What are the Greeks’ favourite places for a holiday home in Greece?

If you’re looking to buy a home in Greece, there’s no-one better to ask for advice than the Greeks! We all know of Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu – and the accompanying price tags and crowds that go with their fame. But where do the Greeks buy their holiday homes? After all, 90% of them stay in private accommodation – so where are their favourite spots, overlooked by overseas property buyers?

Pelion

This tranquil peninsula is the definition of unspoilt Greece. It gets it name from the central mountain whose wooded slopes were said to have housed Achilles in Greek mythology. The mountainous terrain has kept Pelion away from the attention of developers, and it remains mercifully unspoilt. Driving along its winding roads, you’ll find nothing but small fishing villages, wooded hills and picturesque mountain towns.

The Pelion’s mountainous terrain offers beautiful views down to the sea.

Starting on the Pagasetic Gulf, we come to the pretty town of Chorto. It has its own small beach, a pretty harbour and several tavernas (oh, and its own theatre – in a town of just a few hundred!). Heading up into the hills, just ten minutes by car, you’ll find further restaurants, a popular weekly market, a farm shop and key services in the town of Argalasti.

Heading over to the Aegean coast, you’ll find the fantastic village of Agios Ioannis. Home to one of the best beaches on the peninsula, it’s perfect for anyone looking to get away from it all. The forested Agios Dimitrios hills provide a beautiful backdrop.

Argolic Gulf

Here is the glitzier side of Greece, with the calm waters of the Argolic Gulf, sheltered by the surrounding mountains from the Meltemi wind, one of the best locations for yachting in a country already known for its sailing spirit.

The glamorous town of Porto Heli (or Porto Cheli) is home to Greece’s jetset and international celebrities, from Sean Connery to the country’s former King Constantine and his wife Queen Anne-Marie. It has upmarket boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and bars aplenty. Two luxury resorts, energetic Nikki Beach and calm Amanzoe, have opened up recently.

Porto Heli is the home of Greece’s glam jet-set.

For a more affordable side to the Argolic Gulf, head to Nafplion. This historic town, once a capital city, boasts its own acropolis and a plethora of Italianate homes, a legacy of the Venetian occupation. You’ll find plenty of great beaches, such as Kantia, just outside of town.

Evia/Euboea

The island of Euboea is a favourite among Athenians, and with good reason. It really is the best of both: you’ve got the tranquillity and laid-back feeling of island life, but, with a bridge to the mainland, you can get there easily by train or car. Much of Greece’s islands are difficult to access in winter, so this is a big bonus for anyone looking for a winter holiday home!

The central region is a little more developed, so most property buyers tend to head to the more picturesque north and south coasts.

Euboea offers island living close to Athens.

In the south, Karystos has the classic Greek trinity of beautiful beaches, a picturesque harbour and plentiful restaurants and tavernas. For something a bit different, try the northern spa town of Edipsos – famous for its whopping 80 hot springs of varying temperatures!

If you want something very easily accessible in the central region, the village of Amarynthos, also known as Vathia, could do the trick. With a stunning seaside location, it gives you easy access onto the biking mecca of the Skotini Plain, where you can cycle to explore its many Byzantine churches and monasteries.

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