7 winter destinations near Athens for 2024
You don't need to travel far from Athens to go on a snow trip. Organize affordable one-day, weekend or three-day holidays in destinations 2 to 3 hours away suitable for friends, couples and families with children.
1. Kalavryta
At Helmos mountain in Achaia tormented Kalavryta figure as one of the most popular winter destinations, and not without reason, because the Ski Center is an important attraction for ski lovers and not only. Other things worth seeing are the execution hill, the Holocaust museum, the Monastery of the Great Cave, the cave of the Lakes and of course crossing the Vouraikos gorge with Odontotos train. Cafes, taverns, shops with sweets, local products and souvenirs are concentrated in the pedestrian street. Concerning the accommodation keep in mind that the view to the snow-capped peaks of Helmos is in high demand.
Read about what to do in Kalavryta and for the Ski resort.
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
Dimitsana the lady of mountainous Arkadia where the picturesqueness of the stone-built village meets the nature of Mainalo mountain and Lousios river. Its history too is important because it played a major role in the Revolution of 1821 but also the personalities it highlighted most importantly the metropolitan Palaion Patron Germanos. Stroll through the paved alleys to see the clock, the bell tower of Agia Kyriaki and the statue of Palaion Patron Germanos up close. On the other hand in Dimitsana you will find quaint cafes, taverns and shops with souvenirs and traditional items.
Read my travel guide about Dimitsana.
Stemnitsa one more destination of mountainous Arkadia on the slopes of Mainalo mountain near to Dimitsana but with a low profile. Traditional stone-built village with tower houses, narrow streets and paved alleys. The things worth seeing are the square with the church of Agios Georgios of the 19th century and the bell tower, the church of Agia Paraskevi, the folklore museum and the unique view from the heroes' monument.
Vytina the main village of Mainalo mountain in a spot with wonderful nature is another popular and peaceful destination in mountainous Arkadia. The impressive church of Agios Tryfonas of the 19th century dominates the village and the square in front of it is a must for coffee. You will find traditional taverns, shops with traditional products and souvenirs. The Mainalo ski center is nearby.
Lagadia the village of stone masons and one of the most beautiful in the Peloponnese, quite large and with a great slope towards the ravine in which it literally hangs above. The architecture of the mansions and houses impresses with the most characteristic being the Taxiarches church of 1808, which was built in just 40 days, and the Gymnasium of 1868. On the main street make a stop for traditional flavours, coffee and baklava with a view of the ravine.
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. Trikala in Corinthia
A village with a green landscape divided into three districts is the nearest escape from Athens. With significant tourist development for several years while the wooden hostels are reminiscent of Switzerland or Finland, in general the village is dominated by wood as well as stone. In Kato Trikala stand out the cobbled square with the two huge plane trees and the church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos. Fir trees, plane trees, many places for coffee and meat and very nice views await you in Trikala! They are very close to the Ski Center of Ziria mountain.
The hotels I recommend in Trikala 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
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4. Goura
Here is a destination still undiscovered by the masses of people. It is a peaceful stone-built village with an impressive view of both the snow-capped peak of Ziria mountain and the plain of Feneos. Equally impressive is the 19th century church of Taxiarches in a square surrounded by 19th century mansions. The sound of the running water are the ultimate relaxation. Goura is located very close to Lake Doxa.
The hotels I recommend in Goura are:
- (€€) Olvios Hotel (⭐ 9.4) a hotel - retreat in Goura overlooking Feneos plain
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5. Arachova
If you visit it you will understand why it is called Mykonos of winter. It is the top winter destination, you will find it on the slopes of Parnassos mountain, it is panoramically built, beautiful, traditional, stone-built, secular, idyllic and these are just a few of the adjectives that characterize it. The big difference is the nightlife and the abundance of eateries where you can eat what appeals to your appetite from traditional cuisine to gourmet dishes. It goes without saying that Arachova many times literally is packed with visitors.
You will find the most impressive view on the bridge where you will admire the clock which is the landmark of Arachova while Lakka square on the main road is the meeting point. You will also find many shops with local products and souvenirs. Arachova is very close to Delphi archaeological site and Parnassos ski resort.
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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6. Zarouchla - Tsivlou lake
A well-kept and peaceful little village between the mountain peaks of Helmos in wonderful nature with fir trees, plane trees and running water. A few streets, a few taverns, a few places for coffee and drinks, a few hostels and this is Zarouchla, a haven of nature. It is located near the famous for its beauty Lake Tsivlou.
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7. Ano Chora in Nafpaktia
In the fir forests of the mountainous Nafpaktia, the village of Ano Chora stands out at an altitude of 1,030 meters with its picturesqueness and tranquility which is what you need if you are looking for seclusion. The scenery with the stone-built houses is magical. Try traditional flavours in the taverns and visit the surrounding villages of Kato Chora and Elatou.
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