LooknWalk Greece (former WhyGo Greece) is happy to be back in the blogging world. And we come back with a bang, revealing our list of top 17 Greek Destinations for 2017.
After battling crisis after crisis, Greek tourism numbers are starting to grow again and we cannot be happier about that.
If you are looking for an awesome place to spend your vacation in Greece in 2017, check out our picks. It was hard picking only 17 destinations, but someone had to do the hard job.
Athens
The capital of Greece is an awesome choice year round – except for the height of summer when the scorching hot temperatures aren’t super friendly. Plan your visit during the low season for a cost-friendly and interesting experience. The sights are not overwhelmed by tourists and you get to enjoy the real Athens. Explore the ancient sites and make sure to take in the view of the city from the Acropolis.
Andros
The northernmost of the Cyclades islands , Andros is a mountainous island, blessed with olive trees and super waterfalls. If you have hiking on your mind, this is the place to place visit. It has 100 km of hiking trails available for the visitors! Bird watching is also a great idea on this island. Of course, you can enjoy time on the beaches.
Chania
Chania is a charming port town on the island of Crete. Together with the 20km stretch of beach home to many resorts, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece. If you prefer to check out old cities instead of staying in resorts, you are lucky as the town has a lovely Old Town centered around the harbor. And if you like walking and hiking, you are also in luck as Samaria gorge offers superb landscape and is within easy access as part of a day trip from Chania.
Delos
You cannot stay overnight in Delos, but you can visit the island as part of the day trip from Mykonos. It is the most important Panhellenic sanctuary and, according to mythology, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Most of the island comprises archaeological sites, so this is heaven for a history buff. Bring good walking shoes, your water bottle and make sure you are protected from the sun. You can also check out Museum of Delos which houses interesting artifacts.
Hydra
Hydra is one of the Saronic Gulf Islands and easily visited from Athens as part of a day trip. The harbor has a very scenic location , with white washed houses rising up on the hill and the dark blue water as their background. Motorized transportation is forbidden on Hydra, but it is also easy to tackle the town on foot. For longer distances, hire a donkey. Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
Imerovigli, Santorini
A neighborhood of Fira, Imerovigli is most famous for its beautiful sunsets. It has a typical Cyclades architecture, with the white washed houses and blue domed churches.
Santorini, as a whole, is a superb and extremely picturesque island. Imerovigli is located just 2 km from Santorini town so you can grab accommodation elsewhere if you wish.
Kefalonia
Part of the Ionian Islands , Kefalonia offers breathtaking natural scenery, with lush forests and high mountains. It is probably best known as the setting for Captain Corelli’s mandolin . Spend your vacation riding horses through the mountains, passing vineyards and ruined villages. Or rent a boat and go out to explore the hidden beaches.
Koufonissia
If you are looking for a Cyclades island which has not yet reached peak popularity among travelers, Koufonissia is where you need to go. There are churches and windmills to visit, and the port is also picturesque. And you will experience the typical Cyclades architecture, too, combining white and blue. If you want to spend a cultural holiday in Greece, then come here for Easter, as it is celebrated traditionally on the island.
Lindos
Lindos is a beautiful medieval town on Rhodes . Home to only 700 inhabitants, the town gets overwhelmed with tourists during the peak travel season. The main attraction is the town, as well as the ruins of the Acropolis. And because you can travel to Rhodes year round, you may want to get here in late spring or early fall.
Mykonos Town
Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek destinations and is famed for being a party island. Loud dance clubs, and accommodation and restaurants which cater to the same clientèle are common. It gets very crowded in July and August, so for a different – and more relaxed experience – visit from mid-May through June , when it’s not as hot or as expensive. With all its touristy feeling, Mykonos Town remains a stunningly beautiful town, worthy of your time. Explore the tiny streets and check out the shops, too. Or, if you really like to get away from the crowds, check out Ano Mera, a small village located about 7km from Mykonos Town.
Naxos Town
The largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades doesn’t relay only on tourism for income. Located about 5 and a half hours by ferry from Athens and 2 hours from Santorini, the island’s iconic landmark is Portara, a 6th century BC marble gate on the islet of Palatia in Naxos harbor. It used to be part of a temple dedicated to Apollo. Spend your time exploring the walled city – called Castro – which boasts stunning views overlooking the port and of its alleys. Beaches and diving spots also offer possibilities for entertainment.
Parga
Parga is located on the Greece mainland, between the cities of Igoumenitsa and Preveza. Its historical castle overlooking the town and beaches is the main attraction. This is a perfect choice for those looking to get away from the crowds. Although a very beautiful town, tourism is quite new here – which, in many cases, is a blessing not a curse. You may need to learn some Greek but you will feel the friendlies of the locals.
Rhodes Town
Rhodes is a very popular Greek destination, mostly visited for its beaches, extensive and well preserved medieval town, as well as the archaeological sites. Rhodes town is the largest settlement on the island and also its capital, famous as the ancient site of the Colossus. Its medieval town has been part of UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1988. You can spend hours exploring the walled city.
Rethymnon
Located on Crete, Rethymnon was once a Minoan city but never a powerful one. It saw a big growth when the Venetians conquered the island. Testament to that is the Fortezza of Rethymno, one of the best-preserved castles in Crete. The old town is also of Venetian origin and very well preserved, as well.
Symi
Part of the Dodecanese , Symi is home to the most beautiful harbor in Greece. By all means, check out the harbor but you may also want to get out of the touristy areas and spend some time walking on the island. Spring and late summer offer great weather for those who enjoy spending time in nature.
Tsilivi
Located on Zakynthos , Tsilivi is a family oriented resort. It stands just north of Zakynthos Town, it offers everything you would expect from a resort, including the restaurants, tavernas, hotels, beaches with entertainment facilities.
Zakynthos (Zante)
The island of Zakynthos is the third largest in the Ionian Sea and caters for both partying crowds and families. Most traveler know it as a party island, though. One of the lushest Greek islands, Zakynthos is a pleasure to be explore in early spring, around Easter time. Unfortunately, Zakynthos town was badly affected by an earthquake in 1953 and had to be rebuilt. Its central square resembles Venice’s San Marco square and is surely worth your own. The island of Zakynthos is famous for its Blue Caves, shipwreck, and beaches.
Useful resources
>>Ferries in Greece
>>Hotels in Greece
>>Hostels in Greece
>>Weather in Greece
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