From Epirus to the Peloponnese, mainland Greece is replete with crystal-clear, shimmering seas and picturesque villages that thrive on and around these water. These dreamy destinations with a unique character are a great alternative to the islands, offering fresh perspectives. Many of the four places we list here can easily be paired with an extensive exploration of the surrounding historical areas.
Especially for those traveling with young children, such getaways guarantee carefree fun for the entire family. Younger travelers will be thrilled with seaside walks and games, while being joyfully occupied with visits to some of Greece’s most historic sites.
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Once one of Greece’s most prosperous and powerful maritime cities, Galaxidi maintains its noble character, awakening images of a glorious past among visitors from every corner of Greece, especially on weekends. Reachable within around three hours’ drive from Athens, Galaxidi is a refreshing sight with its pristine waters and open views of the Peloponnesian shores.
Even the journey there is beautiful, with constant changes and enchanting contrasts. Leaving behind cosmopolitan Arachova and picturesque Agoriani, head towards the lush valley of Delphi. It’s well worth making a stop here. No matter how many times one visits, it’s never enough. We’re talking about one of the most important and mesmerizing archaeological sites in the world.
Next, take the road to Itea and Galaxidi, where rows of trees and the open horizon unfold before you, the air fresh with the sea breeze. Upon entering the quaint, seaside town washed by the waters of the Corinthian Gulf, you may almost forget you’re still in mainland Greece. Everything in Galaxidi resembles a traditional fishing village of the Saronic Gulf, akin to the colorful neoclassical beauty of Hydra or Spetses. The impressive former mansions of old sea captains stand tall on either side, and the cobblestone alleys with stairs leading down to the harbor intertwine sweetly.
Among the must-see attractions in Galaxidi is undoubtedly the exceptional Maritime Museum. Housed in a magnificent, preserved building from 1870, it offers an in-depth look at the region’s seafaring past. Next, take a stroll along the seaside Nikolas Mammas Street. This starts at the Heroes Square and ends at the city’s central square, right on the harbor. Opposite, you will find the beautiful Pera Panta Grove, which locals began planting in 1929, now offering the perfect spot for a delightful walk under the pine trees.
As for the surrounding beaches, they are sure to impress. Whether you seek complete solitude, heading to the secluded beaches of Agios Vasileios and Agioi Pantes in the eponymous settlement, or prefer beach bars and sun loungers, Kalafatis beach or the smaller beach of the Nautical Club are just what you need. Everywhere, the waters are sparkling clean and ideal for families with small children. Equally beautiful and welcoming are the hotels of this small town, which maintain Galaxidi’s island-like character. And of course, you cannot leave without trying exquisite fish delicacies and ouzo by the wave at one of the many seaside taverns and ouzeries in the area.
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Where to Eat
O Bebelis is A tidy, picturesque tavern (formerly a weaving mill) in the center of the town. It’s renowned for its delicious kelemia (a type of local pie), zucchini balls, tomato balls, liver with onions, and original desserts. This place offers a taste of traditional Greek tavern cuisine with its own unique twist. Skeletovrachos is a distinctive ouzeri located by the sea, offering fresh fish, seafood, and shellfish. The menu includes more contemporary dishes such as chickpea salad with smoked mackerel, fava with honey and ginger, and taramasalata with tahini. A delightful spot for those looking to enjoy fresh seafood with a creative twist. For dessert go to Konaki, the town’s famous pastry shop, to enjoy ravani with rice. Also try the local spoon sweets.
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Where to Stay
Galaxa Mansion stands out with its captivating white exterior and azure shutters, withdazzling views of the sea and the Galaxidi harbor. Originally an 18th-century shipowner’s residence, it now houses spacious, breezy accommodations with walls bathed in white and beds dressed in cream hues. Select rooms feature balconies, and guests can enjoy robust breakfasts on the primary terrace.
Not far from the harbor is Ganimede Hotel, a serene retreat within an enchanting garden and courtyard, housed in a 19th century captain’s residence. A stone’s throw away from the harbor and the Maritime Museum, Hotel Miramare welcomes guests with a splendid outdoor terrace facing the square. The hotel provides rooms with partial views of the sea, each capable of hosting three guests.
No other place in Greece resembles the stunning Limeni in Laconian Mani. For Greeks and in-the-know foreign visitors it’s a beloved destination three hours from Athens. Expect stone towers, old mansions, luxurious hotels with their own jetties leading into the deep blue, sparkling waters of the Messenian Gulf. Young and older foodies will enjoy renowned restaurants with tables set on impressive decks that seem to float on the sea.
The rich history of the Peloponnesian village permeates everything from the harbor to the iconic Mavromichalis Tower, which now operates as a hotel under the same name. Similarly, most accommodations in Limeni, once splendid mansions of reputable families, retain their charm unchanged through time. Their lounges and communal spaces resemble museums, filled with precious relics and poignant historical documents from a bygone era in Mani.
Here, you won’t find beaches in the classical sense, with soft sand stretching to where the waves break. Instead, you’ll dive straight from the rocks or from ladders placed at various points to ensure easy sea access. However, if you’re traveling with children and want something more family-friendly, just 1.5 kilometers away you’ll find Neo Oitylo village, with a large pebble beach.
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Where to Eat
O Takis stands out as the most established traditional eatery in the area, renowned for its seafood dishes. Diners can often observe fishermen cleaning their fresh catch, with sea turtles eagerly waiting for leftovers nearby. The simplicity and quality of the freshly prepared fish, paired with the breathtaking setting over turquoise waters, make it a must-visit.
While the prices reflect the prime location, the experience is unparalleled. Just a short walk away, Teloneio offers a refined dining experience, blending modern influences with Greek culinary traditions. The restaurant is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, like roasted orzo with scampi and grilled cheese with prickly-pear marmalade, all enjoyed against the backdrop of outstanding sunsets. For coffee and light bites, go to To Magazaki tis Theodoras.
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Where to Stay
Itilo Traditional Hotel is elegant and relaxed, standing directly on the beachfront. With candlelit lounges, balconies hanging over the sea, and a restaurant renowned for its exquisite local cuisine, it’s endearingly impressive. The hotel’s accommodations are spacious and inviting, with stone decor and traditional architecture.
Pirgos Mavromichali stands as the region’s top accommodation, renowned for its traditional authenticity and rich historical background. Aria Estate, in a secluded location between Limeni and Areopoli, looks out on stunning sea views. It has elegant stone bungalows and two-bedroom suites. Despite being a mere 5-minute drive from Limeni, the estate has a serene atmosphere, especially at night when the sounds of jackals can be heard while enjoying drinks on your terrace. Kids will love the lovely swimming pool.
Considered one of the fairest of them all, amphitheatrically built Parga sprawls across an idyllic, verdant hill with unique views of the Ionian Sea. Its history of Parga was marked by Venetian presence during the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Today, you can see the proud Venetian Castle dominating the top of the hill. Somewhat glamorous and cosmopolitan and with an island vibe, Parga is remeniscent of Capri and Positano. It is truly one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots you’ll ever find in Greece. It’s also an ideal base for a wonderful excursion to nearby Syvota with its stunning nature and unreally beautiful beaches.
Your visit will likely start from the Venetian Castle, to see what remains alive from the Old Town of Parga with its Western roots and Venetian past, a past that gave way to the era of Turkish rule. The latter occupation brought significant changes to the area, with hundreds of families permanently leaving their homeland for nearby islands like Corfu. Visit the Turkopazaro (Turkish bazaar) and don’t miss out on the castle’s amazing cafe with fantastic views of the sea.
At 25 kilometers outside Parga you’ll reach a significant landmark of the ancient Greek world: the famous Necromanteion of Acheron. Set off from the village of Ammoudia, and from there, take a boat to the river’s mouth. This is where ancient Greeks believed the gateway to the underworld was. During the hottest hours, make sure to enjoy the area’s fantastic beaches, some of which are reminiscent of the Caribbean. From the large, organized beach of Valtos, abuzz with music and people, to the more secluded Ai Giannakis and disarmingly beautiful Sarakiniko, you’ll will feel like you’re on an island.
Where to Eat
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Where to Eat
A renowned meat tavern, Petros Sideris is popular among boaters, though it’s not on the beach. Besides its exceptional classics – skewers with lamb and goat, kokoretsi, kontosouvli and juicy steaks, it serves rib eye and tomahawk. Carefully selected starters, appetizers, and salads are also available. To Souli is a fish tavern on the harbor, serving fresh fish, either grilled or fried, along with pasta dishes. Notable dishes include barley risotto with red mullet and squid spaghetti. Tables are outdoors and under umbrellas, with a backdrop of typical folk architecture house with tiles and a striking red color.
Stefanos is a family-owned traditional fish tavern with a breathtaking view of Valtos Beach. Father and son are professional fishermen and own two boats. The fresh catch they bring in supplies their tavern, so the menu includes whatever the sea yields each time. They serve exclusively outdoors, at tables under tiled roofs.
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Where to Stay
Villa Rossa Area is an iconic, bright red villa situated directly on the beach and a breath away from the islet of Panagia. Formerly the 1903 stately home of the tobacco merchant Tilemachos Bozios and built in 1903, it looks out to the traditional settlement and the Venetian castle. The high-ceiling rooms, with their large French doors, incorporate many of the original materials, fixtures, and furniture. But it’s also modern and creatively decorated all the way. The hotel also has an excellent seafront restaurant and rents beach loungers.
Salvator Villas & Spa is a luxury hotel built on a verdant slope and overlooking the Paxos islands, the bay of Parga, and the Venetian Castle. It has spacious rooms, four ground-level stone villas with private pools and the beautiful Serenity Spa. Its restaurant, which serves international cuisine centered on Italian dishes, is next to the large outdoor pool.
Enetiko Resort A beautiful complex of buildings with Venetian-style architecture located on an olive-covered slope with an amphitheatrical view. It has spacious rooms of various types (standard, deluxe, triple), junior suites, maisonettes, and one family apartment. Some rooms include a kitchen, while all have independent entrances, balconies, and are decorated in a romantic style with wood and eco-friendly fabrics as the dominant elements. There is a lovely pool with a cafe-bar and wooden sun loungers.
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Just two and a half hours away from Athens, Porto Heli is a glamorous destination any time of the year, but most charming in summer. The small but charming settlement is made for walks on the central pedestrian street where the Church of Evangelistria stands out. This is where you’ll find most cafes, bars, and restaurants. On hot summer evenings, this is the thriving heart of Porto Heli. On lazy afternoons, families can enjoy seaside walks, biking, and scootering.
A short distance from Porto Heli, with its beautiful, quiet beaches, it’s worth visiting the lagoon of Ververonta. This is a lush spot with very calm waters where the local ski school has been based since 1982. Here, you will find the chapel of Panagitsa, and at the point where the lagoon stretches out to the open sea, there is a nice beach.
Nearby Kranidi has become famous worldwide in recent years, as it is home to one of the most impressive hotels – not only in Greece but across Europe – the remarkable beautiful Amanzoe. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Nafplio, while the distance from Athens is about 180 kilometers.
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Where to Eat
Veranda del Vino is the area’s sole wine-centric restaurant, with an expansive terrace offering stunning sea and harbor views. Its wine selection that includes 180 labels from Greek and international vineyards, including rare Greek varieties and boutique wineries. Its menu mainly features Mediterranean dishes and spotlights local ingredients.
Just steps from the sea, Hippocampus is a treasure trove for seafood aficionados, celebrating Greek traditional and Mediterranean-creative cuisine. The menu is based on local fresh fish and seafood, highlighting sushi options among its diverse offerings. For dessert, head to Porto Heli’s center for honey or chocolate drizzled doughnuts or waffles at Meli Corner.
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Where to Stay
Nikki Beach, located just 1.5 kilometers from Porto Heli, is a photogenic hotel known for one of the most photographed pools on Greek social media. Its famous in-water loungers offer a dreamy escape not far from Attica, with beautifully furnished rooms featuring large balconies with unobstructed sea views. Nikki Beach has three restaurants serving everything from exquisite Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients to sushi and inventive cocktails.
Amanzoe Resort is a destination in itself, embodying the epitome of luxurious seclusion. This private retreat with incredible architecture, gardens, designer spaces and views offers warm hospitality, discretion and multi-starred services. Edem Resort is situated mere steps from the sea, overlooking the Ververonda lagoon near Porto Heli. Its stone buildings house fully equipped accommodations with modern decor. Each features a living room with a fireplace, two bedrooms, expansive terraces, a pool, and a private barbecue area.
Aks Porto Heli is a sprawling hotel offering a variety of room types with sea or garden views. Facilities include a gym, beach volleyball courts, a mini club for children, large terraces, gardens, and more. Aks Hinitsa Bay, part of the same hotel chain, is built on the beautiful Hinitsa beach, surrounded by large gardens and terraces. It hosts two restaurants, a bar restaurant, a bar, and a beach bar. Amenities include a tennis court, beach volleyball and basketball facilities, a gym, and more.
