Secret Greece: 10 hidden surprises from travel industry experts
We've reached out to those that work in the travel industry and know Greece the best. Here is where they say you should go to avoid the crowds...
3 mins
1. Secret Halki
Halki (Shutterstock/Philippos Philippou)
“Renowned for its laid-back nature and picture-perfect harbour, Halki is an island people escape to for peace and tranquillity. Halki’s 34 km of coastline and numerous hidden caves provide the ideal backdrop for lazy boat trips in its calm coastal waters.”
Triantafyllos Psaras, Nissia Holidays
2. Secret Santorini
Kamari's open air cinema (Shutterstock)
“Santorini may be best known for its sunsets, punctuated by iconic white and blue structures, but we love it for something a little more offbeat: its open-air cinema. Tucked away from the crowds in the east-coast town of Kamari, each night at 8:30pm you can catch the latest blockbusters under a canopy of stars, surrounded by lush vegetation, and plied with popcorn and cocktails.”
Alexandra Cronin – Content and social media lead at Flight Centre UK
3. Secret Epidaurus
Epidaurus (Shutterstock/Georgios Tsichlis)
“For a once in a lifetime experience, visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. During the summer live comedy and tragedy plays are performed in this beautiful historic sight. Two screens with subtitles are available so you can follow the plot, live!”
Jack Organ, Destination Manager for Greece at Trailfinders
4. Secret Loutro, Crete
Loutro (Shutterstock/Georgios Tsichlis)
“Travel to Loutro, the quaint fishing village on the south coast of Crete that can only be reached by boat and is the only natural harbour on the south coast. It boasts an amphitheatrical bay, a unique waterfront consisting of whitewashed buildings and bright blue windows which are adorned with cascading pink flowering bougainvillea. This village escapes the traditional Cretan architecture and brings a light breeze of Cycladic air all the way down to Crete. Don’t miss the village’s fresh fish meze where diners can enjoy both fried fish and freshly marinated anchovies. It is the perfect Greek destination to escape nightlife or discos, and to simply eat, drink, and relax.”
Iris Zafeiria Folia, Head of Supply at Eliza was here
5. Secret Corfu
Lagoon of Antiniotis (Shutterstock/Ernestos Vitouladitis)
“Even on the most touristic islands you can find secret places. The north eastern tip of busy Corfu hides the lagoon of Antiniotis, one of the most impressive landscapes on the island, with a diverse ecosystem that hosts more than 90 species of migratory birds, rare turtles, the unique Corfiot otters, sand dunes with lilies, wild orchids, olive groves and impressive vegetation.”
Dudley der Parthog, Director at Sunvil
6. Secret Saria Island
Secret Palatia Beach (Shutterstock)
“Palatia Beach on the North East of Saria Island is a real hidden gem. Only accessible by boat from Karapathos, when you arrive at this uninhabited island it’s just you and the pristine blue waters. We spent time hiking up the gorges before taking a refreshing dip in the ocean. We snorkelled in hidden water caves and enjoyed a traditional Greek BBQ. On the way home, we were even joined by a group of dolphins happily playing alongside the boat.”
Hattie Seal, Co-founder at Travelling Whale
7. Secret Corfu
Hiking in Corfu (Shutterstock/Melidis A)
“There is a long distant hiking trail in Corfu that takes you around the whole island. You’ll pass inland villages, shorelines and landscapes that are untouched by tourism. The entire route is 220km long and takes 10 days in 10 distinct stages.”
Wendy Missenden, marketing manager at Olympic Holidays
8. Secret Evia
Evia Island (Shutterstock/Constantinos Iliopoulos)
“The average British traveller tends to only visit the Greek islands with an airport. Getting a ferry from Athens opens a world of smaller, less well-known and more authentic islands, like Evia on our Mountains & Villages of Evia trip.”
Tom Wilkinson, Senior Project Manager for Europe at Exodus
9. Secret Trikeri
The tiny island of Trikeri (Shutterstock/Georgios Tsichlis)
“The tiny island of Trikeri in the Pagasitic Gulf off the end of the Pelion peninsula is one of Greece’s lesser-known idylls. There are no cars on the lush green island. There are some narrow lanes, but no actual roads, and most of the island’s infrastructure consists of hiking trails. In less than one hour you can go from one side of Trikeri to the other on foot, exploring the lush vegetation and the pristine pebble beaches while enjoying stunning views of the Pelion peninsula.”
Thekla Kammenou, Sunvil local partner
10. Secret Symi
“Make sure you’re at the front of the ferry five minutes before you reach the island of Symi as when the ferry turns the corner you’re greeted with the most mesmerising boat trip into the port. In front of you will be a gorgeous view of the coloured houses on the cliff-tops, similar to Cinque Terre in Italy.”
Wendy Missenden, marketing manager at Olympic Holidays
