Greece Beyond Athens and Santorini...
Northern Greece offers a mix of dramatic landscapes, soulful towns, and rich traditions. While some places are gaining recognition, many still fly under the radar for international travellers. Whether you’re after wild mountains, historic lakeside cities, or delicious food, this part of Greece is full of pleasant surprises.
Ioannina: The Hidden Gem of Northern Greece
Ioannina is beautifully set beside misty Lake Pamvotis and backed by the Pindus mountains. The city blends intense Ottoman past, Byzantine echoes, and modern student life. Its fortress holds relics of intense Ottoman rule, including the striking Aslan Pasha Mosque and Ali Pasha’s former palace. The tiny island in Lake Pamvotis hides centuries-old monasteries with vivid frescoes.
Ioannina is also a lively university town, with bustling cafés and vibrant art spaces. The city is a great base to explore the villages of Zagori and Perama Cave nearby.
Insider Tip: Visit the Silversmithing Museum for an interesting look at the region’s craft history and browse for unique copper and silverware at the shops around the castle. For what else to see and do in Ioannina explore our Ioannina travel guide.
Zagori Villages & Vikos Gorge
Zagori is a hidden world of over 40 stone villages, connected by old cobbled paths and arched bridges. It’s a haven for hikers, especially in the Vikos Gorge — one of the world’s deepest canyons — but also for travellers seeking serene beauty and authentic hospitality. The architecture is distinctive, with many guesthouses housed in restored mansions.
Despite its charm, Zagori remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
Insider Tip: To eat like a local, look for wild mushroom dishes (Zagori is known for its fungi); feta pies and spoon sweets (fruit preserves served on a spoon); and slow-cooked goat or local trout from mountain streams.
Parga: A Colourful Seaside Town with Island Vibes
Parga feels like a mix of Greece and Italy. Its colourful hillside houses, Venetian castle, and clear water make it a popular summer spot. Yet, it is still relatively low-key compared to big island resorts. Inland from the coast, you’ll find olive groves, waterfalls, and small villages with barely a soul in sight.
Insider Tip: Visit in June or September to avoid peak-season crowds.
The Otherworldly Meteora Monasteries
Meteora is a UNESCO site that seems to defy gravity and time. It may not be underrated, but it’s undeniably breathtaking. The monasteries are open to visitors and the area is walkable. There are multiple trails connecting the rocks, but you can also drive between key sites. While the southern side gets busy, the northern trails and lesser-visited monasteries offer a quieter experience.
Insider Tip: Dress modestly when visiting the monasteries — shoulders and knees must be covered. Women are required to wear long skirts, but don’t worry if you don’t have one; wrap-around skirts are provided at the entrance of each monastery.
Thessaloniki: A Rising Culinary Destination
Greece’s second city has long been a cultural crossroads — and now it’s becoming known as a culinary one, too. Thessaloniki’s food scene is full of character! Its a delicious mix of Ottoman, Jewish, and Balkan influences. It’s not exactly hidden, but it’s still carving out its place on the global culinary map. This article goes into more detail about the culinary heritage of Thessaloniki
Insider Tip: Head up to Ano Poli (the Upper Town) for some of the best views over Thessaloniki, along with well-preserved Ottoman and Byzantine architecture. It’s one of the few parts of the city that survived the Great Fire of 1917.
Northern Greece is full of places that offer more than first impressions suggest.
If you’re interested in exploring this part of the Balkans in depth, you’re welcome to join us on our small-group tour through Albania and northern Greece.
A well-paced trip focused on local culture, food, and lesser-known places.
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