Mountain and seaside. More or less known. It is the Greek villages that greek and foreign visitors love when they go on holiday. They stand out for their wildlife, their beautiful beaches, the hospitable residents and the traditional recipes you can taste there. By exploring Greece, you can discover them and make your own list of favorite destinations. Depending on the time of year, choose which village you want to go to and get to know it better. Another for more and another for fewer days.
CNN: These are 17 most beautiful Greek villages
And while you may know mainly the villages of the islands, Greece has innumerable mountain or lowland villages worth visiting. For example, the CNN Travel had previously selected 17 different destinations and specific villages and created its own list. A list that may have been based quite a bit on the islands but also with choices from mainland Greece. Scenic as well as tourist locations. Traditional but also pretentious atmosphere. Either way, we’re talking about the Greek hinterland in its beauty. Where you find yourself, you’ll surely be filled with different experiences and images.
The CNN list has everything and invites you to get to know them in person (if for someone you haven’t done it yet). According to the authors of the list, these are the most beautiful villages in Greece that you can’t help but see your life once.. Besides, you’re already very lucky to live in Greece and have the chance to have them so close to you. Make your own list and put in a plan to visit one at the first opportunity. You will soon see that you will be erasing from your list the places you have known and have turned into experiences.
CNN’s list of the most beautiful Greek villages
1. Stemnitsa – Arcadia
Photo Source: stemnitsa.gr
2. Agios Georgios Neilias – Pelion
3. Arnaia – Halkidiki
4. Up Syros – Syros
5. Pyrgi – Chios
Photo Source: Giwtavr
6. Oia – Santorini
7. Litochoro – Pieria
8. Lindos – Rhodes
9. Chora – Folegandros
10. Assos – Kefalonia
11. Aearanthos – Naxos
12. Papigo – Pindos
Photo Source: diaspapigo.gr
13. Kalarrites – Ioannina
14. Gythio – Laconia
15. State – Zakynthos
16. Castle – Sifnos
17. Archanes – Crete
Read also:
Nafplio: The picturesque old capital of Greece
Archapolis: The enigmatic Greek city and the legend of its disappearance
Frequently Asked Questions
According to CNN Travel's curated list, the 17 most beautiful Greek villages include Stemnitsa in Arcadia, Oia in Santorini, Lindos in Rhodes, Pyrgi in Chios, Papigo in Pindos, Assos in Kefalonia, and Archanes in Crete, among others. The list features a mix of island villages and mainland destinations known for their scenic beauty, traditional architecture, and hospitable residents.
The most beautiful Greek villages are located throughout Greece, spanning both islands and mainland regions. Island villages include destinations in Santorini, Rhodes, Chios, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Sifnos, Naxos, Syros, and Crete, while mainland villages are found in areas like Arcadia, Pelion, Halkidiki, Pindos, Pieria, Ioannina, and Laconia.
Greek villages attract visitors for their stunning natural landscapes combining mountain and seaside settings, beautiful beaches, wildlife, and traditional Mediterranean architecture. Visitors are also drawn to the hospitable residents and the opportunity to taste traditional Greek recipes. Each village offers unique experiences and cultural authenticity that make them memorable destinations.
The choice depends on your preferences and the time of year. Popular starting points include Oia in Santorini for iconic sunset views, Lindos in Rhodes for beautiful beaches, or Stemnitsa in Arcadia for mountain scenery. It's recommended to make a personal list and plan visits based on whether you prefer island or mainland experiences, and how many days you can spend in each location.
CNN's selection of 17 most beautiful Greek villages highlights destinations that combine scenic natural beauty with authentic Greek culture. These villages represent both well-known tourist destinations and lesser-known hidden gems, offering traditional atmospheres alongside more developed tourist amenities. Each village provides visitors with unique experiences and memorable images of Greece's diverse hinterland.
