Off the beaten track in Greece

Kevala - the insider tip in the north

In the north of Greece, around 150 kilometres from Thessaloniki, hides a little gem: the coastal town of Kevala. The town, which is important for the fishing industry, exudes a very special, lively charm that is immediately noticeable to visitors. The old town of Kevala is well worth a visit, with its architecture reflecting over 2,500 years of history in the colourful villas, courtyards adorned with flowers and narrow, cobbled streets. The renovated, empty tobacco warehouses, a remnant from the 1920s when Kevala was one of the most important international tobacco exporters, are a special attraction.

You can still visit the old warehouses, but you can also visit the Kevala Tobacco Museum to find out more. Walking through the town and along the promenade, you will also notice the aqueduct, the lighthouse and the fortress built on the hill. The latter tells of the Lombards, Franks, Byzantines and Ottomans who once ruled the city, while you can enjoy a marvellous view of the northern Aegean. If you don't want to stroll through the lively districts of the city, admiring the colourful houses, courtyards and gardens, you can spend some time on the wonderful coast. The beaches in Nea Peramos, Ammolofi and Ammoglossa Keramotis are some of the highlights, with fine sand, clear water, sunbeds and beach bars. Those who have seen enough of Kevala can also reach the island of Thassos from the more remote beaches such as Ammoglossa Keramotis.

Epirus - the insider tip in the west

In the west of Thessaly, Epirus (Epiros) is an entire region that is worth exploring off the beaten track. Active holidaymakers in particular will feel at home in the region, which is greener than anywhere else in Greece. Hiking enthusiasts can walk through deep gorges, past the rivers Voidomatis or Arachthos, over historic bridges and into quaint mountain villages. The rivers in particular also offer the opportunity for exciting canoeing or rafting tours. Water sports fans will find further options on the coast, for example in the bays of Parga or Ammoudia, such as sailing, water skiing, surfing or jet skiing.

If you are looking for a more relaxed holiday, you should visit the beaches and bays on the coast of Syvota: On the coast, whose narrow inlets are reminiscent of Scandinavian fjords, you can spend wonderful days sunbathing and swimming on the gorgeous beaches. In addition to amazing green natural landscapes and secluded beaches, you can also visit famous and historically valuable sights in the region. The region also includes the famous Metéora monasteries built on rocks, the ancient town of Arta, the stalactite cave of Perama and the oracle site of Dodoni.

Finally, a city trip to Ioannina is not to be missed: In the region's capital, which is located directly on Lake Pamvotida, the historic old town, shopping streets and museums offer everything that may have been missing on the rest of your trip through Epirus.

Pelion - the insider tip in the east

The "Switzerland of Greece" or the "Coast of the Centaurs" is the name given to the Pelion peninsula, which lies halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki. While it is known in mythology as the home of mythical creatures, the region still impresses today with its rugged, unspoilt green mountain landscape.

The nature on Pelion is unique: while inland you can hike through dense, often almost primeval deciduous forests, pick herbs and mushrooms, on the east coast you will find several gorges, cliffs that drop steeply into the sea and hidden bays. You can also swim in the region on the Pagasitic Gulf and its shallow beaches or on the steep, wilder coasts of the Aegean Sea.

The fascinating thing about the peninsula, however, are its more than 30 historic villages and small towns - each of which has managed to retain its quaint charm. Tourists still rarely come to the north coast, but many Greeks spend their weekends or holidays on Pilios. Popular places include Tsagarada, which is known for its beautiful bays, the ancient mountain village of Vizitsa with some of the best-preserved manor houses and the winter sports resort of Hania.

Many Greeks also take day trips to Paleo Trikeri, the last inhabited island off Pilion's west coast. A special experience is a ride on the narrow-gauge railway that connects Ano Lechonia and Milies, 15 kilometres away. Sitting in wooden carriages, you travel over viaducts, through a tunnel and to an olive museum. Once in the mountain village of Milies, passengers have to help turn the locomotive on a manual turntable before they have time to explore the village. It's worth going out for a traditional meal, as the cuisine of Pelion has some specialities - far removed from gyros and souflaki.

Sifnos, Karpathos and Kea - the insider tips among the islands

Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu are among the most popular holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, where most tourists flock. Kos, Naxos and Kefalonia are also becoming increasingly popular because they are equally impressive with their picturesque old towns, paradisiacal beaches and unique historical sights. Even on the lively islands, which are known for their exuberant party atmosphere and are popular worldwide, long-time holidaymakers to Greece have long since found their favourite spots away from the tourist crowds. However, there are still a few insider tips among the more than 200 inhabited islands that are worth a visit if you are looking for authentic, quieter Greece.

Sifnos

Sifnos is just an hour away from Milos and, unlike its increasingly popular neighbouring islands, is still somewhat under the radar. The island is a particular highlight for gourmets, as Nikolaos Tselementes, the forefather of modern Greek cuisine, who was born on the island, has left his mark on the restaurants. It is said that there is no taverna on the streets of Sifnos that does not serve wonderful Greek food!

The island can also compete with the dream beaches of Mykonos - even if the beaches on Sifnos are even sandier. As soon as you get off the ferry in Kamares, you reach a long, wide beach that leads all the way to Agia Marina. The shallow, crystal-clear water is perfect, especially for families who want to swim here with their small children. Between your beach trip to the beaches of Platys Gialos or Vathi and dinner in a traditional taverna, you can discover the ceramic art for which the island is famous. There are potteries in almost every village, many of which produce traditional, high-quality ceramics.

If you are not travelling by hire car, you can use the hiking trails that criss-cross the island. These are often old donkey tracks consisting of low, easy-to-walk marble steps. This will take you inland and to the coasts to explore the many small villages and their excellent views.

Karpathos

Karpathos is the second largest of the Dodecanese islands - but still an insider tip among the Greek islands. The island can be reached by ferry, but also via its airport, which is served by flights from Athens, Rhodes or Crete. If you are looking for the original, modest Greece, you will find your favourite island in Karpathos, because the idyllic atmosphere in the villages and on the beaches immediately casts a spell over everyone!

Kyra Panagia, Diakoftis, Apella, Lefkos, Damatira, Agios Nikolaos and Amoopi: the Dodecanese island has a number of beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water, fine white sand and gently sloping waters. The latter makes the beaches popular with families, who can spend relaxing days on the beach and swimming in the small bays. On some of the beaches - such as Diakoftis beach - you'll think you're no longer in the Mediterranean but in the Caribbean!

Three places you should definitely visit are the mountain village of Olympos, the fishing village of Lefkos and the island's capital Pigadia. While in Olympos you will discover the most authentic Greece, where local women dressed in traditional costumes sell traditional makarounes and handmade goods, in the fishing villages or in the capital you will find many tavernas where you can savour fresh fish or typical Greek dishes.

Kéa

Kéa is located around 20 kilometres from the southernmost tip of Attica and is the westernmost island in the Cyclades. The island can only be reached by ferry from the harbours of Lávrion or Kíthnos and from Piraeus by hydrofoil. For Athenians, this is only a stone's throw away, which is why Greeks are more likely to find themselves on the island than tourists. Many Athenians have a small holiday home on Tzia, as the island is also known, to which they retreat during the summer months.

As is typical of the Cyclades islands, the island boasts wonderful beaches, archaeological sites and wonderful hiking trails. As the island is still an insider tip, you will find seclusion, peace and relaxation while strolling through the Greek countryside or the traditional villages