Without a second thought, when one brings to mind the images of summer in Greece, they definitely include golden, sandy beaches or beaches with white pebbles, crystal blue-green waters and sea bream by the sea. The Greek islands are full of options for everyone, offering each one individually what he really needs.
At this point, however, we must recognize the wealth of Greece and the multifaceted personality of each destination, with most of them having to offer something more than their dream beaches. So, there are many islands in our country that have equally beautiful and picturesque mountains apart in their hinterland, which manage with a center to steal the impressions of their visitors with their unadulterated beauty and incomparable picturesqueness.
In Papadiamantis' short story "The Nostalgia" is mentioned as a "tall village", it is logical if one considers that it is found at an altitude of 300 meters, 200 meters above its country Skopelos. The reason for Glossa, the picturesque settlement in the northwestern part of the island with about 750 permanent residents. Built amphitheatrically on the hill above the port of Loutraki, which is also its port, it stands out for the traditional atmosphere that characterizes it.
Her houses are two-storey with Macedonian influences, ceramic roofs and wooden balconies, while on the steps full of cobbled streets one can meet even women in local, traditional costumes. In addition, the inhabitants of the settlement to this day maintain customs and traditions that travel back in time.
The origin of the name of the language has not been determined yet, as many attribute it to the linguistic shape of the cape, while others associate it with Knossa, the city built in the same place by the Minoans, the first inhabitants of the island. The most humorous version, however, according to its inhabitants is the fact that your tongue comes out to climb its stairs.
Its indisputable trump card is the incomparable view that stretches in front of it and reaches from Skiathos to Evia, to which the characterization as the "balcony of Skopelos" is due.
The most beautiful and picturesque settlement of Paros does not see the waters of the Aegean, nor is it characterized by its sea breeze. It is located in the interior of the island, is its most mountainous settlement and stands out for its picturesqueness and tranquility in a Cycladic background that distinguishes it.
The reason for the beautiful Lefkes, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages not only of the island, but of all Cyclades. Its name is due to the fact that the area was full of poplars, while its foundation is estimated around the 15th century. That is why it has been characterized as a traditional settlement, with the arrival of cars in it being banned.
What impresses its visitors, apart from its incomparably beautiful Cycladic architecture, the peace and quiet that one encounters, even if it is located on one of the most popular islands of the Cyclades. Picturesque narrow alleys with whitewashed joints, whitewashed low houses with flowery courtyards and several churches - most dating from the 17th century - to what one will see on walks in the village.
The route from the main square ends at the church of Agia Triada, the most characteristic of the village, in the square of which there is a traditional cafe - a trademark of the area for its refreshing homemade lemonade. Also of interest is the Folklore Museum of the village which transports its visitor to the beginning of the 20th century.
A picturesque settlement that to this day retains its traditional characteristics. This is Agiasos, the town of Lesvos at a distance of 27 km from its city Of Mytilene, in the interior of the island.
Built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Olympus, it is found at an altitude of 460 meters and is one of the most popular destinations on Lesvos, although it is not wet by the sea. Characterized as a traditional settlement, Agiasos stands out in the choices of the public for its traditional architecture, the colorful houses and the cobbled picturesque cobbled streets that are suitable for walks that take you back in time.
Among the most important sights of the village is the church of Panagia, which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is an attraction for many visitors to Lesvos. It has rare relics as well as the Byzantine icon of Panagia Vrefokratousa with the characteristic inscription "Mother of God Saint Zion", which according to tradition, was brought from Jerusalem by the monk Agathonas. From the corruption of the inscription that the image bore, the name Agiasos emerged.
Worth to visit in Agiasos and the Folklore Museum of Agiasos Reading Room with a wide variety of exhibits from local handicrafts, home crafts and folk art. It is worth mentioning that the picturesque town during the 19th century was an important economic center of Lesvos, as it had a highly developed handicraft activity. To this day, music, theater and pottery are well developed and developed in Agiassos.
Cobbled streets of typical Cycladic architecture with vaulted arches, beautiful old two-storey houses and squares with traditional cafes, impressive Venetian towers and interesting museums compose the image of its most popular mountain village Naxos.
Built at an altitude of 650 m., "T 'Aperathou" - as the village Naxiotes call it - is found at a distance of 32 km from the island's Chora and retains its local color and peculiar architectural physiognomy from the time of Venetian rule. Apeiranthos, therefore, is famous for its livestock products, wine and cuisine, while of particular interest is the linguistic idiom of its inhabitants, which refers to the Cretan dialect.
One of the most characteristic points of the village is the well-preserved tower of Zevgolis, dating from the 17th century, which dominates the entrance of the village and is built on a rock. From here, in fact, begins the walk in the cobbled streets of the village, ends at the "square", the main square with the traditional cafes.
The attention of the public is also drawn to the church of Panagia Apeirathitissa (18th century), which is one of the largest on the island, and the tower of Bardanis (17th century). In fact, the largest library in the Cyclades, the Nikos Nik Library, operates in the village. Glezou, as well as a women's cooperative of traditional art, from where you will shop beautiful woven and handmade.
Finally, a sample of the cultural flourishing of the village are its five museums: the Archaeological Museum, with findings mainly of the Early Cycladic period, the Geological Museum, with over 2.500 rare rocks from Naxos and the Cyclades, the Museum of Natural History, with remarkable collections samples of the fauna and flora of the area, the Folklore with interesting exhibits of folk art, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts, which exhibits works by 75 Aperathite artists and artists from all over Greece.
Most have combined Chios with its precious "tear", the famous Chios Mastic, and its famous Mastic villages in the southern part of the island. On the north side, however, are equally beautiful villages, which stand proudly over time and travel the visitor to other times. One of them is Volissos, at a distance of 40 km from the city of the island.
It is the largest village in the northwest Chios, which stands out for its glorious history, as it is widely rumored that it is the birthplace of Homer. Built amphitheatrically on the slope of a hill, at the top of which dominates a ruined Byzantine castle, a defensive fortress in the shape of a table with six towers, dating from the Middle Ages. In fact, it is speculated that it was built by Belisarius, Justinian's general.
Narrow cobbled streets, stone mansions and old houses give a special picturesqueness to the village, where one can find windmills and Byzantine churches. The main church of Volissos is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior. In the wider area of the village you can find some of the most beautiful beaches of Chios.
The beautiful Thassos It is well known for its wonderful beaches that make it famous for having crossed the Greek border. Dreamy crystal clear waters that are combined in an amazing way with the rich natural environment that characterizes the island, are their main characteristic element. What many do not know, however, is the fact that Thassos has equally stunning villages in the interior of the island, which compete in beauty with the beaches of the island.
One of them is the Castle, which is considered the oldest settlement on the island. Built at an altitude of 500 meters, offers stunning views of the gorges and ravines in the area, named after the castle here, whose wall dates back to 1403. The fact that it is not visible from the sea helped protect of the village over the years from the attacks and looting of pirates.
In the most important monuments of the village the church of Agios Athanasios, which was built in 40 days with the permission of the Sultan in 1804. For its creation stones from the castle wall were used.
The village from 1905 onwards began to be deserted, with its inhabitants choosing the coastal areas of the island for their residence. In recent years, however, several homeowners have repaired their old homes, using them as summer cottages.