The Greek islands are not just about beaches. They can also feature superb villages in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas with rich nature, traditional architecture and unique cultural identity. We present six such villages at Aegean and Ionian islands, recommended for autumn travel.
Menites, Andros
Classy Andros, close to Athens, is an ideal destination, even for trips decided at the very last moment. Approximately a 15-minute drive from Hora, the island’s main town, Menites is a small village with streams, centuries-old plane trees and walnut trees; a surprisingly green setting given the typically barren landscape of the Cyclades islands.
At the village entrance, visitors are greeted by lion-head taps with running water, filling creeks throughout the village. These taps are situated below the Panagia Tis Koumoulou church, featuring a tall bell tower. The village also features small waterfalls and a stone bridge for a very picturesque setting, especially under the autumn light.
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Karya, Lefkada
Situated 500 metres above sea level, Karya, a mountain village in Lefkada, is surrounded by dense greenery. Strolling at this village on any autumn day is a truly relaxing experience. Its charming locale features stone houses with ceramic tile roofs and a number of lovely churches. The village square, with tall plane trees, traditional kafeneia and tavernas, is the focal point. Visiting in autumn or winter is the ideal time to try Karya’s trademark food product, lathouria, or lathyria, a legume that has been cultivated at the village plain for centuries.
Apeiranthos, Naxos
Naxos, whose potatoes, cheese varieties and meat are renowned and appreciated all over Greece, is a terrific place to visit in autumn. We recommend Apeiranthos, a marble-dominated village at an altitude of 600 metres. It features impressive architecture. The village’s Venetian-era look has been greatly preserved. Marble was not only used here as a building material but also to pave superb paths.
The village also stands out for its rich cultural offering, including five museums, as well as the biggest library in the Cyclades. A distinctive local dialect has been attributed to the Cretan descent of older citizens, hailing from Crete’s Sfakia and Anogeia areas. Though this theory cannot be proven with absolute certainty, there is no doubt about the Cretan lyra instruments often used at celebrations in Apeiranthos. The mantinada, a form of story-telling poetry comprising short verses with rhyming couplets, common on Crete, is also heard here, but known as kotsaki.
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Pyrgi, Chios
Pyrgi acquired its modern-day shape back in the 13th century when the conquering Republic of Genoa united older scattered Byzantine settlements to protect them from pirate attacks and, essentially, better organise and exploit local mastic production. Pyrgi was named after its tall tower (pyrgos in Greek). The village was built around this tower. Engraved facades of houses at this village, not be seen elsewhere in Greece, are special.
To this day, experts debate the origins of this decorative xysta technique, featuring black-coloured themes on a white background. Some experts contend the technique has Italian roots, while others believe it is Anatolian. The resulting facades are ornate, resembling embroideries.
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Lefkes, Paros
The village Lefkes, situated 11 km from Parikia, the capital and main port of Paros, is the island’s previous capital. There is always something to marvel at here, regardless of the season you choose to visit or point you are at. Lefkes offers an exceptional view of the Aegean Sea and neighbouring Naxos from all parts of the village.
The village also has lovely churches, the most impressive being Agia Triada, featuring two imposing marble bell towers and an extraordinarily beautiful iconostasis, also made of marble. In addition, Paros’ most renowned trail, known as the Byzantine trail, starts from Lefkes.
This trail, paved with Parian marble approximately 1,000 years ago, links Lefkes with Prodromos. In the summer of 2021, a fire burnt part of the trail’s surrounding nature – olive groves and vineyards – now on the path to recovery.
Kaminarata, Kefalonia
Kefalonia’s beaches are internationally renowned, but it should be pointed out this Ionian island also possesses an impressive semi-mountainous area. Kaminarata, one of the highland features, is located 15 minutes from Lixouri, the island’s second-largest town.
Built around a slope, above a ravine, Kaminarata offers a view of Lixouri, Argostoli, the capital, and Mount Ainos. The overall setting is very scenic, especially if covered in covered in snow.
The surrounding area is covered with olive trees, pines and walnut trees. Protruding red roofs of houses add to the colour. It is truly worth visiting this village for a coffee a little before sunset. Also see the village’s old olive press, transformed into a folk art museum, as well as the Kipouraion monastery, slightly beyond the village, next to an impressive cape.
Read also:
4 Greek villages next to stunning lakes
Epirus, Greece: Charming villages, imposing nature, mystic vibes, mystic vibes
The most beautiful villages of Paros
