Greece boasts some of the most picturesque villages in the world. Thanks to the number of islands that stretch across the Aegean Sea, and the length of the country’s coastline, Greece has holidays that cater for anyone. From self-catering villas to all-inclusive holidays among its countless resorts, the only trouble you’ll have is picking where to go.
Perhaps the most beautiful village of them all is Oia (pronounced Ee-ya) on the magnificent island of Santorini. You may have never visited the village, but you’ll no doubt be familiar with it, because thanks to its beauty it adorns most of the tourist brochures and advertisements for Grecian holidays.
Located at the northern tip of Santorini across from the smaller island of Therasia, Oia is famous for its white washed architecture and unforgettable sunsets. Not to mention the simply awe-inspiring views across the volcanic caldera and the cerulean blue sea hundreds of feet below. Whether you want to shop in the designer boutiques that adorn its marble-paved pedestrian thoroughfare, or just sit in a cafe and watch the cruise liners ferry passengers to the port of Thira halfway down the island, there are few more luxurious vacations in the Med.
With such world-famous beauty, Santorini and Oia enjoy more than their fair share of visitors throughout the year, so if you want to visit a pretty village that is a little less developed, then Greece has plenty of them too. Just 65km across Aegean from Santorini, is the unspoilt island of Folegandros. The main village of Chora is perched atop a striking 200 metre cliff, and offers perhaps the most typical example of a photogenic Cycladic town. With a beauty that is only matched by the hospitality of the locals, you’ll find a second home on Folegandros.
Away from the scattered islands of the country is the massive peninsula of Peloponnese. This region hosts some of the most gorgeous towns and villages in all of Greece. The extra-benefit being that they are often overlooked by tourists due to the popularity of the islands.
One such example is the village of Kyparissi. This settlement often vies with Oia as the most postcard-perfect in Greece, but while Oia is host to throngs of tourist throughout the year, Kyparissi’s location behind the mountains means that only the hardiest travellers make the trip. What greets those that do, are stunning beaches, tall mountains, warm residents, and the taste of Greece that they’ve always dreamed of.
Choose a resort for guaranteed fun or test new waters in Greece’s more tranquil spots – either way this country has a charm that you can’t help but be lured in by.
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