Greece is famous not only for its popular resorts, but also for its little-known places with a unique atmosphere. Find out about 5 locations in Greece that are worth visiting at least once in your life: Monemvasia, Hydra, Ioannina, Kastellorizo ​​and Mount Athos

The Visit World travel guide is your key to safe and thoughtful travel, where no document or life hack will be overlooked

ORDER GUIDE

Greece has long been considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean. Snow-white houses on the edge of the cliffs, bright blue domes of churches, turquoise sea and incredible sunsets create an atmosphere that seems almost fairy-tale.

Although tourists often choose popular destinations like Santorini or Mykonos, the country has many lesser-known, but no less impressive places. Some of them have preserved the true atmosphere of ancient Greece, others amaze with their nature or unique traditions.

Travelers and travel experts from the Travel off path publication advise paying attention to five locations in Greece that are really worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.

Current rules for entering Greece, customs requirements, the best time to visit, key tourist destinations and tips for a safe and comfortable trip at the link.

Planning an independent trip? Use a travel guide from Visit World.

Organizing a trip without the help of travel agents is much easier today if you have verified information at hand. The travel guide from Visit World is a convenient checklist for travelers, which contains all the key data: rules for entering the country, required documents, conditions for obtaining a tourist visa and permitted periods of stay.

After completing the guide, all relevant information is sent to your email in PDF format in just a few minutes. This allows you to quickly prepare for the trip and avoid unnecessary difficulties when planning your trip.

Order a travel guide from Visit World and travel the world with confidence.

Monemvasia - a medieval city on a rock

Photo - Freepik.com (Author - gestiafoto)

Monemvasia is one of the most atmospheric historical places in Greece. This ancient fortified city is located on a huge rock, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway.

It is often called the “Greek Dubrovnik”, but unlike the popular Croatian resort, there are significantly fewer tourists here and the special spirit of the Middle Ages has been preserved.

Inside the fortress you can see narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, ancient churches and picturesque squares. Most of the buildings date back to Byzantine times.

The old town is almost entirely pedestrian, so walks here are especially pleasant. Tourists come here to enjoy the atmosphere of antiquity, visit traditional taverns on the promenade and meet the sunset from observation decks.

Greece attracts expats from all over the world due to its mild climate, affordable prices and high quality of life. Read about the best Greek cities to live in 2026 in our previous article.

Hydra – a Greek island without cars

Photo – wikipedia.org (Herbert Ortner, Vienna, Austria - own image, scan from slide)

Hydra Island is one of the most peaceful places in Greece. Its main feature is that conventional transport is completely prohibited here. There are no cars, motorcycles or even bicycles on the island. You can only get around on foot, by water taxi or by donkey.

The main town of the island is located around a beautiful harbor. Snow-white houses, flower-decorated courtyards and small taverns create a typical Greek island atmosphere.

Hydra is not a large island – you can get around it quite quickly. Many beaches are located not far from the city, and the most popular bays can be reached on foot or by boat. That is why this place is ideal for those who want to relax in a calm rhythm and enjoy nature.

Visit World services for tourists, migrants, and expats: Insurance | Guides | Legal advice

Ioannina – a city with Byzantine and Ottoman history

Photo – Freepik.com (Author – irabrester)

Ioannina is a historic city in northern Greece, located on the shores of Lake Pamvotis, which combines Byzantine architecture and Ottoman cultural influences.

In the old part of the city you can see stone streets, old houses with wooden balconies and numerous squares. The ancient fortress and oriental-style bazaars add a special atmosphere.

One of the main attractions is a small island in the center of Lake Pamvotis. It is home to several historic monasteries, traditional houses of local residents and craft workshops.

The city is also famous for its university, so there is a combination of ancient atmosphere and youth life here.

Kastellorizo ​​– the most remote Greek island

Photo – Freepik.com (Author – kandybkaalina)

Kastellorizo ​​is one of the smallest and most remote islands in Greece. It has less than a thousand permanent residents, but this is what makes the place especially authentic.

The island is located near the Turkish coast and is much closer to Turkey than to other Greek islands. Because of this, there is a mixture of different traditions in the architecture and culture.

The main harbor of the island is known for its colorful neoclassical houses and a red minaret, which reminds of historical ties with the Ottoman Empire. Near the island is the famous Blue Cave – a natural sea cave with bright turquoise water, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Greece.

On one of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, you can live for free without renting housing and paying for utilities. Read about the living conditions, requirements for participants and who is suitable for this lifestyle at the link.

Mount Athos – a unique monastic republic

Photo – Freepik.com (Author – artyart)

Mount Athos is one of the three peninsulas of the Halkidiki region, which is often called the “third finger” of this resort coast.

This is a special place, because in fact it has the status of an autonomous monastic republic within Greece.

There are about 20 Orthodox monasteries on the territory of Mount Athos, where hundreds of monks live. Some of them have existed for over a thousand years.

Only men can visit Mount Athos, and for this you need to obtain a special permit. Women are only allowed to take sea excursions along the coast, during which you can see the ancient monasteries from the water.

Despite the strict rules, Mount Athos attracts pilgrims and travelers from all over the world thanks to its spiritual atmosphere, unique history and impressive landscapes.

Greece is much more than just popular resorts and famous tourist postcards. In different corners of the country you can find unique places with a special atmosphere, rich history and breathtaking views.

Medieval Monemvasia, the peaceful island of Hydra, historic Ioannina, remote Kastellorizo ​​and mysterious Mount Athos showcase different sides of Greek culture and nature. These are the destinations that help you see the real Greece and get an unforgettable travel experience.

A trip to Greece or any other country will be much easier if you prepare all the necessary documents in advance and familiarize yourself with the entry rules. The travel guide from Visit World will help you quickly understand all the nuances of the trip.

The guide contains step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa - from filling out the application form to going through an interview. The guide also contains information about the visa fee, application processing times, examples of visa photos and a full list of documents to submit.

In addition, you will find useful tips and life hacks for travel that will help you avoid common tourist mistakes.

Get a travel guide from Visit World and prepare for your trip as quickly and without unnecessary hassle as possible.

Reminder! March is one of the best months to travel in Europe: there are still few tourists, and the weather is gradually getting warmer. Lonely Planet experts have identified four European destinations that are especially worth visiting in early spring. We’ve already talked about the cities in Europe that are perfect for a March trip.

Photo – Freepik.com

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Greece;

Legal advice on immigration to Greece;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Greece;

Medical insurance around the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.