7 Magical Towns in Greece That Are Straight Out of Fairy Tales

Founded in AD 583, off the southeastern peninsula of the Peloponnese, Monemvasia is the oldest continuously inhabited castle town in Europe. Walk through the pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, lined with colorful houses in a mix of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman architectural styles, all surrounding the castle ruins at the top of the hill. When your feet get tired, rest at one of the charming cafés or bars to take in the wondrous nature of the town

In the far north of the country, close to the Albanian border, Kastoria is situated on the shores of Lake Orestiada and surrounded by rolling green hills in all directions. This formerly wealthy town still contains many old, beautifully preserved mansions by the water, some of which you can visit. Explore the nearby Cave of the Dragon, or spend the sunset hour at one of the many lakeside cafés, admiring the reflection of the Balkan-style houses in the water.

On the island of Syros, Ermoupoli is known as the capital of the Cyclades. Unlike the usual white-and-blue houses you’ll find on these islands, the city of Ermoupoli is home to vibrant, colorful neoclassical homes and magnificent Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, thanks partly to its historic Italian influence. Stop at the Church of Agios Nikolaos; spend an evening in the massive, gorgeous town square; and walk through the aristocratic homes of the Vaporia neighborhood to take in the city’s distinctive atmosphere.

Even among the lovely towns of Mani in the Peloponnese, Kardamyli is especially adored for its beauty. Near some of the clearest blue waters in the country, it also offers wonderful mountain walks, especially the hike up to Mount Taygetus, known locally as Profitis Ilias. It’s a pleasure to stroll the vine-and-flower–lined streets of Kardamyli, among traditional stone houses and old family towers of the aristocrats of Mani. Visit the Patrick Leigh Fermor house nearby, one of the most beautiful homes in the country.

The Zagorohoria are 46 stone villages set in the mountains of Epirus in northwestern Greece. Their winding mountain roads crisscross the Voidomatis River, an alpine river with some of the cleanest ice-blue waters in Europe. Here, you can stay at Monodendri to take in the stunning nearby view of Vikos Gorge; visit the scenic village of Papingo and walk through the nearby rock pools; and indulge in delicious desserts and local drinks in the leafy, stone-built town center of Tsepelovo.

The amphitheatrical, colorful town of Parga sits on the shores of the Ionian sea, and the multiple coves that surround it offer visitors some of the best waters around, including Kryoneri, Valtos, and Lihnos beaches. In the evening, walk up to the 14th-century Venetian castle that overlooks the town to get a picture-perfect view of Parga below. Visit in the shoulder seasons of May, June, and late September to October for a more idyllic experience.

A favorite destination for Greeks year-round, Mount Pelion rises up from the shores of Thessaly, offering an incredible mix of unspoiled beaches in the summer and skiing in the winter. Makrinitsa juts out from the mountain’s slope with a magical, unparalleled view of the bay below. Walk along the town’s streets to admire the old mountain mansions, which give the town its impressive facade and nickname of “the noble village.”