4 UNDERRATED AREAS IN GREECE TO VISIT: AND WHERE TO STAY - PART 1

First and foremost, Greece is stunning. So, wherever you choose, you will have a great time. Below is a brief overview of some underrated areas in Greece that are off the main tourist track (but no less incredible) to add to your next - or even 1st trip to Greece. Who says you have to go to Santorini or Mykonos on your 1st trip to Greece?

The best bit is - you don't even have to leave the mainland. Part 1 will cover the first 2 regions - Laconia and Chalkidiki.

CLICK HERE TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE HALKIDIKI SECTION

1. LACONIA REGION

Laconia Region is situated in the southernmost area of the Peloponnese peninsula, extending to the Mediterranean Sea. Full of historical charm, Laconia region holds great significance in Greek history, featuring the historic cities of Sparta and Mystras where you can still explore the archaeological remains of both today.

The terrain of Laconia is highly mountainous, characterized by the Taygetus and Parnon mountain ranges. Additionally, Laconia is also renowned for its olive trees which include varieties such as Athinolie, Koutsourolie and Koroneike.

Another gem of Laconia is the island of Elafonisos which is widely known for its stunning aqua blue beaches, the most well-known one being Simos beach.

There are so many amazing hotels in the Laconia region that it was hard to narrow it down to just 12. Below are the chosen 12 and any of them would make for an incredible stay in this region.

Peak season is in the summer (June-August) but shoulder season either side of this is also a really highly recommended time to travel and provides cooler temperatures for more outdoor activities. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MYSTRAS

Dating back to 1249, Mystras is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the slopes of Taygetos Mountain. Mystras was once a thriving Byzantine outpost and today you can explore ancient Byzantine churches and learn about the history at the archeological museum.

VILLAGE OF GYTHEIO Located between Mount Koumaros and the sea, Gytheio (also known as Gythio or Gythium) is one of many quaint fishing villages in the Laconia region. Gytheio is not built to be a tourist town and is off the beaten path. This town comes with all the raw and real experiences of living in a Greek fishing village. Having said that, its well-located and close to several common tourist spot

MONEMVASIA CASTLE & "ISLAND" A small "island" created by an earthquake many years ago, Monemvasia is a unique geographical landmark full of history. Monemvasia is unique due to the fact it is only connected to the to the mainland by a small tunnel - which means cars can't go past the main entrance gate. In fact, the word Monemvasia actually means 'single entrance' which references the single/only entrance through.

DAY TRIP TO ELAFONISOS ISLAND

Often considered the Caribbean of Greece, visiting Elafonisos only gives you the problem of deciding which beautiful beach you would like to spend the day at - such as the famous Simos Beach. Located only a 10 minute ferry ride from Pounta Village.

TAYGETUS OR PARNONAS MOUNTAINS

Taygetus is a mountain range full of forest trails and deep valleys. The highest peak is Profitis Ilias at a height of 2,405 m - the reward is stunning views over the gulfs of Messinia and Laconia. The Pernonas mountain range (also known as Mavelos) was a sacred mountain in ancient times with ties to Greek mythology. Explore the dense forests, find hidden caves, rivers, gorges and waterfalls.

DIMITRIOS SHIPWRECK A photographer's dream, Dimitrios Shipwreck is an almost 70m abandoned ship. One of the reasons it's so popular is that it is incredibly easy to access, located just off Valtaki Beach. OTHERS: PETRIFIED FOREST, AGIA MARINA PARALIA CAVES OF DIROS KASTANIA CAVE CASTLE OF GERAKI MUSEUM OF THE OLIVE AND GREEK OLIVE OIL VATIKA CASTLE VAMVAKOU VILLAGE ANCIENT REMAINS OF SPARTA

WHERE TO STAY:

1. 🟠 KYRIMAI HOTEL - MANI PENINSULA

   Note: Only opened seasonally. April - October

2. 🟡 ALAS RESORT & SPA - ELEA Note: Only opened seasonally. April - October

3. 🟡TRAPELA LIMENI LUXURY SUITES - OITYLO Note: Only opened seasonally. April - October

4. ⚪MAZARAKI GUESTHOUSE - MYSTRAS

5. 🟠YEEON LIVING WELL BOUTIQUE HOTEL - GITHIO

6. 🟣 MANI LUXURY SUITES AND STUDIOS - GYTHIO Note: Only opened seasonally. April - October

7. 🟠 MONI EMVASIS LUXURY SUITES - MONEMVASIA

8. 🟡PORTO VITILO BOUTIQUE HOTEL - ITILO Note: Only opened seasonally. April - October

9. 🟡 PORTO KALE GUESTHOUSE - PORTO KAGIO Note: Only opened seasonally. April - October

10. 🟠 MYSTRAS GRAND PALACE RESORT AND SPA - SPARTA

11. 🟠 MANIFEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL - OITYLO Note: Only opened seasonally. April - October

12. 🟠 BRAZZO DI MAINA - OITYLO Note: Only opened seasonally. April - October

2. HALKIDIKI REGION

The Halkidiki region is located in Central Macedonia, northern Greece. It's a popular summer destination known for its stunning beaches, resorts, beautiful landscapes, and picturesque villages. It's easily identifiable by its three-pronged peninsula. The Kassandra and Sithonia Peninsulas are the most popular areas to explore, while the third leg, Athos, is largely off-limits to most visitors. This sacred site houses 20 monasteries, and since it functions as a practicing monastery, access is restricted to men only. I've detailed a way which you can appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage Site from a distance here.

Kassandra is the more populated peninsula, ideal for those who enjoy nightlife, festivals, and beach clubs. In contrast, Sithonia offers a quieter escape, perfect for nature lovers and those who want to explore mountains and beaches. To fully experience this region renting a car is essential, as public transportation is limited. The peak travel season runs from May to September, with late June through the end of August being the busiest time—great for swimming, but it can be a bit pricey. A great site I recommend you use to help plan your trip to Halkidiki is this one. It's a site fully dedicated to the Halkidiki region and has so much great information.

HIGHLIGHTS:

MOUNT ATHOS - SIMONOS PETRAS MONASTERY Mount Athos is located on the Athos peninsula, the 3rd leg of the Halkidiki region. The majority of the Athos peninsula is a sacred area and inaccessible to most. Only men are allowed by law and need to follow strict protocols to enter. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 20 monasteries scattered around the area. For most people the best way to see mount Athos is by a boat cruise, where you can marvel at the monasteries perched high on the edge of cliffs over the ocean.

BEACHES

Halkidiki region is a sought-after summer getaway renowned for its stunning beaches. Whether you're into snorkeling, surfing, diving, kitesurfing, or looking for calm family-friendly bays, you'll find a beach that caters to everyone, along with rocky caves and coves for the adventurous at heart to explore.

Here are a few must-visit beaches:

• Kalamitsi Beach

• Karidi Beach

• Kavourotripes (often called the Hawaii of Halkidiki)

• Vourvourou (gorgeous but a bit harder to reach)

• Spathies Beach (more private) + Kalgoria

• Fava Beach (Pictured)

• Sani

  
  

ARNAIA VILLAGE

A picturesque village located amongst the mountains in north Halkidiki. You can stroll through its streets and appreciate the traditional Macedonian architecture that still exists today. Arnaia is one of twelve historic villages that were once an essential part of the Macedonian mining, weaving and agricultural industries. These villages were also known as Mantemochoria (the Iron villages).

DIAPOROS ISLAND

Diaporos is a stunning island of natural beauty located just off the coast of Vourvourou. No ferries go to the island but you rent a boat (no license required), kayak, or go on a cruise. A well-known spot to explore is the blue lagoon. A patch of water located between the islands of Diaporos and Agios Isidoros that is a vibrant bright blue color.

BYZANTINE TOWERS

There are several byzantine towers you can visit. Some that are still in great condition. Prosforios is one of the more popular ones and is pictured on the left.

ARISTOTLE PARK - Aristotle, (who needs no introduction really i.e. the famous philosopher) was born in Ancient Stagria. In Stagria today there is a park that honors the memory and works of Aristotle. The theme park has unique interactive instruments that showcase the rules of physics mentioned in Aristotle's textbook "The Naturals". OTHERS: PETRALONA CAVE KALLITHEA - BEST FOR NIGHT LIFE WINERIES IN SITHONIA VARVARA WATERFALLS

PARTHENONAS - HISTORICAL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE LOCAL HONEY TASTING AND OLIVE GROVE TOURS SEVERAL ARCHELOGICAL SITES MOUNT ITAMOS

WHERE TO STAY:

1. 🟣 MOUNT ATHOS RESORT - LERISSOS

   Note: Only opened seasonally. May - October

2. 🟡 IMAGINE LUXURY SUITES - NIKITI

3. ⚫ THE DANAI - NIKITI

4. ⚪ ASSA INN - PYRGADIKIA

5. 🟡 SALUD LUXURY ROOMS - LERISSOS

6. 🟣 DOMES NORUZ KASSANDRA - CHANIOTIS

7. 🟠 SERENITY SUITES - NIKITI

8. 🟣 CAVO DEL SOL - SARTI
   

9. 🟡 OREIADES GUESTHOUSE - PARTHENONAS

10. 🟣 PURE VILLAS - VOURVOUROU

11. ⚫ SAINT JOHN HALKIDIKI - NIKITI

12. ⚪ ARISTOTELOUS ALEXANDROU HISTORIC INN - ARNAIA

Which region 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 😊