Suggestions for family outings that will «fill» your weekends.
A short escape to a picturesque village in nature is just what you need to relax, have fun, and spend quality time with the family through various activities. Below you will find some ideasfor excursions tovillageslocated at most three hours from Athens. Discover lush green landscapes, traditional settlements with lovely squares and wonderful theme parks, and enjoy with your children experiences that will stay with you forever.
Pavliani
Built on the verdant slopes of Mount Oiti,at an elevation of 1.040 meters, by the springs of the Asopos River, amid fir trees and lush nature, PavlianiinFthiotidais a wonderful family destination waiting to be discovered in every season. You will need about 2,5 hours from Athens to reach this beautiful village which in recent years attracts more and more travelers seeking mountain relaxation combined with outdoor activities.
What captivates young and old alike in Pavliani is the uniquely beautiful recreation park, crafted by the villagers with care and respect for the natural environment. Inside the park you will come across witty signs, hammocks strung between the trees, distinctive benches, and other imaginative creations that invite you to live a one-of-a-kind experience and feel like children again, if only for a while. Many short and longer hiking routes also start from the village, such as the one leading to the «Throne of Zeus» with its panoramic view as far as the Maliakos Gulf, as well as the one that leads to the «Iron Throne», a structure that alludes to our very own Game Of Thrones.
Amfikleia
It doesnt take much thought to plan a family excursion to picturesqueAmfikleiaFthiotida. In just two hours from Athens you can reach this traditional settlement and lose yourselves in its picturesque cobbled lanes. Amfikleia is a protected settlement, with many stone-paved lanes ideal for leisurely strolls, stone houses, neoclassical mansions, and stone-built fountains. The liveliest part of the village is the large, paved main square, perfect for the kids to play while you enjoy your coffee under the plane trees.
Amfikleia is also home to Greeces only Bread Museum. It is worth a visit to learn all about the history, types, and cycles of bread-making. From the village begin several paths to beautiful spots and historic chapels such as 11th-century Agia Ierousalim, perched on the rocks. The wider area is ideal for hiking enthusiasts who want to savor the beauties of nature. If you love winter sports, the Parnassos Ski Center is just 17 km from Amfikleia.
Steni
If you dream of a family escape to get away to nature for a while, to unwind in an idyllic setting with plane trees and running waters, to breathe in the scents of the forest and enjoy good food in a relaxed village atmosphere, then Steniin centralEviais one of the best choices for you. Setting off early from Athens, in less than an hour and a half you will find yourselves in a welcoming village draped in green, built at the foot of Mount Dirfys, at an elevation of 400 m. and 30 km from Chalkida.
The villages alleys and square buzz with life all day long. The village consists of three settlements: Upper and Lower Steni, and the almost abandoned settlement of Pyrgos, also known as Skounderi. The heart of the village is the paved square from where narrow paths set off and branch out to the farthest edge of the village. Within the square there are quaint fountains with running water, while great plane trees cast their shade over the quaint cafés and the famed meat tavernas. If you enjoy nature walks with the kids, the best place for hiking is the Aesthetic Forest of Steni, one of the 19 aesthetic forests of Greece, which has been included in the Natura program.
Vamvakou
Vamvakou, Laconia is a small and picturesque village, built at an elevation of 900 meters on the western side of Mount Parnon, just a few kilometers from Sparta and Tripoli and 2,5 hours from Athens. Vamvakou has a very interesting story. A group of young people, with roots in and strong ties to the village, wanted to write a new chapter in Vamvakous history. The once-abandoned village came to life again thanks to the groups initiative, which founded the Vamvakou Revival organization, with moral and financial support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
Vamvakou is an ideal destination for families with children in every season. The village offers a beautiful traditional guesthouse, «Rouga of Vamvakou», a restaurant-café and a traditional coffeehouse, while the diverse educational and cultural events that take place within the Vamvakou Revival initiative round out the travel experience. Activities for children include workshops, games, creative activities, and nature walks. Find detailed information and the program of Vamvakous events here. Using Vamvakou as your base you can explore Mount Parnon, Sparta, and many more beautiful places inLaconia.
