6 reasons to head to Greece in winter, while you will find many more if you come for firt time!
Greece is so closely linked to summer vacations that it rarely features in winter escape plans.
That’s a shame, because while it rules the Mediterranean in the heat of July and August, it’s also got some pretty cool moves in the dead of December.
Falling temperatures sprinkle new magic on stone-built villages lost in deep forests and medieval castles built into that beautiful Greek coastline.
Throw vibrant cities into the mix, along with buzzing ski resorts — yes, ski resorts — and a whole new perspective of the country opens up.
Here are six classy places to consider for a Greek winter getaway.
Mountainous treasures: Zagorochoria
A hidden mountainous treasure in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece, Zagorochoria is a complex of 46 stone-built villages.
This parkland ecosystem is where locals take special guests to illustrate their ideals of natural beauty.
Scenic mountain roads and traditional arched stone bridges interconnect tiny villages filled with guesthouses and little cafes.
For city breaks
The main hub for northern Greece, Thessaloniki is an all-year round destination.
A hotspot, compact in size, the city’s Tsimiski, Mitropoleos and Proksenou Koromila streets are filled with fashionable boutiques.
There are fancy bars along Valaoritou Street, and many restaurants in between.
Its many engaging museums, important archaeological sites and byzantine monuments are an ideal winter cultural fix.
For mountains and sea: Pelion
Hiking trails, villages and ski slopes with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the agasetic Gulf make Pelion a strong winter destination.
The mythical mountain of Centaurs lies in the southeast part of the Thessaly region, forming a peninsula surrounded by water.
Pinakates village, in west Pelion, looks like a scene from a painting, with stunning mansions and photogenic cobbled streets.
For snowy scenery: Evritania, Megalo Horio)
Located in the heart of Greece, the Evritania region has traditional villages, stunning gorges, heavily forested mountains and historic monasteries.
There’s plenty to do outdoors, including snow-fueled fun at Velouhi Ski Resort, on the slopes of Mount Tymfristos, followed by apres ski in the lively regional capital, Karpenisi.
Nearby, plenty of attractive villages offer traditional guesthouses and boutique hotels.
For year-round seaside escapes: Mani, Gerolimenas
Located on the middle of the three peninsulas of southern mainland Greece’s historic Peloponnese region, Mani stands at the meeting point of the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
Home to more than 96 traditional villages, Mani is dotted with traditional tower houses, Byzantine churches, sheltered coves, gorges and a coastline that provides a dramatic backdrop for any winter road trip.
There’s a local saying: “You need three lives to fully understand Mani’s soul: one for its sea, one for its mountains and one for its people.”
The Kyrimai Hotel helps visitors make a start on all of these.
For dramatic scenery: Monemvasia
In the southern Peloponnese, the old town of Monemvasia is one of Greece’s best-preserved Byzantine citadels.
It’s a fairy tale-style castle, off limits to cars, located on a small islet linked to the mainland by a bridge.
It looks as if it’s floating on the Myrtoon Sea.
It’s surrounded by aristocratic mansions, churches, hammams, fountains and winding paths.
Monemvasia’s important role during the Byzantine period is still evident in the walls that dive into the deep blue sea.
Based on a post in CNN.com
