Joanna KalafatisIf you want to see a side of Greece usually reserved for locals, and really go off the beaten path, you need to experience at least one Greek winter.
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 sunny 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 northern Greece, the mountainous regions become 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.
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.
Here is your chance to discover another side of of the country, and to explore these great destinations among Greeks, rather than the usual tourist crowds. Check out some amazing Greek winter destinations below!
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.
Does it Snow in Greece?
Depending on where you are, yes, it very much does. In Athens, snow is a rare event even in the winter months, and the few times it does happen, you can expect just an inch or two that barely sticks to the ground. And Athenians to spend three days trapped inside panicking.
But in the north, especially in the Epirus region, temperatures plummet, and you won’t find any trace of the famous Mediterranean climate. That’s why many locals who want a real winter vacation spend their holidays in north and central Greece.
Some brave few also head to the Greek islands in December. Despite the rain and cold weather, you still have a great time without the beach bars and the sun. I point out two of my favorites for winter tourism later in this post.
I really love Greece in December, as the city is all lit up for the Christmas season, and people in Athens 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 valley 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 ski slopes. Travelers who like winter sports head up here between December and March to ski and snowboard down the mountains.
If you also want to check out ancient sites, the famous Oracle of Delphi is only a 10-15 minute drive away, and open during the winter season.
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.
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 traditional villages in Greece. Makrinitsa has a magnificent view of the Aegean, and Portaria is full of elegant old mansions.
The historic houses of Pelion are known as archontika, or “noble houses”. The Ottomans left this area of Greece to its own devices for the most part, so in the 18th and 19th centuries, wealthy Greek merchants built their mansions here.
Go to Pelion if you want to ski, walk around centuries-old streets, and admire beautiful forests and waterfalls all in the same trip. If there’s no snow for winter activities, active travelers can also enjoy plenty of hiking and walking trails through unspoiled nature.
Duck into the shops selling local wild herbs, olive oil, and other regional products.
Driving Distance: 4 hours from Athens (3 hours from Thessaloniki)
Local Tip: If it’s up and running, take the Pelion Train, a mythical route in the area.
Monemvasia (Μονεμβασιἀ)
Monemvasia is a visually stunning castle town built into a majestic, large rock jutting out of the sea off the Peloponnesian coast. It is also the largest continuously inhabited town in all of Europe.
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.
You can only wander within the castle walls on foot. But the mild and sunny weather in the Peloponnese, even during the chilly winter season, allows you to do so comfortably. This area of southern Greece rarely, if ever, gets snow, so as long as you have a warm jacket and a glass of red wine at night you should be good.
Make sure you’re out and about at sunset, when the light hits the stones and 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 tourist season, 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.
If you explore Greece during the Christmas season, know that younger Greeks today spend Christmas Day with their families and Christmas night out at bars and clubs. A lot of people have also received their holiday bonuses by this time, so you can expect big crowds out and about.
The only con is that you may have to deal with one of the country’s relatively frequent winter rains.
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 charming mountain villages (or 48…no one can seem to agree), built amphitheatrically in Timvi, Pindos, and Mitiskeli.
The towns have traditional stone and wood architecture, but each is also quite unique in what it offers tourists. Papingo, Monodendri, Tsepelovo, and Aristi seem to be some of the favorite – as well as a lot of natural beauty to take in and explore.
Papingo has become a favorite winter trip destination among Greeks, and is seen as a bit of a ritzy destination, despite its traditional air. If that’s not your style, there are plenty of quaint villages in these mountainous regions to transport you back to the Greek of 60 or 70 years ago.
Personally, I loved the charming villages of Monodendri and Tsepelovo the best. Monodendri actually makes a great base from which to explore the rest of the mountain villages, as driving between them can take a long time thanks to the winding, narrow roads.
Driving Distance: 6 hours from Athens
Local: Head to the Vikos Gorge (Φαρἀγγι του Βικοὐ) for some impressive scenery. The best observation point is at Beloi Viewpoint.
Metsovo (Μἐτσοβο)
Up in the mountains of Epirus lies the charming village of Metsovo. Known for wine, cheese, and its smoked meats, Metsovo is the perfect place to bundle up during the cold winter months.
For those who believe Greece has mild winters and doesn’t really get “cold”, the weather forecast in Metsovo will surprise you. Even in the summer, average temperatures linger in the 60s and 70s (Fahrenheit) while the rest of the country is scorching. In the winter? Temperatures often drop to about and below zero.
One famous institution here is Katogi Averoff, a hotel, winery, and legacy institution of one of Greece’s most recognizable rich, philanthropist families. Visit the meat-focused restaurants (ovelistiria) and cheese shops around the main square (I love both Pigi and Gnision). Head to the Metsovo Folk Art Museum, which is actually the old Tositsa Mansion – another well-known philanthropist family in Greece.
Here, you can take a tour and discover not only how this family lived, but what homes in northern Greece were like almost a century ago. The culture of Epirus is quite distinct from the rest of Greek culture. This is reflected in their housing, decor, lifestyles, and art.
That’s part of the beauty of exploring Greece’s northern regions – you get to see a whole different side of the country’s rich history.
Do you want to pair a visit to Metsovo with a ski holiday? You can also enjoy winter sports at nearby Metsovo and Anilio Ski Center.
Driving Distance: 4 hours and 30 minutes from Athens
Local Tip: If you don’t stay at Katogi Averoff Hotel, tour the winery here. It’s the first winery to produce red wine in Greece and a famous establishment in its own right. You can check out more info on winery tours and get contact information on the website.
Still Want to Visit a Greek Island?
Ferry routes to the islands get disrupted or don’t run as often in the winter in Greece. Unless you’re a cold plunger, you probably won’t want to take a dip in the Aegean Sea…but there is still plenty of beauty in the Greek islands even when the temperature drops.
Popular Greek islands like Mykonos become semi-ghost towns. But you can find a year round destination in the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
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 island life you are looking for, check out the following places:
Hydra (᾽Υδρα)
The island of Hydra is just two hours 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 It’s a calm, pedestrian-friendly oasis travelers love, with traditional stone houses lining the street.
Artists, painters, and writers love to retire to Hydra in the winter to get inspiration from the landscape, historic town, and beautiful sea, while dealing with fewer crowds. One of the island’s most famous residents, Leonard Cohen, met the love of his life – Marianne – here and also fell in love with Hydra’s natural beauty.
Ferry Distance: From Athens, Hydra is 2 hours away.
Pro Tip: Check the weather and ferry routes before heading to the port. 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. Locals also 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 Apollon 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.
Winter in Greece: Cuisine
You can’t visit Greece without indulging in the local cuisine. But one of the best things about visiting in the winter (besides avoiding the bustling peak season) is that the local cuisine changes somewhat depending on the season.
Fresh calamari and fish are great for summer, and are still available in many places during the winter. Fun fact: calamari season usually is during the winter, so that’s when you get them at their freshest.
But the great thing about Greek destinations like Metsovo and Zagorohoria is that they specialize in a lot of hearty Greek dishes perfect for keeping you warm and insulated while you slalom down the slopes.
Or you know…just hang around a cozy fire. No one’s judging.
When you explore the mountainous regions of Greece, you will find seasonal specialties like stews, soups, and smoked meats everywhere. Greek winter food includes bouyiourdi, mpekri meze, stifado, kavourmades, lachanodolmades.
If you want to visit Greece, but with a lower budget and fewer tourists, exploring Greece in winter may be your best bet. Experience the Greek holiday season! 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!