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Greece is a place of unique natural beauty, known for its stunning sandy beaches, beautiful blue skies, and iconic whitewashed landscapes. However, there’s more to Greece when it comes to the natural scenario of the country. In this article, we will show you some of the lesser-known, hidden gems in Greece that you should visit any time soon.

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There’s absolutely no doubt in anyone’s mind that Greece is one of the most beautiful natural and urban countries in the world.

If you’re willing to take a trip on the wild side and step off the beaten path, Greece is a wonderland of hidden secrets and majestic discoveries you’re not going to want to miss.

With this in mind, today we’re going to explore the very best hidden places Greece has to offer, showcasing what’s there, what you can explore, and why Greece should be at the top of your next vacation destination list.

The Deep Mani

If you’re heading down to the southern Greek coast, be sure to take your time checking out the wonderful Manu Peninsula.

Known for being one of the most remote and desolate mainland areas, there’s so much character to soak up here, it’s going to be hard to know where to begin.

Mani Peninsula is one of the most beautiful hidden places in Greece!

Most people will head into the Deep Mani, which refers to the southern part of the area, accessible by road, where you’ll find villages like the village of Gerolimenas.

This is an extremely picturesque fishing village that will make your heart ache with how beautiful it is.

There’re a lot of cave networks as well in this area, and if you’re looking for a really unique experience, then the abandoned village of Vathia has an atmosphere like no other.

Lipsi Island, Dodecanese

The Lipsi Archipelago can easily be described in one word – breathtaking. Not to be confused with the inlet in Santorini that goes by the same name, this Lipsi can be found in the Dodecanese, right next to Patmos and Leros.

Sure, it’s a bit of an adventure in itself to reach, but it’s well worth taking the time to get there.

Within the archipelago, you’ll find over 40 small and uninhabited islands, all to explore at your own pace, as few or as many as you like, and there are few people who venture out this far, so the chances are you’ll have it mostly to yourself.

Just check out the white sand beaches of Aspronisi, and you’ll see why the people who have ventured out here call it a paradise.

As the name goes, the only inhabited island in the area is Lipsi, which you can explore within a day on foot, and you’ll find a much calmer way of living here compared with the fast-paced lifestyle of modern city life.

It’s a very slow and traditional way of life that’s hard not to enjoy.

The Melissani Lake Cave, Kefalonia (One of the best-hidden gems in Greece!)

When you couple in a location known as the Melissani Lake Cave, you already know this will be a winning visit.

This is, as the name suggests, a huge lake cave that’s been named after the legend Melissani. She was a broken-hearted nymph who took her own life when the god Pan turned her down.

You can find this cave around 2 km outside of Sami, and the chances are you’ve seen it in lists of the most beautiful places on Earth already.

The boat will take you underneath the hole in the roof that collapsed several thousand years ago.

Here you’ll see the Greek sunlight pour into the cave, creating an atmosphere quite unlike any other place on Earth.

With just the gentle splashes of the boat oars and the nature around, visiting this cave is nothing short of serene.

Papanikolis Cave, Lefkada

This particular cave is actually found a short boat ride away from Meganisi Island and gets its creative name from a submarine that hid there during World War II.

The second-largest sea cave in Greece, the site is around 120m long and 60m wide.

The dazzling light bounces off the ocean waves in such a spectacular way, it could easily keep you hypnotized all afternoon. Yes, the waters are a little cold since they’re in the shade, but if you’re willing to take the plunge.

You can take your experience one step further by making your way to the sandy beach at the end of the cave.

Tourist numbers are few here, so don’t be surprised if you have it all to yourself during the quieter times of the year. Interested in a visit? Check these places to stay.

Elafonisos, Laconia

If you head down to the most Southern Greek coast you can find a small island that also goes by the name of Elafonisos.

It is a small Greek island between the Peloponnese and Kythira and the beaches here are simply wow! Very similar to Crete’s version, but far less crowded and simply serene down there.

There’s a little town here where you’ll be able to sample some of the locally caught fish, and that in itself is well worth the 15-minute ferry ride from the Gythio port on the mainland.

Karpathos Island

The towns are amazing, and you can easily spend days soaking up the unique historic atmosphere, and the natural beauty will take your breath away, including the mountains and stunning beaches.

Vikos Gorge, Zagoria

By far, one of the most striking and most dramatic valleys in Europe, it’s also one of the deepest.

Sure, the sister gorge Samaria tends to get a lot more attention from visitors, but that’s only because it’s on Crete, which is one of the main tourist islands.

This gorge is in the much-more remote northern part of Greece, which is far less visited, but just as beautiful.

There are stone forests and small towns and villages to explore.

Although public transport options are limited, there are bus and transport services you can hire to get there and back as an excursion.

The Mastic Villages, Chios

By far, one of the least visited places on my list today comes in the form of the Mastic Villages. Found on the Chios island, you’ll need to take an internal flight to get there.

Once arrived, you’ll be treated to the very rare and unique sight of the medieval Mastic villages.

What makes this island just as special is the fact it’s the only place where Mastic trees grow, which themselves have very special healing properties in their resin.

Mastic or Mastixa used to be the island’s main source of income and wealth.

In fact, it was so valuable that the villagers even built defenses to keep out pirates and marauders who would try and take it.

There are 24 villages in total that can be found around the island. The best-preserved ones have to be Pyrgi, Mesta, and Olympi, so make sure you check these ones out!

Ready to explore Chios?
>>Where to stay on the island<<

Mount Pelion, Thessaly

Make your way around the mountain to experience all kinds of cafes and restaurants.

They’re surrounded by the most beautiful scenery, all of which are worth a visit in its own right.

Some venues will also give you the chance to take a step back in time to some of the more unique times in Greece’s history.

Down by the coast, check all the barricaded towns and villages that were once fortified to prevent pirates from attacking and looting the villages.

If you’re considering spending some time here, don’t miss this beautiful villa with superb views of the sea.

Blue Caves, Zakynthos

By far, one of the most popular and best-known visitor sites to the north of Greece, the natural limestone caves and archways here, interlaced with flowing oceans and calm sea currents, are truly remarkable.

Easily the best way to enjoy these sites for yourself is to hire a boat service whose captain can gently guide you through the limestone arches and around the coastline at your own pace.

This gives you enough time to feel relaxed and at peace alongside the calming waves.

Diapontia Islands

Greece sure does have a lot of little islands waiting to be discovered. It’s amazing, isn’t it?

Millions of people travel to Greece every year in the hopes of finding a Mediterranean adventure.

However, they only stick to the well-known tourist full places everyone goes to. Why not spread your wings and find what other beautiful places Greece has to offer?

More specifically, why not head over to the Diapontia Islands?

This little cluster of islands is made up of twelve islands and islets (considering also the Albanian island Sazan. The better-known ones are Erikoussa, Mathraki, and Othoni (or Othonoi).  

Also known as Othonoi Islands, they are located in the Ionian sea, northwest of Corfu. If you’ve been to or seen pictures of Corfu, then you’re going to be familiar with what you’ll find here. Just a much quieter, less tourist-full version.

The Small Cyclades

If you want to explore Crete’s beautiful islands, but you don’t want to get caught up in all the tourism that goes on here, thus looking for a more genuine and authentic experience, then choose the Small Cyclades.

You’ll find all the Greek standards: White sand beaches, gorgeous crystal-blue oceans, whitewashed rural villages and towns, and stunning natural scenery, all in a smaller, more convenient size.

These islands, Donoussa, Koufonisia, Iraklia, and Schinoussa offer a more relaxed and traditional way of Greek life. There are plenty of walking trails to explore.

A few ferry connections to the islands make sure they’re not too difficult to access. If you want to sail from Naxos and visit these small islands, check out this tour.

The Blue Caves, Alonnisos

As the sun moves across the sky, the water reflects the light onto the rock. This casts all manner of beautiful colors and spectrums out. Mother Nature sure does like to treat us from time to time.

Feel free to swim in these liberating waters and enjoy how clear they are. Seriously. You can see all the way down to the bottom in the right light, and it looks wonderful.

To complete the experience, why not stay in the beautiful old town of Alonnisos? The Chora was the capital of the island until 1965 when an earthquake destroyed many parts of the settlement.

Like most of the places listed, there are so few tourists who come out to explore this part of Greece. Above all, it’s practically empty, meaning you can fully enjoy it how it was meant to be enjoyed.

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Hey! Don’t Leave without Pining! Pin This Guide to Visit Greece Off-The-Beaten-Path!

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