NEW YORK – Greece is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty and as a sought after destination for travelers from around the world. With charming villages on the islands and in the mountains, there is something for every traveler to enjoy. The Points Guy (TPG) highlighted “13 of the most beautiful villages of Greece” in an online article.

The list kicks off with Assos, Kefalonia at #1, followed by Oia, Santorini; Fidakia, Central Greece; Apiranthos, Naxos town; Makrinitsa, Eastern Greece; Olympos, Karpathos; Lindos, Rhodes; Karytaina, Peloponnese; Molyvos, Lesvos; Nafplion, Peloponnese; Kastraki, Central Greece; Pyrgi, Chios; and Plaka, Milos.

The scenic beach and colorful houses helped Assos, Kefalonia top the list. TPG also mentions Assos Castle, a Venetian fortification set on a nearby hill, which adds to the beauty of the village.

Oia, Santorini is, of course, the iconic clifftop village on the islands where tourists flock to watch the sunset.

The mountaintop village of Fidakia in central Greece is set among “verdant pine forests with rolling hills and peaks in the distance,” TPG reported, adding that “Greece’s largest artificial lake, Kremasta,” is nearby.

Located on Mount Fanari on the island of Naxos, Apiranthos is a charming mountain village where “cultural enthusiasts can explore any or all of the five different museums the town features, such as the Natural History Museum or the Archaeological Museum,” TPG reported.

Overlooking Mount Pelion, Makrinitsa is also known as the ‘Balcony of Pelion,’ TPG noted, adding that “the whitewashed village is home to many beautiful hiking spots as well as close to 60 traditional Greek fountains.”

Olympos “is known as the most beautiful village on the island of Karpathos (part of the Dodecanese island group),” TPG reported, noting that it dates to 7 AD and is “also known as a ‘living folklore,’” with a current population of about 400. “Besides wandering the hilly streets, visitors can check out the main Byzantine-style church, Assumption of the Virgin,” TPG reported.

White-washed houses “sit below the town of Lindos’ famed mountaintop acropolis, featuring the Temple of Athena Lindia,” TPG noted. The first temple on the site dates back to the 6th century BC, while the Castle of the Knights of St. John, dates to the 14th century.

Karytaina is a red-roofed village with historic churches to visit, located near the Alfeios River in southern Greece. Karytaina Castle offers impressive views of the village, river, and surrounding mountain terrain, TPG noted.

“The village of Molyvos towers over its scenic harbor and the glistening Aegean Sea,” TPG reported, adding that travelers should “make sure to visit the hilltop castle, as well as the Ottoman Baths of Mithymna, formerly a Greek Hamman, now a museum,” and the “small, rocky strip of beach.”

Nafplion overlooks the Argolic Gulf and is “frequently referred to as one of the most romantic destinations in Greece,” TPG reported, suggesting a visit to “a secluded beach cove” or “the hilltop Palamidi castle.”

Kastraki sits in the shadow of the Meteora near the Pineios River in central Greece, TPG reported, adding that “the small town, which dates back to the 16th century, also features the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas at Meteora, delicately perched on one of the many sandstone cliffs.”

“Known as Greece’s painted village, Pyrgi is the most striking village on the island of Chios by far,” TPG reported, noting that “Pyrgi’s buildings are decked out in geometric patterns and bright motifs thanks to a special art technique called ‘xysta’, which uses lime, volcanic sand, and cement as a base.”

Plaka, Milos is a “car-free, hilltop, whitewashed village” TPG reported, adding that it is “quiet and understated, so if you want a truly magical and serene place to see the sunset, Plaka is your spot. For even better views, hike to the Plaka castle, which overlooks the village and beyond.”