When most people think of Greece, sun, sand and blue seas are usually the first thing that comes to mind. Even though I will be the last person to deny the incredible beauty of Greece in the summer, the country’s reputation means it usually gets overlooked for winter tourism.

And this is a huge mistake. Greece may not have famous Christmas markets, New Year’s celebrations, or other winter tourism magnets. But visiting Greece in the winter opens up cosmopolitan destinations, adventurous trips, ski resorts, and other areas of the country few outside tourists see. 

In the north, mountainous regions are blanketed with snow. Spend the winter in Athens, Greece and you will see the city team with local life and welcome fewer tourists, decreasing hotel prices. And you get to explore Greece overall with fewer crowds.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Parnassos Ski Center

Greece is more than just the Acropolis, Mykonos and Santorini. So many interesting cities, picturesque villages, mountains, lakes, and lesser known islands never really become known to non-Greek tourists, and are almost completely devoid of non-locals during the winter.

So here is your chance to discover another side of Greece, and to explore these great destinations among Greeks, rather than the usual swarm of tourists. Check out some amazing Greek winter destinations below!

Does it Snow in Greece?

Depending on where you are, yes, it very much does. In Athens, snow is a rare event, and the few times it does happen, you can expect just an inch or two that arely stick to the ground.

But in the north, especially in the Epirus region, temperatures plummet. Many locals spend their winter holidays in Greece in north and central Greece for this reason. 

Some brave few head to the Greek islands in December. The weather there tends to be quite cold and rainy in the winter, but depending on which islands you visit, you could have a great time. I point out two of my favorites for winter tourism later in this post.

I really love Greece in December especially, as the city is all lit up for the Christmas season, and people in Athens really go all out partying to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Best Winter Destinations in Greece

Arachova (Αρἀχωβα)

One of the top destinations for winter sports and December holidays in Greece is the mountainside village of Arachova. The picturesque, amphitheatrical town has narrow streets and a jaw-dropping view of the vallye below.

The village is full of warm coffee shops and restaurants to take the edge off the cold outside. However, don’t picture a rustic little traditional town. Arachova is one of the top destinations for boujie Greeks, so if that’s your jam, you will be surrounded by designer-wearing Athenians.

Arachova also has great slopes for skiing and snowboarding. If you are the kind of traveler who wants to go to the “in” winter destinations, this is the town for you.

Driving Distance: 2 hours from Athens

Pro Tip: On your way to Arachova stop at Livadia for lunch. Livadia is a town about 20 to 30 minutes before your final destination. Greeks famously say it has the best souvlaki in all of Greece. Also, the historic site of Delphi is just a 15-20 minute drive further on from Arachova.

Mount Pelion (Πἠλιο)

Photo by Dan Taylor-Watt via Flickr/CC BY 4.0

This densely forested mountain near Volos is home to ski centers, stunning coastal areas, as well as some of the most charming villages in Greece. Makrinitsa has a magnificent view of the Aegean, and Portaria is full of elegant old mansions.

Go to Pelion if you want to ski, walk around centuries-old streets, and admire beautiful forests and waterfalls all in the same trip, go to Pelion. If there’s no snow, active travelers can also enjoy plenty of hiking trails through unspoiled nature.

Driving Distance: 4 hours from Athens (3 hours from Thessaloniki)

Monemvasia (Μονεμβασιἀ)

Monemvasia is a visually stunning medieval town built into a majestic, large rock jutting out of the sea off the Peloponnesian coast. Throughout history, it has gone through Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman hands, lending it a unique atmosphere with arched alleyways, fortified walls, and a main cobblestone street (the former Agora) full of cafes, artisanal shops, and restaurants. Make sure you’re out and about at sunset, when the light hits the stones and almost turns the whole town a shade of violet.

Driving Distance: 3 hours and 30 minutes from Athens

Pro Tip: Have a taste of Malvasia while you’re here, the local sweet wine.

Athens (Αθἠνα)

Obviously the city of Athens doesn’t need much of an introduction. If you’ve been to Greece in the summer, chances are you’ve climbed up to the Acropolis and walked through the market at Monastiraki. Or at least had a layover on your way to Mykonos.

But Athens in the winter is a much different, and in my opinion, better experience. In the summer months, locals become part of a mass exodus from the burning sun and 100-degree weather, leaving central Athens to be taken over by tour groups and a haze of traffic.

In the winter, Athens very much becomes a fully Greek city again. Head out with the alternative crowd in Gazi. Walk the charming streets of Plaka surrounded only by local Athenians. Admire the beautiful old buildings in Psiri. Get your classy night out in Kolonaki.

The only thing to keep in mind is that archaeological sites can shut down earlier in the winter thanks to reduced daylight hours. So double-check closing times for ancient ruins and make sure you visit earlier in the day. 

Driving Distance: None. Because, well..you’re here.

Pro Tip: Head to six d.o.g.s., cafe by day, bar by night, with plenty of alternative and rock bands playing here as well during the week.

Zagorohoria (Ζαγοροχὠρια)

Zagorohoria is a protected area of 46 villages (or 48…no one can seem to agree), built amphitheatrically in Timvi, Pindos, and Mitiskeli. The towns are very traditional, with stone and wood architecture, but each town is also quite unique in what it offers tourists, so you have plenty of choices of which to visit, as well as a beautiful natural environment to take in and explore. Examples include Elafotopos, famed for its traditional architecture, Kipi, known for mountain sports and surrounding arch stone bridges, and Greveniti, with its old churches and frescos as well as surrounding streams.

Driving Distance: 6 hours from Athens

Pro Tip: Head to the Vikos Gorge (Φαρἀγγι του Βικοὐ) for some impressive scenery.

Metsovo (Μἐτσοβο)

Photo by Kostas Limitsios via Flickr/CC BY 4.0

Sitting close to Arachova, but worlds away in its quiet charm, and atmosphere, the little known village of Agoriani is about 900 meters up on the slopes of Mount Parnassos.

Agoriani is full of traditional inns and a central square with cafes and small restaurants. However, it is mostly known for its natural beauty. Water runs through the town and culminates in a picturesque waterfall. This village is for travelers who want a quiet, calm winter getaway. Bring your ski gear, and admire the views of Kallidromo and Zitouni mountains just opposite.

Driving Distance: 2 hours and 45 minutes from Athens

Pro Tip: Visit either of the two restaurants right on the town square. They both serve fresh, locally inspired dishes that will fill you up after a long day of skiing.

Still want to get to see some islands in the winter?

Ferry routes to the islands get disrupted or don’t run as often in the winter in Greece. You probably won’t be able to enjoy the beaches, but there is still plenty of beauty to be found in the Greek islands even when the temperature drops.

In the winter, travelers leave and islanders fill up the local establishments. The Greek islands actually become a haven for some writers and artists who find their winter getaway here, using the peace and inspiration to create.

If that is the kind of atmosphere you are looking for, check out the following places:

Hydra, Poros, Aegina (᾽Υδρα, Πὀρος, Αἰγινα)

These three islands are just an hour away from Athens by ferry. Routes continue pretty frequently during the winter months. You won’t be going for the beaches at this time of the year, but you can enjoy the island’s particular appeal all the same.

Hydra doesn’t allow cars on the island. It’s a calm, pedestrian-friendly oasis travelers love, with traditional stone houses lining the street. The town of Poros is overflowing with signature Greek blues and whites in its architecture. It’s also home to the Sanctuary of Poseidon! Aegina has a bustling main town with plenty of cafes and restaurants, and historic ruins of its own at the Temple of Aphaia.

Ferry Distance: From Athens – Aegina is 1 hour and 15 minutes, Hydra is 2 hours, Poros is 2 hours by ferry, BUT best way to get to Poros in winter, to avoid possible stormy seas, is drive to Galatas (2 hours) and take a 15 minute ferry across to Poros’ main town.

Pro Tip: Check the weather and ferry routes before heading to the por. If weather gets severe (rare, but still), the ferries may not run.

Syros (Σὐρος)

Syros is one of the few islands in the Cyclades that maintains a sizable population year round. The main town, Ermoupolis, used to be the capital of the Aegean. As a result of that legacy, many aristocratic, neoclassical houses line the streets, and locals maintain a taste for theater, film and the finer things.

For a small island, Syros has a great variety of cultural and historic sites. Go to medieval Ano Syros up on the hilltop or the grand town hall and truly huge main square in the city center of Ermoupolis. There is a strong Catholic influence on the island (one of the few such places in Greece). You can see splendid Catholic and Orthodox churches visible on the town’s skyline.

In winter, all the mesmerizing buildings and city center are lit up for the holiday season, which makes Syros a beautiful sight even at this time of year. For travelers who want an island that combines history with cultural landmarks and the arts, Syros is a great place to visit in the off-season. 

Check out my full in-depth travel guide to Syros if you plan to visit soon.

Ferry Distance: 2-4 hours from Athens by ferry (but just a 35-minute flight if you can book one)

Pro Tip: Check out The Apollo Theater and try to catch a show; it is also known as La Piccola Scala because it was designed as a small version of La Scala in Milan.

If you want to visit Greece, but with a lower budget and fewer tourists, exploring Greece in winter may be your best bet. If you want to share or save this article, Pin away!

Have you visited any of these Greek destinations? Let me know what you thought in the comments below!