Stunning mountain villages that make ideal winter retreats and bases for discovering the treasures of Thessaly.
The cold is on its way and with it comes the time to discover the beauties of mountainous Greece. For those of you seeking destinations for your winter getaways, these picturesque mountain villages in Thessaly will give you the chance to relax in nature and explore traditional settlements that preserve their authenticity.
Vizitsa Magnesia
One of the most famous and traditional Pelion villages, Vizitsa stands out for its impressive and well-preserved mansions - perhaps the most photographedin Pelion. The entire village feels like an open-air museum of Pelion artistry. Pause before the restored mansions and notice the details. It is no coincidence that, in the ’80s, the Greek National Tourism Organization began here the program to restore the local traditional architecture.
Also beautiful is the large village square with its tall plane trees, and its churches are particularly significant (standouts are the Holy Monastery of St John the Baptist and the Church of Zoodochos Pigi).Depending on the season, from Vizitsa you can hike towards Milies, and even reach the sea.Do not forget to stop by the Women’s Agritourism Cooperative «Esperides» for jams and spoon sweets made from the area’s fresh fruit.
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 Mountain of the Centaurs, at an altitude of 600 m, this small and charming village keeps its pure Pelion character intact with restored mansions, many churches, fountains, and picturesque cobbled lanes. The entire settlementfeels like a living monument of Pelion artistry. The village owes its name to theMonastery of Agios Lavrentioslocated just outside the village (the view from there is reason enough to visit). The heart of the village beats in its wonderful central square, which is among the loveliest in Pelion. There you will find traditional shops, little coffee houses and tavernas with good traditional food. It is worth walking the cobbled lanes of the village, where no cars circulate, to admire the splendid mansions (of Glavanis, Kandartzis, Papathanasiou, etc.).
Kastraki Trikala
Kastraki, designated as a listed traditional settlement, just 2 km from the center of Kalabaka, harmoniously blends the serenity of the Greek countryside with the unique landscape of Meteora. Nestled at the foot of the towering sandstone rocks that seem to protect it, it offers a unique view of the otherworldly scenery to those who choose it as their base for excursions in the area. Kastraki, together with the rest of the Meteora area, has been declared a Monument of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The village has a campsite, tavernas, hotels, guesthouses, shops with traditional products, and iconography workshops. It is worth strolling through the old settlement, the neighborhoods with mansions with red-tiled roofs, seeing the Meteora Museum of Geological History, walking the trails between the sky-high rocks, visiting the small chapels and the monasteries, and savoring traditional recipes at the area’s tavernas. Be sure to try local tsipouro and wine with select meze wherever you sit in the village.
Elati Trikala
Built on the slopes of Koziakas, the beautiful mountain south of the Pindus, 30 km from Trikala and at an altitude of 950 m, picturesqueElatifully lives up to its name, as it is hidden in the green of the firs. The wealth of options for accommodation, food and outdoor activities, the Pertouli ski resort, and the dozens of sights in the area can guarantee wonderful moments in one of the most beautiful mountain regions of Greece. At the entrance to the village lies the Grove of Prophet Elias with the stone chapel of the same name - the perfect place for photos. Next to it, in a quaint little square, the traditional market operates with the wooden stalls of producers offering a wide variety of local products and souvenirs. High above, opposite the central square, among the firs, the limestone Red Rock dominates. It is accessible, via an easy path, in 15 minutes, and from its top the view of the village is panoramic.
Metaxochori Larissa
About half an hour’s drive from Larissa, Metaxochori is the «quiet power» of Kissavos. This lovely little village keeps a low profile and makes an ideal base for explorations that will give you the chance to discover the hidden beauty of Thessaly. The present name of the village (formerly called Retsiani) comes from its connection with silk production. Elegant mansions (witnesses to the era when the village flourished thanks to the rearing of silkworms), lush vegetation and running waters compose the setting in this tranquil village.
Many artists, poets and writers found their refuge in Metaxochori - hence it is also called the «village of artists». Locals will show you the houses of the cartoonist and playwright Bost, Aliki Georgouli, Loukianos Kilaidonis and Anna Vagena. A short distance away, you will encounter Agia, a picturesque small town built at the foot of Kissavos, with noteworthy mansions and important religious monuments.
