From mountainous Epirus to the coastal Peloponnese, we have handpicked and recommend six beautiful villages that are ideal for spring weekend getaways.
Spring is on the way and the weekends ahead are perfect for getaways into lush nature or by the waves. Whether you prefer mountain or sea, below we have a few ideas to inspire you to plan a trip this season. From the Zagorochoria to Pelion and Mani, beautiful mountain villages and seaside settlements that feel like islands await you for refreshing spring weekends away from the city.
By the waves
Limeni, Laconia
If you go to the Laconian Mani and dont pass through Limeni, youll have missed one of the areas gems. About 5 km from Areopoli, this stone-built harbour emerges within a small cove with crystal-clear waters that reach up to the houses, enchanting visitors with its distinctive beauty. The seat and port of the distinguished Mavromichalis family, Limeni today stands out for the houses on the water, harmoniously blending the endless blue with the unique stone landscape.
The mansion of the last ruler (bey) of Mani, Petrobey, with its four-storey tower with arched openings, inside which the consultations and preparations for the Greeks uprising in 1821 took place, looms imposingly over the harbour. Completing the settlements picture are the chapel of Agios Sostis, the church of Agios Nikolaos and the ruined church of Panagia Vrettis. In Limeni youll find fish tavernas, restaurants, quiet cafés and small bars. On warm days, its hard to resist the temptation to dive into the fantastic waters from the rocks.
Kardamyli, Messinia
At the foot of Taygetos and overlooking the Messenian Gulf, Kardamyli (35 km from Kalamata) is the jewel of the Messenian Mani. Dense olive groves, stately cypresses, well-kept stone residences with lush gardens, pebbled coves and the villages quaint little harbour compose a cinematic scene that captivates nature lovers and artists, Greeks and foreigners alike. Many famous Hollywood stars (Ethan Hawke, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, etc.) have walked the stone lanes of Kardamyli.
The English author and traveler Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor, in fact, never wanted to leave and lived there for years. His house in the Kalamitsi area is a sight (it belongs to the Benaki Museum and is open to the public, with guided tours and organized visits). On a hill with olives and cypresses, at the foot of Taygetos, lies Old Kardamyli, a ruined settlement well worth visiting. The official beach of Kardamyli is Ritsa, west of the village, while a short distance away youll find Foneas beach with its wild beauty and Delfinia with coarse sand. All with wonderful, emerald-green waters.
Poulithra, Arcadia
The greenery from the slopes of Mount Parnon and the crystal-blue waters blend harmoniously in the seaside village of Poulithra, 8 km from Leonidio, the capital of Tsakonia. The houses with traditional architecture, the pretty little harbour, the fish tavernas and the pebbled beach with pristine waters create the right setting for peaceful escapes. The verdant village stretches quite high up the mountain, but for visitors it is known for its seafront with tavernas and cafés right by the waves.
If youre in the mood for an excursion into the mountains, its worth driving to the village of Kosmas, otherwise known as the "balcony of Kynouria". On the route from Leonidio to Kosmas, youll encounter the impressive Monastery of Panagia Elona, wedged into a towering sheer rock. As soon as summer begins in earnest, you can also visit nearby Plaka beach, as well as the striking beach of Fokiano.
In the mountains
Monodendri, Zagorochoria
Built in a stunning location, at an elevation of 1,060 m and a stones throw from the Vikos Gorge, Monodendri is one of the most popular villages for those who want to get to know the wild beauty of Vikos, as well as the wider area of theZagorochoria. Monodendri showcases its beautiful neighbourhoods, narrow alleys, churches and houses, all made according to the local craft and with the uniformity of grey stone. It is the birthplace of the national benefactors Manthos and Georgios Rizaris, who founded the renowned Rizarios School.
In the village is the Rizarios Handicraft School of Monodendri, founded in 1979 to preserve traditional crafts (within the foundations premises there is an exhibition area and a folk art shop). Following a short path from the main square, youll come to the historic Monastery of Agia Paraskevi (1412), built on the edge of the Vikos ravine. If you still havent had your fill of the view from there, 6 km after Monodendri lies the Oxia viewpoint, at the narrowest point of the Vikos Gorge, with a riveting panorama.
Tsagarada, Pelion
Tsagarada, about 50 km from Volos, on the Aegean side, is one of the most beautiful and greenest villages ofPelion, where the mountain meets the sea. Those who love to lose themselves in nature will find their paradise here. Impressive centuries-old plane trees, running waters, stone-paved cobbled lanes and traditional houses, sparsely built within the rich natural environment, create the ideal setting for relaxation. The village is divided into four neighbourhoods (Agioi Taxiarches, Agia Paraskevi, Agios Stefanos and Agia Kyriaki), has gorgeous squares and churches, and offers plenty of interesting options for accommodation and food.
For hiking enthusiasts, one of the most beautiful trails starts at Agia Paraskevi and, after a walk through the forest, ends at Damouchari (known from the film Mamma Mia) with its lovely natural harbour, and then continues to the seaside resort of Agios Ioannis. And when the weather truly opens up, with Tsagarada as your base you can visit gorgeous beaches such as Mylopotamos, Fakistra, Plaka and Papa Nero.
Pavliani, Fthiotida
Built on the lush green slopes of Mount Oiti,at an elevation of 1,040 metres, beside the waters of the springs of the Asopos River, amid firs and luxuriant nature, thePavlianiinFthiotidais a wonderful destination for the whole family. Youll need about 2.5 hours from Athens to reach this beautiful village which in recent years has been attracting more and more travellers seeking mountain relaxation combined with activities in nature. What impresses young and old in Pavliani is the uniquely beautiful recreation park, made by the villagers with care and respect for the natural environment.
Inside the park youll encounter funny signs, hammocks between the trees, quirky benches and other imaginative constructions that invite you to live a unique experience and to become children again for a while. From the village many short or long hiking routes also start, such as the one that leads to the "Throne of Zeus" with panoramic views as far as the Maliakos Gulf, as well as the one that leads to the "iron Throne", a construction that alludes to our own Game Of Thrones.
