From Macedonia and Thessaly to the Peloponnese, we have rounded up 6 wonderful traditional villages that can be the ideal destination for the Christmas season.
What could be better forChristmas than an escape to a picturesque, stone-built village nestled in nature? From Macedonia to Thessaly and the Peloponnese, we handpicked and recommend six of the most beautiful traditional villages of mountainous Greece for unforgettable winter getaways set against fir-clad slopes.
Stemnitsa Arcadia
Built amphitheatrically on the western slopes of Mount Mainalo, at an elevation of 1,100 m., Stemnitsa is one of the most beautiful and historic villages of mountainousArcadia,while also serving as a popular base in the area, thanks to its charming, well-kept guesthouses. Imposing tower-houses, cobbled lanes, Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, and stone fountains create a unique atmosphere. The ornate belfry of Agios Georgios stands out from afar and will lead you to Stemnitsas beautiful and always lively main square. The village hosts an excellent folklore museum housed in the Hatzis mansion, as well as the renowned School of Silversmithing & Goldsmithing, which proudly continues the areas illustrious tradition. You can shop for exquisite handmade jewelry at the villages traditional workshops. Stemnitsa is also an ideal base for exploring the wider area, such as nearby Dimitsana with the Open Air Water Power Museum and the Lousios Gorge with its beautiful monasteries (Monastery of Timios Prodromos,Monastery of Philosophou).
Megalo Chorio Evrytania
Just 13 kilometers from Karpenisi, Megalo Chorio is set within a dense fir forest on the slopes of Mount Kaliakouda at an elevation of 720 meters. It is one of the most picturesque and convenient places to stay, halfway along the route that starts from the town of Karpenisi and ends at Prousos and its historic monastery. The exuberant nature surrounding it, its traditional architecture, and the range of lodging and dining options have made Megalo Chorio a favorite among visitors to Evrytania. In winter, the mantle of snow makes the scenery truly enchanting. Leave the car outside the village to wander the stone-paved streets lined with well-preserved stone mansions. Beyond guesthouses, cafes, and tavernas with good food, in Megalo Chorio youll also find lovely local-produce shops to buy handmade pasta, spoon sweets, tsipouro, and more.
Agios Lavrentios Magnesia
Just 20 km. from Volos,Agios Lavrentios is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved villages ofPelion. Built amphitheatrically on a lush slope of the Centaurs mountain, at 600 m., this small and charming village preserves its pure Pelion character intact, with restored mansions, numerous churches, fountains, and picturesque cobbled lanes. The entire settlement feels like a living monument to Pelion craftsmanship. The village owes its name to the Monastery of Agios Lavrentios just outside the village (the view from there alone is a good reason to visit). The heart of the village beats in its splendid main square, which is one of Pelions finest. There youll find traditional shops, little cafes, and tavernas with excellent traditional food. Its worth walking the villages cobbled lanes, where cars dont circulate, to admire the wonderful mansions (Glavanis, Kantartzis, Papathanasiou, etc.).
Syrrako Ioannina
Built on a slope of Mount Lakmos, at an elevation of 1,200 meters and 52 kilometers southeast of Ioannina, Syrrako is one of Epirus loveliest villages. A designated traditional settlement, it features stone houses with slate-slab roofs, finely crafted cobbled lanes, and many carved fountains with running water. Cars remain outside the village. After parking at the entrance, follow the stone-paved path that leads to the center of the settlement. In the picturesque square stand two large plane trees and the covered stone fountain of Goura with icy mountain water. Syrrako is the birthplace of notable figures. Among them are Greeces first constitutional prime minister, Ioannis Kolettis, the poet and 1821 fighter Georgios Zalokostas, and the celebrated poet and author Kostas Krystallis. Krystallis family home has been turned into a folklore art museum.
Elati Trikala
Built on the slopes of Koziakas, the beautiful mountain south of Pindus, 30 km. fromTrikalaand at 950 m., the picturesqueElatifully justifies its name as it is hidden in the green of the firs. The wealth of choices for lodging, food, and outdoor activities, the Pertouli ski center, and the dozens of sights in the area can guarantee wonderful moments in one of Greeces most beautiful mountain regions. At the entrance to the village is the Grove of Prophet Elias with the namesake stone chapel - the perfect place for photos. Next door, in a quaint little square, a traditional market operates with producers wooden cabins offering a great variety of local products and souvenirs. High above, opposite the main square, among the firs, towers the limestone Red Rock. It is accessible, via an easy path, in 15 minutes and from its top the view of the village is panoramic.
Nymfaio Florina
Just a short distance from the town of Florina, there is a stone village, built at 1,350 meters on the slopes of Mount Vitsi, that looks like a scene from a painting. Nymfaiohas been named one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Europe, while in UNESCOs global competition it contended for the International «Melina Mercouri» Prize for exemplary management of cultural heritage and the natural environment. The entrance with the arched wooden footbridge, which connects two impressive mansions, the cobbled paths, the well-built stone houses, and the towering beech trees surrounding the village create a unique scene. The settlement is listed as traditional, with stone and wood prevailing, while the roofs are of galvanized sheet metal so the snow slides off easily. The villages hallmark is the old stone school, the Nikeios School, a donation from the great tobacco merchant Zan Nikou in 1928. You can walk through the beech forests that surround it and breathe the mountains invigorating air, go horseback riding and cycling, visit Lake Zazari, and taste fine wines from renowned vineyards.
