Quaint Greek villages are often overlooked by sun seekers heading to the best Greek island beaches. But beyond the inky sea and black-sand coves, there are lovely spots to be found all over the isles – whitewashed hamlets that lead to hilltop churches with their classic blue domes, pastel harbours inspired by the Italians and crumbling neighbourhoods where life centres around lazy cafés and shaded squares. This is CN Traveler’s pick of some of the most beautiful towns in Greece to seek out on your next visit.
Chora, Naxos
The capital of Naxos, Chora buzzes all year round. Classic white-washed Cycladic houses rise across the little hill the port was built on and peek over the sea. The most famous sight here is Portara, a huge doorway to the ancient temple of Apollo, which was built around 522 BC but never finished. Legend has it if you stand at the doorway and make a wish, you can harness the god’s energy and make your wish come true.
Syros is one of the smaller, sleepier islands in the Cyclades, and Ano Syros lives up to this reputation: it’s much quieter than the towns thrumming with day trippers on nearby Santorini and Mykonos. It was built by the Venetians in the 13th century on a rocky hill, and the narrow cobblestone streets mean it can only be explored on foot.
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Yialos, Symi
Candy-coloured harbour town Yialos on the little island of Symi is made up of seafront hillside villas in fruit hues. The entire place is a national monument, with 500 steps that spread across the scrubby cliffs to nearby village Chorio.
Oia, Santorini
The most classic of all the classic Greek towns. Santorini’s cliff-hugging Oia is the sweetest spot on the island. The white-washed buildings are scattered with blue dome churches, and secret lanes lead off the busy main thoroughfares to uninterrupted views of the sea. Evenings get busy with those seeking Santorini’s famous sunsets – visit early to get the town to yourself
Chora, Amorgos
One of Greece’s harder-to-reach islands – there are no direct flights, and the high-speed ferry takes about six hours from Athens– Amorgos is a much slower alternative to the bigger-hitting Cyclades spots. Its main town, Chora, is just lively enough, with a clutch of friendly cafés for courgette croquettes and cocktails.
