These vacation spots in Greece are especially popular among locals

Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete have been among the most popular travel destinations for German tourists for years. Anyone who has ventured off the beaten tourist paths knows the feeling: Often, it’s the smaller coastal towns and hidden corners that exude true charm. Here, locals sit in taverns late into the night, the beaches are less crowded, and life is a bit more relaxed.

If you want to experience Greece from the perspective of the people who live there, you should take a look at these places. The vacation home portal HomeToGo has examined which destinations are particularly popular with Greeks but receive significantly less attention from German tourists. The result: a series of coastal towns and small, historic cities spread across Greece.

Insider Tips from Greek Domestic Travelers

For the analysis, the search queries of Greek and German tourists for destinations in Greece between July 16, 2025, and July 16, 2026, were compared. The list includes places that are particularly popular with Greeks but do not rank among the top 100 most-searched destinations by German travelers. This allowed 15 vacation spots to be classified as “Travel like a Local” destinations.

These often lesser-known places offer an authentic glimpse away from large tourist crowds and overcrowded hotspots. Here, Greece can often be experienced in a more original way: with regional cuisine, relaxed beaches, and a genuine Greek lifestyle.

TRAVELBOOK presents the first three insider tips. A complete list of all 15 places can be found below. Perhaps one of these places will inspire your next vacation!

Platamonas in Central Macedonia

The coastal town is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki on the Olympic Riviera and ranks among the top three most-searched vacation spots for Greek travelers. Over the small community rises the 13th-century fortress of Platamonas, considered a landmark of the region. From its walls, the view extends over the coast, the deep blue sea, and the foothills of the legendary Mount Olympus. At the foot of the castle stretches a narrow but long beach of sand and fine pebbles along the coast. The water glows in bright turquoise and blue tones, while shade-giving trees, cozy taverns, and small restaurants create a relaxed atmosphere.

Porto Germeno in West Attica

Located on a sea bay in the northeast of the Gulf of Corinth, this place is virtually unknown to German tourists. Although it ranks fourth in search queries by Greek tourists, it only ranks 476th in the German ranking. And this, despite offering the perfect mix of history, beach, and nature. Above the town towers the ruins of a 4th-century fortress, impressive in its size, construction, and good condition. Several beaches stretch around the town along the bay that extends deep into the mainland. Whether relaxing on the nude beach, diving in caves, or hiking through the hilly landscape–there’s something for everyone. Since hotels are scarce, a vacation rental is recommended.

Preveza on the West Coast

Many Greeks have long since discovered this place for themselves, while German tourists tend to pass it by. For locals, it ranks sixth, but in German search queries, it is 278 places further back. Yet, the port city on the Ambracian Gulf combines everything that makes for an authentic Greek vacation: winding alleys, a palm-lined waterfront promenade, and taverns serving freshly caught seafood. In this large city with airport connections, there’s always something going on. The region also has much to offer. Day trips to nearby beaches or picturesque towns are particularly worthwhile.

The Popular Vacation Spots of the Greeks

In addition to Platamonas, Porto Germeno, and Preveza, there are many other places in the ranking that are popular with Greeks but relatively unknown internationally:

• Nafpaktos – historic port city on the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth in Central Greece
• Kyparissia – coastal town on the Ionian west coast of the Peloponnese
• Kiato – seaside resort on the Gulf of Corinth in the northeast of the Peloponnese
• Stavros – coastal town east of Thessaloniki on the Aegean coast of Macedonia
• Sparta (Sparti) – historic city in the heart of the southern Peloponnese
• Porto Rafti – seaside resort on the east coast of Attica, southeast of Athens
• Igoumenitsa – port city on the northwestern Greek coast on the Ionian Sea
• Thasos – green island in the northern Aegean off the coast of Macedonia
• Stomio – small seaside resort on the Aegean coast of Thessaly, south of Mount Olympus
• Volos – lively port city on the Pagasetic Gulf, gateway to the Pelion Peninsula
• Argostoli (Argostólion) – island capital of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea

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