Millions of people are attracted to Greece annually, making it one of Europe’s most well-known tourist spots. Greece is a stunning Mediterranean nation. You surely know the Parthenon and the ancient Acropolis. Perhaps you’ve fantasized about sipping a bottle of wine while watching the sunset over the picturesque Mediterranean landscape from a trendy luxury villa in Zakynthos. But many overlook that Greece has over 6,000 islands spread over three seas, and almost 200 are deserted.
Fortunately, many little, picturesque seaside communities have not been ruined by the ever-increasing waves of mass tourists. Visit these incredible hidden jewels in Greece to discover a different side of this beautiful Mediterranean nation.
1. The Diapontia Island
The first off-the-beaten-path Greek treasure on our list is Diapontia. The country’s extreme northwest contains a series of very isolated islands, the Diapontia Islands. These islands are situated close to the so-called “heel of Italy.” They are geographically closer to Albania than the mainland of Greece. The lack of tourists is mostly due to the islands’ isolation, which is also one of the best reasons to go there.
Whether you’re just passing through or planning to spend more time there, you will likely be wowed by the picturesque, unspoiled towns, beautiful landscapes, sandy beaches, secret caverns, and inviting blue seas of the Diapontia Islands. Are you interested in seeing the Diapontia Islands? The most direct route to them is via boat from the northernmost town of Corfu, Sidari.
2. Nymfes Waterfalls
Corfu used to be among Greece’s most secluded and tranquil islands. The world has evolved, yet the masses of tourists have surprisingly left some hidden gems in the area untouched. You can find Nymfes Waterfalls in such locations. A picturesque, sleepy hamlet tucks away the falls on its borders, and you can only reach them by walking down a tiny, rural dirt road.
Once you get there, you will see the waterfalls forming a 10-meter-tall, deep valley with fast-moving water streams. A beautiful, paradisal setting seems straight out of a fairy tale. The nymphs of Greek mythology took a dip in the waterfalls while they lived in the woods. Setting truth or fiction aside, no one can deny that this island, which welcomes tens of thousands of tourists, has one of the most picturesque and unspoiled spots.
3. Zagori
4. Alonissos
Among the Sporades, Alonissos ranks one of the most uninhabited and inaccessible islands. A very ancient hamlet with the same name is also located in Alonissos. The hamlet of Alonissos, famous for its exquisite wines, is a must-visit for every wine lover visiting Greece.
Additionally, some of Greece’s most picturesque pebbled beaches and pristine areas of vegetation can be found on the island. Most of the year, ferries and hydrofoils do not connect the island to the mainland, and no airport is nearby. It’s hardly surprising that this beautiful, uninhabited island is still relatively unknown.
5. The Davelis Cave
Davelis Cave, one of the most enigmatic locations in Greece, has a long history of being associated with the supernatural. The cave is made up of a maze of tunnels underneath Pendeli Mountain. Davelis, the bandit, got his name from the cave because he used it as a hiding place. Locals who have observed paranormal activity there for years claim that this cave is supposedly one of Europe’s most haunted locations.
Government authorities finally shut off the cave to tourists in the 1980s due to never making public studies. Today, the cave welcomes tourists again; you will want to take advantage of it. Its enigmatic history and extreme isolation make it hypnotically alluring.
6. The Melissani Cave
Zakynthos has become a top European summer destination in recent decades. Many visitors are attracted to Zakynthos due to its sandy beaches and a growing number of wedding venues. However, Melissani Cave, which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful caverns in the world, is actually visited by few visitors. If you want an otherworldly experience, visit Melissani Cave, also known as the Cave of the Nymphs, on Kefalonia’s island north of Zakynthos.
The cave, which is 39 meters deep, contains an underground lake. Additionally, the open ceiling creates the optical appearance of airborne boats! Another peculiar sight is the stalactites and artifacts found within the cave. Experts estimate that some of the artifacts are 15,000 to 20,000 years old. For all these reasons, Melissani Cave deserves its reputation as one of Greece’s most interesting and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
