What could be better than walking through nature and discovering a waterfall? It is a gift in Greece that you should take advantage of. Swimming and relaxing in this kind of natural landscape is a great way to make incredible memories during your vacation. If you are a nature lover and you enjoy hiking through lush landscapes, listening only to the sounds of birds chirping and water continuously falling over rocks – keep reading this article. Natural waterfalls can be found on mainland Greece as well as on the islands.
If you want to experience an adventure in nature, feel the pulse of the landscape, and take a break from the monotony of everyday life, all you have to do is book ferry tickets on the Ferryscanner website.
The Greek islands with the most well-known waterfalls are Lefkada, Samos, Kythera, and of course Samothrace. You won’t have to travel to these islands only for their beautiful beaches because there are numerous natural wonders to see.
The waterfalls of Lefkada
Lefkada has become famous all over the world for having incredible beaches with turquoise waters. This large island has two ports, Nidri and Vassiliki, which are connected by ferry with all of the other Ionian islands, as well as with the mainland ports of Patras and Kyllini. You will find daily routes from almost all ports during the summer months. Being an island in the Ionian Sea, it has a lot of greenery and wonderful nature. Lefkada is not to be missed!
The Lefkada waterfalls are located in the gorge of Dimosari near Nydri. Walking around this area you will get the feeling of being on a mountain while being on an island. Follow the sign for the ring road and from there, a magical route begins. Access is easy and the journey from Nidri takes about an hour. During your walk, you can wander under the shadows of the plane trees in the green and dense vegetation. During the summer you may not find enough water in the waterfalls to swim, but that doesn’t take away any of the magic. The image of the sculpted rocks and the sounds of the water will surely stay in your mind long after you have departed from Lefkada.
The first waterfall you will come across is the smaller one, called Ronies. The turquoise waters will surely make you want to take a dip. The next waterfall is about 12 meters high and worthy of admiration. The turquoise waters that form both of these will surely make you want to take a dip. Afterward, you can dry off and rest under the sun on the nearby imposing cliffs.
The waterfalls of Samos
If you’re considering a trip around the North Aegean islands, hop on the ferry and visit the stunning island of Samos. This island has rich green mountains and dreamy waterfalls. From the port of Piraeus, there are frequent ferry departures to Karlovassi and Vathi. The trip takes about 10 hours so it’s best to book a cabin if you want more comfort. The waterfalls are located on the northwestern side of the island. They are about 5 kilometers from Karlovassi. The beach Potami is where the waterfalls flow out from the river of Kastania. This river created the picturesque gorge that the waterfalls are located in. Together, all the various plants here create a magical setting.
The adventure starts from Potami beach and the route is about one kilometer long. There is a sign at the starting point that will help orient you. At the beginning of your journey, you will see the Byzantine church of Metamorphosis and the Genoese castle on the hill. The first waterfall is 2 meters high and is located near a small lake that you will need to swim in to continue. From here, you will need to be very careful as you climb the slippery rocks to reach the second waterfall.
You can also see the second waterfall by walking back to the lake shore and continuing along the wooden steps for about 5 minutes. If you want to take a rest, there is a tavern where you can pause to catch your breath and enjoy the natural surroundings. The lush vegetation and the century-old plane trees will provide a sense of real peace and tranquility. Also, access to the tavern is possible by car but keep in mind that free camping has been banned in this area.
Additionally, Samos has the waterfalls of Ambelos, which are located on the west side of the village of the same name. The path to visit them starts near the primary school and the duration of the trip is about half an hour. The route is surrounded by olive and chestnut trees. The sense of relaxation and the birds singing will surround you. The melody of running water alerts you to the mirror lake and the imposing 8-metre-high rock. While it’s beautiful anytime, during springtime the landscape is even more impressive.
The Mylopotamos of Kythera
Kythera is known as the island of Aphrodite. Apart from the beautiful beaches and the relaxed vibes that it offers, this destination also has the waterfalls of Fonissa or Neraida (as they are called by the locals). The duration of the ferry trip from Piraeus is around 6 half hours. Boats depart from Neapolis taking about 3 hours and from Gytheio, which takes about 1 and a half hours. The waterfalls are located in the picturesque and popular village of Milopotamos. You will be able to easily see the sign indicating the correct path. The waterfalls are about 20 meters tall and there are bridges within the trees, making it feel like a true fairytale. The water is quite cold but that doesn’t have to stop you if you are in the mood to swim.
The second waterfall is smaller but equally impressive. If you are a hiking enthusiast, this is one of the best routes you can take. A little further down from here you will also find some abandoned watermills. Babbling water and tons of butterflies will surely make this place memorable.
Samothrace means waterfalls
Samothrace has the reputation of being the ultimate destination for fans of trekking and alternative tourism. This island is ideal for climbing and hiking. The real beauty, the wildlife, and the majestic Mount Saos unfold before you as you disembark the ship. This destination is connected to the port of Kavala on the mainland as well as the island of Limnos. Also, you will often find routes to/from Alexandroupoli which takes about 2 hours. Samothrace’s wild, unspoiled beauty, the countless waterfalls, and the lush vegetation will enchant you. During your exploration, you will discover a series of small and large pedestals that have become natural pools, created by the waterfalls.
One waterfall that is not to be missed while here is in the area of Thermi. The waterfall is 15 meters high and is very impressive to see in-person. Take a dip in this natural pool for the ideal photo opportunity. The area of Fonia with the homonymous gorge is located 17 km from the port of Kamariotissa and 1 km from the camping area, which is northeast of the island. You will instantly get the feeling that you are in a jungle! Yet, you are on a Greek island. Its cold waters will invite you for a swim. This monument of nature has a special energy and is certainly an experience of a lifetime for many visitors. From up on the third natural pedestal is the biggest waterfall of the gorge called “Klidosis”. Nearby the gorge there is also the medieval fortress of Fonia.
Another place where you can swim and canoe is the gorge of Paradisos which is a 15-minute walk from the old gorge. Even the gorge of Dryopotamos near the settlement is 7 km from the port. Within a half-hour walk, you have reached the pedestal for swimming and sunbathing on the rocks. Finally, the Kremasto waterfall in the southern part of the island will shock you with its beauty. It is the tallest waterfall in Greece and the waters fall into the sea from a height of 180 meters. Access to Kremasto is by sea only.
The gorges, the natural waterfalls, and the dense wildlife will make you fall in love with the island and will make you want to return!