12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Greece That Transport You Back in Time
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12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Greece That Transport You Back in Time

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Greece is a world-famous summer vacation destination that draws tourists worldwide with the promise of soft white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, long sunny days, and delicious cuisine. However, the country is arguably best known for its rich history, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs. 

While popular places like Athens are loved for their ancient Greek history, Greece is known for its medieval history. As such, beautifully preserved settlements, fortified towns, and historical medieval centers exist all over Greece, waiting to be explored. We’ve compiled a list of 12 beautiful medieval cities and towns in Greece to show you what you’re missing. Stick around to learn more.

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Walkable Cities in Europe Athens © neirfy / Adobe Stock
Athens 1/5
12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Greece Monemvasia © Netfalls / Adobe Stock
Monemvasia 2/5
Most Beautiful Cities in Europe Corfu, Greece © proslgn / Adobe Stock
Corfu Town 3/5
Beautiful Greek Islands for a Romantic Getaway Rhodes © Andrei Nekrassov / Adobe Stock
Rhodes Town 4/5
10 Best Day Trips From Athens + Tips From a Local © gatsi / Adobe Stock
Hydra Town 5/5

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Walkable Cities in Europe Athens 1
Athens
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12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Greece Monemvasia 2
Monemvasia
1 1
Most Beautiful Cities in Europe Corfu, Greece 3
Corfu Town
1 1
Beautiful Greek Islands for a Romantic Getaway Rhodes 4
Rhodes Town
1 1
10 Best Day Trips From Athens + Tips From a Local 5
Hydra Town
1 1

Athens

Walkable Cities in Europe Athens
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We’ll start our list with Athens, the capital of Greece. Athens, Greece’s most visited tourist destination, is a fascinating city renowned for its rich history, culture, and traditional cuisine. However, while Athens is famous for its ancient history, few tourists know much about its medieval past. 

Most tourists flock to the iconic Acropolis of Athens to get their fill of history when, in reality, there is so much more to see. Beautiful examples of Greece’s medieval past remain inside the modern city of Athens, including the Little Metropolis, the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Rangavas, and the Church of Agios Eleftherios. The best way to explore Athens’s medieval architecture is to get lost and explore the narrow streets. Of course, make sure you visit the Acropolis, too. 

  • Tour the Acropolis of Athens: No visit to Athens is complete without exploring the iconic Acropolis. Admission is USD 11.

Read more: Best Hotels in Athens

Rhodes Town

Greek Island to Visit Rhodes for Historical Immersion
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Rhodes Town, with its breathtaking medieval Old Town, fortified walls, and medieval palaces, is perhaps Greece’s most famous medieval location. It has a multi-millennium history and is home to world-famous historical sites, such as the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes. 

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It is one of my absolute favorite places to explore in Greece; you’ll enjoy meandering the narrow cobblestone streets, walking the medieval ramparts, and admiring the picturesque coastal views. Once you’ve explored the Old Town, stop by the harbor, where you’ll find the two pillars marking where once Colossus of Rhodes stood, sunbathe on Elli Beach, and pick up souvenirs from one of the floating stalls.

  • Wander Through Rhodes Old Town: Step back in time as you explore the medieval streets of Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry is free.
  • Relax at Elli Beach: Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Elli Beach, just a short walk from the Old Town. Sunbeds are available for rent, and nearby cafés serve refreshments.

Read more: Most Expensive Cities to Live in Greece

Monemvasia

12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Greece Monemvasia
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Monemvasia is easily one of Greece’s most spectacular towns. It’s located in mainland Greece but sits on a rocky island only connected to the mainland via a small path. Besides its apparent beauty, this fortified town in Southern Greece has a rich history that is begging to be explored. The Byzantines founded the town in the sixth century. 

Its main highlight is an imposing castle that looks down on the town below, surrounding it with tall stone walls. Inside the vast wall system, you’ll find many examples of medieval houses, narrow winding streets, and a fascinating archaeological museum inside a 16th-century Ottoman mosque. Other noteworthy points of interest in the town include Galeazza Cistern, the Lighthouse of Monemvasia, and Zentrales Tor der Akropolis von Monemvasia.

  • Explore the Castle of Monemvasia: Walk through the Castle of Monemvasia, a medieval fortress with towering stone walls and stunning sea views.
  • Visit the Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia: See Byzantine and Venetian artifacts at the Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia, housed in a 16th-century Ottoman mosque. Admission is USD 2.

Read also: Surprising Facts About Greece

Corfu Town

Most Beautiful Cities in Europe Corfu, Greece
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Corfu Town, the capital of Corfu Island, is a historic city loved for its beautiful harbor, historic landmarks, and vibrant architecture. If you’re looking for authentic Greek charm, picturesque walks, and endless historic sites to admire, this is the place for you. You’ll want to start your adventure in Corfu Town at the Old Fortress of Corfu, a 15th-century fortress that dominates the city’s skyline.

Here, you can learn more about Venetian architecture and take in panoramic views of the Old Town. The Old Town is jam-packed with impressive buildings, traditional pastel-colored houses, and authentic tavernas. Other landmarks that will keep you busy during your visit include the Achilleion Palace, the Old Castle, and the Anemomilos Windmill.

  • Explore the Old Fortress of Corfu: Visit the Old Fortress of Corfu, a 15th-century Venetian fortress offering panoramic views of the city. Admission is USD 3.
  • Admire the Old Castle: Explore the Old Castle, another historic fortress with stunning views. Admission is included with the Old Fortress ticket.

Read more: Seaside Greek Towns That Are Not on Islands

Hydra Town

12 Must-Visit Greek Islands Hydra
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Hydra Town is a gorgeous medieval town dominated by multi-colored mansions. Built in the shape of an amphitheater on the rocky slopes of Hydra Island and surrounded by steep hills, it’s declared a traditional and protected settlement. It’s an excellent place to escape the daily grind and explore an authentic medieval Greek town.

A walk along the harbor waterfront will allow you to get close to the town’s mansions, traditional houses, and luxury yachts. Aside from the town’s laid-back lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere, one of the things we love most about Hydra is the lack of cars. The entire island is car-free, so you can explore without the noise of revving engines. As such, boating, hiking, and cycling are popular here.

  • Visit the Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion: Step inside the 18th-century Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion, now a museum displaying period furniture, artwork, and local artifacts. Admission is USD 4.
  • Visit the Historical Archives Museum: Learn about Hydra’s maritime history at the Historical Archives Museum, featuring ship models, manuscripts, and paintings. Admission is USD 5.

Read also: Digital Nomad Destinations in Greece

Mystras

12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Greece Mystras
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The following medieval town on our list is Mystras, a fortified town located on mainland Greece famed for its intriguing architecture, rich history, and beautiful natural scenery. Dubbed the “wonder of Morea,” the town was built as an amphitheater around a fortress in the 13th century. After being ruled by the Byzantines, Turks, and Venetians, Mystras was abandoned in 1832.

Today, only the nuns of Pantanassa Monastery live in this designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Points of interest in Mystras you don’t want to miss include the Acropolis and Fortification Castle of Mystras, the Constantine XI Palaeologus statue, and the Archaeological site of Mystra. 

  • Explore the Archaeological Site of Mystras: Walk through the ruins of the Archaeological Site of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Byzantine churches, palaces, and fortifications. Admission is USD 13.

Read also: Stunning Greek Islands

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Lamia

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In central Greece, in the foothills of Mount Othrys, Lamia is a relatively unheard-of and lesser-traveled city. That’s a shame because the ancient city has many things to do, a beautiful natural landscape, and some of Greece’s most well-preserved medieval architecture. To top things off, the town is named after a mythical child-eating figure.

The standout attraction in Lamia is Lamia Castle. This castle stands proudly above the city, dominating the hillside and offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. You can see the Malian Gulf and the peaks of Kallidromo, Oiti, Parnassus, and Kallidromo from the fortress. Lamia’s city center also has much to offer, including the Statue of Athanasios Diakos, the Mansion of the Central Greece Administration, and Eleutheria’s Square.

  • Explore Lamia Castle: Visit Lamia Castle, a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the Malian Gulf and surrounding mountains. Admission is free.
  • Visit the Archaeological Museum of Lamia: Located within the castle, the Archaeological Museum of Lamia showcases artifacts from prehistoric to Byzantine times.

Read also: Budget Beach Towns in Greece

Mykonos Town

Most Beautiful Islands in Greece_Mykonos
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People often associate Mykonos with daylong parties, vibrant nightclubs, and luxury vacation resorts. While that is true in most parts, the island is also home to many charming seaside towns and villages that offer a more authentic experience. One place that offers the best of both worlds is Mykonos Town.

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When you’re not partying the night away at Super Paradise Beach or sipping cocktails at a bar, you can discover the island’s medieval past by exploring the town’s historic streets. The town’s winding cobbled streets are lined with architectural masterpieces from the medieval period, traditional whitewashed houses, and Venetian-era buildings. Significant points of interest in the town include Manto Square, the Manto Mavrogenous Monument, the Maritime Museum, and Little Venice. 

  • Visit Little Venice: Experience the charm of Little Venice, a picturesque waterfront area with vibrant nightlife, scenic views, and historic homes built right on the sea.
  • Discover the Maritime Museum: Learn about Mykonos’ seafaring history at the Maritime Museum, which showcases ship models, nautical instruments, and historical documents. Admission is USD 5.

Read also: Charming Greek Villages

Chania

Peaceful Places To Retire in Greece_Chania
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History buffs searching for the ultimate history lesson in Greece often head straight to Athens. While Athens is great, we can’t help but think Chania deserves more attention. This beautiful small city on the northwest coast of Crete has a diverse history that dates back to 3650 B.C. As a result, as you walk through the city, you’ll come across many exciting buildings and landmarks from different periods, including medieval. 

However, you’ll find most of the action in the vibrant 14th-century Venetian harbor. The narrow streets of the harbor are a joy to behold. You’ll find colorful houses, quaint cafes, Greek restaurants, and quirky souvenir shops. Other places you don’t want to miss include the 16th-century lighthouse, the Nautical Museum, and Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque.

  • Visit the Nautical Museum of Crete: Discover maritime history at the Nautical Museum of Crete, housed in a Venetian fortress. Exhibits include model ships, naval artifacts, and WWII relics. Admission is USD 4.
  • See the Chania Lighthouse: Admire the 16th-century Chania Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the world. Walk along the breakwater for panoramic views of the harbor.

Read also: Tips To Save Money While Traveling Greece

Kastoria 

12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Greece Kastoria
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The next city on our list is Kastoria, a scenic city on the western shore of Lake Orestiada in Central Greece. The city’s rich history has seen it ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Normans. Therefore, you can expect many ancient and medieval architecture examples, including 54 Byzantine and medieval churches.

That might sound like a lot of churches, but the city once had 72. Admittedly, you’ll likely spend most of your time in Kastoria hiking or sailing, but you should leave plenty of time to admire the city’s historical landmarks, too. Notable points of interest include the Holy Church of Saint Stephen, the Byzantine Museum, and the Holy Church of Elijah the Prophet.

  • Visit the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria: Explore the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria to see rare icons, frescoes, and artifacts from the city’s medieval past. Admission is USD 4
  • Admire the Holy Church of Saint Stephen: Step inside the Holy Church of Saint Stephen, one of Kastoria’s most well-preserved Byzantine churches, featuring intricate frescoes and historic religious art.

Read also: Avoid These Mistakes in Greece

Oia

12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Greece Oia
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You’ll likely already have seen Oia before because it’s the location of Santorini’s iconic Instagram sunset spot. Located in northwestern Santorini, this famous town is renowned for its traditional white-washed architecture with blue roofs, impressive cliffs, and deep blue seas. However, most people don’t realize the town also has a medieval history.

In the medieval period, the Castle of Agios Nikolaos was built in Oia to protect the island from pirates. Locals would live inside the castle walls for protection. Over the years, houses were constructed outside the castle walls, leaving us with the town we see today. This is certainly something interesting to consider when photographing the famous viewpoint. You can still visit the castle, too, so stop by.

  • Visit the Castle of Agios Nikolaos: Explore the Castle of Agios Nikolaos, a medieval fortress in Oia that once protected the island from pirates.
  • Walk the Oia-Fira Trail: Hike the scenic 6.5-mile (10.5 km) trail from Oia to Fira for breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Santorini’s volcanic cliffs.

Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in Greece

Nafplion

Peaceful Places To Retire in Greece_Nafplion
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Once the capital of modern Greece, Nafplion City has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and picturesque beaches perfect for sunbathing, making it the ideal summer vacation destination. However, it’s a surprisingly lesser-traveled place than other cities in Greece. In Nafplion, you can step into Greece’s fascinating medieval past.

During medieval times, Nafplion was occupied by the Venetians, who were responsible for making the city a crucial naval base in the Peloponnese. Today, we can see what they left behind in the form of the impressive Palamidi Fortress. This fortress was designed to protect the town from attackers. The Venetians also built the stunning 15th-century Bourtzi Castle, which you must take a boat to see.

  • Explore Palamidi Fortress: Climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress, a Venetian stronghold with panoramic views of Nafplion. Admission is USD 8.
  • Relax at Arvanitia Beach: Unwind at Arvanitia Beach, a scenic cove near the city center with crystal-clear waters and a picturesque coastal promenade.

Read also: Essential Tips for Greek Island Hopping

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