Greece is often associated with summer islands, but winter reveals a completely different, equally magical side of the country. Snowy mountains, stone-built villages, alpine landscapes, thermal springs, rich gastronomy, and fewer crowds make winter an ideal season for exploration.
Below is a detailed guide to 10 of the best winter destinations in Greece, highlighting what makes each special, along with practical travel tips.
1. Karpenisi
Karpenisi, capital of the Evrytania prefecture, is often called the “Alps of Greece” thanks to its dramatic mountainous scenery and dense fir forests. Karpenisi Town is located in Central Greece about 300 km (4 hours by car) away from Athens and stands at an elevation of 960 meters, making it the highest altitude city in Greece. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
What to See & Do
Velouchi Ski Center: Ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers; also great for snowboarding.
Lake Kremasta: Greece’s largest artificial lake, stunning year-round.
Prousos Monastery: A historic monastery built inside the mountains.
Picturesque Villages: Visit Koryschades, Krikello, Fidakia, Mikro & Megalo Chorio and Agrafa(adventurous) for stone houses and traditional tavernas.
Mountain Activities: Hiking in Panta Vrechi Gorge, horse riding, river rafting, ATV tour
2. Kastoria
Kastoria is a picturesque town in Western Macedonia, located about 500 km north of Athens and 200 km west of Thessaloniki. With a population of around 12.000, Kastoria combines Byzantine heritage with aristocratic mansions. Furthermore, the town sits at an altitude of 700 meters, features an airport for domestic flights (KSO) and is situated next to Lake Orestiada, the signature landmark of Kastoria that gives it its stunning landscape.
What to See & Do
Explore the town of Kastoria: Walk along the alleys of the neighborhoods Doltso and Apozari.
Dispilio Settlement: Neolithic lakeside settlement museum dating back to 5.000 BC.
Prespa Lakes: Wildlife, pelicans, and untouched nature in the neighboring Florina prefecture.
Nymfaio: One of Greece’s most picturesque villages, also known for the Arktouros bear sanctuary.
Vigla-Pisoderi Ski Center: Suitable for skiers of every level.
- Dragon Cave: Impressive underground lake and stalactites.
3. Kalavryta
Kalavryta is a small town situated in the northern Peloponnese, about 85 km east of Patras and 190 km west of Athens. It has historical significance mainly because of the tragic holocaust by the Germans that took place in December 13th, 1943. Visitors can explore numerous historical landmarks such as the Kalavryta Holocaust Museum and the Monastery of Agia Lavra, one of the oldest in the region dating back to 961 AD.
What to See & Do
Kalavryta Ski Center: One of the most popular ski centers in Greece.
Mega Spileon Monastery: Dramatically built into a cliff.
Cave of the Lakes: A unique cave with cascading underground lakes.
Tsivlos Lake: Ideal for peaceful walks and photography.
Explore the Rack railway (Odontotos): From Diakopto to Kalavryta.
4. Pelion
Pelion is a mountain range located on the eastern part of Thessaly, about 350 km north of Athens. Situated in the Magnesia prefecture, Pelion uniquely combines mountain and sea, offering endless winter experiences.
What to See & Do
Pelion Ski Center: Located outside the village of Hania, it is small but scenic.
Picturesque Villages: Makrinitsa, Portaria, Milies, Tsagarada, Zagora for accommodation and more.
Centaurs’ Path: Mythological hiking trail starting from Portaria.
Volos Town: A lively town famous for tsipouradika, capital city of Magnesia.
5. Metsovo
Metsovo is a small alpine town in the Epirus region, located about 480 km away from Athens and 55 km east of Ioannina Town. Metsovo sits between the Pindus Mountain Range at an impressive altitude of 1160 meters and has a population of 2500. The town itself is interesting to explore and is known for its vlach heritage.
What to See & Do
Anilio Ski Center: Modern and less crowded.
Pindus National Park: Also known as Valia Calda, a Natura 2000 protected area and the largest national park of the country.
Ioannina: Lake Pamvotida, Old Town, Ali Pasha Museum on the island of Ioannina are few among the many reasons for visiting.
Zagori Region: Where to begin? Vikos Gorge, villages such as Monodendri, Mikro & Megalo Papingo, Rock Pools of Papingo, Voidomatis River Rafting and so much more.
6. Arachova
Undoubtedly the most popular option on this list, Arachova is a tiny beautiful town located about 170 km west of Athens. It stands at an altitude of 970 meters and has a population of around 2500. Thanks to its proximity to Athens, it receives thousands of visitors every winter, even for weekend getaways.
What to See & Do
Parnassus Ski Center: The largest and most visited in Greece.
Delphi Archaeological Site: One of the most important in the country and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Arachova: The town features multiple picturesque alleys worth discovering as well as plenty of accommodation.
7. Mountainous Arcadia
Arcadia is the largest of the 7 prefectures in the Peloponnese and its winter highlights lie in the Gortynia region, roughly 180 km west of Athens and 150 km south of Patras. The area is famous for its dense forests and stunning villages. Its land is also popular for its olive oil production.
What to See & Do
Mainalo Ski Center: Small and family-friendly.
Kapsia Cave: Impressive stalactites.
Can’t Skip the Villages: Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Vytina, Karytaina are some of the most popular and developed (but not the only) villages in the area with multiple accommodation options.
Mountain Activities: Horse riding, Lousios River rafting, hiking and more.
8. Mill of the Elves (Trikala)
A Christmas Theme Park couldn’t possibly be missing from the list. The Mill of the Elves is generally active from late November to early January every year and is situated in the modern city of Trikala in Thessaly. It is 320 km north of Athens and comprises a magical winter destination, especially for families. The Mill is the second most popular Christmas Theme Park right after Oneiroupoli in Drama (northern Greece).
What to See & Do
Explore the city of Trikala: The city is one of the few ones in Greece that is visited by a river (Lithaios) and has a lot to offer such as accommodation variety, the Old Town, the Clock of Trikala, etc.
Meteora: Mandatory mention. Just a few kilometers away, outside the town of Kalambaka lies one of the most (if not the most) impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of the country featuring monasteries atop natural rock pillars.
Pertouli Ski Center: Features a large variery of activities.
Paleokarya Waterfall: Photogenic and peaceful.
Edessa is a quiet city in the Pella region of Central Macedonia located about 540 km north of Athens and 95 km west of Thessaloniki. The main highlights of the city are the Waterfalls and the Old Town (Varosi). Even though Edessa does not rank among the popular destinations in Macedonia, it offers affordable accommodation as well as a break from overly touristy places.
What to See & Do
Edessa Waterfalls: Spectacular year-round.
Voras Ski Center: Most visited ski resort in the region.
Pozar Thermal Baths: One of the most popular natural hot springs in Greece. They are surrounded my stunning nature.
10. Trikala of Corinthia
Don’t be in a hurry to confuse this with the city of Trikala (which is natural) if you’re not from Greece. We’re referring to the three villages that give the name Trikala justice as the word literally translates to “Three Good”. They are located on the northeastern Peloponnese, about 150 km away from Athens making them also a decent weekend getaway option. Also, Ano Trikala has the highest altitude of the three, reaching 980 meters.
What to See & Do
Ziria Ski Center: Modern, well-organized and the ski resort closest to Athens.
Lake Doxa: Alpine lake with monasteries and walking paths where you can enjoy lake cycling among other things.
Three Trikala Villages: Ano (Upper) Trikala, Mesa (Mid) Trikala, and Kato (Lower) Trikala all feature stone houses and traditional eateries.
Conclusion
Winter in Greece offers rich diversity—from alpine skiing and thermal springs to historic monasteries and unforgettable gastronomy. These destinations showcase the country’s lesser-known but deeply authentic winter identity.
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