PICTURESQUE VILLAGES
1. Fiskárdo, Kefalloniá
This picture-postcard village (see Fiskárdo, Kefalloniá) retains many original Venetian buildings. Painted in pastel shades, the houses that were once the homes of merchants line its yacht-filled harbour. Most now host tavernas, restaurants and shops.
Charming houses clustered around the harbour at Fiskárdo
2. Imerovígli, Santoríni
With dazzling blue and white 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.
Whitewashed houses, Imerovígli
3. Pýrgos, Tínos
Buildings made of white marble give this village a distinct beauty. Marble has been used in the area for centuries, making it the birthplace of many great sculptors and home of the Tínos School of Fine Arts.
4. 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.
5. Anogí, Itháki
Boasting olive trees and stone walls, Anogí is about 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level. One of Itháki’s most remote communities dating from medieval times, the people observe old customs and speak a distinct dialect.
6. Lagopóda, Zákynthos
This mountain village offers a rare glimpse into how the people of Zákynthos have lived for centuries, and is home to its cobbled alleyways, stone houses and a pretty church.
7. Pélekas, Corfu
This picturesque village has resisted mass tourism. Bougainvillea-covered stone houses sit among olive groves and vineyards, small hotels and traditional tavernas. Sitting up on a hill overlooking pretty, unspoiled sandy beaches, Pélekas is known for its breathtaking sunsets.
8. Kontiás, Límnos
Kontiás is one of the most charming villages on the island. Its delightful architecture reflects Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman influences. Surrounded by pine forest, it has some glorious beaches. Kontiás is the seat of the municipality.
9. Asfendioú Villages, Kos
Comprising Ziá (Evangelístria), Ágios Dimítrios, Asómatos and Lagoúdi, this cluster of villages on the slopes of Mount Dikéos is surrounded by forest and springs. The villages retain their old charm with stone houses and Byzantine churches.
10. 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 and the remains of a Venetian fortress.
Stunningly picturesque, Oía
TOP 10 TREES AND FRUITS
1. Figs
The deep purple fig can be seen growing amongst the large leaves of fig trees in summer.
Fig trees heavy with fruit
2. Olives
Greece is home to the largest variety of olives in the world. The green and black olives found in groves throughout the islands are either eaten or made into oil.
3. Vines
Vines grow wild or in vineyards, with the green and black grapes used to make wine and liquors.
4. Apples
Local apples are usually small and sweet, and are used for cooking or served at the end of a meal.
5. Pomegranates
Pomegranates, which can be seen growing in late summer, were mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey and are used to make grenadine.
6. Bananas
The local variety of this popular fruit is small and grown on the lower, warmer plains of the islands.
7. Cretan Plane Tree
Endemic to Crete, the striking plane tree is often found in villages and provides welcome shade.
8. Carob Tree
With its dark seed pods used as a chocolate alternative, the carob tree is a key part of the landscape.
9. Cypress Tree
Tall and elegant, the cypress tree is from the conifer family and is seen in gardens and in the wild.
10. Cedar Tree
Forests of the broad-branched cedar tree can be found at higher altitudes throughout the islands.
