5 of the most beautiful natural destinations in Greece

Lake Melissani

Lake Melissani is a very popular natural tourist attraction in Kefalonia near Sami, in the Ionian Islands. Armed with a waterproof video camera, visitors can navigate the narrow gorge to reach the lake and capture stunning images at sunrise or sunset as the light changes color.

Discovered in 1951 by biologist Giannis Petrochilos, this 40-meter-wide lake is nestled inside a cave in the Ionian Islands. Over time, part of the cave ceiling has eroded. Thanks to sunlight shining down from above, the water in the lake is quite warm. Visitors can also take a boat ride through natural tunnels into the cave to explore Lake Melissani.

Meteora Monastery Complex

Meteora is one of the largest and most important monastic complexes in Kalambaka, Greece. The complex comprises six monasteries, built on natural sandstone pillars on the northeastern edge of the Thessaly plain, near the Peneios River and the Pindus Mountains in central Greece. Meteora has been recognized by UNESCO as a mixed World Heritage site.

Here, visitors can not only experience peaceful rural areas but also admire the unusual scenery of giant rock formations and ancient monasteries. Monks came to Meteora in the 14th century and built these monasteries high up to escape the distractions of civilization. Some monasteries, located at an altitude of 1,300 feet above sea level, are still open and active today.

Nisyros Island

Nisyros Island is different from other Greek islands because it is formed from an active volcano. The island has existed for centuries since the last eruption, transforming its landscape into a stunning natural paradise. You'll find idyllic beaches, natural hot springs, craters like the Stefanos crater, and crystal-clear waters. You can also hike along 40 hiking trails to admire the scenery from the mountains to the once-abandoned villages of the Emporio region. Here you can take in breathtaking views of the shimmering canyons, deep valleys, and sparkling blue sea.

Zante Coast

The Zante coast is famous for its nightlife and stunning beaches. Traveling along the northern coast of the Ionian Islands, you can admire crystal-clear waves and a majestic sandstone cliff. You can also take a boat or canoe through the Blue Cave to explore its hidden secrets. Created by natural erosion and the reflection of sunlight, the lake here glows a beautiful blue. While on a boat tour, you can spot Loggerhead turtles, a common habitat in the Ionian Sea.

Lake Kerkini

This place offers an unforgettable experience for visitors with the sight of migratory birds traveling year-round along the waterways leading to Lake Kerkini. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery of Lake Kerkini, admiring the water lilies floating on the lake's surface and the distant Belasica mountain range. It is also home to over 20,000 red-headed ducks, numerous white-tailed eagles, and grey and white herons. In winter, pelicans migrate to Lake Kerkini to escape the cold, along with jackals, water buffalo, and several species of amphibians.

The Phong