REMARKABLE BLOG

If you couldn’t get enough of the sun-soaked beaches, towering cliffs, and stunning landscapes – then you’re in luck! We’re back with our second installment of Remarkable Places in Greece.

In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 more spectacular sights located on the mainland and surrounding islands. Plummeting waterfalls, wind-eroded rock formations, and lush, dream-like lagoons are just a few jaw-dropping landscapes we’ll be covering.

1. Panta Vrexei Waterfall, Karpensisi

Photo By: siete_vidas/Shutterstock

Is there anything more rewarding than seeing a beautiful cascading waterfall at the end of a long hike? That’s how we felt when we came across this natural beauty in Karpensisi. Although the hike isn’t too strenuous (roughly 30 to 45 minutes), it does require you to make a few river crossings, so at least be prepared to get wet!

2. Samariá Gorge, Crete

Photo By: proslgn/Shutterstock

There’s something humbling about standing at the bottom of this gorge surrounded by dramatic canyon walls nearly 1,000-feet high on both sides. At its narrowest point, the gorge is only 13-feet wide, barely enough for you to squeeze through to continue your hike. While there might be a small stream at the bottom in spring and early summer, it usually evaporates completely by July, making it easier to hike.

3. Porto Timoni, Corfu

Photo By: proslgn/Shutterstock

We think this double beach is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Greece! Located on the island of Corfu, these beaches are backed by lush, grass-covered hills and some of the most spectacular views of the mainland or the islands. Make sure to bring your sunscreen and something to read – we have a feeling you’ll be staying here for quite a while.

4. Polylimnio Waterfalls, Messinia

Photo By: Grzontan/Wikipedia

The Polylimnio Waterfalls is a hidden gem on Peloponnese and one of the most remarkable places in Greece to visit. It’s actually a series of multiple emerald green pools and cascading waterfalls, perfect for swimming and escaping the sweltering heat. If you’ve ever wanted to swim beneath a waterfall, now is your chance!

5. Gyali Island

Photo By:  Heracles Kritikos/Shutterstock

While this small Decondense island may not be a popular place to live (there are only 20 or so people that live here), it does have one unique feature that makes it worth visiting. One part of the island is comprised of mined pumice stone, while the other is obsidian lava, formed by a volcanic explosion 200,000 years ago.

6. Glaronisia, Milos

Photo By:  Lemonakis Antonis/Shutterstock

Located a short boat ride from the island of Milos are these bizarre rock formations in the shape of hexagonal columns (there’s great debate as to whether the stone is made from basalt or quartz rhyolite). However, it’s worth renting a small boat so you can zip around the inlets and into the narrow caves at the bottom of the cliffs.

7. Blue Cave of Kastellorizo

Photo By: Ioannis Fakis/Wikipedia

While Kastellorizo may not be one of the most popular Greek Islands, it’s brilliantly Blue Cave is a big enough reason to add it to your island-hopping itinerary. The water inside this narrow, dark cave looks like it’s being illuminated from the ground, although this special effect is merely caused by light refraction. It’s reachable by boat, although it’s more exciting to swim through the crevice into the cave yourself.

8. Vlychada Beach, Santorini

Photo By: Kostas Limitsios/Flickr

This volcanic black sand beach is cradled by sculpted cliffs, giving it an unusual appearance, unlike any other beach on Santorini. These angular rocks have been carved and eroded by the wind, making them a picturesque backdrop for your relaxing day of sun and surf.

9. Agia Pavlos, Crete

Photo By: Wolfgang Fraedrich

At first, it’s hard to tell exactly what you’re looking at when you lay eyes on these layered sculptures. The limestone rocks of Agia Pavlos were once lying horizontally on the ocean floor, building up different layers of the earth’s crust over millions of years. Tectonic forces eventually pushed them up through the ground, where they stand covering the shores of Crete.

10. Nydri Waterfalls, Lefkada

Photo By: gorillaimages/Shutterstock

As one of the lusher islands in Greece, Lefkada is home to some pretty spectacular landscapes, including the Nydri Waterfalls. Right in the middle of this small village is a towering rocky canyon with a beautiful waterfall flowing right through the middle of it. The pool may be small, but it’s worth bringing your swimsuit to go for a little dip.

11. Skiadi Rock, Kimolos

Photo By: Tzina Varotsi/Shutterstock

This mushroom-shaped rock is one of the most recognizable features of Kimolos. In fact, people rarely use the official name of the island and simply refer to it as Skiadi! The monument is made from different types of rocks. The lower part of the mushroom is soft and therefore easily eroded by the wind, while the cap is hard and immune to rough currents.

12. Kardia Island

Photo By: Costanavarino

As you approach Kardia Island by boat, it may not seem like anything special. But fly a drone or view it from the top and you’ll see that this rocky island is actually in the shape of a heart! It’s located just off the coast of Sapienza Island and has, during its peak season, only seven inhabitants.

13. Preveli Beach, Crete

Photo By: Dimitris Kiriakaki/Unsplash

Located at the mouth of where the Kissano Faraggi River flows into the Mediterranean Sea, this secluded beach is a paradise for those traveling in Crete. It’s also backed by a lush forest of swaying palm trees, which adds a tropical vibe to this remarkable place. Go for a swim in the ocean or dip your toes in the refreshing waters of the river – the choice is yours!

14. Balos Lagoon, Crete

Photo By: Error_420

The iconic Balos Lagoon is famous for its translucently clear turquoise waters and white and pale pink sand beach. This protected lagoon has warm shallow waters, although looking for a more refreshing swim can head past the rocks into the Mediterranean. To get there, you’ll have to make the treacherous drive through the mountain (so it’s better to go with a guide or at least a 4×4 vehicle).

15. Papafragas Beach, Milos

Photo By: Georgios Tsichlis/Shutterstock

Snaking between carved volcanic rock is this river-like swimming hole filled with crystalline waters. There are plenty of small caves and caverns along the way to discover, although you can always hang out on the small golden sand beach at the end instead. It’s easily one of the most remarkable places in Milos.

16. Ha Canyon, Crete

Photo By:Heracles Kritikos/Shutterstock

This narrow gorge on the eastern side of Crete has layered rock beds and twisting canyon walls, unlike anything we’ve seen in Greece. It’s relatively untouched by tourists as entering the canyon is quite difficult without a guide or proper equipment. But if you do get the chance to visit, you’ll be rewarded with towering granite rocks, sparkling waterfalls, and rare flora and fauna.

17. Epanomi Shipwreck, Thessaloniki

Photo By:Dimitris Dragoidis.Shutterstock

Just steps away from the coastal shoreline sits the sunken skeleton of the Epanomi shipwreck. After being abandoned by its operator in 1970, it was left to rust and deteriorate in the shallow waters where it lays today. You can snorkel around the wreck or simply swim from the shores.

18. Port Glarokavos Lagoon, Halkidiki

Photo By: Chawranphoto/Shutterstock

Filled with turquoise waters from the Aegean Sea, this peaceful lagoon is the entrance to an old fisherman’s port near the charming town of Kassandra. It’s now a popular place for beachgoers, as the waters are shallow, warm, and perfect for cooling off from the hot, humid temperatures.

19. Cape Drastis, Corfu

Photo By: proslgn/Shutterstock

The dramatic cliffs and caves on this peninsula on Corfu are some of Mother Nature’s most fascinating landscapes. Here, the impeccably clear waters are starkly contrasted against the white cliffs and lush foliage. The best views are from the top (which can be accessed by hiking), although the seaside views from the beach aren’t too shabby either.

20. Tis Grias to Pidima Beach, Andros

Photo By: leoks/Shutterstock

While the towering cliffs and golden sands are worth a visit to Tis Grias to Pidima Beach alone, there’s one unique feature that really makes this place stand out. Right off the shores, there’s a 75-foot rock sticking out of the ocean like a sore thumb. Locals believe the shape of the rock is of an old woman who jumped into the ocean after being chased by enemies during the Ottoman Empire.

 

So, are you ready to start planning your trip to Greece now? In a country this large and diverse, there are so many Remarkable Places we’re eager to tick off our list! Have you been to any of these sites? If so, let us know what you thought about them in the comments below!

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