4 UNDERRATED AREAS IN GREECE: AND WHERE TO STAY - PART 2

If you haven't already read part 1 you can read it here. Part 1 covers the regions of Laconia and Halkidiki. If you want to know more about the regions of Ioannina and Argolis then keep reading. We will cover the highlights of each region and of course the best places to stay when your there. And like Laconia and Halkidiki, these regions are all located on mainland Greece. Let's start with the region of Ioannina.

CLICK HERE TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE ARGOLIS REGION

1. IOANNINA REGION

Ioannina is an underrated region located in the top northwest of Greece, bordering Albania. The location means Ioannina is full of historic villages, mountains, gorges, rivers and lakes.

Ioannina is the largest city in the Ioannina regional unit and is often called Yannena in Greece. Ioannina city is on the edge of Lake Pamvotida where you can find historic buildings, quaint cobbled streets, an ancient castle, museums and delicious food.

The other popular area to visit is the mountainous area of Zagori which encompasses 46 historic villages, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 2 National Parks.

The peak season to visit is June-August due to the pleasant summer temperatures, with local festivals and events being some of the highlights in these months.

Spring can also be a favorite due to fall's colors and lower (but not freezing) temperatures for hiking. In winter the nearby mountains provide winter sports and Spring brings blossoming trees and full rivers due to the melting of the winter snow. The region is still visited in the winter predominantly for its skiing and winter sports.

HIGHLIGHTS:

HIKING

Ursa Trail Voidomatis River Trail (Pictured) Voidomatis Springs Beloi Hike Vikos Gorge Hike Beloi Viewpoint Oxya Viewpoint

VILLAGE OF METSOVO Metsovo is a traditional village located in the Pindos mountains at an elevation of 1160m. Known for its stone buildings, cobblestone street, woodcarving, wines, cheeses and beautiful hand-woven textiles. Winter is the most popular time to visit due to the ski season (mid-December to end of March), in summer you can enjoy hiking, visit the many museums and sample the local cuisine.

DRAKOLIMNI (DRAGON LAKE) Drakolimni (Dragon Lake) is a unique geographical landmark that gets its name from local folklore. These lakes were believed to have been the former dwellings of dragons. Dragon Lake is a sub alpine lake and one of only a few that can be found in Greece. The only way to get to Dragon Lake is to hike - so the best time to visit is during the warmer months.

CLOSE TO METEROA

The village of Metsovo is only located around and 1.5hr drive from the historic site of Meteroa (Trikala regional unit). Meteroa is well known for its rock formations atop which a collection of monasteries sits.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Ioannina is great for explorers and adventurers. Some of the many activities that can be found in the region are truffle hunting, rafting, rock climbing, canyoning, horseback riding and skiing.

PAPIGO VILLAGE An architecturally stunning village, Papigo has a fairytale like character and charm, making it a popular destination to go for those visiting the area. Papigo actually consists of two village Megalo Papigo and Mikro, and is one of the 46 villages in the historical and cultural region of Zagori. OTHERS: PETRIFIED FOREST, AGIA MARINA PARALIA IOANNINA CASTLE IOANNINA ISLAND & ELEOUSA HOLY MONASTERY SILVERSMITH MUSEUM BYZANTINE MUSEUM PERAMA CAVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF DODONI ALI PASHA AND REVOULUTIONARY PERIOD MUSEUM WAX MUSEUM ANEMOTRYPA STALACITE CAVE LAZARIDI & PLAKIDAS BRIDGE HOLY MONASTERY OF SAINT PARASKEVI LOCAL FOOD (CHEESE & WINE) ANILIO SKI CENTRE AOOS RIVER LAKE ZAGORI AREA CLOSE TO METEROA KOUIASSA NATURE PRESERVE

WHERE TO STAY:

1. 🟡STOES BOUTIQUE HOTEL - IOANNINA

2. 🟠ARISTI MOUNTAIN RESORT & VILLAS - ARISTI

3. 🟡NAIADES THE RESIDENCE IOANNINA CASTLE - IOANNINA

4. 🟡SAXONIS HOUSES - PAPINGO

5. 🟡THE LAKE HOTEL - IOANNINA

6. ⚪ GAIA GUESTHOUSE - DILOFO

7. 🟡 KATOGI AVEROFF HOTEL AND WINERY - METSOVO

8. ⚪AROMA DRYOS SPA & ECO HOTEL - METSOVO

9. 🟡 IALNA BOUTIQUE HOTEL - IOANNINA

10. 🟡KAMARES HISTORIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA - IOANNINA

11. 🟠 MOUNTRACE SUITES & SPA - MONODENDRI

12. 🟡 PAPAEVANGELOU HOTEL - PAPIGO

2. ARGOLIS REGION

Argolis regional unit is part of the Peloponnese region, and only 2 hours' drive from Athens. Many people go on day tours here to visit its UNESCO heritage sites and charming coastal towns. The Argolis region, however, is definitely worth more time than a day trip.

Argolis suits all types of travelers, from history buffs, the nature enthusiasts, beach lovers, or just those that really want to immerse themselves in the local Greek culture.

The largest town in the Argolis region is Argos which is in fact one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world!

Only a 20minute drive from Argos is the charming coastal city of Nafplio, a favorite for those that visit the region and an underrated area of Greece not known by all. Down the south end is the port city of Porto Heli, a great location to connect you with the nearby islands. On the far side is the famous city of Epidaurus, known for its incredible history and well-preserved UNESCO heritage sites.

The best season to visit this region is the same as Laconia as they are both part of the Peloponnese Peninsula. The peak season is in the summer (June-August) but shoulder season either side of this is also a really highly recommended time to travel. This provides cooler temperatures for more outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring heritage sites without the stifling temperatures.

HIGHLIGHTS:

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF EPIDAURUS & THE SUNKEN CITY A must visit UNESCO archaeological site when visiting the Peloponnese peninsula. In ancient Greece, Epidaurus was once an important commercial center. Today, it is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Greece. Did you know that close by is a separate UNESCO site? Not far off the beach you can go snorkeling and see the sunken city of Epidaurus, where you can see the remains of walls, buildings and an old port.

BEACHES

You will be spoilt for choice for beaches in this region. Some of the more popular ones are: - Karathona (more secluded) - Tolo (family-friendly) - Arvanitia (pictured, Nafplio beach) - Kova beach (sandy not pebbly beach) - Kounoupi (small bay) - Kondyli (large beach and also family friendly).

LOCAL FOOD

Taste the local cuisine such as their honey bake desserts, fresh seafood, Nauplian ice cream (try Koustenis), slow cooked meat, and Greek Orange Pie (Portokalopita).

NAFPLIO & BOURTZI CASTLE

Located on the coast, beneath the towering hill on which Palamidi Fortress sits is the town of Nafplio. Nafplio is said to be one of Greece's prettiest and most romantic towns. Nafplio was actually the first capital of Greece before it moved to Athens. On a small island in the harbor sits Bourtzi Castle, where for a small fee you can visit and go inside.

SPETSES ISLAND

Many Islands are easy to access from the Argolis regional unit. One of the larger ones is Spetses, which is only a 10minute ferry ride from Porto Heli. With no cars allowed in the town, exploring the island can be done by bike or horse drawn carriages. In September is the annual Armata Festival. The Armata festival celebrates the anniversary of the Naval Battle of 1822 and includes events such as exhibitions, traditional dances, and a reenactment of the battle and victory.

PALAMIDI FORTRESS -

Palamidi Fortress was once a Venetian defensive castle in the 17th century. Its located 216metres atop a hill that looks over the town of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf. The opening hours of Palamidi fortress vary depending on the season (open longest in summer, May to end of August). There are a few options for free admission. You can check out the requirements on the official page here. OTHERS:

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MYCENAE (THE LION GATE)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF ASINE

AKRONAFPLIA FORTRESS (OVERLOOKS NAFPLIO)

DIDYMA CAVES (DOLINES)

THE MONASTERY OF AGIOS DIMITRIOS AVGOU

“TREASURY OF ATREUS” OR TOMB OF AGAMEMNON”

ARCHAEOLOGIAL MUSEUM OF NAUPLION

CLOSELY LOCATED ISLANDS OF HYDRA, POROS AND SPETSES

CLOSELY LOCATED TO THE VOLCANIC PENINSULA OF METHANA

KOMBOLOI MUSEUM (WORRY BEADS)

WAR MUSEUM NAFPLIO

WATER SPORTS I.E. WATER SKIING, JETSKIING, FLYBOARDING, KAYAKING, DIVING ETC.

WINE AND OLIVE GROVE TOURS (TRY DOMAINE SKOURAS WINERY)

ATHENS - EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL (TAKES PLACE JUNE-AUGUST)

BOATING (DUKES YACHTING OR ON SPETSES ISLAND A FISHING/ISLAND TOUR)

GRECOPATHS (PERSONALIZED TOURS MAINLAND GREECE)

WHERE TO STAY:

1. 🟡AETOMA HOTEL - NAFPLIO

2. ⚫ AMANZOE - PORTO HELI

3. 🟣 ILVA SUITES - NAFPLIO

4. 🟡 OPORA COUNTRY LIVING - PYRGIOTIKA

5. ⚪ MARIA APARTMENTS - EPIDAURUS

6. ⚫ PORPHYRA COLLECTION VILLAS - PORTO HELI

7. 🟠 EPOCH HOUSE & THE ORANGE SHOP - NAFPLIO

8. 🟡THE K NEST HOTEL - NAFPLIO
   

9. ⚫ VILLASONBOARD SEASIDE ROCK VILLA - ERMIONI Tip: Villasonboard have several holiday rentals available. This one can sleep up to 8 people.

10. 🟠 OPAL EXECUTIVE SUITES - NAFPLIO

11. 🟡 CASTELLANO HOTEL & SUITES - NAFPLIO

12. 🟡 YIALASI HOTEL - EPIDAURUS

Which of these underrated areas in Greece interested you more? Or have you already explored one of these regions? Let me know in the comments...

Just a heads up: Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links (to be safe assume all). This helps me to be able to spend more time giving you great hotel recommendations. There is no cost to you but means I get a small commission from every booking made. If you plan to book through these sites anyway it would be much appreciated - but hope in the very least, you found somewhere to stay that you might not have otherwise. Thanks, Kirrily 😊