Greece is a country where the brightest gems can be found in the most unexpected places. Even its most remote corners have plenty to offer to visitors eager for a glimpse of beauty. Just three examples of ‘hidden Greece’ to visit with a boat hired via Click&Boat: Samothrace in the northeast Aegean Sea, Parga in Western Greece and Karpathos and Kasos in the Dodecanese.
Samothrace, the Island of the Underworld Gods
The Aegean Sea is full of hidden gems for you to discover. The world-famous Cyclades islands are popular among most holidaymakers. But this might be at the expense of not less attractive destinations in the northeastern Aegean Sea. Take for example Samothrace, an island close to the Greek-Turkish border where Europe meets Asia.
You can start your trip to this part of hidden Greece from Thessaloniki. The country’s second-biggest city, it’s worth visiting for a weekend city break. From there you can sail through the peninsula of Chalkidiki and cruise straight to Samothrace. On the way, you can stop on Limnos or make a short detour to visit Agios Efstratios. It’s a tiny island where you can find some of the best fish food in Greece.
Alternatively, you can sail to Samothrace from Kavala (or Keramoti nearby). Samothrace is best known for the statue of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The statue was found on the island in 1884 and can now be found at the entrance of the Louvre. In ancient times, Samothraki was deemed a special place, being home to the cult of the Underworld Gods. The mysticism is still present in the lush vegetation of the island, its rivers, ponds, creeks and most of all the famous falls of Fonias and Kremastos. These falls splash graciously onto small lakes – natural swimming pools of green and turquoise waters.
The main mooring spot in Samothrace is Kamariotissa on the west coast of the island. Another option is the small harbour of Loutra (or Therma). Circumnavigating the island takes around 2 or 3 days. A visit to Chora, the picturesque capital of the island with a medieval castle, is also a must. Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary of the Underworld Gods in Paleopolis.
Parga, an Ionian Gem
Western Greece and in particular the coast facing the Ionian Sea has a unique character due to its particular history. Occupied by Venice for a big part of its history, Parga has inherited a whiff of Italian elegance. The medieval castle towering over the hill where the town is located mirrors this legacy.
Although a popular tourist resort among Greeks and Italians in the summer, this treasure of hidden Greece is not yet on the map of mainstream sailing destinations. This might because of its limited yachting infrastructure: the port is quite small. For big yachts, the only option to dock is Ormos Valtou, the beach on the west of Parga. But this is also what makes Parga attractive to the curious seaman..
As for beaches, Sarakiniko, next to the picturesque village of Agia is probably your best option. Not far from the town’s port is located the islet of Panagia, home to a small chapel. And if you want to sail the extra mile, the cities of Preveza, Sivota and of course Kavos in Corfu are just a stone’s throw away.
Karpathos and Kasos, Two Pearls of Hidden Greece
Karpathos is a narrow piece of land, right between Rhodes and Crete, in the southernmost part of the Aegean Sea. It’s isolated from the rest of the Greek islands. Its weather can be extremely harsh, which makes it an unusual destination for yachts. But this also why the island is one of the few parts of Greece whose traditional character is intact.
If you are visiting on a boat, you can dock in Pigadia on the south or Diafani on the North. At the village of Olympos you’ll find descendants of the island’s Doric inhabitants (cousins of the ancient Spartans) who occasionally wear traditional costumes and speak in the dialect of their forefathers. The island’s beaches are ideal for kitesurfing and other water sports. Indeed, the meltemia winds of the Aegean Sea are at their strongest here. Hiking lovers will enjoy a trip to Mt Kalilimni, standing at 1,188 meters.
Not far from Karpathos is another gem of hidden Greece, the island of Kasos. An arid place with a rocky landscape, it will blow your mind with its unspoilt beauty. You can dock in Emporio or Fri (the capital of the island). From there, you can circumnavigate the island or explore the barren islets that surround it. For fans of speleology, an excellent sightseeing attraction is the ancient cave of Ellinokamara. There you can spot remains of the worship of ancient Gods. As for beaches, we recommend Helatro and Armathia, both idyllic and fairly popular in the summer and early autumn.
