Let’s admit it: decamping to the middle of nowhere with only a laptop and a phone is a certain kind of eccentricity – but who’s judging? Call it the snow-globe fantasy of remote work: low-budget, high-aesthetic, the hush of fresh powder outside the window and the cursor blinking like a metronome in a room that smells faintly of pine.
Many remote workers settle for the local café – familiar froth, reliable Wi‑Fi – to make the day feel lighter. But if the office no longer insists on your presence, why should your couch? One of the quiet miracles of post-pandemic life is how mobility, even modest mobility, can recalibrate everything: our routines, our neighborhoods, our microeconomies, our sense of what “home” contains.
Sometimes the necessary distance is just a bus ride, a local train, a short drive (or flight) over a ridge. On the other side: lower costs, slower clocks, and the small thrill of a Zoom background that isn’t a bookshelf but a mountain, a stone-paved square, or the cool, dappled shade of an ancient plane tree. Which is why we’re headed to four lesser-known Greek villages, some reached only by a road that asks a little more of you. They’re places that promise to reorder your mood, loosen your grip on the to-do list, and nudge the work itself toward something new.
01
Kalarytes, Ioannina
For experienced travelers, Kalarytes, from the Vlach word calar, meaning “horseman”—is an authentic mountain destination. From Arta, it’s about 83 kilometers through the Tzoumerka slopes, passing through the villages of Agnanta, Pramanta, and Melissourgoi. Perched at an altitude of about 1,200 meters, Kalarytes is separated from its neighboring village, Syrrako, by the deep gorge of the Kalarrytiko River.
The village stands out for its impressive stone-built mansions, its picturesque main square—dominated by a marble column engraved with the names of members of the Filiki Eteria and heroes of the Greek Revolution—and the Church of Agios Nikolaos. You’ll find many guesthouses in Kalarytes, most housed in traditional buildings offering a genuine sense of hospitality. A visit to the classic Akanthos café is a must—whether for coffee, meze, or homemade dishes, or even to work on your laptop while soaking in the village’s distinctive atmosphere.
02
Dimitsana, Arcadia
Dimitsana, one of the most evocative mountain villages in the Peloponnese, is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Mainalo, overlooking the Lousios Gorge. Stone-built mansions, cobbled alleys, and the gentle rhythm of local life create a cinematic backdrop for anyone seeking quiet productivity. The Open-Air Water Power Museum, housed in restored traditional workshops, gives a glimpse into the area’s industrious past, while the surrounding hiking trails lead to old monasteries clinging to the cliffs.
Many guesthouses and boutique hotels now cater to travelers who work remotely, with solid Wi-Fi and cozy common areas for reading or working by the fire. Cafés along the main square are perfect for a relaxed work session, while nearby tavernas offer hearty Arcadian dishes when it’s time to unplug.
03
Nafplio, Peloponnese
Nafplio – definitely not a village, but had to make this list – the first capital of modern Greece, blends Venetian grace and seaside serenity in a way few towns can. Just a two-hour drive from Athens, it’s ideal for remote professionals seeking balance between productivity and pleasure. Neoclassical mansions, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and marble-paved alleys form a setting that feels both cosmopolitan and intimate. Landmarks like the Palamidi Fortress, Bourtzi Castle, and the Archaeological Museum enrich everyday life with layers of history and art.
Digital nomads are increasingly drawn to Nafplion for its excellent infrastructure, abundance of accommodations, and coastal cafés where one can work with a view of the Argolic Gulf. The old town offers several quiet spots for reading or writing, while the nearby beaches of Karathona and Arvanitia provide easy escapes for swimming or evening walks. With its mild climate, vibrant culture, and year-round liveliness, Nafplion makes an inspiring base for long stays and creative work alike.
04
Agios Germanos, Prespes
Agios Germanos is among the most beautiful villages in Greece—not only for its enchanting view over Lake Prespa. Its main attractions include the 11th-century Church of Agios Germanos and the restored old watermill, a fascinating landmark well worth visiting. The path to the mill is especially scenic, following a stone-paved trail that’s a joy to walk.
In Agios Germanos, you’ll enjoy not just serenity and breathtaking views but also excellent local food, including fresh lake fish. If you can spare a work-free weekend and stay a little longer, take a trip to Mikri Prespa or visit the island of Agios Achilleios. Another short getaway option is Mikrolimni, home to an impressive cormorant colony on the small island of Vidronisi in Mikri Prespa. Don’t miss the centuries-old askitaria—tiny hermitages carved into the rock with remarkable frescoes—near the village of Psarades on the shores of Megali Prespa, accessible by boat.
05
Samarina, Grevena
The historic Samarina lies in northern Pindus, on the eastern slopes of Mount Smolikas, at an altitude between 1,450 and 1,550 meters—making it one of the highest inhabited villages in the Balkans. To its southwest stretches the gorge of Valia Kirna (meaning “Cursed Valley” or “Devil’s Valley” in the Vlach dialect), carved by a stream that originates from Smolikas and runs for about six kilometers.
At roughly 2,150 meters, you’ll find Smolikas’ Drakolimni—a stunning alpine lake of unique beauty. Within the Valia Kirna gorge, the Smolikas waterfall known as Apa Spintzourata (“Hanging Water”) cascades from a height of about 100 meters into a deep ravine. Five kilometers south of Samarina, nestled in a dense forest, stands the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi. It’s easy to see why Samarina offers not only a dreamlike natural setting but also a range of experiences and activities that make it ideal for remote workers seeking to recharge and rekindle inspiration.
06
Galaxidi, Phocis
Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens, Galaxidi combines maritime charm with a peaceful pace ideal for remote work. Once a major seafaring center, it retains an air of understated elegance—stone captain’s houses with colorful shutters, serene harborside promenades, and narrow lanes scented with jasmine. The Nautical Museum and the Church of Agios Nikolaos hint at the town’s storied past, while views of the Corinthian Gulf invite deep breaths and slow thinking.
Today, Galaxidi is quietly popular among digital nomads who value tranquility without isolation. Boutique accommodations and seaside apartments offer strong internet connections, and there’s no shortage of waterfront spots to set up your laptop. During breaks, stroll to nearby coves for a quick swim or explore the forested paths that connect to Delphi’s ancient landscape.
07
Paleos Agios Athanasios, Pella
Known as the jewel of Mount Voras (Kaimaktsalan), this village sits near one of Macedonia’s most popular ski centers—often dubbed the “Arachova of Macedonia.”
The traditional settlement of Palaios Agios Athanasios was abandoned in the mid-1980s when its residents moved to nearby Neos Agios Athanasios. In the early 1990s, restoration began, highlighting the village’s charming architecture and transforming it into a beloved winter destination for travelers from northern Greece and beyond. Imagine working by your laptop beside the fireplace of a traditional guesthouse, then spending your day off enjoying winter sports just minutes away. Your colleagues will envy your Instagram stories—and rightly so.
If you love adventure and mountain hiking, climb from the ski center up to the highest peak of Mount Voras (2,524 m), which Greece shares with neighboring North Macedonia. At the top stands the small chapel of Prophet Elias, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
