Under-the-Radar Greece: Get Off the Beaten Path with These Insider Recommendations

Image courtesy of Ana Santi for Gundari

Following Emotions Greece, a luxury travel conference hosted in Athens, Fora Advisors Melissa Friedman-Levine and Kerry Boyd shared the travel trends they’re most excited about. Get their insider takes on what to look forward to in Greece next year.

There’s more to Greece than the beach

Everyone’s familiar with Greece’s idyllic beaches, but fewer have seen the country’s other, just-as-stunning natural landscapes.

Image courtesy of Euphoria Retreat

Zagorochoria

Rather than a beach vacation, consider an alpine one. Stay at Aristi Mountain Resort Hotel, located in Zagorochoria, a region in northern Greece.

“You come here for the activities,” she said, like “hiking through the Vikos Gorge, rafting, fly fishing, nature trails and wineries.”

You’ll love the intimate, 26-room hotel. Most rooms have a balcony and fireplace. There’s a sauna, spa, indoor pool and outdoor pool, all primed to relax tired muscles after a day of activity. Recover further with a cooking class and a meal featuring ingredients sourced from the on-site farm.

Peloponnese

“Peloponnese is like the Tuscany of Greece,” Melissa said. “It’s traditional, authentic and great for nature lovers.”

The region, mainland Greece’s southernmost peninsula, does border the coast, but you don’t come here for a traditional beach vacation. Instead, expect “beekeeping, hiking, truffle hunting, wellness and wineries — and also options near the sea for fishing and yachting,” Melissa said.

For wellness escapes, stay at Euphoria Retreat, in Mystras, or Manna, in Arcadia.

Fora Perks at Euphoria Retreat:

• €90 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and late check-out whenever possible.
  
  

Fora Perks at Manna:

• A welcome amenity or local experience, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Corfu

“Corfu is about history, less about the beach,” Melissa said. Go anytime from April to October. Even better, you can fly directly to Corfu from other European countries. Consider starting your trip here. 

Consider staying at Domes Miramare. Kerry met with the Domes team at the conference, and appreciated the “European glamping vibe” of their properties across Greece and Portugal.

Fora Perks at Domes Miramare:

• $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Stay in a villa

Image courtesy of The Danai

Villas are in, especially in Greece. Melissa was especially excited about Five Star Greece, the country’s oldest villa company. They work directly with owners and “know every detail of the property down to the stair count,” she said. They don’t advertise online, so the only way to snag one of their luxe escapes is via a Fora Advisor.

Kerry Boyd loved Bright Blue Villas. Their collection consists of 350 villas all over Greece, and an amazing concierge team helps plan bespoke activities catered to your unique interests. The Danai, a hotel in Halkidiki, also offers villas. The hotel is family-owned and has Greece’s largest wine collection. Don’t miss the tasting menu at the Squirrel, its five-table restaurant, nor the fresh-baked goods (and baking classes) at its on-site bakery.

Fora Perks at The Danai:

• $100 hotel / resort credit for 2+ nights, welcome amenities and an upgrade whenever possible.
  
  

Try new islands

Image courtesy of Martha Vosdou Gundari

As beautiful as Mykonos and Santorini are, there are so many other (less-crowded) islands to explore. Go to the Ionian Islands for “Venetian architecture and lush landscapes,” Melissa said. Zakynthos is known for its nightlife, “long, sandy beaches” and sea caves. It’s also home to the islands’ only national park.

The Cycladic Islands are also known for their nightlife, plus their whitewashed architecture and beautiful ocean water, Melissa added. Go to Folegandros, Sifnos or Tinos for a more laid-back, authentic vibe and fewer tourists. Stay at Anemi or Gundari in Folegandros, and at NOS, Verina Astra or Verina Terra in Sifnos. In Tinos, Under the Sun beckons.

Melissa advised that, if the winds are too strong to access the smaller islands by boat, itineraries may need to change. All the more reason to leave the planning in the hands of a Fora Advisor.

Fora Perks at ANEMI Folegandros:

• Welcome amenities and an upgrade whenever possible.
  
  

Fora Perks at Gundari:

• $100 hotel / resort credit (for 2+ nights), a welcome drink and an upgrade whenever possible.