From Macedonia and Epirus to the Peloponnese, mountainous Greece is brimming with enchanting places for winter getaways.
Stone-built villages nestled among firs, atmospheric towns by lakes, cozy guesthouses and good traditional food. Mountainous Greece is full of beautiful places where nature and tradition create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable journeys. From Macedonia and Epirus to the Peloponnese, we have selected and present some of Greece’s top winter destinations for short and long getaways.
Kalavryta
When the landscape turns white, the roads ofKalavrytaand the surrounding villages fill with skiers who come to enjoy one of Greece’s best ski centers. But you won’t go to Kalavryta only for skiing. The magical mountain world of Mount Chelmos (Aroania Mountains) hides many beauties and offers different options for outings and activities. There are countless historical and natural sights to see. The two historic monasteries of Agia Lavra and Mega Spilaio, the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust housed in the town’s old primary school, the plane-tree forest of Planitero, the Waters of Styx, the Cave of the Lakes, and the gorge of the Vouraikos River steal the show.
Mountainous Corinthia
Just two hours by car from Athens is all it takes to find yourself in a mountain paradise of dense forests of junipers and black pines, serene lakes and plateaus, villages with stone squares, cozy guesthouses, and little tavernas serving good food. Trikala of Corinthia is the most famous destination in the area. Built at an altitude of 1,000 meters, it consists of three neighborhoods – Kato, Mesaia and Ano. At 1,500 meters, just 10 km from Trikala of Corinthia, lies the Ziria Ski Center, one of the country’s newest ski resorts, ideal for beginners and families with children. Be sure to include in your plans a visit to the man-made Lake Doxa, near the village of Feneos. The landscape is magical in every season.
Mountainous Arcadia
True museums of traditional architecture, the villages of Mountainous Arcadia offer dozens of ideas for activities in nature or relaxation. Stemnitsa with its grand mansions, Vytina with the famous tree-shaded "Road of Love", Dimitsana with the Open-Air Water Power Museum, the Lousios Gorge with its old monasteries, the fir forest of Mainalo, and other smaller yet beautiful villages (Valtesiniko, Kapsia, Alonistaina, Panagia, Limbovisi, etc.) set the finest backdrop for winter escapes.
Arachova
A paradise for skiers, a favorite haunt for every foodie, an ideal destination for those who want to savor the magic of the mountains and nature, as well as the cosmopolitan life of a popular resort. Built on the foothills of Mount Parnassos, at 950 meters altitude, a stone’s throw from the country’s largest ski center, Arachovais undeniably the most famous winter resort in Greece. It has cozy guesthouses and excellent hotels that are reason enough for a short escape, a variety of shops for every taste, vibrant nightlife, amazing local products and delicious tavernas serving traditional treats.
Karpenisi
Our very own "little Switzerland", as many call Karpenisi, lies in the heart of Roumeli and is an ideal winter destination. Built on the southern slopes of Velouchi, Karpenisi is famed for its ski center, but it is also a starting point for magical experiences in Evrytania. Endless and usually snow-capped mountain peaks, beautiful gorges, waterfalls, rushing rivers, stone-built villages and historic monasteries become part of the experience of exploring a place with unique nature and history.
Mountainous Nafpaktia
In the highlands of Aetoloakarnania, just north of the town of Nafpaktos, Mountainous Nafpaktia, with its wonderful nature and picturesque villages, is one of mainland Greece’s most beautiful destinations for winter getaways. Leaving Nafpaktos, heading into the mountains, the winding uphill roads will lead you to villages smothered in greenery, to alpine scenery and to trails through endless forests. Ano Chora is the most developed village for visitors in the area. Platanos is also very beautiful, a village that has preserved its traditional character intact. Don’t miss the impressive man-made Lake Evinos and the surrounding villages that offer tranquility and a close connection with nature.
Pelion
Winter in Pelion is a delightful experience. Squares with gigantic centuries-old plane trees, stone-paved lanes, smoking chimneys and misty forests create a dreamlike atmosphere. However many times we go, we always return to the villages of Pelion for escapes that combine abundant tradition, unique routes through nature and generous local flavors. Those who seek adventure in the snow will find it at the Agriolefkes Ski Center, where the descent unfolds in a beautiful natural setting with views of the Aegean.
Elati – Pertouli
The two stone-built traditional settlements, with their picturesque little tavernas and guesthouses submerged in the snow-covered fir forests of Koziakas, will enchant you. Elati and Pertouli are among the best-known winter destinations in the prefecture of Trikala. Elati is at an altitude of 938 meters and is the largest of the region’s mountain villages. Magical Pertouli lies a little higher, at 1,200 meters. The Pertouli ski center, small in size but unique thanks to the natural landscape that surrounds it, attracts many skiers and lovers of winter sports.
Zagorochoria
Zagori, a word of Slavic origin meaning "behind the mountain". An authentic, wild, evocative land. Forty-six stone-built villages, 46 different destinations sharing the common denominator of robust, characteristic architecture set against imposing mountain ranges. Lush slopes and impressive gorges, rushing ice-cold rivers, wonderful stone guesthouses, bridge masterpieces, and monasteries built into the rock become part of an experience that will captivate you. All you have to do is choose which village you will use as a base for your excursions.
Metsovo
Built amphitheatrically on one of the loveliest slopes of the Pindus, amid beech and fir, Metsovois a model mountain settlement that bustles with life in every season. In winter it is simply magical. The rich natural landscape, the unspoiled traditional character, the mansions with wooden balconies, authentic mountain flavors and the folkloric atmosphere make this stately town in the prefecture of Ioannina one of Greece’s most popular mountain destinations.
Nymfaio
Just a short drive from the town of Florina, there is a small mountain village, built at 1,350 meters on the slopes of Mount Vitsi, that looks as if it has been taken from a painting. Nymfaio has been recognized, not by chance, as one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Europe. The entrance with the little arched wooden bridge, the cobbled paths, the well-crafted stone houses and the towering beech trees that surround the village create a scene that enchants visitors at first sight. In winter, with the white veil of snow having covered everything, the landscape looks truly dreamlike.
Kastoria
One of the most beautiful cities in northern Greece, Kastoria has been reflected for centuries in the still waters of Lake Orestiada, which attracts visitors like a magnet. The small circuit of the lake is about 8 km long and is ideal on foot or by bicycle (there is also the longer one, which continues toward the lakeside villages). As you walk, you will gaze at pelicans and ducks, as well as the impressive sight of fishermen rowing their "boats" standing upright. Next come strolls through the picturesque neighborhoods of Dolcho and Apozari, with the listed mansions of affluent Kastorians that will take you back in time.
Palaios Agios Athanasios - Kaimaktsalan
Built at an altitude of 1,200 meters on the slopes of Kaimaktsalan, Greece’s third-highest mountain, Palaios Agios Athanasiosis one of Northern Greece’s most popular winter destinations. The village stands out for its traditional Macedonian architecture, and also for its proximity to the famous Vora ski center, which has the greatest elevation of all Greece’s ski resorts, at around 2,500 meters.
