5 underrated places to visit in Greece (beyond Mykonos & Santorini)

If you are done with the typical Mykonos-Santorini island hopping, and would like to see other sides of Greece, this post is for you. My unpopular opinion is that Greece can be equally touristy and underrated. There are certain places everyone seems to go, while other spots remain hidden gems. If you are looking for the latter, I have some top tips and recommendations for you, so keep reading. 

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Greece is a place I keep coming back to for many reasons, two of them are the rich culture and the things to see. There is something wonderful or cool to visit on every corner, and it’s really up to you how much of it you want to explore. Visiting more hidden or underrated parts of Greece is also a much better experience in my opinion, than going somewhere super touristy. You get a better value for your money and locals seem to treat you with more kindness and patience (because they are not overwhelmed by the number of visitors, understandable). This is also how you experience a more authentic version of a country rather than stepping into tourist traps wherever you go. So, without further ado, let’s look at 5 underrated places to visit in Greece.

Delphi

A hidden gem in mainland Greece, this is a longer trip from Athens, but is absolutely worth it. Delphi used to play a very important role in ancient times, it was the home to the Oracle of Delphi, where people would seek prophecies. It is believed that important historical characters such as Alexander the Great would travel to Delphi for a reading. The whole area has a very unique atmosphere, up in the mountains it’s impossible not to feel a sense of tranquility and calmness. If you rent a car in Athens it is doable in a day (which is what we did) but I would highly recommend booking a place to stay for a night at least to really make the most of it. It’s a perfect spot for slow travel, so if that’s your vibe, you will love it!

Vouliagmeni

Just outside of Athens, you will find this beautiful suburb. The coast around resembles of some of the islands, but without the tourists or the high prices. Since it is easily accessible (you just need to book a flight to Athens) it is getting more popular by the day, so if you want a nice holiday by the beach within a flight or having to take a long ferry ride, I would recommend visiting before it gets too popular. Besides the beach, this place also offers a unique experience at Lake Vouilagmeni. This is another spot for a slow travel day or holiday, you can book a sun-bed or massage. The area is green, lush and tranquil. The only thing I would say is that personally I wasn’t the biggest fan of the dead skin-eating fish that live in the water, but if that’s an experience you might want to try, don’t let my opinion hold you back! 

Meteora

Another mainland spot, that doesn’t get half the recognition it deserves. This place literally feels like stepping into a movie, because it is simply unbelievable that places like this exist in real life. Meteora is famous for its unique hill formations and the monasteries that were built on these. It’s hard to put it into words what you feel when you visit the area, but breathtaking is probably a word I would use to describe it. Visiting the monasteries of Meteora is doable in a day trip (although it will be a long one) from Athens, but just like in Delphi, you can stay for a night or two for the best experience. If you’re looking for a unique, relaxing and outdoorsy destination, I would highly recommend adding this to your bucket list. 

Voidokilia Beach 

Also called as the Omega beach (because of its shape from above). This has to be one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen, worldwide, not to mention Europe. Of course this is only worth a visit if you are staying in the area or are within driving distance. But if you are, definitely check it out. The waters are crystal clear and since it’s hidden, it only tends to attract mostly locals and travellers who know where to look.

Thermopylae 

While history lovers and those who are familiar with the movie, 300, would visit this location simply because of its historical significance, others can also enjoy a very unique experience in the area. Thermopylae is well known amongst locals for its hot springs. The water is believed to have unique properties, you will be able to smell the egg like odour from miles away due to the sulphur content of the water. Me and my friends added this spot to our day trip from Athens to Delphi, and it was definitely a unique experience. You will certainly need a car to reach this spot comfortably, but if you are looking for a hidden and unknown experience in Greece, this one ticks all the boxes. The springs are free and informal to visit, so don't expect a spa-like experience, but a unique never-heard-of-one. While I only visited for a short time, the area is beautiful and the prices in nearby restaurants are super budget-friendly, so I could see myself returning for an overnight stay to enjoy a few quiet days in the Greek countryside.

And this brings me to the end of my list of underrated destinations or things to do in Greece. I hope some of these sparked an interest or made you want to add some of these unique locations to your bucket list!