by 30 million tourists (about three times the country’s population) travel to Greece every year, attracted by sun-kissed beaches on sea islands, numerous ancient sites and budget-friendly pubs that serve food healthy It’s no wonder, then, that popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos are becoming less popular during the summer months.
Airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair are offering an increase in the number of direct flights from the UK to the lesser-known regions of Greece next year, and there are numerous ferry routes connecting Greece’s 200 plus inhabited islands. However, it’s surprisingly easy to escape the crowds and discover a more authentic side of this country known for its “filoxenia” (friendliness towards strangers) – but you need to know where to go look.
Whether you long to lounge on Caribbean-like beaches with only goats for company, laze around the best views in the country but stay away from the crowds or discover remote villages with an atmospheric mezedopoleia where rack tumblers are served. with generous meze snacks, here’s our guide to the five corners of Greece you must visit in 2024.
The Riviera of Athens
The Acropolis is only a 20-minute tram ride away, but happily removed from the angry traffic that plagues the packed streets of Athens in the summer. capital city.
A stunning mix of retro-style architecture, glorious golden sand beaches and chic designer boutiques, this stunning 30 kilometer stretch of coastline descending from chic yacht hangout Palaio Faliro to the marble-pillared splendor of Cape Sounion was once a secret haven. for celebrities who came here to escape the crowds and paparazzi of the Greek capital.
With One and One Aesthesis opening this year in ritzy Glyfada, fine restaurants springing up along the seafront and Greece’s first luxury glamping complex opening in the stunning resort of Voula, however, this stretch of coast as the Greeks call it the paralysis, however. or corniche, is likely to be popular. Go now before everyone else does.
Where to stay
Opening in 2024, Athens Riviera 91 in Voula is the paraplegic’s first luxury glamping resort. From £772 a luxury tent; 91athensriviera.gr.
When to go
The Riviera’s beaches, boutiques and cafes are open from early spring to late autumn.
Thessalonica
Despite a new metro network and a fleet of electric buses due to launch next year – along with a growing food scene that has earned the prestigious title of Unesco Capital of Gastronomy in 2021 – UK tourists rarely visit the second city Greece’s under-radar. . The setting for Victoria Hislop’s award-winning novel The Thread, this Macedonian city (named after Alexander the Great’s sister) has been a melting pot for centuries, reflected in a wide range of architectural styles.
With its huge student population, this is also a modern city, where nightlife options range from traditional bouzouki hangouts in the historic Ladadika quarter to lively music venues such as Mamalouka, where music lovers of all ages go to party.
Greeks, however, come here mainly for the food: a spicy feta bouyourdi or salted cod and garlic bakaliaro dish (best tasted in locally run pubs like Estrella or Maitre & Margarita); custard-filled bougatsa made by third-generation pastry maestro Filippos Bantis or local wines that can be sampled in state-of-the-art wineries such as Domaine Gerovasiliou.
Where to stay
Within easy walking distance of the city’s main sights, Thess has 25 serviced apartments. Apartments from £72; thessresidences.com.
When to go
With direct flights from the UK, Thessaloniki is a perfect city break destination all year round.
Pyrgos
The Maria Callas opus with Angelina Jolie as the legendary Greek opera singer and scripted by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight hits cinema screens this year. This region is often seen in the western Peloponnese where many of the scenes were filmed, and is well worth a visit.
Overlooking a leafy square surrounded by neoclassical mansions, including the 19th-century Apollo Theatre, where Jolie/Callas sings in the film, Pyrgos is famous for its hole-in-the-wall taverns (Opos Palia; Edeatros ) where they are very popular. portions of roast pork gourounopoula, baked lamb and other local specialties.
Within easy reach of Ancient Olympia, the site of the original Olympic Games, this picturesque town is also an easy drive to the pine-fringed beaches of Arkoudi and Glyfa, as well as the mineral-rich hot spring baths of Kaifa – surrounded by scented eucalyptus forests sweet in his turtle. winter sleep.
Where to stay
Located in a lovingly restored post-war winery, Dexamenes is a luxurious resort overlooking one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the region. A true secret gem. Rooms from £146; dexamines.com.
When to go
Framed by mighty mount Taygetos, the Mani often sees rough snow in winter. For balmy weather, this wild region is best visited between June and September.
Astypalea
Known as the “butterfly island” because of its two “wings” of land connected by a narrow peninsula, the remote island of Astypalea is a far cry from its more famous Dodecanese sisters Rhodes and Kos. However, as of 2020, when the Greek government entered into a ground-breaking agreement with the Volkswagen Group to transform Astypalea into a “model island for climate-neutral mobility”, this eco-friendly atoll can only be reached a few hours ferry ride from the surrounding area. Islands. As a result, it is a magnet for travelers seeking peace and quiet.
Electric cars, scooters and e-bikes that can be hired through the island’s app named AstyMOVE quietly move travelers from the main town of Chora – with its white-painted windmills, medieval castle and alleys lined with craft shops on Mesa Nisi (the -inner island) – to a string of deserted coves and hiking trails on Exo Nisi (the outer island).
Where to stay
A seven shop hotel looking out over a pretty bay towards the main town of Chora. Forward-looking owners Saluti da Stampalia have signed the Unesco Sustainable Travel Pledge. Rooms from £53; salutidastampalia.com
When to go
This remote island is rarely crowded, even in the height of summer. For the balmiest weather (and best ferry connections) travel between June and September.
Sitia
With low-cost airline Korendon set to offer direct flights from the UK to Sitia’s stunning new airport next year, this region on the eastern edge of the island of Crete – home to one of Greece’s newest Unesco Geoparks – is on the verge of be much more accessible.
Far from the crowded Venetian harbor of Chania and the labyrinth of cobbled shopping lanes in the west, this region lost in the past has some of the least spoiled beaches in Crete at the other end of the island: among them is Vai, where the Europe’s only palm forest, low. -the key fishing center of Paleokastro, which is a magnet for windsurfers, and Xerokampos, whose sandy coves and secret beaches are reached by a corkscrew road that leads from the mountaintop village of Ziros.
Sitia’s pubs surround a sheltered bay dotted with brightly colored kaiki fishing boats, serving slow-cooked kleftiko lamb, garlic-stuffed snails and other local specialties. From here it’s a steep climb through narrow cobbled streets to reach Sitia’s hilltop Venetian Kazarma fortress, but it’s worth it for the stunning views of the surrounding countryside dotted with picturesque villages and well-marked hiking trails.
Where to stay
Along a narrow country lane lined with bamboo canes, White River Cottages is a country-style country resort with many mod cons near the seaside resort of Makrigialos. Rooms from £74 per night; whiterivercottages.com.
When to go
This is the warmest region in Crete: expect blue skies from early spring to late autumn.
