Secret Greece: 10 hidden surprises from Greek locals
Greece is a country with so many undiscovered gems, which is why we asked the locals to reveal their top lesser-known spots. Here's what they said...
4 mins
1. Secret Kefalonia
Melissani lake (Shuttersock/Georgios Tsichlis)
“One of Greece’s most astonishing geological phenomena is unique to the island of Kefalonia, which has a hydrological karstic system that connects the sinkholes of Argostoli (in Katavothres) with Melissani lake and the springs of Karavomylos. Seawater enters from Argostoli, it travels in an underground network where it gets mixed with rainwater and then outflows as brackish water almost 15km away in the area of Sami (in Melissani lake and Karavomylos) after 15 days.”
Marina Vergo, Public Relations & Tourism Department Municipality of Argostoli Kefalonia
2. Secret Rhodes
Discover secret beaches in Rhodes (Shutterstock/Maria Svetlychnaja)
“Get away from the crowds in Rhodes by heading to Kokkini Ammos Beach. This lesser-known beach requires a climb to reach, but it is worth it for the deserted sand, emerald waters, rocks and caves. If you don’t want to climb, you can hire a boat to reach its shores.”
Marianna Parasidou, social media manager at Mitsis Hotels
3. Secret Thrace
The Old Town of Xanthi (Shutterstock/Georgios Tsichlis)
“The mythical past and present of Xanthi, which is home to the birthplace of the pre-Socratic philosopher Democritus, the biggest wetland park in Greece and a beautiful old town, awaits visitors for a trip to the real Thrace, where East meets West.”
Natasa Michailidou, tour guide and archaeologist
4. Secret celebrations
A Paniyiri celebration (Shutterstock/Ververidis Vasilis)
“Paniyiri celebrations – religious commemoration of a saint – happen all year round throughout Greece, but they are particularly prevalent during the summer. They typically take place in dedicated churches or chapels. After the traditional service, there is quite often a celebration into the night with music, local food and the most joyous of atmospheres. The most popular paniyiri feast happens on 15 August in towns and villages across the islands and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Expect non-stop tunes with violins and lyres, dancing in big circles, food such as chickpeas and goat, and local wine. It is, in my opinion, the ultimate Greek island experience””
Stefanos Addimando, photographer
5. Secret Samos
Wild fennel (Shutterstock/Konstantinos Livadas)
“On the south-west coast you’ll find an area called Marathokampos, which translates as fennel valley. It is named this because it grows some of the best wild fennel you will find across Greece. Many of the tavernas in the area have dishes that contain the vegetable, such as fennel pie and maratho keftedes (fennel balls). Both are delicious and are not to be missed!”
Kellie Longhawn, local representative for Sunvil
6. Secret Halki
Halki is one of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese (Shutterstock/Evangelos Anagnostou)
“Halki is one of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese, and it is a treat for travellers and explorers looking for authentic destinations. It has a tranquil and scenic little port filled with fishermen’s boats, pastel coloured houses and atmospheric streets, and just a 10-minute walk away lie quiet beaches with unforgettable turquoise waters. Halki is easy to get to and can be accessed from Kamiros Skala Port via the ferry boat, or from
Kolona Port in Rhodes City.”
Punta Gabruseva, general manager at Manos Going
7. Secret Lesvos
See fossilised trees at the Natural History Museum of Lesvos (Shutterstock/Copula)
“Don’t miss the Natural History Museum of Lesvos. The museum is in Sigri in western Lesvos in the centre of the protected area of the Petrified Forest. Inside the museum is an exhibition dedicated to the Petrified Forest where you can see rare fossils as well as petrified pieces of trunk, branches, roots and leaves from the forest. Be sure to get out on the sequoia forest trail in the Lesvos Petrified Forest Park to see clusters of sequoia tree trunks, some 20 million years old, fossilised in their natural position.”
Amalia Livera, local partner at Sunvil
8. Secret Macedonia
Lake Kerkini (Shutterstock/Heracles Kritikos)
“The wonderful wetland Lake Kerkini is one of the most beautiful places in Greece and is also one of the best places in Europe for bird watching. Hosting around 300 species of birds, herds of water buffalos and as the main European site of silver pelicans, Lake Kerkini is the perfect place to connect with nature.”
Miltiadis Nikolaou, Head of Directorate of Tourism for Central Macedonia
9. Secret Ammouliani
Ammouliani island (Shutterstock/Heracles Kritikos)
“Ammouliani island is a real hidden gem. The island is a beautiful paradise with low hills, scatterings of olive trees and many exotic beaches with crystal clear, turquoise waters and hardly any people.”
Tania Akritidou, Marketing Manager at Halkidiki Tourism Organisation
10. Secret Pella
“If you want to relax and rejuvenate your body, visit the thermal bath of Pozar in Pella. The area has been known for its healing waters for thousands of years.”
Miltiadis Nikolaou, head of Directorate of Tourism for Central Macedonia
