9 Reasons Why you Should Consider Greece as a Winter Destination
Visiting Greece in the Winter is something that everyone should do once in their life and especially if you are considering a move to country. Of course we are all aware of the ‘Summer Greece,’ the one we see in postcards, crystal clear waters, gorgeous beaches, neoclassical white architecture and island party life, but there is so much more that can be seen of the country, minus the peak season crowds.
Here are 9 reasons why you should consider a Winter adventure in Greece!
1. GREECE IS CHEAPER IN WINTER
As a general rule of thumb, everything in Greece is cheaper in Winter. Even on the most popular islands, accommodation options, although a little more limited than in the peak season, are available and often a lot more affordable
2. THE ISLANDS ARE STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Mykonos
Photo Credit: @eleannasmykonos
Contrary to popular belief, islands like Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini are still a hive of activity during the Winter months, as mainland Greeks travel to the islands for the festive season. It’s a great time to enjoy the beautiful regional restaurants and take in the changing light conditions of the season.
3. LESS CROWDS
The advantages of less crowds means you won’t be cueing as long to see ancient artefacts, exploring ancient ruins at your own pace. Less tourists will reveal the best part of Greece and that’s the locals, and their intimate understanding of their villages and suburbs, stories and traditions, is priceless. So sit and share a story and a ouzo or rakomelo with a local!
Photo credit: Discovergreece.com
4. DISCOVER GREECE’S NATURAL BEAUTY
Zagorohoria
Photo Credit: Unknown
Voidomatis River
Photo Credit: Unknown
There are many popular winter destinations for nature lovers in Greece. We’d love to tell you all of them but we’d be here forever, so here is our pick!
One of the best kept secrets is Zagorohoria a North western town on mainland Greece where you will find 46 fairy-tale stone villages of Epirus. Known as being the best preserved villages in the country you will discover a wealth of history and beauty in its streets. Also some of Greece’s best restaurants, bars and tavernas can be found here.
A hour away is a stunning part of Greece called the village of Vikos. Built on the edge of the Vikos Gorge, you can take a scenic hike to the Springs of Voidomatis River where you will find a host of mountain sports and excursions for nature lovers. This region is highly regarded by the international orienteering association.
Papingo
Photo Credit: @kostas_Kouts35
The very pretty Papingo which is located very near the northern end of the Vikos Gorge and is inside the Vikos-Aoos National Park.
Arachova
Photo Credit: www.web-greece.gr
Nestled on Mt Parnassos, Arachova is a town for lovers of winter sports. Sitting at an altitude of 973 metres and not too far from Athens, it is a favourite get away for Athenians looking to escape the city for the weekend to enjoy its lively village scene, fresh air and mountainous terrain offering beautiful scenic hiking tracks. Tip: Take the 3.5km uphill hike from Arachova to the Corycian Cave, a cave dedicated to the God Pan and Nymph Corycia.
Parnassos Ski Centre
Photo Credit: Archilovers.com
An hour away from Arachova near Delphi you’ll find world class ski resort called Parnassos Ski Centre with 19 Ski runs at a total length of 36 kms.
Parnassos Ski Centre
Photo Credit: Archilovers.com
An hour away from Arachova near Delphi you’ll find world class ski resort called Parnassos Ski Centre with 19 Ski runs at a total length of 36 kms.
Lake Plastira
Photo Credit: @spitogataoh no
For more skiing head also head to Zireia Ski Centre in Trikala in Corinth for some great runs.
Lake Plastira near Meteora in Thessalia is a breathtaking man-made lake which has brought a lot prestige to the Karditsa region and its surrounding villages. Also dubbed ‘Little Swizerland’ the grandeur of the lake is crowned with beauty of surrounding alpine peaks and flowing streams making for stunning hiking and water sports opportunities.
If you are over in the Western Corinth head to Lake Doxa in the municipal unit of Feneos near the village of Archaia Feneos. At the heart of the lake on a small peninsula, lies a small church of Agios Fanourios called the Saint George Monastery.
Lake Plastira
Photo Credit: @spitogataoh no
For more skiing head also head to Zireia Ski Centre in Trikala in Corinth for some great runs.
Lake Plastira near Meteora in Thessalia is a breathtaking man-made lake which has brought a lot prestige to the Karditsa region and its surrounding villages. Also dubbed ‘Little Swizerland’ the grandeur of the lake is crowned with beauty of surrounding alpine peaks and flowing streams making for stunning hiking and water sports opportunities.
If you are over in the Western Corinth head to Lake Doxa in the municipal unit of Feneos near the village of Archaia Feneos. At the heart of the lake on a small peninsula, lies a small church of Agios Fanourios called the Saint George Monastery.
Nafplio
Photo Credit: @katerina.ntokou
On the Saronic Gulf is the beautiful town of Nafplio, often dubbed the most romantic destination in Greece, it boasts stunning Venetian architecture, picturesque maze of bougainvillea-lined narrow streets (in the Spring), hidden squares, stunning neoclassical mansions, awesome café’s and museums. It’s also perfect base to venture out to many archaeological sites in Peloponnese. The theatre of Epidaurus and the ancient cities of Corinth, Mycenae and Tyrins are a popular Autumn and Winter destinations for Athenians.
Nafplio
Photo Credit: @katerina.ntokou
On the Saronic Gulf is the beautiful town of Nafplio, often dubbed the most romantic destination in Greece, it boasts stunning Venetian architecture, picturesque maze of bougainvillea-lined narrow streets (in the Spring), hidden squares, stunning neoclassical mansions, awesome café’s and museums. It’s also perfect base to venture out to many archaeological sites in Peloponnese. The theatre of Epidaurus and the ancient cities of Corinth, Mycenae and Tyrins are a popular Autumn and Winter destinations for Athenians.
5. VISITING THE RUINS
Visiting historical and archaeological sites in the Winter is by far a better experience than in the peak season. Besides being able to experience the sites with less crowds, you will be experience the ruins surrounded by verdant green grass instead of the dusty paths in the Summer making the marble stones look almost iridescent. Try walking through the ancient and Roman Agora and Kerameikos, you will feel you have gone back in history.
When the weather is nice, the trails around and through Philliappos Hill has locals picnicking and drinking wine.
The Temple of Athena Pronaia
Photo Credit: @momentsofglory
6. TRADITIONAL WINTER FOOD AND RAKOMELO
Stuffed Cabbage Leaves
Photo Credit: www.toloukoumi.com/blog-greek-recipes
There is nothing like traditional and wholesome Greek winter food filled with vegetables, legumes and meat and traditional seasonal home-made specialities can be found in almost every restaurant you go to.
Some favourite Winter dishes to try are stuffed cabbage leaves, Prasorizo, which is leak rice, Fasolada, a Greek bean soup, Giovarlakia a meatball soup and Spetsofai, a winter staple, made from sausages and peppers cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with cheese and bread.
Sit down with a local and try Rakomelo made from a combinations of Raki or Tsipouro, two types of grapes, pomace, brandy, honey and several spices including cinnamon, cardamom and other regional herbs. Consumed during the winter as a warm drink it will have you in the festive spirit in no time.
7. GREEKS LOVE CHRISTMAS!
Christmas is seen as a sacred event on the Greek Orthodox calendar with almost all of Greece celebrating in the traditions that come with it. None more fervent however than a town called Oneiroupoli dubbed the ‘Town of Christmas’ who have created a magical Christmas inspired theme park and festival with the town’s centre hosting concerts, theatre, dance, cultural performances, sport activities, markets and games for all ages.
Trikala is also a town heavily involved in the Christmas spirit creating a kid’s Christmas wonderland and Greece’s largest Christmas themed park.
Trikala
Photo Credit: Greek City Times
Athens Christmas Lights
Photo Credit: @mygreektravels
8. NIGHTLIFE IN ATHENS ROCKS!
4711 Club Restaurant – Leoforo Kifissias 7 Marousi
Photo Credit: @4711clubrestaurant
Athens comes alive beginning in September and stays that way until summer, with sidewalk cafes full of people, restaurants supporting an army of live musicians and a club-life that rivals any city in the world. Many clubs, bouzoukia’s, taverna’s also love to showcase their singing celebrities during Winter months making for long nights of drinking and dancing.
9. DIVE DEEP INTO A THERMAL LAKE
Greece boasts a rich ecosystem which includes amazing natural hot springs. Whether you are looking for waters with healing properties or simply de-stress, here are our pick of the best hot springs you will find in Greece.
- Pozar Thermal Baths, Pella- At the foot of Mount Kaimaktsalan, the Pozar Thermal Springs’ facilities comprise 48 individual baths, 6 indoor pools, the outdoor pool (12x25m) hamams, jacuzzi and spa. Recommended for rheumatism, skin conditions, respiratory and circulatory problems, the Pozar hot springs are beneficial for your health and well-being, either by bathing in them, or drinking their water.
- Krinides, Kavala
- Vouliagmeni Lake, Attica
- Edipsos, Evia
- Kamena Vourla, Fthiotida
- Loutraki, Corinth
- Kaiafas, Ilia
Pozar
Photo Credit: www.visitgreece.gr
