Ghost Towns in Greece: The Complete List

Greece is a patchwork of islands, mountains and old trade routes, and scattered across it are villages that time has largely left behind. Walking through narrow streets, you can still read the history in empty houses, stone churches and terraces reclaimed by scrub — each place tells a different story about migration, war, or changing economies.

There are 30 Ghost Towns in Greece, ranging from Ano Boularii to Vathia. Entries are organized with Region,Coordinates (lat, lon),Abandoned (year) so you can quickly see where each site sits and when it was deserted; details and the full list are what you’ll find below.

How safe is it to visit these abandoned villages?

Safety varies by site — many are on private land, some have unstable structures or rough access roads, and signage can be minimal. Check local access rules, avoid entering unsafe buildings, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and a charged phone, and tell someone where you’re going; for remote sites consider going with a local guide.

When is the best time of year to explore them?

Spring and autumn are usually best: milder temperatures, fewer tourists and better road conditions than in winter or peak summer. Some mountain or island sites are easier to reach outside of heavy rains or extreme heat, so check weather and ferry schedules before planning a visit.

Ghost Towns in Greece

Images and Descriptions

Spinalonga

A fortified island that was Europe’s last leper colony. Abandoned after a cure was found, it is now a popular historical site accessible by boat. Visitors can explore the fortress, abandoned homes, and hospital, offering a poignant glimpse into its isolated past.

Vathia

An iconic Maniot village famed for its dense cluster of stone tower houses. Largely abandoned due to urbanization, it stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea. It’s accessible by road, though many towers are in ruins or privately restored as seasonal homes.

Ropoto

Known as the “sinking village,” Ropoto was abandoned after a catastrophic landslide. The ground continues to shift, leaving buildings, including a church, tilted at surreal angles. It is accessible by road but visiting is hazardous due to the unstable ground.

Old Perithia

Corfu’s oldest village, nestled below Mount Pantokrator. It was abandoned for coastal tourism jobs. Now a protected heritage site with restored tavernas amidst stone ruins, it’s a popular destination accessible by car, offering a unique blend of life and decay.

Aradena

Located at the edge of a dramatic gorge, Aradena was abandoned following a deadly vendetta. The village’s stone houses and Byzantine church are in ruins. It’s known for the Bailey bridge crossing the gorge and is accessible on foot for hikers.

Mikro Chorio

The former capital of Tilos, abandoned after WWII as residents moved to the port of Livadia. The crumbling stone houses and castle ruins cover a hillside. It’s accessible by road, and a single bar opens at night, creating a uniquely atmospheric experience.

Sfendyli

A village submerged by the Aposelemis Dam reservoir. Depending on the water level, the church and houses eerily emerge from the water. It is visible from the surrounding hills, offering a surreal and photogenic sight of a lost community.

Mystras

A fortified Byzantine city that was a cultural and political center before being gradually abandoned for modern Sparta. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors can explore a vast complex of ruined palaces, churches, and monasteries on a steep hillside.

Kallio

This entire village was intentionally submerged to create the Mornos reservoir, which supplies water to Athens. Its stone houses and church are now an underwater spectacle, occasionally visible during severe droughts. The site itself is not accessible, only its history remains.

Old Vlachata

Destroyed and abandoned after the devastating 1953 Ionian earthquake. The ruins of homes, a school, and olive presses are now overgrown with vegetation. It’s a somber, open-air museum accessible via a short walk from the main road near Sami.

Palio Pyli

A Byzantine settlement abandoned after a cholera epidemic. Today, its ruins, including houses and chapels, are scattered around a hill topped by a medieval castle. Accessible by a short hike, it offers stunning panoramic views of the island.

Kastro

The medieval capital of Skiathos, built on a dramatic cliffside for protection against pirates. It was abandoned for the current port town. The ruins of over 300 houses and several churches remain, accessible via a challenging road and stone steps.

Chorio

The former capital of Halki, built inland to evade pirates. It was gradually abandoned as residents moved to the safer port of Emporio. The ruins, dominated by a Knights’ castle, offer a glimpse into the past and are accessible by foot.

Moundanistika

One of the most remote and dramatically situated ghost villages in Mani. This tiny settlement of defensive tower houses sits precariously on a cliff edge. Abandonment was due to its extreme isolation. Access requires a demanding hike.

Paliochora

Known as the “Mystras of Kythira,” this Byzantine castle-town was destroyed by the pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa. The ruins of houses and numerous churches are scattered within the fortress walls, set in a wild, inaccessible gorge. A haunting and dramatic site.

Kaki Skala

A small, abandoned farming settlement in a remote part of the island. The stone farmhouses and threshing circles were deserted due to isolation and the move towards tourism. It is accessible via dirt tracks and offers a sense of the island’s agricultural past.

Gavros

A village on the shores of Lake Prespa, abandoned during the Greek Civil War (1946-1949) due to its proximity to the fighting. The stone houses are now in ruins, a silent testament to the conflict. It is accessible by road.

Old Farsa

Like nearby Old Vlachata, this village was completely destroyed by the 1953 Ionian earthquake. The ruins of the village, with its church bell tower still standing, are preserved as a memorial. It is easily reachable and overlooks the Bay of Argostoli.

Old Sinies

An abandoned village on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, deserted as inhabitants moved to the coast. The stone houses, school, and churches are now engulfed by nature. It’s a quiet, atmospheric spot accessible via a track road.

Katalymata

An incredibly isolated settlement built into the cliffs of the Eligia Gorge. Inhabited since Minoan times, it was finally abandoned due to its extreme inaccessibility. Reaching the ruins requires a serious, multi-hour trek through the gorge.

Perithori

A mountain village abandoned after a major landslide. The stone houses, church, and school are left as they were, creating a time-capsule effect. The area remains unstable, making access possible but potentially dangerous. It’s a sobering example of nature’s force.

Ano Boularii

A cluster of Maniot tower-house settlements in a remote, rugged landscape. Abandoned due to depopulation and the harshness of life, the ruins are a powerful symbol of Mani’s past. Accessible via rough roads, it’s a destination for dedicated explorers.

Kastro

The medieval capital of Thassos, located in the island’s mountainous interior. It was abandoned for coastal settlements but has seen minor revival with a few restored homes and a seasonal taverna. The ruins and old church are accessible by a paved but steep road.

Ethia

A shepherd’s village high in the rugged Asterousia mountains, abandoned as its inhabitants sought easier lives in the lowlands. The stone houses are crumbling, but the village has a raw, authentic feel. Accessible via a winding mountain road.

Sklithro

A small mountain village abandoned after the Greek Civil War and subsequent migration. Its stone houses are now in a state of advanced decay, overgrown by the surrounding forest. The area is remote and access is via rural tracks.

Old Plagia

The village was relocated to a safer location after a devastating earthquake in 1963 and subsequent landslides. The ruins of the old stone houses and church are left behind on the mountainside, a testament to the region’s seismic activity. Accessible by road.

Frolées

A tiny, abandoned hamlet near the larger village of Mylopotamos. Consisting of a few stone houses, it was likely deserted due to agricultural decline and rural flight. It is accessible via a short walk from a nearby road.

Kourounia

A small, abandoned settlement in the “inner” Mani region, characterized by its fortified stone dwellings. Like many similar villages, it was left behind during the great mid-20th-century migration to cities. Access is via local, unpaved roads.

Tsouka

A remote mountain village that was abandoned due to landslides and economic migration. The ruins are now being slowly reclaimed by nature. Its high-altitude location offers dramatic views but requires navigating challenging mountain roads.

Listra

A tiny, forgotten medieval hamlet in the Naxos uplands. The few remaining stone structures are in a state of ruin, abandoned as farming became unsustainable in the remote area. It is accessible to hikers exploring the island’s interior trails.

Ghost Towns in Other Countries