TOP GREEK DESTINATIONS FOR AUTUMN, WINTER & SPRING

I know that many of you have Greece in your mind as the absolute summer destination. I don’t blame you. Who hasn’t heard of Santorini, Crete or Mykonos? And I love Greek islands too. I don’t usually travel abroad during summer, since I am addicted to Greece, our amazing cuisine, our incredible weather and the stunning beaches!

BUT did you know that Greece is wonderful during other seasons as well?

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.

Below you can find a list of some places 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.

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!

1. ARACHOVA

Arachova is undoubtedly the most famous winter destination for Athenians for either just a weekend, a day trip or for ski lovers 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.

Distance: 2-3 hours from Athens – 4 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: 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”.

What to see around: Parnassos ski resort, Delphi: an impressive mountainside archaeological complex, Agoriani village.

Food: 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: In Arachova you can find the local cheese, called “formaela” produced from goat’s and sheep’s milk exclusively there, usually roasted on the grill or fried.

Below you can see a few of the restaurants I have tried and suggest:

• For breakfast: “Belleville patisserie”, “Oistros”, “Sehre”.
• For local lunch/dinner in Arachova: “To tsoukali” ,”Dasargyris” ,”Kaplanis”, “To archontiko”, “The Agnantio”.
• For local lunch /dinner in Livadi area: “Babis” , “Riza” , “O Christos”, “Karaouli” but I have eaten almost in all and food is great.
• For crepes in Arachova: “Fuego”
• For Pizza in Arachova: “Fuego” , “La Fabbrica Pizza”, “Pomodori”.

Cafeterias: You can find  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

Drinks: Arachova is famous for the nightlife. You can find many bars around like Pengu, Hasky, E, Akouarela, E and “Panagiota plus” for late hrs.

Angel’s food tip: 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 (Agoriani)

2. PAVLIANI

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.

Distance: 2:50  hours from Athens – 3:30 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Ano & Kato Pavliani, Loutra Ypatis

What to see around: Asopos river gorge for hiking, Gorgopotamos, Kastania, Lichno, Kremastos waterfall

3. TRIKALA KORINTHIAS

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 close by. Excellent food as well and hiking opportunities around.

Distance: 2 hours from Athens – 6 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Mesaia, Ano or Kato Trikala Korinthias

What to see around: Zireia ski center, Lake Doxa, Virgin of the rock, Lake Dasiou

4. KALAVRYTA

The popular Kalavryta village with the pedestrian streets,  souvenir shops and famous Place of Sacrifice of Kalavryta, a great Ski center close for intermediate level and a beautiful village with delicious food & great options for strolling around.

Distance: 2:30 hours from Athens – 5:30 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Kalavryta ideally, or Kato Zachlorou

Where to eat: “Peri orexeos” and “Varvitsiotis” in Kalavryta, “To Spiti tis Marios” a bit further, taverns in Kato Zachlorou. Angel’s tip: Great sweets and loukoumades in “Nero kai Alevri” in the main pedestrial road of Kalavryta.

What to see around: Kalavryta ski center, impressive “Cave of the Lakes”  17km away with the lakes/stalagmites/stalactites, Kato Zachlorou village, Mega Spileon Monastery

 Angel’s tip: take the Diakopto – Kalavryta Rack Railway for a wonderful ride in the nature from Kalavryta to Diakopto city and back. One of the most famous tourist attractions in the area but a magical ride as well with spectacular views of Vouraikos gorge and Zachlorou village. Duration: 1 hour / 22 km. You can find more details and timetables here. And tickets in this site.

5. ARKADIA

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 is 25 minutes from Vytina village.

Distance: 2:30 hours from Athens – 6:30 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Dimitsana, Vytina villages

What to see around: 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

Angel’s food tip: Don’t forget to visit “Zerzova” restaurant in Panagia village, “Drymonas” restaurant in Dimitsana and “Klimataria”/”ta Kokkina pitharia” in Vytina village

6. NAFPLION

One of the most picturesque cities of the country and the capital of the Greek state in the years 1828 – 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!

Distance: 1:40 hours from Athens – 6:10 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay:  Nafplion center

Where to eat: Pidalio tavern, To teloneio in Nafplion

What to see around: Stadium at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus, Archaelogical site of Mykines, Ancient Nemea and a visit to the famous wineries in Nemea.

7. PELION MOUNTAIN

You have already noticed that many winter choices in Greece include mountains and ski centers. Pelion is again one of them. Pilion Ski center, delicious food, beautiful traditional villages and great souvenir shops with local products.

Distance: Portaria village is 4/4:30 hours from Athens – 2:30/3 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Makrinitsa & Portaria villages

Where to eat in Pelion: 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: I had brunch and delicious desserts in “Agora 1955”  and “Alchimistis” in Portaria village.

What to see/do around: 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: Don’t miss the steam train called “Mountzouris” which starts from “Ano Lechonia” villlage arriving in Millies village. 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.

The main city close to Pelion: 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 “tsipouradika”. Tsipouro is a famous strong Greek spirit made up of 40-45% alcohol. But the funny thing is that customers in these restaurants don’t order food. 😂
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?

Stroll around the port,  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.

Where to eat in Volos city: 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

A city I visited recently and I was really impressed. Known as the “smart city” in Greece and consists a great option to stay and discover the area around especially if you visit during Christmas period: the city is famous for the biggest Christmas theme park in Greece: the Mill of the Elves. However, the highlight of the area is the famous breathtaking landscape of Meteora, which is only 30 minutes away. Don’t miss Trikala castle during day to enjoy the view and “Manavika area” in the old town of the city to have a dinner! Pertouli ski center is close there as well.

Distance: 3:30 hours from Athens – 2:30 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Trikala or Elati village

What to see around: Meteora, Arched bridge of Portaikos river at Pyli village, Ropotos sinking church, Paleokaria waterfalls, Elati village ,  Pertouli ski center. Angel’s tip: Check my highlight on Instagram and posts/guide for more.

Where to eat: “Niavis” in Neraidochori village, “Magklaras” restaurant iun Kalampaka village, “Katogi” in Trikala city, “Il Cucinotto” in Trikala city for Italian.

Angel’s tip: If your main reason for visiting the area is Meteora, you can stay in Kalampaka village.  I stayed in Trikala city, it was not so picturesque like the villages but I had many options for night & food plus it was very easy to visit all places mentioned above.

9. LAKE PLASTIRAS

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.

Distance: 4 hours from Athens – 3 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Neochori village

What to see around: Kastanies –  Neraida – Mpelokomitis – Mesenikolas villages, Pelekitis monastery, Botanical garden in Neochori, Anthochori waterfall, Meteora in 1,5 hr drive.

10.KARPENISSI

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,  Palio Mikro chorio, Domnitsa, Klausi, Voutiro, Fidakia, Granitsa etc. There is another famous ski center here called Velouhi.

Distance: 3:30 hours from Athens – 4 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Mikro Chorio, Megalo Chorio , Karpenissi

What to see around: 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.

Angel’s tip: Enjoy the best breathtaking view of the area in “Tsagaralona”

11. IOANNINA – METSOVO – ZAGOROCHORIA

There are so many things to write about this area in Greece, that I would need a separate article. 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 is great for beginners.

• Zagorochoria obviously is a must visit destination to be combined with your visit to Ioannina. Incredible, more than 70 villages, food & landscapes.
• Metsovo as well, another popular village – 30 minutes drive from Ioannina and so picturesque is a must. Don’t forget to go for wine tasting in the famous Greek local winery “Katogi Averof” with the wine of same name. Book online here: https://katogiaveroff.gr/

Distance: Ioannina is 4:15 hours from Athens – 3 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Ioannina and Zagorochoria villages

What to see around : Archaeological Site of Dodoni, Anilio small ski center, Metsovo village, Zagorochoria with the famous Papigko – Aristi – Dilofo- Vikos Villages, National Park of Tzoumerka, Rafting in Voidomatis river.

12. AGIOS ATHANASIOS IN PELLA

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/snowboard adventures. You cannot miss the Pozar baths and the Edessa waterfalls when you are in the area.

Distance: 6 hours from Athens – 2 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Agios Athanasios village

What to see around: Vegoritida lake, Edessa waterfalls, Pozar baths, Voras(Kaimaktsalan) ski center, Panagitsa – Nea Xanthogeia – Karydia Villages, Visits to wineries like “Alpha Estate”.

13. FLORINA

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 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.  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.

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,  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…

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.

Angel’s tip: 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.

Angel’s food tip: “Thomas” in Sklithro village, “Aposperitis” and “Koukoutsi” in Florina city

Distance: 6:10 hours from Athens – 2 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Florina city or Nymfaio village

What to see around: Florina city with her river Sakoulevas,  Prespes lakes & National Park, Wolf & Lynx Sanctuary open all year,  Arcturos bear sanctuary, Pisoderi ski resort, Visits to wineries in Amyntaio village, Edessa waterfalls, Kastoria city.

14. KASTORIA

Kastoria is famous for the furs they make, the interesting museums and the beautiful lake Orestiada , one of the most impressive lakes in the country.

Distance: 5:30 hours from Athens – 2:00 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Kastoria Old Town

What to see around: Dragon’s cave, Aposkepos village, Nestorio village

15. SAMARINA IN GREVENA

Samarina is a lovely village built on the foot of Mount Smolikas (the 2nd tallest mountain in Greece). The village is located at an altitude of 1500-1600 mtrs and is considered the highest Greek village & one of the highest in the Balkans! Stroll around, enjoy the snow that usually during winter has covered the village and eat delicious food in the main square.

Many people choose to stay in Samarina village in order to visit every day one of the best ski resorts in Greece: Vasilitsa. Vasilitsa is in a 12km distance – 20-25 minutes, from Samarina.

Distance: 5:30-6 hours from Athens – 2:30 hours from Thessaloniki

Where to stay: Samarina village

What to see around: Vasilitsa ski resort, Spilaio village, Ziaka ancient stone bridge, Aziz Aga ancient stone bridge, Grevena city, Perivoli – Aetomilitsa- Konitsa villages

Angel’s tip: I stayed in “La Noi” traditional guesthouse and I really loved it – the view is amazing. My favorite restaurant at the village’s square is “Mparbamichalis” and another great in the area is “Perdika” in Spilaio village.

I know I have not travelled a lot to the wonderful north Greece and Thraki area where you can find amazing little treasures but I hope I will do it in the near future….

To be continued….

*For more pictures check my highlights & posts on my Instagram account*