Gorgeous Old Doors in Greece

I love looking at old doors. Especially the gorgeous old doors I find in Greece. There’s so much attention to detail and so much more character than todays doors.

They almost seem to have their own personalities. Some are the entranceways to vacant buildings and have locks and graffiti, adding even more character. Some just with bits of their former color left.

The green doors from Rethymno, Crete (above) were my favorite. Locked with chains, I wanted to wander inside so bad.

The doors below looked so classical. I love how someone planted flowers in front of them on the street.

I like to imagine who may have lived there (or still does) and what they were (or are) like. Basically, what their stories are.

Sometimes, I even wander down random streets just to look for them.

However, in all my travels, I’ve never seen as many beautiful old doors as in Greece. Portugal is the only other place that has come close, but mainly due to the beautiful tilework around the door, than the door itself.

I found a few ancient doors that I thought were beautiful in Santorini, but not as many as I expected for such a beautiful island.

I stumbled upon the old doors below in the island of Milos. I found them walking up to the old castle for the sunset. The brilliant blue next to the stark grey rocks is mesmerizing.

I also spent some time on the island of Paros. The old town of Parikia, the capital, is loaded with whitewashed houses and colorful doors. So charming to walk here.

I love how the soft green of this door contrasts with the vivid pink of the bougainvillea.

And the sprinkle of bougainvillea leaves on the ground near this one, with the cat posing for me.

Don’t you want to live here? I do!

OK, not technically a door, but I thought this was archway was stunning.

Naxos is also a wonderful island long sandy beaches, ancient ruins, a lovely traditional Chora by the port and great little hillside towns to explore. Halki, pictured below, is one of those towns. Many of its charming old neoclassical buildings have been turned into cafes and bars with inviting doors.

I keep adding here as I travel back to Greece…so check back!

Top Things To See And Do In Greece

Of course, on the mainland, you can’t miss the ancient ruins in Athens. You can also visit the Clifftop Monasteries Of Meteora, which is just a bus or train ride north of Athens. I stopped here in spring, when the wildflowers were in bloom, and it was simply stunning.

And with over 200 inhabited islands in Greece, the choices are endless. I hope to explore more of them in the future.

The Cycladic islands are located southeast of a Athens. Santorini, one of the most beautiful, is a top choice. Mykonos, another popular choice, is a known party spot with many beautiful beaches.

Naxos, south of Mykonos, is known for its less-touristy less party-like charm, interesting ruins, and charming hillside towns.

Paros, just west of Naxos, has a must-see old fishing village on its northern coast and the lovely island of Anti Paros.

Ios, is just south of Naxos and Paros, an incredible little island with stunning sunsets, a popular party island for those in their 20’s.

And south of Ios, is Milos, best known for the lunar landscape at Sarakiniko, but also with many other Interesting beaches with cliffs and caves to explore.

Crete, Greeks largest island also has a lot to offer. It covers great day trips, like breathtaking Balos Bay, on Crete’s northeastern coast, Elafonisi Island, on Crete’s southeastern coast, or hiking Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. Who knew there were amazing snow-capped mountains on Greek islands?

Or, if you’re planning a trip to Greece, see my Greece Travel Guide, for an overview of all the top spots, how to get around, safety, scams, and more.

Safe Travels!

Julie

See my About Me page to learn why I’m so passionate about travel and my philosophies on it.