Greece's top tourist sites are revealed by a local as places that Greeks enjoy visiting.

Greeks are skilled at many things, but after three years of living here, I'm certain that they also make the best travelers in the entire world. They do have an unfair edge, though, as they boast one of Europe's longest coasts, hundreds of picturesque islands (nearly 200 of which are inhabited), adventure-worthy mountains, and numerous ruins scattered throughout. As a result, most expeditions can accidentally become historical.

The majority of Greeks spend the holidays visiting the village or island where their parents or grandparents are from. However, Greeks will joyfully travel for food, celebrations, and nature regardless of the mode of transportation, the distance, the expense, and the activities. Most people use cars to get around the mainland and take boats to the islands, which is a particularly sentimental activity that ushers in the summertime. The places listed below are a blend of those I've had the pleasure of visiting frequently and a few other residents' top picks. Continue reading for information on six popular Greek tourist sites.

Mt. Pilio

The de facto gateway to Pilio, a rough, hilly peninsula referred to in Greek mythology as the origin of centaurs, is the coastal city of Volos. Around 70 historic villages can be found in Pilio, which is still incredibly clean and surrounded by thick woods of oak, chestnut, beech, and walnut trees. You may see the glistening water as you trek or drive through the area. When the Hania ski resort is open in the winter, it is quite popular with city people. It is also adored in the fall when the best-known crops in the area, including mushrooms, chestnuts, apples, and petimezi (grape syrup), are at their optimum and you may travel on the narrowest train tracks in all of Europe between the towns of Ano Lechonia and Miles (only 60 centimeters wide!).

Kimolos
 

There are essentially two kinds of tourists who visit Greek islands: those who want to see and be seen in a flashy location, and those who are content with little more than the simplicity of the sun and sand. The latter traveled to Kimolos, a Cycladic island with a population of 400 people that was governed by the Venetians. One village, two bakeries, eerie rock formations that rival Milos, and several immaculate beaches only reachable by water taxi can all be found there. In the summer, when there is regular boat service and fewer visitors than on nearby islands, Greeks, primarily from Athens, frequently visit this location. People will come here for a week and end up staying two or even three; it's the kind of location where time seems to go on forever.

Alp Olympus
 

I make a sort of spiritual pilgrimage to Olympus every summer (five hours from Athens; one hour from Thessaloniki). Greek mythology gives us a lot of information about Olympus, but nowadays, Greeks go there to worship the untainted environment. It feels like a fairy tale with its network of hiking routes winding through scented forests with streams and waterfalls tumbling through the trees. The water gets icier and bluer as you ascend (but I prefer the somewhat greenish water halfway up the mountain). After a walk, most tourists travel to the village of Litochoro for food and lodging; Disco Romeiko is a particular favorite hangout, particularly for the more bohemian crowd.

Tinos

Greece continues to be a highly religious nation, with a sizable percentage of the populace being active Orthodox Christians. Easter is the most significant holiday for the Greeks. It's also the busiest tourist season of the year, and Tinos, home to its breathtaking Panagia Evangelistria church, is one of the most well-liked vacation spots. As part of the pilgrimage, worshipers crawl on their hands and knees from the harbor to the church. To one of the few "genuine" Cycladic islands, however, less devout Greeks have begun to swarm in the last 15 years or so. There has also been a resurgence in the island's cuisine and wine industry; Tinian products, especially their artichokes and grapes, are well-known. From April to October, Greek vacationers go to the area to enjoy activities like swimming, hiking through the granite boulder-strewn environment, and, of course, dining. During this time, the area enjoys particular popularity.

Metsovo
 

The first time I went to Metsovo was also the first time I cried while consuming grilled meat, particularly kokoretsi, a local delicacy made of lamb liver wrapped in intestines and cooked to perfection on a spit. Metsovo is a high-altitude hamlet of traditional stone dwellings located in the Zagori area of the Pindus mountain range (there are 45 others in the region). Both the breathtaking mountain views and the scent of burning wood are pervasive. The greatest time to go there is in the winter when the countryside is covered in snow and you can slog back to your B&B after a day of hiking for a scorching shot of tsipouro (distilled grape liquor). For transportation to the various hiking locations, you'll need a car (think stone bridges, slate forests, and adrenaline-pumping cliff edge walks). Greeks prefer to spend at least three to four days there because it's a long journey from Athens or Thessaloniki.

Lefkada

Lefkada is one of only two islands that can be reached by car, making it a popular family vacation spot for Greeks living on the west coast. Additionally, it is considerably easier for Athenians to access because of the recently finished Ionian highway. The Ionian Sea, a vibrant, almost unearthly blue, is the main attraction in this region. The summer months see the most visitors, who divide their time between the beaches like Porto Katsiki and Kalamitsi and the verdant, mountainous interior, which is home to charming traditional settlements and fantastic hiking trails. Many visitors also come for the more challenging activities; windsurfing and paragliding are especially popular in Lefkada.