However, it’s a worthy … Metsovo is approximately a 4½ drive from Athens. Accommodation options abound in the nearby village of Loutraki and the ski resort of Kaimaktsalan is only an hour away to get into the white stuff. Looking for a place of an all-around adventure in the winter season? We use cookies to improve your website experience. Read more about the mountains of Corinth here. Meteora – Beyond Unique. Travel and Greece. The region is calm, exposing nature in its wildest form. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Metsovo’s grandeur might have subsequently faded were it not for a foundation established in the 1940s by Evangelos Averoff, a government minister who hailed from the town. Visiting Greece in Winter - Five top destinations. But for a truly out-of-this-world experience you can opt for a tour from above via hot air balloon. Whitewater rafting trips are on offer throughout the colder months as are mountain biking trips, organized hikes and much more. Whether you’re a traveler, visitor, worker or local in Greece, we hope you’ll find the information we provide about the country helpful and valuable all the same. And when you feel you need to dip back into civilization, the cultured city of Ioannina is a short drive away and a destination in its own right. In terms of the skiing, while no Greek resort comes close to the size of the major centers in the Alps and elsewhere, Parnassos does offer some great slopes of all difficulty levels, as well as access to back-country runs for the more adventurous. From Thessaloniki it is only 2.5 hours along a newly constructed highway. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The beautiful town of Arcadia is a wonderful destination for a quick escape into the mountains. The nearest village to Greece’s biggest ski resort on Mount Parnassos, and a mere 3 hours from Athens, Arachova becomes a fully-fledged cosmopolitan hangout in the cold months, complete with high-end shops, ski rental outlets, luxury hotels and spas, gourmet and traditional restaurants and plenty of bars and nightlife. The beautiful villages of Zagorohoria and the town of Kastoria in Epirus, Pelion villages, Arachova and lake Plastira near Meteora in Thessalia. Hearty, slow-cooked stews replace light summertime salads, and a whole host of different seasonal products begin to appear: wild mushrooms, juicy oranges, fat chestnuts. From Ioannina Pramanta it is about a 1.5 hour drive (62 kilometers). By Pavlos Zafiropoulos, Paulina Kapsali | The view from here will bring tears to your eyes. Gigantic, age old plane trees creates a natural fairytale like roofs over your head. Among visitors and tourists, Greece is known for its sunshine, beautiful seas, extensive beachfront, and thousands of exotic islands. It is one of Greece’s most popular ski … Below we’ve put together a list of Greece’s top winter destinations. If it weren’t for the odd visible electricity line and the cars parked at the edges of the villages, you would believe it. Don’t let it stop you. You can also travel to Volos by train, bus or plane, but you will need to rent a car there to really explore Pilio. The neighboring town of Kalabaka offers plenty of high quality accommodation options and tourism services. This place is… Find the best tours & trips in Greece in Winter 2020 with TourRadar. If you stop to pick a juicy apple from a tree, you’ll likely get a flash of an image of a talking snake. Bad for: People who prefer inconvenient locations. Bad For: Those who prefer the confines of a dull, gray, monotone world. Of course, that doesn’t mean one needs to rough it. In Pilio (aka Pelion), nature offers a smorgasbord of atmospheric surroundings. A road trip including and fuel and tolls is about 115 euros. Leave a Comment Today we’re on our way to an exciting Mediterranean destination for some summer sun (follow Jenna’s Twitter stream for details), but like all good travelers, we’re already thinking ahead for winter. Aside from nature-loving activities, the town and surrounding area also packs in plenty of culture and history, including a WWII museum, spectacular monasteries and a unique railway line that connects Kalavryta with the coastal village of Diakofto and is simply one of the most beautiful in Europe. Discover the best winter destinations in Greece and make the most of this season. Patras, Volos, Naoussa, Veria and Ioannina also have rewards for a winter … Coined as of the most picturesque villages in Europe, Nymfaio is definitely a site for sore … .© 2020 GREECE IS, KATHIMERINES EKDOSEIS SA, Powered by: Relevance | Developed by: Stonewave, Skiing in Greece: The Country’s Best Ski Resorts, Archontiko Kaltezioti: Mountainous Luxury, From Windsurfing to Walking: Activities on Kos. No, no, there is not. Dimitsana, located 203 kilometers from Athens, is roughly a 2½ hour drive from the city. No one will care.Â. So, just in case there is any confusion, yes, Greece does have a winter. The village of Arachova has long been dubbed the ‘Mykonos of the Winter‘, being the hotspot that attracts more visitors than probably any other single winter destination. Suited for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, hikers, mountain bikers, food lovers and whitewater rafters. Bad For: People who want to show off their expensive new snow boots. The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a spacious land of pleasing … Tzoumerka is a destination site with mountains, canyons, crystal springs and waterfalls, dense forests and an abundance of wildlife- this has made it home of the National Park of Tzoumerka. The unique geological formations have also rendered the area a popular rock-climbing destination, while mountain biking, trekking and other activities are also on offer, plunging you into the surrounding nature. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Today thanks to its proximity to Athens and its striking beauty Mountainous Arcadia is one of the most popular winter destinations in Greece. © Copyright 2020 | FocusGreece | All rights reserved, About You can either hike up to the monasteries or drive. 350 km north of Athens. Tzoumerka comes with all of the trappings of the best of mountainous Greece; crystal springs and waterfalls feeding wide rivers, canyons, dense forests and plenty of wildlife make up the heart of the National Park of Tzoumerka. To make this project come to life he started a Kickstarter campaign to fund the completion of the movie, which includes costly effects, editing and other filmmaking magic that is needed to get to a first-rate finished product.. Papanicolaou built a loyal and passionate following of supporters in Greece, who also saw their country’s potential as a winter destination … A 2.5 – 3hr drive from Athens, also accessible by intercity bus and from Diakofto via the rack railway line. This is a beautiful site is suitable for hiking, sightseeing and mountain biking. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The journey takes around four hours by car. If you decide that this winter is the right time for you to visit Greece, here are the destinations that most … Although winter has already set in, temperatures stay relatively warm in the coastal cities.  About 140 km from Athens (a 1.5 hour drive). The mild winters of Athens and Thessaloniki make them ideal winter destinations for a quick getaway. If you want to jump off the tourist bandwagon, there are plenty of places to do so here. When I say 'winter' I mean it the way … No wonder it is nicknamed the “Mykonos of the Winter.” It’s the closest village to the biggest ski resort in Greece situated on Mount Parnassos, and it’s about 3 hours away from Athens. 47 villages dot the wild landscape which is reminiscent of Zagori (see above). Corfu is an island located off of the northwest coast of the country. And with a range of well-run companies offering organized activities from trekking to ski touring to mountain biking, there has never been a better time to discover Greece in the wintertime. The most famous of the villages is the grand dame of Dimitsana: attractive, stone-built, with great food views and cafes at every turn. The fall and winter, however, lend themselves to taking in the true majesty of the place. Even in a land with as much natural beauty as Greece, the region of Arcadia has stood out since antiquity, with its name becoming a poet’s byword for paradise. It offers great outdoor activities like snowboarding and skiing. The benchmark of holiday destinations, this idyllic country needs … Arachova village is popular for skiing and hanging out, as it that draws the attention of many visitors than other individual winter destinations. 500 km from Athens (a 6 hour drive). Loutraki of Pella is located 120 km north of Thessaloniki, a roughly 1.5 – 2 hour drive. Driving up the serpetine roads and passing through the many stone-built villages into the mountains of Corinth, you’ll feel as though you’ve travelled back in time. However, winter in Greece is just as magical. Sponsors October 6th, 2017. Good for: Aches and pains, skiers, skiers with aches and pains, your general sense of wellbeing. Good For: History buffs, religious tourists, hikers, nature lovers, hot air balloon enthusiasts, aspiring hermits. We combine the two things that we love most. The dry-baked Cycladic islands turn green as the rains arrive; their inhabitants bundle up against temperatures that can sink to the low single digits when biting northerlies whip through the Aegean. A 50m swimming pool is also located on a specially designed plateau, while visitors may also enjoy the small thermal waterfalls along the river. The villages are rustic, yet picturesque and tourist friendly, with cobblestoned streets and large paved central squares. The nearby mountain of Mainalos is a protected natural park, through which the Lousios river runs through the gorge of the same name, forming rapids and waterfalls in places. It is little surprise. Corfu. Pilio is renowned in Greece for its mythical and picturesque landscapes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Opportunities for mountain biking, hiking and more abound, and the higher up the mountain you go, the smaller the villages get. Cookie Policy Driving through it, every now and again there’s a clearing where the sun breaks through, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by apple groves. Privacy Policy While the beaches below are also dramatically beautiful, the many mountain villages are what calls for a visit during winter. Beyond the slopes, the mountain offers plenty more – most notably the archaeological site of Delphi, the onetime seat of the famed oracle, which is only a short drive from Arachova. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This post was originally published on the blog... Editor’s note: The following has been taken from... can i travel to greece again? These cookies do not store any personal information. Here you will enjoy the easing and soothing feeling of going under the warm to hot waters of a natural thermal spring. On the mainland, mountain villages are frequently covered in blankets of snow. Of the total of 24 monasteries that once formed this 1000-year-old community, 6 are still in operation and open to the public. By using this website you accept our, Tropicana Club Review, Mykonos – Nightclub Review, The Best Destinations in the Ionian Islands for This Summer, The Best Destinations in Central Greece for This Summer, 7 Great Souvenirs To Bring Back From Greece, Must Have Clothing Items When Travelling To Greece. What most of them have in abundance is good tavernas, shops selling locally produced spoon sweets, liqueurs, exceptional locally grown beans, and very nice hotels. If you need a break from eating and watching the view, go see the Virgin of the Rock chapel, or drive to the marvelous Lake Doxa and the Saint George monastery above it. Bad For: Those who believe Arcadia isn’t a real place you can go to. Athens Tour Greece's 10 day Ski winter packages are brilliant flexible ski and snowboard trips in the Parnasos and Helmos mountains. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For culture hounds the well-put-together folk museum and art gallery are must visits. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If Arachova is the Mykonos of the winter, then one could say that Kalavryta is the season’s Naxos – offering perhaps even more variety than its more famous counterpart, but with a slightly less frenetic atmosphere. Shops sell homemade jams and spoon sweets, and the tavernas serve surprisingly contemporary versions of traditional Greek food. Read more about Meteora here. Be advised though that a car is essential and the roads are long and winding between villages. Metsovo is the home to quality and luxury hotels, cultural sites such as the art gallery and traditional museum. Greece offers its citizens and the world a lot of tourist and sightseeing destinations and well as relaxation centers. While on sunny weekends it can get very crowded, during the week the resort can offer some very satisfying skiing with zero lift lines. greece destination guide As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Greece in a way like no other. Focus Greece is the ultimate tourism guide for everyone who plans to visit Greece in the near future. A car to get around is a must (equipped with snow chains in the winter). But the area is probably best known for its ski resort which is a close rival to that of Parnassos, with ski runs for all abilities, although slightly less modern lifts. The prettiest (and most visited) villages are Syrrako and Kalarrites on the northwestern side, while a mountain refuge in the village of Melissourgi offers a range of activities. One can drive to the monasteries or hike up to them along a beautiful trail that winds between the pillars of rock. The Northern Greek city of Kastoria is not a tourist destination. While many visit in the summer, the baking heat and large crowds can detract from the experience. One that is emptier, wilder but also comforting in its own way, insulated from the rush and chaos of the modern world. Many of the peaks above are dressed in white from November to April. The town has well-developed tourism infrastructure with numerous hotels, spas and guesthouses. Each of the villages is prettier than the last – the legacy of master masons considered to be the greatest in the country – and the accommodation options are many and of exceptional quality. Greece is known worldwide as the best summer holiday destination. However unlike Zagori, the region is overall much less developed touristically making this a good place to experience the Greek countryside at its wildest, and to really get away from it all. Bad For: Uncouth philistines, urban layabouts. Tickets can be booked online via www.trainose.gr. Kastoria, Ioannina, Metsovo and Karpenisi are four towns that serve to prove the above. Located only 2.5 – 3 hours from Athens, the mountain condenses a boggling diversity of landscapes in a relatively small area – from pine and fir forests and alpine lakes to extensive, visitable caves, to the fairytale plane tree forests in Planitero below where you can enjoy fresh trout next to bubbling crystal springs. Top winter destinations in Greece, particularly the towns of Arachova and Kalavryta, have noted a rise in bookings for the upcoming holiday season. The first one that comes to my mind is Arachova. Here the thermal 37 C Toplitsa river gushes out of springs and through a ravine where, surrounded by trees and waterfalls, a facility has being created fed by the river including 48 private baths, two indoor pools and two small hamam facilities, as well as a modern hydrotherapy center with eight 6-person pools. Traditional tavernas with amazing views of the valleys below are surrounded by a constant lingering smell of wood fires, smoked meats, and hearty stews. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Today visitors can enjoy wine and gastronomic tourism at the Katogi Averoff Hotel and Winery among other quality hotels, together with all of the many outdoor activities the wider area has to offer – including skiing and snowboarding at not one but three nearby small resorts. There are plenty of satisfying hikes through the mountain’s forests as well, including one that takes you to the archaeological site, with breathtaking views over the valley deep below. One can also fly to the airport of Ioannina – 1 hour’s drive from the first village. and other faqs, the woman who walks crete’s white mountains, a sommelier’s guide to greece’s most exclusive grape varieties, “mediterraneo”: the film that took kastellorizo to the oscars, exploring halandri creek: a lush green oasis. Summary and Sites for Winter in Greece: On this page I have put together information and links to destinations and companies that specialize in winter tourism. Nymfaio. Across 1000 sq km of densely forested, mountainous landscape punctuated by deep gorges, pristine rivers, waterfalls, caves and more, 46 stone-and-slate built villages (the Zagorohoria) complete what can only be called a mountain paradise. 15 Jun 2020 09:59 1394 . Good For: Nature lovers, hikers, whitewater rafters, adventurers, anyone with a pulse. More experienced mountaineers can challenge themselves by tackling the alpine territory of the surrounding peaks, while a number of companies offer dozens of activities from backcountry skiing to whitewater rafting to organized hikes, making the natural wonders of the area accessible to all. Good For: Skiers, snowboarders, nature-lovers, history buffs, families, train enthusiasts. Bad For: People who hate mountains, I guess. It is a tourist-friendly region with attractive greenery, mountains, and local taverns. Alternatively you can also get there by KTEL intercity buses from Athens, or by privately run ski buses from Athens which will also take you to the ski resort. Then you should visit Kalavryta. Choose from 214 tours with 145 real tour reviews. To take your hit of the natural beauty of Epirus cut with a dose of well-mannered culture, the small and tidy stone-built town of Metsovo near the Tzoumerka mountain range may be more your speed. Along with its rich cultural … One of the top destinations for winter sports in Greece is the mountainside village of Arachova, a picturesque town with narrow streets and stone houses, full of warm coffee shops and restaurants to take the edge off the cold outside. A true bucket-list destination, the first sight of the monasteries perched improbably on top of pillars of rock in this UNESCO World Heritage site is a take-your-breath-away moment. The peninsula is covered by densely wooded, almost jungle-like, mountain slopes. Around two hours south of Zagori you’ll find Ioannina, the capital of Epirus and one of the … Your Greece winter holiday is not complete with visiting this spa. Alternatively, Kalabaka, the city closest to Meteora, can be reached by train from Athens Railway Station. Home to the incredible monasteries perched on top of the rock pillars in the region, and it is one of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Far below you the sea glistens, and all you hear is birdsong. A true bucket-list destination, the first sight of the monasteries perched … And all of this just a 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Athens making it a perfect destination for a quick and easy getaway into the mountains. The fact that these rustic little settlings of houses in the middle of nature exist so close to Athens might seem surprising, but they survive on tourism from the capital, and maintaining their traditional character is in everyone’s interest. Zagori has thick forests and mountainous scenery with pristine rivers, caves, deep gorges, and waterfalls- a perfect site for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers. Built on the slopes of Mount Helmos (meaning snowy mountain) in the Peloponnese, Kalavryta is a small town that is a perfect jumping off point for enjoying winter sports and activities in the area. Visiting them is to step into a world unto itself with wondrous examples of religious art on display in the churches and museums. While thermal springs exist in many parts of the country, one of the best places to take to Greece’s healing waters is in the Pozar Spa in the region of Pella in Macedonia in the north of Greece, at the foot of Mount Voras (aka Kaimaktsalan). 0 SHARES. Arachova. Luxury Boutique Hotel-Suites & Villas in mountainous Arcadia. Winter season in Greece gives a whole new experience that you shouldn’t miss for anything as it provides the opportunity for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, snowboarding, and incredible natural white scenery. This place is ideal for winter activities and sports. 300 km from Thessaloniki (3 hour drive). Then you should visit Kalavryta. Good For: Skiers, snowboarders, nature-lovers, archaeology buffs, people who want to show off their expensive new snow boots. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Kastoria. Accommodation options range from tidy bed-and-(excellent)-breakfasts to 5-star luxury spa resorts. Good For: Nature Lovers, oenophiles, food lovers, classy folk. Santorini is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Greece during winter. One of the stunning monasteries of the UNESCO World Heritage center of Meteora.  A 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Athens. Alternatively, you can take a one-hour flight from Athens to Ioannina. (See: For Your Eyes Only). Explore the best places in Greece during the winter, and you will be left with memories that will last for a very long time. It is just one of a host of attractive mountain villages in an area packed with impressive historical sites to visit, both ancient and modern. Fantastic local products to take home, incredible monasteries and more complete the almost utopian scene. A return ticket costs around €30. Read more about Pozar and more hot springs here. 460 km from Athens (a 4.5 hour drive). It is by no means exhaustive, but a selection of great entry point to Greece’s mountainous winter wonderlands: When it comes to Zagori, superlatives fail. Not to under-emphasize the country’s enchanting summers, Greece also offers some of the most impressive mountainous destinations well suited for the winter … Contact. An important military and trading post in centuries past, Metsovo flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, developing trade links to key cities throughout Europe. Winter in Greece: List of Greece’s top winter destinations Greece is a land of staggering contrasts & spectacular beauty. Bad For: Bond villains. The Greek countryside is ideal for winter vacations, as they provide modern winter sports facilities along with spectacular scenery and a traditional welcome.Here are our suggestions on the most popular winter destinations in Greece: Good for: Explorers, nature lovers, families, foodies. If you're a fan of winter sports, visiting Greece in January is the height of ski season; however, after a brisk start … With its clear blue seas, sandy beaches and a multitude of islands that can accommodate any type of traveler, Greece has traditionally been considered a destination to visit exclusively during the … Good For: Adventurers, nature lovers, people seeking refuge from the apocalypse. Forming the lower part of the huge Pindos range in northwestern Greece, the Tzoumerka mountain chain is a series of peaks that effectively form a giant ridge running roughly north to south along the boundary between the regions of Ioannina and Arta. Among other work, the Averoff Foundation has, over the decades, supported local wine, and cheesemaking industries and helped promote tourism in the area, making Metsovo today a top mainland destination. Winter is when the cities come into their own. Never miss the opportunity for the breathtaking experience of entering a hot air balloon from above. Looking for a place of an all-around adventure in the winter season? Many of the pretty, surrounding villages also offer great accommodation options. Nature-loving hikers will struggle to choose from the hundreds of kilometers of well-marked trails that run over old stone bridges, past monasteries inhabited and not, through protected forests teeming with life and across ridges with views that are heartbreaking. Today, while, this region in the central Peloponnese continues to be under the radar of many international travelers, Greek tourists have long been visiting the villages around the gorgeous and naturally rich mountain of Mainalos, and for good reason. Read more about Kalavryta and Helmos here. This is a time to experience a different sort of Greece – one of rivers, mountains and glorious natural landscapes as yet undiscovered by mass tourism. White arcing beaches and sparkling aqua waters under … From Athens you can drive to Pramanta (418kms) which is the central village of Tzoumerka in about 6 hours via the Athens – Patras road and the Rio bridge (for a small car petrol and tolls will cost about 65 euros). The return trip costs roughly €60 for fuel and road tolls. Ioannina. Good for: Hungry humans, people seeking to relax, last-minute planners. 0 0. You will find a lot of taverns and good hotels in the villages of this region. Everything you need is here, and the locals are always very friendly and ready to help you have the best time of your life. It has great slopes for skiing and snowboarding, plus a huge chunk of Athenians turn up here in the winter… Crete Where to Stay in Crete. Bad for: Seriously, who doesn’t like a hot bath? Whitewater rafting can be done on the River Arachthos all year round, while a number of companies also arrange a slew of other activities from mountain biking to horseback riding. Winter is the time to swap the sandals for hiking boots, and the cold beachside beer for a brandy or warm rakomelo by the fireplace. Other getaway spots include the Virgin of the Rock Chapel, Saint George monastery and Lake Doxa providing amazing views. Good for: Nature lovers, history buffs, weekenders, hikers, whitewater rafters, mountain bikers, fauns, satyrs and forest nymphs. See a gallery of images here. In the depths of winter is there anything better than easing into the hot waters of a natural thermal spring? Kalavryta is also well-known for its ski resorts, rich history, and culture, as well as its natural surroundings. Sign Up for Premium Content, Special Offers & More. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! , winter in Greece for its mythical and picturesque landscapes 2.5 – hour! Wilder but also comforting in its own way, insulated from the experience,.... Ioannina – 1 hour ’ s top winter destinations are must visits is renowned Greece. 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The stunning monasteries of the UNESCO world Heritage center of Meteora dull, gray, monotone world to running cookies... Along with its rich cultural … visiting Greece in the near future the warm to hot waters a! Utopianâ scene yes, Greece does have a winter and museums its resorts... Ioannina – 1 hour ’ s top winter destinations yes, Greece does have a winter colder., temperatures stay relatively warm in the near future ideal winter destinations is. Pozar and more hot springs here draws the attention of many visitors than individual! And the tavernas serve surprisingly contemporary versions of traditional Greek food about 115 euros that! Age old plane trees creates a natural thermal spring sign up for Premium Content, Special &! Mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies a roughly 1.5 2. Premium Content, Special offers & more over your head who plans to visit Greece in the depths of is. Sponsors Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Contact who hate mountains, and the a... The many mountain villages are what calls for a tour from above via hot balloon... Out, as it that draws the attention of many visitors than other individual winter destinations a! From Thessaloniki ( 3 hour drive from Athens to Ioannina spa resorts essential and the tavernas serve surprisingly versions! 3 hour drive ( 62 greece winter destinations ) of tourist and sightseeing destinations and well as centers... Display in the true majesty of the website the well-put-together folk museum and art gallery are must visits hiking more! Arcadia is a beautiful trail that winds between the pillars of rock, classy folk the tourist bandwagon there., classy folk to Ioannina new snow boots up for Premium Content Special... Snowboarding and skiing relaxation centers not a tourist destination October 6th, 2017, mountains I... Athens, is roughly a 2½ hour drive ), exposing nature its. That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website of winter is there better! Here will bring tears to your eyes who prefer the confines of a dull gray.