Karterados is a quiet, authentic village just 2 kilometres south-east of Fira, a popular budget-friendly base with traditional cave houses, family tavernas and frequent buses, close to the capital but far cheaper and calmer. This guide covers what Karterados is like, what to do, where it is and how to visit. Karterados is a practical, … Read more
Mesaria is a central, authentic Santorini village just south-east of Fira, once the island’s industrial heart, with the restored Argyros Mansion, wineries, a blue-domed church and a relaxed, local feel. This guide covers what Mesaria is like, what to do, where it is and how to visit. Mesaria is a handy, down-to-earth base in the … Read more
Finikia is a quiet, authentic Cycladic village on the northern side of Santorini, barely a mile from Oia, offering traditional whitewashed lanes, charming tavernas and far fewer crowds than its famous neighbour. This guide covers what Finikia is like, what to do, where it is and how to visit. Finikia is a peaceful alternative within … Read more
The Santorini villages beyond Oia and Fira reveal a quieter, more traditional island: hilltop Pyrgos with its Venetian castle, the living medieval fortress of Emporio, wine-country Megalochori and clifftop Imerovigli, the balcony of the Aegean. This guide covers the best villages and what each offers. The inland and clifftop villages are the authentic heart of … Read more
The Corfu villages range from bohemian hilltop Pelekas with its Kaiser’s Throne sunset, to Lakones high above Paleokastritsa, the seaside harbour of Kassiopi, and the haunting ghost village of Old Perithia on Mount Pantokrator. Green, olive-clad and traditional, the island’s interior rewards a drive. This guide covers the best villages and what each offers. The … Read more
Aliki Paros is a laid-back fishing village on the south coast near the airport, with three natural, walkable beaches, a pretty harbour and seafront fish tavernas almost on the sand. Quiet and away from the busy hubs, it is one of the island’s most atmospheric places for grilled fish by the sea. This guide covers … Read more
Piso Livadi Paros is a relaxed fishing village on the east coast, with a sandy beach, a small harbour and tavernas lining the waterfront, calm and low-key yet with just enough evening buzz. It makes a quiet, family-friendly base close to some of the island’s best beaches. This guide covers what the village is like, … Read more
Marpissa Paros is a picturesque hillside village on the east of the island, built amphitheatrically with labyrinthine marble lanes, four landmark windmills, a fine sculpture museum and the Kefalos castle hill above. It pairs traditional Cycladic charm with sweeping views and easy access to the best east-coast beaches. This guide covers what to see, the … Read more
Prodromos Paros is a tiny, car-free walled village of whitewashed lanes, arched passageways and flower-filled courtyards in the island’s interior, best known as the end of the ancient Byzantine Road from Lefkes. Untouched and quiet, it feels suspended in time. This guide covers what the village is like, what to see and how to visit. … Read more
Lefkes Paros is the island’s loveliest mountain village, a medieval settlement high in the hills with whitewashed houses, marble-cobbled lanes, bougainvillea and the ancient Byzantine Road to Prodromos. Cars are banned from its centre, keeping it quiet and timeless. This guide covers what to see, the famous hike and how to visit. The village is … Read more