After spending a few days exploring Athens, it was finally time to begin the road trip we had been looking forward to. Our plan was simple: leave the busy city behind and discover a quieter, more authentic side of Greece.
Our first stop was Mytikas, a small seaside village in western Greece. We deliberately chose it because it was far from the tourist crowds. After a long year of work, all we wanted was peace, nature, and a place where we could truly switch off for a few days. Thankfully, Mytikas was exactly what we had hoped for.
The village was wonderfully quiet. Most of the time, we shared the streets and waterfront with only a handful of locals, which made it feel even more relaxing. We were told that things become livelier in mid-July and August, but during our stay, it was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
From Athens Airport, where we picked up our rental car, the drive took around four hours. Most of the journey followed toll roads, and I have to admit, the tolls were quite expensive, especially when crossing the Rio–Antirrio Bridge. Still, we didn’t let that spoil the excitement. We were simply looking forward to reaching Mytikas, checking into our accommodation before 7 p.m., and finally starting our Greek adventure.
The Town
Mytikas is the kind of place where life moves at a slower pace. It’s a small seaside village with a waterfront lined with tavernas and cafés, where people gather to enjoy the sea views. Apart from a few local shops and a small supermarket, there isn’t much else, and honestly, that’s exactly what I loved about it.
What amused me most was how everyone seemed to know everyone. One evening, while chatting with a waiter at a restaurant, I casually mentioned that we were staying at Antonio’s house. Without missing a beat, he smiled and said, “I know.” We couldn’t help but laugh. Antonio’s house was on the edge of the village, yet somehow everyone knew exactly who we were talking about. That’s when I realized just how close-knit this little community really is.
If you’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss one of the local restaurants where roasting a whole pig is a weekend tradition. Don’t worry if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of other options too. We ordered lamb and chicken the night before, and both were delicious. As we sat there enjoying dinner, I kept recognizing familiar faces. There was the cashier from the supermarket, the guests staying next door, and people we’d passed several times while wandering around the village. It felt less like being a tourist and more like being part of a small community, even if only for a few days.
The Beaches
One of the things I loved about Mytikas was its long stretch of coastline. You can access the beach from several different points, including right near your accommodation, so finding a quiet spot is never difficult. The beach overlooks the beautiful island of Kastos, and every time I looked across the water, I found myself wishing we had a little more time to explore it.
You’ll also find a few organized beaches nearby with sunbeds, music, and beach bars serving drinks and snacks. It really depends on the kind of beach day you’re looking for, whether that’s complete peace and quiet or something a little more social.
One experience I wish we had included in our itinerary was visiting Kastos. If you have a boating license, you can rent a small boat and make the short trip yourself, stopping along the way for a swim in the crystal-clear Ionian waters. If not, don’t worry, regular passenger boats also operate between Mytikas and Kastos. Just check the sailing schedule in advance and plan your day accordingly. I think it’s an experience that’s well worth adding to your trip.
The beaches in Mytikas were exactly what we had been looking for, peaceful, beautiful, and wonderfully uncrowded. Since we visited before the peak summer season, we often had huge stretches of beach almost entirely to ourselves, just as you can see in the photos. It wasn’t until later in the afternoon, when people finished work or school, that the beaches became a little livelier. Some came for a quick swim, while others relaxed on the organized beaches with a drink in hand, enjoying the calm seaside atmosphere.
One of the highlights of our stay was having access to a small private beach through our accommodation. Reaching it wasn’t exactly effortless. The path was steep and rocky, so proper shoes were a must, not only for the uneven ground but also because we were warned to keep an eye out for snakes. The trail wound through trees and fragrant wild herbs under the hot Greek sun before finally opening up to the sea. Once we reached the water, all it took was a short swim or a few more steps, and we had what felt like our own private little corner of paradise. For us, the walk was more than worth it.
Looking back, the only thing I wish we had done differently was rent a boat. During our stay, a group of Italian friends arrived with their own boat. They told us they return every year because they love exploring the nearby islands and swimming in secluded coves that can only be reached by sea. Listening to their stories made me realize we’d missed out on one of the best experiences Mytikas has to offer. If we ever return, renting a boat will definitely be at the top of my list.
Where to eat
When it comes to food in Mytikas, I honestly won’t recommend just one restaurant. The village is so small that if you’re staying for two or three days, you’ll probably end up trying most of them anyway, and that’s part of the fun.
One place that kept drawing us in was George’s Pizza. Every time we walked through the village, the smell of the wood-fired oven filled the air, making it almost impossible to resist. We finally gave in, and I’m so glad we did because the pizza was absolutely delicious. Whether it’s the best pizza in town or simply the only pizzeria, I can’t say for sure, but I can definitely recommend it.
For seafood and traditional Greek dishes, we really enjoyed Al Gabbiano. Sitting at one of the tables by the waterfront, watching the sea while enjoying a leisurely meal, was a beautiful moments that I still remember and smile.
Being a traditional fishing village, Mytikas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh fish and seafood. There are several waterfront restaurants to choose from, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them, the catch comes straight from the sea.
One evening, we had dinner at Moray (To Mouragio), and it ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip. We arrived just before sunset, and the view over the water was absolutely breathtaking. As much as I enjoyed the food, I think what stayed with me even more was the atmosphere. The staff were incredibly friendly, stopping by our table not just to take our order, but to chat, tell stories, and make us feel genuinely welcome. It never felt forced; it was simply the warmth of the people.
That’s something I noticed throughout our stay in Mytikas. The locals were kind, welcoming, and always ready for a conversation. Sometimes it’s not just the place that makes a destination memorable, it’s the people you meet along the way.
After dinner, we usually made our way to Gaul, a lovely café along the waterfront with tables and chairs set right on the gravel, just a few steps from the sea.
If you visit in the afternoon or on the weekend, don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table. It seemed like the entire village gathered there for coffee, and we had to be patient before finding a seat ourselves.
By the time we finally sat down, all the baklava and most of the sweets had already sold out. That made me even more curious, so I came back the next day determined to try the famous baklava. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my favorite. For my taste, it lacked the rich buttery and nutty flavor I usually expect from a good baklava, and all I could really taste was the sweetness.
The ice cream, however, was a completely different story. It was absolutely delicious, and if I ever returned to Gaul, that’s exactly what I’d order again.
Surroundings
If you have a car, it’s worth spending a little time exploring the area around Mytikas. We did exactly that out of curiosity.
Driving to the left brings you to Palairos, which is noticeably larger and much livelier than Mytikas. There are plenty of hotels, apartments, restaurants, and cafés, and it was easy to imagine how busy it becomes during the peak summer months. If you’re looking for a destination with more nightlife and activity, Palairos might suit you better.
Heading in the opposite direction takes you toward Palivoraka, passing several fish farms along the coast. The drive is pleasant enough, but to be honest, we didn’t find much that made us want to stop. That’s one of the reasons we appreciated Mytikas even more. It may be small, but it offered exactly what we had come for: peace, beautiful beaches, and a chance to completely disconnect from the busy world for a few days.
Mytikas gave us exactly what we had been searching for: peace. Life there quickly settled into a simple rhythm that made every day feel effortless. We’d wake up, head to the beach for a swim, spend hours by the sea, return to our terrace for a leisurely lunch, take an afternoon nap, then wander through the village before stopping for coffee, dinner, and another relaxing walk along the waterfront. By the end of the day, we were so pleasantly exhausted that we barely remembered falling asleep.
One thing that makes Mytikas a little different is its sunsets. Because the village sits between the mountains and the sea, you don’t actually watch the sun disappear into the horizon. Instead, the mountains hide it from view, leaving the sky glowing with beautiful shades of orange, pink, and purple. It’s a quieter kind of sunset, less dramatic perhaps, but no less beautiful. Somehow, it suited the peaceful atmosphere of the village perfectly.
Before we knew it, it was time to pack the car and continue our Greek road trip. Leaving Mytikas was much harder than I expected. It had given us exactly what we needed after a long year, a chance to slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy life. As we drove away, we promised ourselves we’d come back one day… this time with friends, a boat licence, and a few more days to explore the nearby islands that we had only admired from a distance.
Tips For Your Visit to Mykitas
- The first thing you should know before visiting Mytikas is that the village is very quiet, perfect for relaxation. If you’re looking for a place with nightlife, such as pubs or discos, then Mytikas may not be the right destination for you.
- Choosing the right accommodation can make your holiday even more enjoyable. A place with a stunning view adds to the experience; there’s nothing better than waking up to a breathtaking scene. We had an incredible view from our terrace, which we enjoyed day and night, having all our meals and time there.
- If you’re hiking in Mytikas or even heading to the beach through grassy areas or near trees, be mindful of snakes, as Greece has many. Always wear shoes or sneakers to protect your feet, even when going to the beach. Make sure to stamp your feet to create noise and scare them away.
. Rent a boat if you can: If you have a boat liscence, rent a small boat. If not, take one of the local passenger boats.
. Bring proper shoes: Some of the quieter beaches are reached by rocky paths, so flip-flops aren't always enough. If your accommodation has access to a secluded beach like ours did, a good pair of shoes will make the walk much easier.
. Be aware of snakes: If you're walking through trails surrounded by vegetation, especially in summer, keep an eye on where you step.
.If you're visiting on a Saturday, don't miss the local barbecue tradition: One of the restaurants roasts a whole pig. If pork isn't your favorite, you can order other meats, such as lamb or chicken, in advance.
Featured Articles
