Christmas is coming and we recommend destinations in Greece for unforgettable festive getaways.
Stone-built villages nestled among fir trees, atmospheric towns perfect for leisurely strolls, traditional corners that whisk you back in time, great food and sparkling Christmas parks. What more could one ask for in a festive getaway in Greece? Christmas is coming and we suggest 10 wonderful destinations that combine tradition, nature, fun and Christmas surprises. Take the family or your friends and off you go!
Trikala
The Litheos River, the charming old town, historic monuments, squares, parks and pedestrian streets make the city of Trikala ideal for leisurely walks. Stroll through the old Varousi quarter with its traditional houses, enjoy a walk or a bike ride (there are countless bicycles in Trikala),along the banks of the Litheos, climb up to the Fortress with its 33-meter-high clock to take in the panoramic view and head to Manavika for food and entertainment. At this time of year, the fairytale «The Mill of the Elves» set up at the old Matsopoulos Mill, in the city’s namesake park, steals the show. With various activities and plenty of events, Greece’s largest Christmas themepark guarantees a delightful experience for the whole family. And don’t forget: next to Trikala are Meteora, the villages of Elati and Pertouli, as well as Lake Plastira, perfect for short and long getaways.
Drama
With a long history and many sights, picturesque neighborhoods, preserved buildings that lend the city a unique atmosphere, green spaces and abundant waters bubbling up, Drama welcomes its visitors with wonderful images and landscapes. One of the most beautiful and most fairytale Christmas villages in Greece, «Oneiroupoli» is set up every year in the Municipal Garden and the city’s central square.Hundreds of different, free activities, artistic events and themed workshops are offered daily. Top attractions include the famous Agia Varvara Park, a 60-stremma oasis with springs, ponds and waterfalls, the Byzantine walls and the mansions of the Old Town, the Municipal Park, Eleftherias Square, the Archaeological Museum and KorylovosHill, which offers panoramic views. Near Drama you’ll find renowned wineries and the country’s northernmost ski center on Mount Falakro.
Metsovo
Built amphitheatrically on one of Pindus’ loveliest slopes, amid beeches and firs, theMetsovois a model mountain settlement buzzing with life in every season. In winter it is simply magical. The rich natural scenery, its unspoiled traditional character, mansions with wooden verandas, authentic mountain flavors and a folkloric atmosphere make this noble town of the Ioannina prefecture one of Greece’s most popular mountain destinations.
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 same solid, characteristic architecture against a backdrop of imposing mountain ranges. Forested slopes and dramatic gorges, rushing, icy rivers, gorgeous stone guesthouses, bridge masterpieces and monasteries built into the rock become part of an experience that will thrill you. All you have to do is choose which village you will use as the starting point for your excursions.
Pelion
Christmas in Pelion is a delightful experience. Squares shaded by huge centuries-old plane trees, stone-paved cobbled lanes, chimneys puffing smoke and damp forests conjure a dreamlike atmosphere. However many times we go, we always return to Pelion’s villages for getaways that combine abundant tradition, unique routes through nature and generous local flavors.
Palaios Agios Athanasios
Built at an altitude of 1,200 meters on the slopes of Kaimaktsalan, Greece’s third-highest mountain, 30 km from the town of Edessa and 123 km from Thessaloniki, Palaios Agios Athanasios stands out for its traditional Macedonian architecture, as well as its proximity to the renowned Voras Ski Center, which boasts the highest elevation of all ski resorts in Greece (about 2,500 meters). Tiled-roof buildings using stone and wood as their main materials dominate everywhere and explain why Palaios Agios Athanasios is known as the «stone village».
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, and is also a starting point for magical experiences across 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 touring a place with unique nature and history.
Arachova
If you are looking for a destination that combines the magic of the mountain with cosmopolitan life and a festive atmosphere, then there is only one choice and that is none other than Arachova. Perched on the spine of Mount Parnassos, at 950 meters altitude, a breath away from the country’s largest ski center, the noble town of Boeotia is undeniably a perennial winter classic. Lakka Square is the ultimate meeting point, with shops and all-day haunts for coffee, dessert and drinks. At a distance of 10 km from Arachova lies Livadi. The Parnassos plateau that was once pastureland with huts and pens has been transformed into an almost small town with pretty chalets, traditional stone-built villas, tavernas and cafes. When it snows, the landscape becomes magical.
Trikala Korinthias
The Trikala Korinthias with their three picturesque quarters (Lower, Middle and Upper Trikala) and enchanting nature, are an ideal destination for those who want a very well-organized mountain escape, with many accommodation options for every budget and taste. Dense forests of junipers and black pines, serene lakes, stone squares, cozy guesthouses and little tavernas serving good food offer the ideal festive setting, just two hours from Athens. If you have time, be sure to put short excursions in the surrounding area on your schedule to see the artificial Lake Doxa, which is beautiful in every season.
Mountainous Arcadia
True museums of traditional architecture, the villages of MountainousArcadiaoffer dozens of ideas for activities in nature or relaxation. Stemnitsa with its magnificent mansions, Vytina with the famous tree-canopied «Road of Love», Dimitsana with the Open-Air Water Power Museum, the Lousios Gorge with its old monasteries, the fir forest of Mainalon and other smaller, beautiful villages (Valtesiniko, Kapsia, Alonistaina, Panagia, Limbovisi, etc.) set the loveliest scene for festive getaways.
