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 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. Athens Tour Greece's 10 day Ski winter packages are brilliant flexible ski and snowboard trips in the Parnasos and Helmos mountains. Pilio is renowned in Greece for its mythical and picturesque landscapes. 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. 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. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! 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. Patras, Volos, Naoussa, Veria and Ioannina also have rewards for a winter … Cookie Policy The neighboring town of Kalabaka offers plenty of high quality accommodation options and tourism services. 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). However, winter in Greece is just as magical. These cookies do not store any personal information. A 50m swimming pool is also located on a specially designed plateau, while visitors may also enjoy the small thermal waterfalls along the river. 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. 500 km from Athens (a 6 hour drive). Good for: Hungry humans, people seeking to relax, last-minute planners. Metsovo is approximately a 4½ drive from Athens. A road trip including and fuel and tolls is about 115 euros. Top winter destinations in Greece, particularly the towns of Arachova and Kalavryta, have noted a rise in bookings for the upcoming holiday season. Coined as of the most picturesque villages in Europe, Nymfaio is definitely a site for sore … 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 Northern Greek city of Kastoria is not a tourist destination. Bad For: Those who believe Arcadia isn’t a real place you can go to. A 2.5 – 3hr drive from Athens, also accessible by intercity bus and from Diakofto via the rack railway line. © Copyright 2020 | FocusGreece | All rights reserved, About So, just in case there is any confusion, yes, Greece does have a winter. 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. Home to the incredible monasteries perched on top of the rock pillars in the region, and it is one of UNESCO World Heritage sites. 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. 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. 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. 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. A car to get around is a must (equipped with snow chains in the winter). The mild winters of Athens and Thessaloniki make them ideal winter destinations for a quick getaway. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Fantastic local products to take home, incredible monasteries and more complete the almost utopian scene. While many visit in the summer, the baking heat and large crowds can detract from the experience. By Pavlos Zafiropoulos, Paulina Kapsali | You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In Pilio (aka Pelion), nature offers a smorgasbord of atmospheric surroundings. Good For: History buffs, religious tourists, hikers, nature lovers, hot air balloon enthusiasts, aspiring hermits. 460 km from Athens (a 4.5 hour drive). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Shops sell homemade jams and spoon sweets, and the tavernas serve surprisingly contemporary versions of traditional Greek food. Your Greece winter holiday is not complete with visiting this spa. 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. If you're a fan of winter sports, visiting Greece in January is the height of ski season; however, after a brisk start … Read more about Meteora here. Then you should visit Kalavryta. Accommodation options range from tidy bed-and-(excellent)-breakfasts to 5-star luxury spa resorts. Although winter has already set in, temperatures stay relatively warm in the coastal cities. Other getaway spots include the Virgin of the Rock Chapel, Saint George monastery and Lake Doxa providing amazing views. 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. 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