One of the strong "papers" of Greece for the summer season is undoubtedly the countless and incredible beauty beaches of our country, both in the popular islands and in lesser known destinations. Crystal clear waters, vast areas with golden sand, small coves and picturesque bays are the natural setting for those who choose our country for its summer vacation.
There are, however, other beauties, small or large treasures of nature that are worth discovering, and why not if it can withstand cold water, in most cases, dare even longboats. The reason for natural pools of the country, which have formed over the years under imposing waterfalls, among limestone rocks, even a breath from the sea.
On its green island I'll, international media have described it as an "earthly paradise", the visitor has to discover beautiful beaches with the green reaching almost to the waters of the Aegean. However, what will forever be etched in his memory is the wild landscape that he will see as soon as he approaches Giola, the natural pool of the island.
A real little miracle, which is interpreted by the inhabitants of Thassos as a "gift". In the southeastern part of the island, near Astrida, the natural pool that has been created in a rock, with the crystal clear waters and the stony bottom a breath from the blue of the Aegean, leaves the visitor literally speechless.
Giola was formed over the centuries with the waves of the sea and the rocks that surround it to be in fact its "creators". At a depth of three meters, its waters are warmer than those of the sea that embrace its outer side and which are located 8 meters below, undertaking the "supply" of the pool with its waves.
In fact, according to the legend, the natural pool of Giola was created by Zeus in order for Aphrodite to enjoy her bath in it. That is why you will hear many call her the "tear of Aphrodite". However, another legend claims that it was the eye of Zeus to watch her.
Whatever one says about them Cythera it will be a little. A utopian destination that truly enchants its visitors in a unique way. One such place on the island is the waterfalls of Fonissa or Neraida, which for many, as common as it sounds, is the earthly paradise of Kythera.
In the western part of the island, in the beautiful and green village of Mylopotamos with the characteristic paved square, you can find this idyllic and enchanting landscape: waterfalls 20 meters high with bright waters that fall hermetically and form a natural lake about 3 meters deep theorata plane trees, which for the most daring as its waters are quite cold, is an ideal choice for refreshing longboats.
Once upon a time, this dreamy landscape was a scene of murder, to which it owes its name. Many years ago, then, two women came face to face at the top of the waterfalls on the rocks. Then one pushed the other down, causing the other to lose her life.
However, the unique and magical beauty that one sees once one is here creates the impression that only airy creatures can live here, like fairies. That is why the location and the name have been given waterfalls of the Fairy. Just beyond the waterfalls are the abandoned watermills of the village, as well as other ponds that complete the fairytale setting.
The white pebble gives its color to the waters of the Aegean and transforms the scenery at Gala beach (from there, after all, its name is inspired) in Koufonisia in a real dream. A small crater in the sea creates this unique natural landscape, which causes awe and admiration to anyone who manages to get here.
To reach this wonderful natural pool you have to come on foot from Pori and walk about five minutes. The path leads to the edge of the rock, around which you will descend to the small beach. The most daring, if the water is calm, you can dive under the rock and get out of the outside of the pool in the Aegean waters. You can also explore the Xylombati caves and the Devil's Eye.
The inhabitants of the island call the beach Tripiti, because of the sea waters that "pierce" it. An alternative to get here by sea by boat.
A landscape of incredible natural beauty, which gives the idea that it has sprung from a painting. Polylimnio of Messinia is an earthly paradise, with gurgling running waters, ponds and waterfalls that impress. In fact, there are many who call the area its "blue lake" Messinia.
At a distance of about half an hour from Kalamata, this "miracle" of nature is located, with its wonderful images, colors and sounds that remain indelibly in the memory. The waters meet on many levels, while passing through the gorge of Polylimni. The lakes here are a unique habitat, where one can observe butterflies, lepidoptera, insectivorous birds, as well as small fish, freshwater crabs, amphibians and reptiles.
To approach the secret paradise of Polylimni you will go through dense vegetation and cross wooden bridges, until after 3 km you will see the complex of about 15 of lakes. Starting from Kalamata, the route starts from the Kalamata-Pylos road, in the village of Haravgi, near Kazarma, where there is a parking place for cars.
It is one of the most impressive beaches in the whole country. On the island that counts more than 70 amazing beaches (all of them one by one), then, the undisputed protagonist is Sarakiniko. Its special lunar landscape - its fame travels around the world and gathers countless tourists on the island every year to discover it up close - is due to the interesting rock formations of limestone rocks and is located in the northern part of the island, at a distance of 10 ′ by car from Adamas, its port Apple.
Characteristic, in fact, are the caves created by the penetration of rocks in the waters of the Aegean as well as the small natural pools in places. In Sarakiniko there is a small sandy beach for beach lovers, while in most of the place is flooded by beautiful rocks, where you can spread your towels. Plus the fact that its waters are crystal clear.
If an item characterizes the Samothrace this is none other than the metaphysical green of its mountainous beauty. A fairly strong advantage, which makes it not an exclusively summer destination, like most islands in our country. On the island of mystery and rare beauty, the pedestals are the ones that impress the visitors, which in fact for most are a synonym of Samothrace.
The successive natural ponds that are formed in the rocks with the crystal clear, deep green waters attract like other sirens the visitors of the island, to enchant them with their incomparable aesthetic natural beauty.
The most famous of all is that of Fonia, the most famous gorge of Samothrace. To reach it you have to walk for about half an hour, however the landscape you will see with the huge waterfall forming at the end an impressive, crystal clear rivers pool will really reward him with more.
One of the most famous is Gria Vathra, one of the oldest streams on the island, at a distance of 2 km from Therma, nestled in the "arms" of a wonderful landscape with ferns and plane trees. It is essentially a sequence of ten consecutive waterfalls and degrees. To approach the first two pedestals the route is easy, for the third one must be "baptized" in the waters of the second, while for the others the good physical condition is the greatest asset of those who will try to see them up close.
The natural pools in the pits of limestone rocks in Papigo, which have been created from the waters of the Rogovo stream, are one of the most impressive places in the famous village of Ioannina. Also known as Kolimbithres, during the summer they are suitable even for diving, at least for the most daring.
Nevertheless, all seasons of the year, the famous Kolimbithres and the natural landscape around them enchant the visitor, with the dense vegetation, the waterfalls, the rocks and the successive "pools" to create a scene of unique beauty, taken from fairy tales. The stream of Rogovo starts from Lapatos, the western peak of Tymfi, and passes through the traditional settlements of Mikro and Megalo Papigo.
According to the story, in fact, even Ali Pasha of Ioannina enjoyed his bath during the summer months.