7 top autumn destinations near Athens
1. Kalavryta
An autumn escape to Kalavryta means rack railway which at this time of year the route from Diakopto to Kalavryta is dressed in yellow and orange colours. Whether you choose the train or hiking, the contact with nature is unrepeatable. The hike takes about 5 hours, so as you understand it's not for everyone, but you can walk between the stations which takes less time. In Kalavryta try the famous sweets of Ermeidis confectionery as well as the natural local products of Helmos mountain. Also visit the historical monastery Mega Spilaio and the cave of the Lakes in the surrounding area.
The hotels I recommend in Kalavryta are:
- (€€) Kalavryta Canyon Hotel & Spa (⭐ 9.1) affordable luxury in a central yet quiet part of Kalavryta
- (€€) Chalet Azanias (⭐ 9.7) luxurious accommodation with swimming pool just outside Kalavryta
- (€) Saint George Apartments (⭐ 9.4) fully equipped apartments in the center of Kalavryta
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2. Mountainous Arkadia
The villages of Mainalo Dimitsana, Stemnitsa and Vytina are charming at all times of the year but in autumn the landscape takes on autumnal touches. Explore the narrow streets and churches of Dimitsana, then visit the Hydrokinesis Open Air Museum to see how water power was used in the pre-revolutionary years to power mills and workshops and the cliff-hanging Prodromos Monastery in Lousios Gorge. Visit picturesque Stemnitsa with its stone-built houses while in Vytina don't miss to photograph the street of love that has the colours of autumn.
The hotels I recommend in mountainous Arkadia are:
- (€€) En Dimitsani (⭐ 9.1) luxurious traditional guesthouse just outside Dimitsana
- (€) Archontiko Deligianni (⭐ 9.5) accommodation in an 18th century stone mansion
- (€) Baroutomilos (⭐ 9.5) luxurious hotel in Dimitsana with nice view
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3. Kosmas
In the balcony village of Parnonas, at an altitude of 1,130 meters overlooking Myrtoon sea, the chestnut feast takes place every last weekend of October to honor the chestnut fruit and the local tradition. Centered on the picturesque square with the plane trees, the celebration includes music and traditional dances giving visitors the opportunity to experience the savory and sweet varieties of chestnut flavours. Definitely go for a walk on the marked paths in the chestnut grove where the orange leaves and chestnuts inside the thorny shell are now falling to the ground. In addition Kosmas has picturesque streets and stone-built houses everything you need to get into the autumn mood.
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4. Arachova
On the mountain peaks of Parnassos the first cold and the first rains come early to create the perfect autumn atmosphere. Arachova in autumn is peaceful without the winter crowds that flock to ski at the ski resort, but offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay and options for going out. Walk through the alleys and the watch tower for discoveries and to gaze at the beautiful view of the mountains. Be sure to visit the archaeological site of Delphi and the picturesque villages Agoriani, with the waterfall and beautiful nature, and Chrisso village with the neoclassical architecture.
The hotels I recommend in Arachova are:
- (€) Likoria Hotel (⭐ 8.8) choose it for affordable luxury and irresistible views
- (€) Patriko (⭐ 8.8) a traditional stone guesthouse with apartments with fireplaces, in a central location
- (€) Parnassos Delphi Hotel (⭐ 8.7) a central hotel in Delphi
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5. Mountainous Corinthia
Doxa lake
An autumn scene also in mountainous Corinthia with Ziria peak at 2,376 meters altitude magnetizing the clouds and rains. Trikala can be enjoyed calmly without the crowds of winter with leisurely walks, coffee and food where the main dish on the menus is, what else, meat, while for even more tranquility I recommend Goura with the nice square with the typical architectural church of Agios Nikolaos. Lake Doxa is in the yellow-orange colours of autumn which are reflected in the waters of the lake creating a magnificent landscape in combination with the church of Agios Fanourios.
The hotels I recommend in Corinthia are:
- (€€) Levanta Guesthouse (⭐ 9.5) a traditional guest house with stone and wood in the middle district of Trikala
- (€€) Archontiko Fiamegou (⭐ 9.3) a very nice guest house in the greenery
- (€€) Olvios Hotel (⭐ 9.4) a hotel - retreat in Goura overlooking Feneos plain
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6. Karpenisi
For three days I recommend a destination - definition of autumn, western Evrytania, which is closer to Athens, and specifically the villages Koryschades, Fidakia, Mikro Chorio, Megalo Chorio and of course Proussos with the historic monastery of Panagia Prousiotissa, all a short distance from Karpenisi. The visit to Prousiotissa is a must with the route through the valleys being slow and enchanting. All in the greenery and with the first cold and first rains putting you in an autumn mood. There are also many hotel options in Karpenisi and in the villages that I recommend.
The hotels I recommend in Karpenisi are:
- (€€) Oneiropetra Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.3) outside Karpenisi a luxurious hotel with swimming pool and wonderful colour palettes
- (€€) Magemeno Vouno (⭐ 9.9) it will enchant you with its aesthetics and view
- (€€) Epoches (⭐ 9.5) luxury hotel in the peaceful Koryschades villages
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7. Krya in Livadeia
A not just autumnal destination but much more fairytale-like as the waters of the river Hercynas, the waterfalls, the bridges and the plane trees compose a scene as if it came out of a fairytale. The statue of the nymph Hercyna magically emerges from the waters to remind us of her legend. Hercyna was playing with Persephone when they followed a goose that hid in a cave. Hercyna found her and when she lifted the stone where she was hiding the river started gushing forth.
Nearby is the oracle of Trofonio and the castle of Livadeia which are worth visiting. After the explorations enjoy coffee and food next to the running waters. Here it is better to go for a single day or combine it with Arachova.
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