Picturesque Villages

Pélekas, Corfu

Pélekas, Corfu

Pélekas is a picturesque village of bougainvillea-covered stone houses, olive groves and vineyards, with traditional tavernas and small hotels, that has resisted mass tourism. Sitting on a hill overlooking unspoilt sandy beaches, it is known for its breathtaking sunsets.

Anogí, Itháki

A traditional village of olive trees and stone walls, Anogí is around 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level, with great views. One of Itháki’s most remote and oldest communities, it has its origins in medieval times. The people observe old customs and speak a distinct dialect.

Fiskárdo, Kefalloniá

This quintessential picture-postcard village miraculously survived the great earthquake of 1953 and retains many original Venetian buildings. Painted in soft pastel shades, the houses that were once the homes of merchants line its yacht-filled harbour. Most now host tavernas, restaurants and shops (For further details see Fiskárdo).

Lagopóda, Zákynthos

One of the mountain villages on Zákynthos, sleepy Lagopoda offers a rare glimpse into how the people of Zákynthos have lived for centuries. It is characterized by its cobbled alleyways, stone houses with vine-covered courtyards and its pretty church.

Imerovígli, Santoríni

With dazzling white and blue square houses and blue-domed churches descending down the hillside to the bay, Imerovígli is a typical Santoríni village. Facing west, over the flooded caldera, its sunsets are a photographer’s dream (For further details see Imerovígli).

Kontiás, Límnos

Kontiás is one of the most charming villages on the island. Its architecture reflects Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Surrounded by pine forest, it has some glorious beaches. Kontiás is the seat of the municipality.

Asfendioú Villages, Kos

This cluster of villages on the slopes of Mount Dikéos, comprising Ziá (Evangelístria), Ágios Dimítrios, Asómatos and Lagoúdi, is surrounded by forest and springs. The villages retain their old charm with stone houses and Byzantine churches.

Pýrgos, Tínos

Houses, fountains, churches and public buildings sculpted from white marble give this village a distinct beauty. Marble has been used here for centuries, making it the birthplace of many great sculptors and home of the Tínos School of Fine Arts.

Oía, Santoríni

A popular holiday spot, Oía is a lovely village of blue-domed churches, white houses and tiny alleyways huddled on the hillside overlooking the volcano. It has many tavernas, gift shops, a maritime museum and the remains of a Venetian fortress.

Náoussa, Páros

Considered one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, this small fishing port is characterized by white houses, chapels, a bustling harbour and tiny lanes. Despite development, it has not lost its traditional charm.

Top 10 Animals and Birds

Loggerhead Turtle

Zákynthos’ Laganás Bay, is one of the key breeding grounds for this endangered turtle.

Monk Seal

One of the rarest seals in the world, the monk seal can be seen off the islands, in particular in the Cyclades and northern Sporades.

Moorish Gecko

Usually found “sun-bathing” on walls in summer, this grey-brown reptile can grow to around 15 cm (6 in) in length.

Mílos Viper

This distinctive venomous snake is found mainly on the Mílos and Kímolos islands in the Cyclades.

Freyer’s Grayling Butterfly

Small and dark brown in colour, the Freyer’s Grayling is native to the Mediterranean and seen in July and August.

Kri-Kri

A protected species, this wild goat is a native of Crete and found mainly in the Samariá gorge.

Dolphin

Look out for bottlenosed, striped and common dolphins when sailing in the Ionian and Aegean waters.

Sardinian Warbler

This striking native Ionian bird can be identified by its black head and red eye ring.

Scops Owl

These small grey owls are hardly visible but their trill can be heard at night.

Eleonora’s Falcon

Kestrels, eagles and falcons, including Eleonora’s falcon, are seen in large numbers around the islands.