Refreshing moments in villages with flowing streams, alpine lakes and lush green landscapes, a breath away from Athens.
Summer is synonymous with the gorgeous Greek seas and holidays by the waves. But in this article we won’t be talking about beaches. Anyone who has spent summer holidays in the mountains knows that thevillageswith running waters and plane tree-shaded squares that lavishly offer coolness, and the refreshing dips in nature’s pools and blue-greenlakes, can be the best antidote to a heatwave. Here are four cool destinations near Athens that are perfect for escaping the city’s scorching concrete.
Lake Doxa, Mountainous Corinthia
Even in summer, the beautiful Lake Doxa in Mountainous Corinthia, just two hours from Athens, makes a lovely idea for a day trip. This artificial lake, located near the villageFeneos, at 900 m. elevation,is one of the loveliest in the Peloponnese. In its blue-green waters, the mountains and the region’s colorful forests are reflected. At the center of the lake stretches a narrow peninsula, where you’ll find the picturesque chapel of Agios Fanourios, while higher up, on a hillside about 2 km. away, stands the 15th-century Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneou amid stunning nature. There, you will taste the monks’ rose spoon sweet and enjoy from the covered wooden balcony the unique view of the lake. The wider area of Doxa and Feneos lends itself to a nature-lover’s escape with stops in stone-built mountain villages and abundant outdoor activities. You can visit the main village of Goura with its old stone-built houses and beautiful square, as well as the villages of Feneos, Kalyvia (Ancient Feneos), Steno and Panorama.
Krya of Livadia
How about a getaway to a lush green oasis with running waters, small waterfalls and towering centuries-old plane trees? And yet, this place isn’t hidden in a forest, but in the heart of Livadia. The Krya Springs, the jewel of the city of Livadia, are an ideal destination for a day trip, just an hour and a half from Athens (140 km.). The Erkyna River, with its springs in the Krya area, gives the city of Livadia a distinctive natural beauty. With dense vegetation, flowing waters, canals, small waterfalls and huge plane trees, the Krya area is a place that will enchant you. Cobbled lanes and little arched stone bridges complete the idyllic setting. On both banks of the river there are cafés and tavernas where you can of course enjoy Livadia’s famed souvlaki with views of the springs.
Pavliani, Fthiotida
Built on the verdant slopes of Mount Oiti,at an elevation of 1,040 meters, beside the waters of the springs of the Asopos River, amid firs and lush green 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 has been attracting more and more travelers seeking mountain relaxation combined with activities in nature. What impresses young and old alike in Pavliani is the uniquely beautiful leisure park, crafted by the villagers with care and respect for the natural environment. Inside the park you will come across witty signs, hammocks between the trees, distinctive benches and other imaginative constructions that invite you to live a unique experience and to become kids again for a little while too.
Steni, Evia
Setting off in the morning from Athens, in less than an hour and a half you will find yourself inSteniin centralEvia. It is a welcoming, green-drenched village, builtat the foot of Mount Dirfys, at an elevation of 400 m. and 30 km. from Chalkida. The village’s alleys and square are bustling with life all day long. The village consists of three settlements: Pano and Kato Steni and the almost abandoned settlement of Pyrgos, also known as Skounteri. The center of the village is the paved square from which narrow paths start and branch to the farthest edge of the settlement. In the square there are picturesque fountains with running waters, while large plane trees spread their shade over the quaint cafés and the famous meat tavernas. If you like walks in nature with the children, the best place for hiking is Steni’s Aesthetic Forest, one of the 19 aesthetic forests of Greece, which has been included in the Natura program.
