Greeks tend to call “Chora” (or “Hora”) a popular traditional whitewashed village in the Aegean Sea, which is most often located on the highest point of the island. The cube-like, white-blue houses, with their multicoloured window shutters, the narrow cobblestone alleys aligned with flower pots, the picturesque chapels and village squares, the ruined castles and windmills are some of the reasons that make these villages so special.

Let us introduce you to the most charming ones!

Serifos

As you approach the island of Serifos you’ll notice, at a glance, the Ano and Kato Chora Villages built on the hill side (their names, Ano and Kato, describe where the villages are built, on higher or lower grounds respectively). These two medieval villages are connected by a stairway. Walk up to the top of the castle and indulge in panoramic views of the archipelago. Enjoy strolls around the popular area of Piatsa in Ano Chora, visit the Folklore and Archaeological Museums in Kato Chora and make sure to capture some pictures at the windmill square, which is especially beautiful at night.

Anafi

Chora Village on Anafi island, with its picturesque whitewashed houses, yards and alleys, is built on the ruins of an old venetian castle. Within this traditional village, no cars are allowed, so walking is the only way to discover its charms and its numerous nice churches. The two big windmills are well worth a visit. They were built in the 19th century on opposite sides of the hill marking the village’s boundaries. Workers from this island migrated to Athens and built the Anafiotika neighbourhood, on the foot of the Acropolis Rock, following the island’s architecture.

Folegandros

Chora on Folegandros island is built on the edge of a hilltop, in and around an old medieval castle, offering panoramic views of the villages below and the archipelago. The village is picture perfect with the bougainvilleas adorning the houses’ balconies. Park your car on the outskirts and enjoy walks within village on the cobblestone streets that lead to green public squares. Don’t forget to savour local dishes at Dounavidon Square and sip your rakomelo (Greek raki spirit mixed with honey) at Piazza Square.

Amorgos

Chora is built in the centre of Amorgos island among hills, far from the sea, on a rock where a castle is located. The sunlight reflected on the whitewashed houses and alleys, and the colourful window shutters create an immaculate ambience. Visit the castle and the churches, talk with the friendly locals, take a break in the shady public squares and drink raki in one of the most beautiful Chora of the Cyclades.

Skyros

At a short distance from Linaria Port you’ll come across Chora, which is built around a byzantine castle overseeing the seaside villages bellow and the Sporades Islands. Skyros is renowned for its art and culture, which are portrayed on artifacts in the Archaeological Museum, as well as in various aspects of everyday life. Pay attention to the local architecture, which resembles the aegean one with their flat roofs, however they are different in terms of interior decoration.

Astypalaia

Chora is both the capital and the harbour of Astypalaia island. It is one of the most beautiful towns in the Aegean, built on a cliff projecting into the sea creating two bays. On the northernmost side of the cliff, you’ll come across the Gouerini Castle (13th c.) where the whitewashed domes of Evangelistria and Agios Georgios Churches appear. The castle is surrounded by white cube-like houses with blue windows and doors, and wooden venetian style balconies. The first thing you’ll notice upon your arrival are the imposing stone built windmills. Two cobblestone streets begin from the Town Hall Square and lead to the castle. One road goes by the Panagia Portaïtissa parish where you’ll get the chance to see some of the nicest churches within the Dodecanese and enjoy the view towards the bay of Livadi. The other route gives you the opportunity to pass by Megali Panagia Church with its blue dome and pebble-paved yard.

Kimolos

An off the beaten track island is Kimolos, whose capital Chorio is a whitewashed village, with well manicured yards and alleys adorned with flowerpots and the numerous picturesque churches. In the centre of Chorio there’s a medieval castle that separates two neighbourhoods. These are Mesa Kastro (meaning inside the castle) and Exo Kastro (meaning outside the castle), which interconnect via entrances called portares in Greek. The in-line outer walls of the houses create a type of fortification for the village. Stroll around Agora, the main road of the village, stop by one of its picture perfect squares such as Theoskepasti, Kampou or Scholeio and enjoy a drink or food in one of its nice shops.

(Source: visitgreece.gr)