The Mainland and island Greece are full of Greek villages, either small or large. Some of them have very common names which we see them also in other parts of the country. Like, for example, Helliniko, Platanos, Pigi, Karyes, etc. However, exploring Greece you can discover names of villages that you do not even imagine that exist. Other strange and others a little funnier, all together compose the beauty of the Greek region. They have their own story, and each of them may have something even weirder to tell you. The stories of the inhabitants about the history of each place also help in this …
The Greek villages with strange and funny names
We start from Ikaria and the village of Kuniadoi (the brothers-in-law)! It is one of the most well-known villages for holidays in Ikaria. One of the most isolated residential areas on the island which has a famous festival. it is unknown who the brothers-in-law were.
We are transported to Laconia and the village Kouremenos (the one who had his hair cut). A small village near Sparta that probably someone…who had freshly cut his hair was the one to whom the village was named after. Avli (courtyard) in the prefecture of Kavala but also in the prefecture of Heraklion which it once looked like a large courtyard and that is the reason the village was named like that.
A more delicious name has a village on the slopes of Tymphristos in Evritania as it is called Voutiro (butter)! Voutiro is a beautiful and well-groomed village with stone houses and a unique view that excites the visitor. It’s excites you from the moment you pronounce its name!
We stay in food and especially vegetables and go to the village of Marouli (lettuce)in the northwest Evia. It is a small and alternative settlement in the mountains of Evia for those who are looking to see how it is a genuine Greek village. In Andros, now, there is also a village called Koureli (rag). Its name does not represent, of course, its beauty.
Photo Source: andriakipress.gr
It is also strange the village of Kaimeno (poor) in Lassithi (Crete) and the Kaimeni Chora (poor country) in Methana. In Paxos, now, you will find the village Magazia (shops) and in Lassithi the village of Zou that we do not know where it comes from as a name. In Ilia, also, you may happen to pass through the village of Palouki (pole).In Rethymno the Genna (the birth),
Each village, of course, has its beauty and its history and as we explore Greece, we discover it!
With information from the Epitomus Geographical Dictionary of Greece by Michael Stamatelatos and Fotini Cotton Stamatelatos from the Hermes publications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Greece has many villages with unusual and amusing names. Some examples include Kuniadoi (brothers-in-law) in Ikaria, Kouremenos (the one who had his hair cut) in Laconia, Voutiro (butter) in Evritania, Marouli (lettuce) in Evia, Koureli (rag) in Andros, and Magazia (shops) in Paxos. Each of these villages has its own unique history and charm that reflects the character of Greek culture.
Kuniadoi is a well-known village located on the island of Ikaria. It is one of the most isolated residential areas on the island and is famous for its annual festival. The origin of its name, meaning 'brothers-in-law,' remains a mystery, adding to its unique character and appeal for holiday visitors.
Some Greek villages are named after food items based on their geographical features or historical significance. For example, Voutiro (butter) in Evritania and Marouli (lettuce) in Evia were likely named after the products that thrived in those regions or distinctive characteristics of the landscape. These names add charm and reflect the agricultural heritage of Greece.
Greek village names often have historical and geographical significance. They may be derived from the appearance of the landscape, professions of early inhabitants, or significant historical events. Each village name tells a story about its origins and the people who settled there, making them an important part of Greek cultural heritage.
Several Greek islands are home to villages with strange and funny names. Ikaria features Kuniadoi, Crete has Kaimeno and Zou in Lassithi, Andros has Koureli, Evia includes Marouli, and Paxos is home to Magazia. These islands offer visitors the opportunity to explore authentic Greek villages with fascinating names and histories.
