Greece is not just about its famous islands - the mainland and coastal areas are also filled with natural beauty. From Meteora’s monasteries to the forested peaks of the Pelion, there are plenty of stunning sights to explore. Some, like Vikos Gorge or the White Mountains in Crete, showcase nature's beauty, while others, such as Monemvasia, are impressive man-made marvels. The less-visited coastal gems of the Ionian coast and eastern Halkidiki also stand out, alongside spots on the islands that are famous for their beauty on social media. After numerous trips to Greece, I am still captivated by the enchanting landscapes that exist beyond the tourist hotspots. This guide aims to help you uncover some of these legendary scenes for yourself. Here are some of the most beautiful places in Greece.
1. Monemvasia
The fortified town of Monemvasia sits on the side of a massive monolith rising out of the sea on the southeastern shores of the Peloponnese, in mainland Greece. 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 here; this is a place for relaxing escapes.
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.
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.
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.
5. White Mountains
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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