Travel: Un-touristic Greece

Greece is becoming an ever popular holiday destination. Although, few people know about un-touristic Greece. Being an Anglo-Hellenic family we often visit friends and family off the tourist track. So, here’s our top 10 destinations for un-touristic Greece.

Antikyra

Antikyra is a port on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. It is in modern Boeotia, Greece. A cute port town mainly populated by it’s army barracks. The gorgeous, quiet bay offers a whole host of sea front restaurants. Each boasting fresh, traditionally cooked sea-food at very reasonable prices.

Ayios Pavlos

The coastal village of Agios Pavlos (St. Paul) is located 58km south of Rethymnon city. It is Famed for it’s yoga retreats and healing rock formations. The bay wraps around like a sleeping dragon and is affectionately called ‘Dragon’s cove’. It has a beautiful beach with deep, green waters and a magnificent, rocky seabed. Although you’ll not find any large hotels or resorts near by you can find a few rooms and tavernas, mostly occupied by Greek backpackers and yoga gurus that have stumbled across the place. I definitely recommend a coffee and a snooze in the hammocks at The Sleepy Dragon Cafe.

Drama

Drama is a city and municipality in northeastern Greece in Macedonia. Drama is the capital of the regional unit of Drama. It is part of the East Macedonia and Thrace region.

For us there is nothing better than winters in Drama. Gathered around open fires, drinking raki with all our friends. Drama is situated close to the Bulgarian border and is a great alternative ski destination.

Galaxidi

Galaxidi, is a town full of colour! Where every pic you take looks postcard perfect and picturesque. A former municipality in the southern part of Phocis, in un-touristic Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality of Delphi. You could spend an entire week just admiring all the lavish yahts that dock there.

Itea

Itea is situated on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. The Greek National Road 48 connects Itea with NafpactusDelphi and Livadeia. Made up of a perfectly flat grid, Itea is a great destination for anyone looking for sun and cycle routes.

Nafpaktos

Nafpaktos, also known as Lepanto during part of its history. Located in west Greece, situated on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. It sits approximately 3 km west of the mouth of the river Mornos. It’s location means it is host to a plethora of historical battles. WE definitely recommend lunch at the port.

Sitia

Sitia will always have our hearts! The little port town is home from home for us. Part of the municipality of Lasithi, Crete, Greece. The town has 9,912 inhabitants and the municipality has 18,318. It lies east of Agios Nikolaos and northeast of Ierapetra.

Windsurfers travel from all corners of the earth for Sitia’s high wind, flat waters. For the less adventurous while not try a SUP class. For those wanting out of the water you can go explore the castle. On hot windy days we enjoys the Itanos roof top pool cafe. It over looks the town with 360 views and offers sand-free batheing.

Sitia is on the Sea of Crete and part of the Aegean Sea. It is one of the economic centers of the Lasithi region. Great for getting ferries in and out of the island, without having to queue or fight the rush of tourists. Sitia is extremely family friendly and offers something for all ages.

Thesaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second largest city, after Athens. The ruins of Roman Emperor Galerius’ 4th-century palace include the Rotunda that has been both a church and a mosque. Much of the city centre was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917. The rebuilt 20th-century city has a modern European layout. It’s long promenade is laden with sculptures and art installations, making it a favourite of photographers.

xerokobos

Xerokobos is located 103km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, 47km south of Sitia and 69km east of Ierapetra. Tourists tend to stumble upon the place accidentally. But once they find it, they always return!

In Xerokambos the landscape is arid and truly eerie, characterised by bare rocks and steep mountains. It is well known by locals for its healing clay and natural spas. If you’re into extreme sports we recommend taking a guide cave tour, a lot of which involve abseiling into the underground caverns and chambers..

Xrisi Island

Chrysi or Xrisi which means “golden”is a small uninhabited island near Ierapetra. It contains a small church, harbour and beach bar. In the summer chartered boats take tourists over for the day.

Because no one lives there the waters tend to be exquisitely clear. The beautifully white beach is made up of tiny shells and corals. The beach backs on to a small, wild forrest. Where locals often camp over (illegally) once the tourists have left. Before sure o take lots of water with you as temperatures can get above 40 deg C in peak summer.

Have you visited any of these un-touristic places in Greece? Drop your favourite Greek destinations in the comments below.

Kalo taxidi,

Berrit x

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