There is a timeless allure to Greece, a country bewitched with picturesque landscapes, historic ruins, and sun-bathed islands that have charmed visitors across many centuries. Yet, hidden beneath the allure of popular spots like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos are captivating secrets waiting to be discovered. From the remote and tranquil isle of Anafi to the mystical Diros Caves, the mastic-full villages of Chios, and the enchanting ghost village of Old Perithia, Greece cherishes numerous gems that remain unplundered and veiled from the mainstream touristic gaze. This tells a myriad of uncharted stories, each echoing with the mystique and charm begotten of a civilisation steeped in history and tradition.
The Remote Island of Anafi
A Cycladian Sanctuary
Tucked away in the Cyclades, Anafi still remains a well-guarded secret of Greece. Compared to its bustling neighbours, Santorini and Mykonos, this unspoilt island offers visitors a sanctuary to unwind and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of untouched nature. The island’s natural beauty is breath-taking, with serene landscapes of rugged hills and verdant vegetation, that gradually morph into spectacular beaches. These coasts offer an endless expanse of shimmering azure waters paired with golden sand, an idyllic scenario for those dreaming of a peaceful oasis away from mass tourism.
Anafi’s Beaches
The beaches in Anafi display the serene beauty and the aquamarine allure of the Aegean Sea, untouched by the demanding tones of modern life. Visitors can laze on the soft sand, swim in the clear waters, or snorkel amongst the local marine biodiversity. Each beach has its distinct charm ranging from the secluded sands of Klisidi to the popular Roukounas. The beaches also boast a stunning array of seaside accommodations for the visitors wanting to stay close to the turquoise waves.
History and Culture
Despite its remote location, Anafi is not devoid of history and culture. Nestled amidst nature’s tranquillity are the ruins of an ancient city, reminding visitors of the island’s rich past. These remainders of classical civilization beckon history-buffs for a trip down memory lane. Similarly, the Zoodochos Pigi church stands as a proud survivor, the only building left from the medieval settlement, its structure narrating the tales of a bygone era.
Culinary Delights
No Greek island experience would be complete without savouring some authentic local dishes. Anafi, although smaller and less-frequented, offers a vibrant cuisine that embodies Mediterranean flavours. From the delicious local cheese, “ladotyri”, and the mouth-watering “karavoli” pasta to the incredibly fresh seafood prepared in the traditional Anafiot style, the gastronomical offerings further cement the island as a paradisiacal retreat.
Night Sky Magic
Away from major light pollutions, another of Anafi’s best-kept secrets is its star-studded night sky. The darkness of the island’s night accentuates the celestial bodies, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for stargazers to observe. This astronomical wonder turns the winding down of the day at Anafi into a magical experience, adding the perfect dash of romanticism to any Greek island holiday.
Overall
Anafi promises an alluring combination of tranquillity, history, gastronomy, and natural wonders. This secret Greek corner offers an alternative and genuine experience of the Cyclades, away from the stereotypical crowded touristic routes, perfect for those who yearn for peace, quiet, and natural beauty.
The Diros Caves
A Portal Into the Mystical
Somewhere, on the southern edges of Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, lies a hidden gem sparkling with mystery and natural beauty – the Diros Caves. These complex, breathtaking geological wonders are estimated to be millions of years old, bedecked in a breathtaking array of stalagmites and stalactites that have been formed over millennia. The caves’ silent whispers hold stories of an ancient past, their awe-inspiring beauty telling tales of the epochs gone by.
Ancient Beauty, Told in Silence
Floating in near darkness, the sapphire shimmer reflected on the water takes centre stage, rendering you awestruck by the majesty of silence. It’s an environment that breathes an air of mystery and majesty into the caves. As the boat meanders gently through, the cavernous surrounding offers a mesmerising tour of nature’s raw, untouched beauty.
The Diros Caves are a testament to the relentless, tireless hand of nature, carving over the years to produce delicate curtains of limestone, stalactites hanging like icicles from the roof, and stalagmites rising like wax from the cave’s floor. One can’t shake off the feeling of time standing still, an atmosphere of primal magic filling the air.
Enigmatic Voyage
The journey through the underground labyrinth of the Diros Caves is a slow dance between man and nature as you bob lightly on the glassy water. Visitors are bathed in the soft glow of the occasional spotlight, casting dominant shadows that loom and dance on the watery ceiling. This surreal experience weaves a fantastical sense of intrigue, suspense and reverential awe.
Essentially, the Diros Caves are one of Greece’s best-kept secrets, promising a unique, seldom-seen side to this Mediterranean country. It’s not simply about the breath-taking views or the mesmerising formations, but experiencing nature in its most mystical, awe-inspiring form.
Chios Mastic Villages
Impenetrable defence walls guard each of the 24 Mastichochoria villages in southern Chios, standing as a silent testament to their fascinating histories.
Inside these bastions, peace and tranquillity reign, as if time itself has chosen to take a sojourn. The cobbled alleyways meander through the heart of the villages, presenting a charming experience to those willing to explore.
In these villages, the Mastic tree, indigenous only to Chios, takes centre stage.
The tree, when punctured, weeps a translucent resin and thus it is dramatically called the ‘tears of Chios’. This resin solidifies and is then collected to produce mastic, a natural product used in a multitude of ways, from spices to chewing gum, the local economy revolves around this pivotal crop.
Among these mystical villages, Pyrgi deserves a special mention.
Not just for its preservation of ancient Greek traditions, but for the unique aesthetics that make the village stand out.
Here, the houses are adorned with black and white geometric patterns, known as “xysta”. These decorations resonate with a unique blend of Greek and Genoese influences, showcasing the area’s rich history and cultural amalgamation.
An exploration of these villages remains incomplete without a visit to the Mastic Museum.
Here, following the olfactory trail of mastic, one can learn how the ‘tears of Chios’ have shaped the lives of the people residing in Mastichochoria.
It exhibits the history, cultivation, and uses of this unique substance coupled with touchingly personal stories of generations of mastic growers.
Nowhere else in Greece, perhaps even the world, would one stumble upon such a unique connection between nature and architecture, both moulded meticulously by the sands of time.
The Chios Mastic villages are indeed a well-kept secret, inviting anyone who yearns for a remarkable journey across historical landscapes and agricultural uniqueness.
The Ghost Village of Old Perithia
The Forgotten Village
Just off the beaten path in Greece, nestled on the eastern side of the emerald-tinted Corfu Island, lays Old Perithia, a village seemingly forgotten by time. In the hustle and bustle of a world fixated on change, this ancient ghost village offers heritage steeped in mystery and an ethereal allure, resonating a romantic charm few places can mimic.
Established as far back as the 14th century, Old Perithia (also known as Palaia Peritheia) saw its heyday during the Venetian period. But as time wore on, it was abandoned, with residents leaving its comforting confines in the 1960s. The quaint stone homes, once vibrant with life, now lay empty, standing as a testament to the village’s former vitality.
Echoes of Time
Nonetheless, even in its seeming solitude, Old Perithia does not stand entirely abandoned. Today, a generous handful of locals call the village home, living amongst the silent, cobblestones streets. These people, robust and rich in tradition, are the ultimate custodians of the village’s history, animatedly sharing stories of the past with any willing ear.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the stone-cobbled labyrinth of alleyways, touching the weathered stones and absorbing the silent narratives they tell. Along these paths, centuries of history unfurl like an unending tapestry of life in another epoch.
Tavernas of Tradition
Despite its ghostly persona, you’ll find signs of life in Old Perithia in its select few tavernas. These rustic, time-laurelled eateries offer a delightful palette of traditional Greek cuisine. Tables draped in lush white and blue cloth await visitors who are keen on not just visiting, but genuinely experiencing the place.
Indulging in the traditional Greek fare, with a backdrop of quiet, stone houses looking on, brings a surreal perspective few other places can offer. Olive-laced salads, feta-infused dishes and aromatic local wines grace these tavernas, offering a gratifying break from the explorations.
An Enchanting Tale
Old Perithia, while a ghost town in simple terms, is much more than just an abandoned Greek village. It’s an ethereal, romantic venture bathed in history, tradition and the heady aroma of Greek cuisine, a tantalising treasure trove for heritage enthusiasts and romantics alike. It’s an idyllic escape from the fast-paced routines of the present into a whimsical world of the past. A visit to Old Perithia is an adventure, a step back in time and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the timeless allure of a hidden Greece.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a beach wanderer, or someone fascinated by the very aura of antiquity that permeates the air, such hidden wonderments in Greece offer a delightful deviation from the trodden path. In the solitude of Anafi, the ethereal aura of the Diros Caves, the age-old practices of the Mastic Villages in Chios or the timeless attraction of Old Perithia, you uncover a Greece less known but richly evocative and genuine. Undoubtedly, these locations represent the unexplored chapters of this country’s narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the astonishing beauty and rich cultural heritage that Greece confidently embodies and cherishes.
