While Santorini continues to smash tourism records and grapples with crowded streets there are plenty of other destinations travellers can choose which are just as beautiful.

The tony Cycladic island of Santorini welcomed an astonishing 2.9 million air passengers last year and a mind-blowing 800 cruise ships. 

But tucked away in Northern Greece lies a tiny village Arnea which is also packed with traditional architecture and continues to practice old-time crafts like weaving.

Since ancient times, Arnea has been known by several names, including Arni, Avgea, and Liarigovi. It is one of 12 historic communities known as the Mantemohoria (“iron villages”) because they were once obliged to provide workers for the area’s mines. 

200 years ago, Arnea was a thriving community, showcased by its stately mansions which continue to be a defining feature of the village, so much so that the Ministry of Culture declared it an historic site. 

“The organization of the urban fabric, centered around the main square from which a primary network of streets branches out, interwoven with a secondary network featuring small squares at intersections, is of significant interest,” the Ministry said in its official designation. 

Today, Arnea is home to around 2,300 residents and offers a peaceful, quaint and slow-paced travel compared to some of Greece’s hotspots. 

No busy Santorinian hotels here – only small guest houses, cafe shops (“kafeneia”) and taverns in Arnea.

Sat amongs the winding lanes of tightly packed houses sits the Iatrou Mansion which is now home to the Historical and Folklore Museum of Arnea and exhibits village life over the years.

The Weaving Museum, meanwhile, brings the village’s weaving tradition to life. Dedicated to the local weaver Harikleia Dimitrakoudi, visitors can appreciate exhibits such as cross-stitched rugs with pink rose patterns, clothing and blankets made of wool, cotton and silk. 

In the church dedicated to Saint Stephen (Aghios Stefanos), built in 1812, there is a glass floor through which you can see impressive archaeological discoveries including murals and objects made from marble, glass and metal.  

Beyond textiles, Arnea is also famous for its local products like honey, jam, wine and tsipouro – a strong distilled spirit – which can all be purchased as souvenirs. 

Outside the village, the stunning surrounding landscape is also worth exploring. The Aghia Paraskevi Grove is 1.3 miles away and features oak trees, gazebos, trails, and picnic spaces. 

The region boasts several hiking trails, including one that leads from Arnea to some breathtaking waterfalls near the neighbouring village of Varvara. 

To get to Arnea, fly to Thessaloniki Airport from Gatwick or Stansted with Ryanair or easyJet respectively for as little as £51 and then hire a car. Travel eastwards for an hour EO Thessalonikis Poligirou and EO Thessalonikis Ierissou and you will arrive at the village, making it a perfect day-trip option to escape the bustling city. 

“Well presented snap shot of life in this interesting northern Greece mountain village with a prosperous and diverse history close linked to animal husbandry, wool textiles and carpet weaving. Well worth a visit if you are in Halkadiki,” wrote one visitor about their visit to the Folklore Museum on Tripadvisor.