2016 was the first in many years that I didn’t travel abroad. Yet I made up for it, by traveling a lot in Greece both for work and leisure. Most of those trips where well documented on the blog and Instagram and here’s my yearly round-up! I hope that you’ll get inspired and add some of these cities and islands on your travel list for 2017.
1) Chania was the first city I visited in the 2016 spending a weekend there and then revisited in September for a wedding.
Related: Exploring Chania, 2 Days in Chania, Kritamon wine bar/restaurant, Chania
2) Amorgos: late in March I visited this island in the middle of the Aegean for work. The blue sea, the whitewashed villages, the landscape…all where beautiful! I definitely want to revisit the island on-season (but not high season) and explore more.
Related: Postcards from Amorgos
3) Rethymno is one another Cretan city that I visited in 2016. I actually visited the city early in the year, in May and August! I shared a guide on the blog with my must-dos and of course my favorite restaurants in the city!
Related: The essential guide to Rethymno, Avli restaurant
4) Thessaloniki: Another work trip in Greece’s second largest city. I spent only 24 hours there, but enjoyed a long walk on the promenade. I’m also linking a guide to the city and of course restaurant/cafes suggestions!
Related: The essential guide to Thessaloniki, Foodie guide Thessaloniki, Afternoon walk in Thessaloniki
5) Kozani was my next stop right after Thessaloniki. Surprisingly enough it was the first time I visited the city, despite being close to my grandfather’s village. It’s a small city and can be explored in an afternoon. If you happen to pass by, do visit the central square and dine at Naoumidis restaurant.
6) Heraklion is a city I visited multiple times this year as my in-laws live in a village half an hour from the city. This time I spent just a day for work but managed to check out a new restaurant called Peskesi which I loved!
Related: Heraklion, Road Trip: Heraklion to Ierapetra, Parasties restaurant, Visiting Knossos
7) Tripoli is a city located in the Peloponnese, in the beautiful region of Arcadia. I was pleasantly surprised by the city, which boasts a large central square/park, and beautiful buildings. Tripoli is in a prime location for trips in the surrounding area, like Vytina! If you plan on visiting may I suggest Hotel Anaktorikon.
8) Elafonisos: Late in August, my husband and I embarked on a road trip in the Peloponnese. Our first stop was the small and idyllic island of Elafonisos. We spent 3 days there relaxing, swimming in the sea and sun tanning a bit! We then spent a day exploring Mani peninsula before reaching the city of Kalamata.
Related: The essential guide to Elafonisos, Peloponnese Road Trip: Elafonisos and Mani
9) Kalamata is another city the surprised me pleasantly in 2016. It is a coastal city, but I was mostly impressed by its park (the old railway station) and the central square (vibrant and full of cafes and restaurant). We then proceeded to visit the villages of Koroni and Methoni.
Related: Peloponnese Road Trip: Kalamata, Koroni, Methoni
10) Ancient Olympia in the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the last stop of our road trip. It’s probably the most beautiful archeological site in Greece (to me at least) which worth a spot on your travel list.
Related: Peloponnese Road Trip: Ancient Olympia & Vytina
I'm Anna and this is my lifestyle and travel blog! 
I didn’t get abroad in 2016 either. You more than made up for it though. I’m jealous of all the gorgeous beaches you visited!
Indeed I got to travel a lot in Greece, which admittedly has a lot of gorgeous beaches.
Gorgeous pictures. I’ve been looking into Greece for 2017, but I’m just not sure yet… will have to wait and see. 🙂
Thank you Sara! Definitely think about visiting this year, lot’s of beautiful places to check out!
Μου ομορφαίνεις τα pinterest boards! Χρόνια πολλά και ευτυχισμένος ο καινούργιος χρόνος!
Καλή Χρονιά! Χαρά μου να σου τα ομορφαίνω!
Xronia Polla Anna!!!! Polu oraio fotografies, mou leipei i Ellada 😉 :/
Thank you Amy! Kali Xronia!
all beautiful places! happy 2017!
Happy New Year to you Tanja!
Greece is such a spectacular country – great photos and post!
Thank you Lucy! Greece has so many beautiful places to visit!
What great selection of beautiful places to see. Beautiful photos too