The Top 10 Aesthetically Remarkable Fairytale-like Places in Greece right now.
Naxos Town, Naxos
The capital of the island of Naxos, part of the celebrated Cyclades islands complex in the heart of the Aegean Sea. This place is abundant with ancient historical and mythical vibes that span across civilisations and cultures and transcend time itself. It is said to be the home of the Greek God of wine and wild joyous celebration, Dionysus. Need I say more…?
2. The Rousanou Monastery, Meteora
This picture-perfect structure, an image that can only inspire awe and heighten the senses, can be likened to the mythical towers in fairy tales, where princesses await for their prince so they can live happily ever after.
This stunning monastery is one of the most active monasteries in the Meteora region, and is currently inhabited by nuns.
3. Plaka, Athens
One of the most remarkable historical districts in the city of Athens (Athina for locals). This millenia-old neighborhood is filled with neoclassical architecture, traces and monuments that pay tribute to thousands of years of cultural activity, and history as rich and long as the city itself. Located under the rocky hill of the Athenian Acropolis, Plaka is often referred to as the neighborhood of the Gods. Once there, you will immediately know what that is about.
4. Elafonisi Beach, Crete
Considered as one of the best beaches in the wider Crete (or Kriti) area, this perfectly pristine natural gem is found on a small uninhabited island with pink and white sandy beaches, all in less than one kilometer of coastline.
Considered ideal for children and families, this truly unique glorious destination needs to be experienced first-hand at least once in your lifetime.
5. Molyvos, Lesvos
This is certainly the center of cultural tourism on the island of Lesvos in the northern Aegean Sea. It is also known as Mithymna, as the name Molyvos dates back to the Bronze Age.
Many of the mansions were originally built in the18th century, made from stone and wood, while the main street is covered with cobbled stone. A cultural artefact in its entirety, and a place where myths and legends arise from, in order to soothe and revitalise the human soul.
6. Chania, Crete
Chania is the second largest city on the Greek island of Crete. Its pristinely preserved architecture and historical character is a sight to relish in.
A legendary port and cultural centre for centuries if not millenia, this town is known for its castle-like medieval alleys, impressive buildings, and an air of unadulterated romance so pure, that you are bound to be mesmerised by its charm.
7. Melissani Cave, Kefalonia
Also known as Melissani Lake, this geological and aesthetic wonder is a thousands of years old 3.5km cave, discovered in the 1950s, which includes its own lake. The colourful emotions this natural gem emits are simply breathtaking.
The water is a mixture of sea and spring water, a combination that graces it with a brackish colour. Melissani Lake is the ideal spot to explore by boat, and words would not do it justice. You just need to be there, so just make it happen is all I would add.
8. Chora - Mykonos Town, Mykonos
A once small town on the now internationally adored island of Mykonos in the Cyclades islands complex, Mykonos Town (or Chora for the locals) has managed to retain its colourful cultural richness and combine it artfully with a more contemporary cosmopolitan vibe. It is known for its stunning many small alleys that can only be discovered on foot.
This makes it a great place to go on long walks and immerse yourself in the traditional Cycladic Greek architecture that is just abundantly offered all around this cultural gem. Top it all off with the most prestigious and internationally revered luxury services, gastronomical choices and a rich nightlife, and you get the idea.
9. Oia, Santorini
Many would call this destination the definition of picture-perfect. Justifiably so, as its beauty and charm are in fact remarkable. However, I would add that a most basic ingredient in its magic is its uniqueness. The landscape, the views, the character, the Caldera of the sunken volcano… All part of its fairytale-like mystery, and nowhere else to be found on earth.
Spending time here will relax, refresh and inspire you. The endless view of the vast blue sea, amidst this landscape filled with simple, yet so extravagantly beautiful little white houses and blue church domes will grace you with a peace and serenity that no other place on the globe could possibly offer you.
10. Monemvasia, Laconia
A cultural and aesthetic wonder, in the legendary Pelloponese peninsula. Lying just 100 meters from the Aegean Sea, this small but uniquely impressive medieval town is only 1km long and 300m wide. However, its small size and perfectly quaint romantic character make Monemvasia the stuff of fairytale legends.
A wonderful choice for couples, families and groups of friends alike, this mythical destination offers and abundance of culture, history and fun. Museums, bars, cafes, restaurants, remarkable beaches, architecture and scenery, Byzantine churches, and an impeccable local gastronony, including superb local wine selctions, all blend in colourfully to ensure you remain spoilt for choice while wholly mesmerised by the charming vibe Monemvasia graces its visitors with.