between the East and West, which has everything you could wish for in a destination and more; mountains, beaches, picture perfect cityscapes, breathtaking views, significant monuments and sites, delicious local cuisine and amazing places to discover at a short distance.
Explore Kavala’s shores; beautiful secluded beaches – or not – with crystal-clear waters will please even the most selective among us. Have fun water sports activities and then savour local dishes in a picturesque seaside taverna. The city’s significance throughout the years is mainly due to its location next to Egnatia Way and its port.
Start your tour around the town from Panagia neighbourhood (Palia Poli – Old Town), which stretches out on the peninsula with narrow streets and traditional macedonian style buildings. The 15th c. Castle, which was built after the destruction of the Byzantine acropolis in 1391, dominates the area and has an exquisite sea and town view. Its interior is used as a venue hosting cultural events. Stop by the historical Imaret building (1817), donated by Mehmet Ali (1769-1849) who was born in the city and later became an Egyptian ruler. It started off as a seminary-poorhouse, later used as a refugee house and is nowadays a luxury hotel.
At a short distance you will find the square with the bronze statue of Mehmet Ali – located between his family house – a beautiful Ottoman style building, built in the late 18th century, surrounded by a garden – and the church of Panagia (1965). Don’t miss the Khalil Bey mosque (Old Music) and the seminary (medrese) of the 17th c. By the seaside the fortification that encloses the peninsula dates back to mediaeval times.
Follow Isidorou, Anthemiou and Lambrou Kotsoni streets and arrive under the imposing Aqueduct. The landmark of Kavala also known as Kamares (Arches) has 60 arches and stands 25m tall. It was built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1550 and repaired by Mehmet Ali in the 19th c. to meet the needs of the city in water supply.
3. Chania
The city of Chania, a monument in all respects, is built on the ruins of Minoan Kydonia, while the traces left behind by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans are still evident everywhere; the walls that surround the old city, the dry docks, the Egyptian lighthouse, the monasteries, the mosques, and so many more sites for visitors to discover in just a few hours. Just outside the city, amphitheatrically positioned, is the tomb of statesman Eleftherios Venizelos, while in the historic Chalepa district visitors encounter the great politician’s Home – Museum, as well as the newly built Archaeological Museum of Chania.
A tour of the many remarkable museums of Chania will complete the image of the area’s historical wealth for visitors. Ancient Aptera, one of the most important city-states of antiquity, is located above the bay of Souda, one of the largest natural ports of the Mediterranean.
Day and night, Chania is a lively city, with Cretan delicacies mingling with the finest cuisines, the sound of the Cretan lyra followed by music from all over the world, drinking, talking, and dancing. Beyond the city, the provinces are filled with hospitable villages, olive groves, orange groves, vineyards, and vegetable gardens, with the scattered ruins of ancient settlements, Byzantine churches, Venetian villas, and Ottoman forts.
This is also the home of the most famous and award-winning beaches in the world, such as Balos and Elafonisi or Lafonisi, while the landscape changes completely from north to south, offering a wealth of experiences to visitors.
4. Nafplio
One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.
According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike. The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark in the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty.
In the very heart of the city stands the Italianate Syntagma Square where you can admire important historic buildings and monuments. Two Turkish mosques (the first used to house the first “Mutual Learning” School and now operates as a cinema/theatre whereas the second was home to the first Greek Parliament), the Archaeological Museum with important artifacts from the Prehistoric and Mycenaean Era and the Municipal Gallery are among the buildings that stand out. Very close to the modern city stand the church of Agios Spyridonas, in front of which Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias was assassinated, and the church of Agios Georgios boasting important murals such as a copy of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci work “The secret Dinner”.
5. Kerkyra
Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world. Their culture wielded strong influence in the city: it was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.
Let Corfu weave its spell over you with its historic monuments, rich multi-cultural heritage and stunning natural landscape.
In the beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical “repertoire” came to be successfully applied to local artistic traditions. Palaces, fortresses, austere public buildings of the Venetian rule uniquely blend with lines of drying washing in tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages, the so-called “kantounia”, will make you feel as if you’ve travelled to Genoa or Naples.
Discover the most beautiful spots in the city of Corfu walking through Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, is the centre of the city, adorned with 19th-century remarkable works of French architecture. Here you can watch cricket games, or attend in musical concerts organised throughout the year. Visit Liston, the city’s trademark, where the aristocrats used to enjoy their evening promenades. The characteristic arcades form the most romantic background setting for a welcome cup of coffee at one of the town’s cosy cafés. Explore the smart suburbs Mandouki, Garitsa and Saroko.
