Athens is the perfect place for those who wish to explore some of its greatest winter (and not only) resorts in Greece, places that value their money and are no more than 4 hours away (with some of them being only 2 hours away!)! Whether you are an adventurous type or a romantic one, you will definitely find what suits you the most!
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- χειμερινοί προορισμοί Ελλάδα στεμνίτσα ορεινή αρκαδία
1. Oreini Arcadia
Thinking about getting out and experiencing the great outdoors? the surrounding nature of Oreini Arcadia has the perfect solution for you! Its picturesque villages are among the most beautiful architectural examples of Greek craftmanship. Walk the main street of Vitina with its traditional shops, where you can fetch the famous fir honey and drink coffee in the central square. Passing the “Path of Love”, will be direct you in Elati, then visit the “village of Letters” Dimitsana, the famous Museum of Water Power, beautiful mansions and the Philosopher’s Monastery while you and will fall in love with the picturesque Stemnitsa. The traditional greek food is great and for trekking lovers there are beautiful routes that lead to the river Lucio, as well as many small villages waiting to be discovered (Greek, Karytaina etc.)
Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.
Arachova is one of the most picturesque parts of Greece, with excellent services that find ideal extensions to tradition. You can walk through the main path, which is full of small traditional shops (do not forget to buy formaela!). Drink your coffee in one of the haunts of Lakka Square. Do not hesitate to take the 264 steps that lead you to the church of Saint George! And if you want an extra … escape, Agoriani is waiting for you at 25 miles away.
Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.
3. Kalavrita
Kalavrita is one of the most beautiful winter resorts in Greece at an affordable price! Take a walk through dozens of shops at the main street and go sightseeing (Municipal Museum of the Holocaust, Place of Sacrifice, Holy Monastery of Great Cave, the famous Monastery of Agia Lavra and the Cave of Lakes in the village castle! For the romantic ones there is an hourly “must” route to nature with the traditional train called “odontotos” from Kalavryta to Diakofto village, for the most athletic ones hiking on the same route will last about 5 hours (without return).
Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.
4. Pilio
If you consider yourself a nature lover, head straight to the breathtaking Pilio.The combination of sea and mountains makes it an ideal destination for all four seasons! Winter city breaks introduces to you the beauty of Portaria. Arriving at the central square, you see the City Hall and an elegant building called Zoulia mansion where you can find the Folklore Museum. You can lose yourself in quaint cobbled alleyways to shop traditional products from the Women’s Agricultural Association, admire mansions of unique architecture, surrender yourself to the running water and the outstanding green landscape and taste local delicacies in Mercouri Square, which is full of traditional taverns. At Makrinitsa (10 ‘ away from Portaria) you can wander through the narrow streets among the traditional stone houses. The quais.nt alleyways lead to the paved square, where you can enjoy your coffee, with the extraordinary view of Volos city unfolding before you. the post-Byzantine churches and medieval tower Skoteinioti in Koukourava, the lower district of Makrinitsa, are waiting to be discovered! Don’t forget to… “check in” at Tsagarada and get photographed with the plane tree of Tsagarada, one of the oldest trees in Europe. Its age is 1000 years!
Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.
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- χειμερινοί προορισμοί Ελλάδα λίμνη δόξα τρίκαλα κορινθίας
5. Trikala Korinthias
If you wish to change scenes, to let the magnificence of nature to calm you down, to try unique flavors, and all these half hours from Athens. Left the car in Lower – Kato Trikala and start your tour of the oldest settlement. A cobblestone square, the Church of St. Demetrius, and traditional taverns compose the picture! You continue with the Medium -Mesaia Trikala, full of traditional tavernas (greek traditional restaurants), the shops with the traditional products the and beautiful hostels. At Upper – Ano Trikala, tall towers and abandoned mansions justify their name during the Turkish occupation as “archontomachalas”. For dining choose rooster in wine sauce with noodles homemade pies and stews.
Accessibility: about an hour and a half time from Athens
In winter landscape is magical and eerie, like a storyline from a fairy tale. The lake is wearing the most romantic of colors and invites for relaxation and direct contact with nature. You can take a course around the lake (about 60 km.). You will get to know beautiful places and villages like Mouzaki Morfovouni, the village of Dionysus, the Mesenikola -with attentive Wine and Vine Museum, the “balcony” of the lake, Neochori, Kalyvia Pezoulas and the water dam. For the sport lovers there are plenty of outdour activities like archery or even flying with jelicopter above the lake.
Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.
It is for sure that you will be filled up with green, you will relax by nature excursions and drink plenty of champagne. You can explore the city and take excursions in the wider region. We recommend the route to Prouso, where you will meet historiac Karyschades, the Voutiro, the Mikro and Megalo Horio (small and big village), and the famous Touch of the Virgin. One of the must do of the Megalo Horio is try Galaktompoureko (greek traditional dessert)! Other villages worth seeing is the Domnista, Krikello and Snakes which have wonderful view of the lake of Kremaston.
Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.
8. Oreini Naupaktia – Naupaktos
Nafpaktos gives you many choices.The winter days you will enjoy the mountain while at the same time discovering Villages submerged in firs. Mountains, ravines, rivers … A landscape of incomparable natural beauty …especially when the snow falls, descends rooftops and decorates the scene with winter gifts!
Accessibility: about three hours time from Athens.
