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Meteora: a MUST SEE place in Greece<\/p><\/div>\n
Yes, yes! We have some exquisite traditional “fairytale like” villages, plenty of activities to do at the mountains, the rivers and the nature in general, breathtaking views and ancient monuments to visit you that take you to a trip back in time…. And yes, even ski resorts, delicious food in cute local restaurants and new road infrastracture that can get you there within a few hours from most of the major cities.<\/p>\n
In case you want to rent a car , this is a site I trust and I usually book my cars: here.<\/a><\/p>\n Below you can find a list of some places<\/span> I have visited during winter\/autumn or spring in mainland Greece and I strongly suggest them for beautiful excursions of 4-5 days or weekend getaways.<\/strong><\/p>\n Of course these are only some suggestions of the plenty choices we have in Greece during winter… Stay tuned as I will keep updating it!<\/p>\n 1. ARACHOVA<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Arachova is undoubtedly the most famous winter destination for Athenians for either just a weekend, a day trip or for ski<\/strong> lovers<\/strong> since Parnassos mountain is the best and closest option to Athens. Well known as “Mykonos of the winter” as well. Plenty of options for local food, drinks and not only, many hotels, chalets and rooms to let.<\/p>\n You can read more about ARACHOVA in my relevant blog post, click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Distance from ATHENS<\/strong>: 2-3 hours from Athens – 4 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Arachova if you want to have everything on foot (but crowded as well) or Livadi area 15 minutes drive away. In Livadi, you can find many restaurants & you will be closer to the ski center and the nature fyi. For cheaper accomodation, 15 minutes by car from Arachova and 1 hour from the Ski center, check “Delphi area”.<\/p>\n What to see around:<\/strong> Parnassos ski resort, Delphi: an impressive mountainside archaeological complex, Agoriani village.<\/p>\n Food: <\/strong>I am sure you will enjoy the food in Arachova and the surrounding area since you can choose among gourmet restaurants and traditional local tavernas that will satisfy you to the fullest! Angel’s tip<\/strong><\/span>: In Arachova you can find the local cheese, called “formaela” produced from goat\u2019s and sheep\u2019s milk exclusively there, usually roasted on the grill or fried. Below you can see a few of the restaurants I have tried and suggest:<\/p>\n Cafeterias:<\/strong> You can find\u00a0 plenty of cafes on the main road and around the main square(Lakka square) in Arachova like Sehre, Husky, Cine Helena, Patron etc . In Livadi area you can find cozy cafeterias with fireplaces and sometimes board games like Paramount, MOUNTAINEZ All Day Coffee Bar, Cafe arkouda<\/p>\n Drinks:<\/strong> Arachova is famous for the nightlife. You can find many bars around like Pengu, Hasky, E, Akouarela, E and “Panagiota plus” for late hrs.<\/p>\n Angel’s food tip: <\/strong><\/span>If you want some party vibes with loud Greek music during your lunch, don’t forget to make a reservation in “Panagiota” in Arachova town and ” Nikos” in Eptalofos village (Agori<\/span>ani)<\/span><\/p>\n Arachova is so picturesque<\/p><\/div>\n 2. PAVLIANI<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n In Oiti mountain, Pavliani village is lately the talk of the town in Athens since a beautiful theme park was established and has become the main attraction of the area. Even if you have kids or not, you will love it! The Park has been decorated & built by the local residents and the whole area around has been developed.<\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: 2:50\u00a0 hours from Athens – 3:30 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Ano & Kato Pavliani, Loutra Ypatis<\/p>\n What to see around: <\/strong>Asopos river gorge for hiking, Gorgopotamos, Kastania, Lichno, Kremastos waterfall<\/p>\n Pavliani park<\/p><\/div>\n 3. TRIKALA KORINTHIAS<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Another great option from the capital as it is super close to Athens and it is amazing for a weekend in the nature. If you have kids or you are a beginner in ski\/snowboard, this is a perfect option as you can find the small but cute Zireia ski center<\/strong> close by. Excellent food as well and hiking opportunities around.<\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: 2 hours from Athens – 6 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Mesaia, Ano or Kato Trikala Korinthias<\/p>\n Where to eat:<\/strong> Opos palia (exquisite!!) , Oti kalo<\/p>\n What to see around:<\/strong> Zireia ski center, Lake Doxa, Virgin of the rock, Lake Dasiou<\/p>\n 4. KALAVRYTA<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n A picturesque town in Greece’s Peloponnese region, offers a blend of history, nature, and adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n The popular Kalavryta village with the pedestrian streets,\u00a0 souvenir shops and famous Place of Sacrifice of Kalavryta is famous for the great Ski center close for intermediate level too and the delicious food with great options for strolling around.<\/p>\n You can read more for Kalavryta in my relevant blog post, click here.<\/a> Distance<\/strong>: 2:30 hours from Athens – 5:30 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Kalavryta.\u00a0 Angel’s tip:<\/strong><\/span> Try the local cheeses, honey, and traditional pies.<\/span><\/p>\n Where to eat:<\/strong><\/p>\n Angel’s tip:<\/strong><\/span> Great sweets and loukoumades in “Nero kai Alevri” in the main pedestrial road of Kalavryta\u00a0 and crepes in “Kalavryta Sweet corner”.<\/span><\/p>\n What to see around: <\/strong><\/p>\n Kato Zachlorou village<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n \u00a0Angel’s tip:<\/strong><\/span> For the Diakopto \u2013 Kalavryta Rack Railway and a wonderful ride in the nature from Kalavryta to Diakopto city and back, the duration is 1 hour \/ 22 km. You can find more details and timetables here<\/a>. And tickets in this site.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n 5<\/span>. ARKADIA<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n One trip that I have enjoyed plenty of times in beautiful Peloponnese! Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Lagkadia, Karytaina, Vytina…. beautiful villages with incredible options for coffee, food, walks. I have combined it many times with rafting in Lousios\/ Alfeios river while staying in Dimitsana village. Mainalo ski center<\/strong> is 25 minutes from Vytina village.<\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: 2:30 hours from Athens – 6:30 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/strong>Dimitsana, Vytina villages<\/p>\n What to see around: <\/strong>Mainalo ski center, Rafting in Lousios\/Alfeios river, Open-air water power museum in Dimitsana, Monastery of St John the baptist, Waterfall Vrontos, Andritsaina city, Church of Agia Fotini in Mantineia, Capsia Cave<\/p>\n Angel’s food tip:<\/strong><\/span> Don’t forget to visit “Zerzova” restaurant in Panagia village, “Drymonas” restaurant in Dimitsana and “Klimataria”\/”ta Kokkina pitharia” in Vytina village<\/span><\/p>\n You can read more about ARKADIA area in my relevant blog post,\u00a0 CLICK HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 6. NAFPLION<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most picturesque cities of the country and the capital of the Greek state in the years 1828 \u2013 1833. Don’t forget to take a boat out to Bourtzi castle and climb up the “999” stairs to the fortress of Palamidi to get the panoramic view of the city (you can also take the car, if you don’t like climbing so many stairs). Even though Nafplion is a seaside city, it is a popular destination during winter as well!<\/p>\n You can read more about NAFPLION in my relevant blog post, click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: 2 hours from Athens – 6 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong>\u00a0 Nafplion old town<\/p>\n Where to eat:<\/strong>\u00a0 Bounos for seafood, To teloneio, Aiolos, Omorfo tavernaki, Roulis for seafood (10′ away by car)<\/p>\n What to see around: <\/strong>Stadium at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus, Archaelogical site of Mykines, Ancient Nemea and a visit to the famous wineries in Nemea. 7. PELION MOUNTAIN<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n You have already noticed that many winter choices in Greece include mountains and ski centers. Pelion is again one of them. Pilion Ski center<\/strong>, delicious food, beautiful traditional villages and great souvenir shops with local products.<\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: Portaria village is 4\/4:30 hours from Athens – 2:30\/3 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Makrinitsa & Portaria villages Where to eat in Pelion:<\/strong> So many great restaurants to enjoy local traditional food in the mountains. It is based mainly on meat. Some of my favorite: Kritsa restaurant & Gefsokratoras in Portaria village , Kardamo & Peliades in Makrinitsa village, Salkimi in Milies village. Angel’s tip:<\/strong><\/span> I had brunch and delicious desserts in “Agora 1955”\u00a0 and “Alchimistis” in Portaria village.<\/span><\/p>\n What to see\/do around: <\/strong>Pilion ski center, picturesque villages like Makrinitsa – Kissos – Zagora – Tsagarada – Milies – Vyzitsa – Pinakates – Agios Georgios,Volos city for “tsipoura”, hiking in Centaurs’ path (2 paths, the short one and the longer). Angel’s tip:<\/strong><\/span> Don’t miss the steam train called “Mountzouris” which starts from “Ano Lechonia” villlage arriving in Millies village.<\/span> You can enjoy a magnificent ride in the nature crossing beautiful villages & bridges. It operates on weekends starting at 10:00 am – arriving 11:30 in Millies village and return at 15:00 pm. Book online in advance.<\/p>\n Makrinitsa village<\/p><\/div>\n The main city close to Pelion: <\/strong>VOLOS CITY. Volos is a picturesque coastal city situated in the middle , between the 2 biggest cities in Greece, the capital Athens & Thessaloniki. It is known for the many local restaurants that serve tsipouro called \u201ctsipouradika\u201d. Tsipouro is a famous strong Greek spirit made up of 40-45% alcohol. But the funny thing is that customers in these restaurants don\u2019t order food. \ud83d\ude02 Stroll around the port,\u00a0 don’t miss “Volonaki” area with the cafeterias and the restaurants during day or night and walk in the old part of the town during night for drinks and food.<\/p>\n Where to eat in Volos city:<\/strong> In Volos you can find mainly seafood and soooo many amazing tsipouradika. Some restaurants I tried and recommend: Lepi, 25araki, Mezen, Achinios, Plagiws. 8. TRIKALA & METEORA<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n A city I visited recently and was really impressed by! Known as the \u201csmart city\u201d of Greece, Trikala is a fantastic base to explore the surrounding area, especially during the Christmas season. The city is famous for hosting the biggest Christmas theme park in Greece, the Mill of the Elves, which makes it a magical destination for families and festive lovers.<\/p>\n However, the true highlight of the area is the breathtaking landscape of Meteora, only about 30 minutes away, with its stunning monasteries perched on towering rock formations – a must-see for any visitor. In the city itself, don\u2019t miss Trikala Castle during the day for panoramic views, and take a stroll through the charming \u201cManavika\u201d area in the old town for dinner in a local, atmospheric setting. For winter sports enthusiasts, Pertouli Ski Center is also nearby.<\/p>\n You can read more about TRIKALA AND METEORA in my relevant blog post, click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: ~3:30 hours from Athens, ~2:30 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Trikala city or the picturesque Elati village<\/p>\n What to see around Trikala<\/strong><\/p>\n Paleokaria waterfalls and the stone bridge<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n Where to eat<\/strong><\/p>\n Angel\u2019s tip:<\/strong><\/span> Check my Instagram highlights and posts\/guide for more details. If your main reason for visiting is Meteora, staying in Kalampaka village is convenient. I stayed in Trikala city – it\u2019s less picturesque than the nearby villages, but offers plenty of nightlife, dining options and is a convenient base to reach all the attractions mentioned above.<\/span><\/p>\n 9. LAKE PLASTIRAS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Another beautiful option for a weekend or more around a famous lake in Greece and wonderful nature to discover. Don’t miss the botanical garden in Neochori and the Observatory of Plastiras lake.<\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: 4 hours from Athens – 3 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Neochori village<\/p>\n What to see around: <\/strong>Kastanies –\u00a0 Neraida – Mpelokomitis – Mesenikolas villages, Pelekitis monastery, Botanical garden in Neochori, Anthochori waterfall, Meteora in 1,5 hr drive.<\/p>\n 10.KARPENISSI<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n An area in Greece famous for the magical nature around and that’s why many call it “Swiitzerland of Greece”. There are canyons around, where you can hike and many beautiful traditional villages like Korychades, Lagadia, Megalo Chorio,\u00a0 Palio Mikro chorio, Domnitsa, Klausi, Voutiro, Fidakia, Granitsa etc. There is another famous ski center<\/strong> here called Velouhi.<\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: 3:30 hours from Athens – 4 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Mikro Chorio, Megalo Chorio , Karpenissi<\/p>\n What to see around: <\/strong>Hiking 30 minutes till Black Cave and its waterfall, Panta Vrexei (always raining) Canyon, Velouhi ski center, Monastery of Panagia Prousos, Saloon Park for coffee & horse riding with other activities as well.<\/p>\n Angel’s tip:<\/strong><\/span> Enjoy the best breathtaking view of the area in “Tsagaralona”<\/span><\/p>\n 11. IOANNINA – METSOVO – ZAGOROCHORIA<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Obviously the city itself is so vivid and beautiful full of history & art, with the gorgeous lake Pamvotida being the “crown jewel”. Impressive buildings and lots of history in the city center & old town. Don’t forget to visit the famous museums in the city like the Ali Pasa and the small island in the lake. Anilio ski center<\/strong> is great for beginners & intermediate level.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: Ioannina is 4:15 hours from Athens – 3 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Metsovo to be close to the ski resort, Ioannina and Zagorochoria villages<\/p>\n What to see around : <\/strong>Archaeological Site of Dodoni, Anilio ski center, Metsovo village, Zagorochoria with the famous Papigko – Aristi – Dilofo- Vikos Villages, National Park of Tzoumerka, Rafting in Voidomatis river.<\/p>\n 12. AGIOS ATHANASIOS IN PELLA<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Far from the capital Athens but it is worthy! An excellent choice for residents of the northern part of Greece either for a relaxing getaway or ski<\/strong>\/snowboard adventures. You cannot miss the Pozar baths and the Edessa waterfalls when you are in the area.<\/p>\n Distance<\/strong>: 6 hours from Athens – 2 hours from Thessaloniki<\/p>\n Where to stay:<\/strong> Agios Athanasios village<\/p>\n What to see around: <\/strong>Vegoritida lake, Edessa waterfalls, Pozar baths, Voras(Kaimaktsalan) ski center, Panagitsa – Nea Xanthogeia – Karydia Villages, Visits to wineries like “Alpha Estate”.<\/p>\n Edessa Waterfalls<\/p><\/div>\n 13. FLORINA<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Florina: one of my favorite winter trips for 2022! My choice? To stay in Florina and have it as base in order to do skiing<\/strong> and discover the area around. It was absolutely stunning!! First of all , Florina is very famous for the unique bear\/lynx\/wolf sanctuary in Nymfaio and Agrapidies villages by Arcturos.\u00a0 ARCTUROS is a greek Non Profit Organisation working on the protection of wildlife and natural environment. Second, you have so many options around and things to do not only during winter but on summer as well , as you can see below.<\/p>\n Wineries in the area like the famous “Alpha Estate” where you can have a tour for free (book in advance your slot), wonderful lakes likes Prespes,\u00a0 cities to visit like “Edessa” with the popular waterfalls & “Kastoria” with the famous lake, magical villages like Nymfaio…. The trails in a forest are one of the best for a mountain bike or horse riding in the area…<\/p>\n Regarding Ski centers, you have 3 options: Pisoderi ski Center in Florina (25 minutes from the city center), Vitsi in Kastoria (1 hour from Florina), Kaimaktsalan in 1 hours and 20 minutes drive.<\/p>\n Angel’s tip:<\/span> <\/strong>Bear Sanctuary is usually closed from January to March since bears are in hibernation. Prespes lakes are amazing to visit anytime of the year but during spring & summer you can have boat tours as well.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/explorewithangel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_6081-1440x1539.jpg\")
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Instead, they order tsipouro to drink which is always served with a round of delicious small plates! Seafood mainly, cheeses, vegetables etc. As they continue to order more rounds of the tsipouro, more dishes are coming, all included in the price of the tsipouro. Weird, right?<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/explorewithangel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/75D69417-E4B1-4E1F-AF97-4591CE46A3DA.jpg\")
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