Captivating sights, enchanting landscapes, strolls through atmospheric alleyways and vibrant neighborhoods, excursions into nature and good food. All this and much more make these Greek cities ideal for winter getaways.
Winter is an ideal season for revitalizing trips, especially when paired with snowy landscapes. Beyond the mountain villages, there are several Greek cities that can make your winter holidays truly unforgettable. Intriguing sights, strolls through atmospheric alleys and neighborhoods brimming with life,nature escapes and good food. We chose 4 Greek cities worth visiting this season to discover their charms.
4 beautiful Greek cities for winter
Kastoria
One of the most beautiful and picturesque cities of northern Greece, Kastoria is mirrored in the waters of Lake Orestiada and charms visitors with its grandeur and serene aura. The lake, which is especially magical when frozen in winter, the traditional neighborhoods Doltso and Apozari with their imposing mansions, the Byzantine churches and the gastronomic delights make Kastoria one of the best winter destinations in Greece.
What to do
- Lake Orestiada is inseparable from the citys identity, history and development. The small loop around the lake is about 8 km long and is ideal on foot or by bicycle (there is also the large one, which continues towards the lakeside villages). As you walk, youll watch pelicans and ducks, as well as the impressive sight of fishermen who row their boats standing up.
- On the northern side of the lake lies the Dragons Cave with ten accessible chambers and seven underground lakes.
- A stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods of Doltso and Apozari is a must, with the preserved mansions of affluent Kastorians that will transport you to the past.
- Dont miss the chance to visit the prehistoric lakeside settlement at Dispilio, a few kilometers outside the city. Excavations began in 1992, while today in the reconstruction, which consists of 8 huts, the visitor gets the picture of a prehistoric lakeside settlement, sees the finds from that era and can understand what a household was like 7,500 years ago.
- Just 22 km from Kastoria lies the Vitsi Ski Center, at an altitude of 1,800 m, fully organized and especially popular with skiers and snowboarders.
Naousa
With a long winemaking tradition, traditional neighborhoods with unique character, wonderful countryside around the city, historic sights and two ski resorts a stones throw away,Naousa offers unique experiences to those who love getaways with an emphasis on nature and flavor.
What to do
- The Arapitsa River that runs through the city creates gorgeous green landscapes, small waterfalls and ideal settings for endless walks.
- A stroll through the neighborhoods of Alonia, Pouliana and Batania will take you back in time, while its also worth visiting the Municipal Park, near Karatasos Square, with sweeping views over the fertile plain of Imathia.
- At a distance of 3 km from the city stretches the Agios Nikolaos Grove, which has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is a verdant expanse that offers a unique escape setting for the whole family.
- Aristotles School is located at Isvoria, in an idyllic landscape very close to the city. This is the site that, shortly after the mid-4th century BC, housed the School where the philosopher Aristotle taught the young Alexander.
- Within a short distance from the city lie beautiful villages worth a visit: Arkochori, Giannakochori and Rodochori.
- Include in your plans a visit to one of Naousas renowned wineries to learn the story behind the regions famed wines.
- For winter sports enthusiasts, two major ski resorts are located within a short distance of the city of Naousa: the 3-5 Pigadia Ski Center (17 km from Naousa) and the Seli Ski Center (19 km from Naousa).
Trikala
It is the city of Asclepius and the Litheos River, the birthplace of Vasilis Tsitsanis, a lively and modern city that captivates everyone who visits. The river, the old town, the fortress with the clock rising 33 meters high, the squares, the parks, the pedestrian streets and the bike lanes make the city of Trikala ideal for delightful strolls in every season.
What to do
- The Litheos River is the citys jewel. A walk along its banks, lined with towering trees, is always a pleasure. Along the rivers course there are 13 bridges, most of them for pedestrians only.
- At the foot of the fortress stretches Varousi, the old quarter with the famous - from Vasilis Tsitsanis song - lanes of Sakaflias. The other old-town district you will surely visit is Manavika, once disreputable and for many years neglected, which today hosts many meze restaurants and cafe bars.
- During the Christmas seasonthe fairytale village of The Mill of the Elves steals the show, set up at the old Matsopoulos Mill, in the citys park of the same name. With various activities and many events, the largest Christmas theme park in Greece guarantees a delightful experience for the whole family.
- Using Trikala as your base you can visit Elati and Pertouli (with its ski center), while the Meteora are just a breath away.
Ioannina
The city of silversmiths, students, legends and traditions is a unique destination with many options for food, entertainment and excursions. The sweet melancholy of rain and winter weather fit Ioannina like a glove. This season, the capital of Epirus becomes even more enchanting and mysterious.
What to do
- Your introduction to the city could begin with nothing else but Lake Pamvotida. On foot or by bike, whatever you choose for your outing, the route beside the tranquil waters will reward you. When the mist descends, the scenery turns dreamlike. The cafes, restaurants and bars of the lakeside area make an ideal stop for relaxation.
- Wander through the historic center and the imposing Castle and then take the small boat to visit the lake island, see the Ali Pasha Museum and try frog legs and eel at one of the little tavernas found there.
- In Perama, 5 km from Ioannina, lies the first cave in Greece to be developed for tourism, and one of the largest and most beautiful in the Balkans. The Perama Cave consists of many successive chambers and corridors adorned with stalactites and stalagmites in fantastic formations.
- From the city of Ioannina you can also take short trips to the famed stone villages of Zagori, as well as to stately Metsovo.
