Greece, a country steeped in history and dotted with breathtaking islands, has long been a sought-after destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture, beauty, and relaxation. Among these enchanting islands lies Andros, a hidden gem that remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Greek experience. Located in the Cyclades archipelago, Andros Island offers a captivating blend. Picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and ancient history, invite visitors to indulge in Andros’ tranquility and charm. 

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How to get to Kea island

Getting to Kea Island is easy, as there are regular ferries departing from Athens’ port of Lavrio, which is only an hour’s drive from the city center. The ferry ride takes around one hour and a half, and the views of the Aegean Sea are breathtaking. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the island’s main town, Korissia, a picturesque port that is filled with colorful boats, charming cafes, and traditional tavernas.

Stunning beaches in Kea

One of the most remarkable things about Kea Island is the variety of landscapes that it offers. The island is home to several stunning beaches, from secluded coves to long sandy stretches. Koundouros Beach, located on the island’s southern coast, is a popular spot for swimming and water sports, while Otzias Beach, on the north side, is ideal for families with young children due to its calm waters. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Pisses Beach is a hidden gem that is only accessible by boat or on foot.

Hiking trails in Kea island

Aside from its beaches, Kea Island is also known for its hiking trails, which offer visitors the chance to explore the island’s natural beauty. The ancient stone-paved trails that crisscross the island lead through rugged landscapes, past ancient ruins, and to hidden coves. One of the most popular hikes is the trail that leads to the Karthea archaeological site, where visitors can explore the ruins of an ancient city that dates back to the 5th century BC.

Charming villages in Kea island

Kea Island is also home to several charming villages, each with its unique character and charm. Ioulida, the island’s capital, is a picturesque village that is perched on a hill and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The village is home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Kea, which houses artifacts from the island’s ancient past. Another must-visit village is Vourkari, a fishing village that is known for its excellent seafood restaurants and lively nightlife.

Kea’s cuisine

Kea Island’s cuisine is a highlight of any visit. The island’s traditional cuisine is based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and herbs. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as grilled octopus, stuffed vine leaves, and cheese pies, accompanied by local wines and ouzo.

In conclusion, Kea Island is a hidden gem in the Cyclades that offers visitors a unique and authentic Greek experience. With its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and delicious cuisine, Kea is the perfect destination for those seeking a quieter and more off-the-beaten-track destination. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, Kea Island has something to offer for everyone.

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Few words about Mountainous Arcadia

The mountainous Arcadia is located on the western side of the Arcadia region. Located in the center of Peloponnese, is just 200 km from Athens. There you will find picturesque villages such as Stemnitsa, Dimitsana and Karitaina which are also one the most famous villages in the area. You will also find the Mainalo mountain, which is 1981 meters high. It is a historical area as it is contributed substantially to the struggle of the Greek war of indepedence of 1821.

What to see in Mountainous Arcadia

When you travel to arcadia you will find many sightseeing places of interest during driving. As the main sightseeings of the area we stand out…

Water power Museum

The open-air water power museum belongs to the cultural foundation of piraeus group.  In this museum you can discover the technology used by the region’s traditional communities as early on as the 16th century in order to cover their basic needs. You will find a powder, which made the gunpowder for the revolution, tannery, water friction and watermill. Details of the museum’s operation can be found here.  

Dimitsana Library

The library of Dimitsana was founded in 1764 and until 1821 it was enriched with 5,000 books, a huge number for the time. After the 1826, only 600 books were rescued after using the paper to make cartridges for the fights, during Greek war of indepedence.

The library of Dimitsana is the oldest library in Greece

Ski resort in Mainalo

In Mainalo you will find the ski resort for skiing and winter activities in general. More information and opening hours can be found here.

Ancient Gortys

Ancient Gortys is one of the most important Arcadian cities of the ancient world and its heyday is placed in the 4th century BC. It was one of the stations on the route followed by spartan athletes on their way to compete in the Olympics. Races, as the ancient road Olympia – Megalopolis – Mycenae – Isthmus – Athens passed through here.

Philosopher’s monastery

The philosopher’s monastery is located in the ravine of the River Lousios, south of Dimitsana. The old monastery is also known as the “Hidden School”, because according to tradition it operated there during the Turkish occupation school which later developed into a great seminary. 

Prodromos Monastery

The Monastery of Prodromos is located between the villages of Stemnitsa and Dimitsana. It is built at the root of a steep rock in The Lousios River, near the philosopher monastery. It was founded in the 4th century and is one of the most beautiful monasteries of the Peloponnese. 

4+1 Picturesque Villages

In the area there are many picturesque villages which worth be visiting. We present to you the ones we like dthe most during trekking in the area, which you can also see easily via google earth:

Dimitsana

It is a very beautiful stone village that is well worth giving from your time. At the entrance of the village you will find an old third bridge. You should also definitely visiti Agia Kiriaki, a Greek orthodox church. Agia Kiriaki is a single-aisled basilica with a dome covered with copper leaves, built in 1834. Close to it you will find the Public Library and the School.  Finally, in the village there is also the open-air museum of water power.   

Stemnitsa

In Stemnitsa you will wander in very beautiful alleys. You will find, today’s ruined, impressive four-storey tower house of Roilos, the mansion of Bourazos and the church of “Panagia in Stemnitsa” with the characteristic bell. Finally, in the castle of Stemnitsa you will admire the amazing view of the village.

Karitaina

It stands out the castle, also known as the “Toledo of Greece”, built in the 13th century. Karytaina is a proclaimed traditional settlement, as it retains the color of the medieval castle town. It has an amazing view and definitely deserves your attention. On the banks of the River Alfios is the bridge of Koukos. It was built in 1880, it is a one-arched and its height is 34 meters. 

Vytina

A very beautiful little village with traditional small square. If you want to go to the Mainalo ski resort Vytina is a good choice, since it is nearby. If you are looiking for an instagrammable place you should go through the “love raod”, for a photo.

Places to stay in Arcadia

You can travel to Mountainous Arcadia just for one day but we think that is better to stay for a couple of days instead. Throughout the area you will find many traditional guesthouses and picturesque hotels for a pleasant stay available for all bugdets. We preferred to stay in Dimitsana, Stemnitsa and Karitaina for one night at each accommodation. But we could also stay in one of the villages we described above as the distances are short and pleasant.

What to do – activities

If you prefer outdoor experiences and activities, Arcadia is one of the best places to do so, close to Athens. There you will find many long and short hiking trails. We enjoyed, as a short and easy route the path that starts from Ancient Gortys and ends after one and a half kilometres in the carved on the rock Monastery of Prodromos, following the flow of Lucius river and passing next to old watermills and over Bridges. You can also go rafting on the Lousios River and enjoy all its magic.

Hiking and rafting are the best choices for outdoor experience in mountainous Arcadia

Places to eat

In Arcadia you will find amazing Greek traditinal food. There are great taverns and resaturants and we sugeest that you visit some of themduring your visit to Arcadia: 

The “Kapilio ton athanaton” in Dimitsana
The “Zerzova“, in Panagia near Dimitsana
“Ta kokkina pitharia” in Vytina
“To lathos” on the road between Dimitsanas Vytina

Travel to Mountainous Arcadia is one of the best options for outdoor activities close to Athens, all year round. If you want more ideas for destinations near Athens keep reading our website and find out more about destinations in Greece.

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Kalavrita and History

Kalavrita is located on Mount Helmos in the region of Achaia, 190 km from Athens. It is a historical village both for the actions took place there during the Greek war of independence, as well as for its modern history. Kalavrita was one of the regions of Greece that experienced nazi German retaliation in the harshest way during the Occupation (Massacre of Kalavryta December 13, 1943). 

Sightseeing in Kalavrita area

See the google earth map  route we made for you. As for the top attractions of the area we stand out…

Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust

The Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust is located in the primary school. It is a symbolic building for the inhabitants of the city as they met and suffered the brutality of the Nazi atrocity. You certainly have to visit it, for details visit the official website of this historical museum.

Place of sacrifice of Kalavryta

Within walking distance from the city, just 500 meters, on the hill Kapi, is the spot at which all the men from 14 years old were led by the Germans, where they were executed. Today there is a great cross reminiscent of the Kalavrita massacre.

Kalavrita Ski Resort

There are a total of eight (8) lifts and fourteen (14) slopes that include all difficulty levels, total length 25 km. You can also enjoy your coffee in the ski chalet.

The ski resort started operating in 1988

Cave of the lakes

The Cave of the Lakes is considered unique in the world, since it has 13 successive scaled lakes. The exploited length of the cave is 500 m while its total length is 1,980 m. You will enter the cave from an artificial tunnel that leads directly to the second floor from a total of three. The crossing of the ponds is made by raised artificial bridges. For opening hours check here.

Petimeza Tower

Between Kalavrita and the cave of the lakes you will find the famous Tower of Petimeza. The tower is located in an elevated position in Kato Lousous and is maintained in good condition. It is one of the oldest towers of the mountainous Peloponnese (17th century) and is a characteristic example of fortified housing

Holy Monastery of Agia Lavra

Historical monastery, where the banner of the Revolution of 1821 was raised. It was built in the 10th century and in 1585 it was destroyed, when the decline of the monastery began. Successive disasters followed and in the early 19th century it was rebuilt.

How to get there – odontotos rack railway

The easiest way to get there is by car, because this will help you visiting the places around the village. Another way is by Odontotos train. Using odontotos train is a unique experience, and not unfairly it has become a tourist attraction. The train starts from Diakopto and the route is trully unique. It lasts about an hour and crosses the gorge of Vouraikos, passes through the village of Zachlorou and ends in Kalavryta. The 22 km/h journey takes place at a speed ranging from 30 to 40 km/h on the single line and from 6 to 15 km/h on the barbed track. The railway network is serrated in the places where due to the morphology of the ground there are large slopes. For ticket info and train timetable press here.

Where to Stay?

Although the region of Kalavrita is close to Athens and you could come for just one day but… we think that is better to spend more days in Kalavrita village. We stayed two nights in the center of the village. You will find a lot of traditional hostels and picturesque houses to stay in, depending on your preferences. 

Things to do in Kalavrita – activities

You will find a lot of activites around the kalavrita village!!! … skiing, hiking and of course the odontotos train are some of them. We recommend the descent of the Gorge of Vouraikos. It is a route along the path that follows exactly the jagged! A really great route, regardless of whether you are a hiking enthusiast.

Where to eat

The food is unique, traditional and you will definitely enjoy it whatever your choice. We stood out and recommend: 

• The tavern “Romanzo” in Zachlorou
• “Peri orekseos” in Kalavrita
• The tavern “Varvitsiotis” in Kalavrita

Mountainous Arcadia is one of the nice destinations that you can visit, all year round. If you want more ideas for destinations near Athens visit our blog post for city breaks close to Athens.

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Did you know that Rigas Feraios is closely connected to the city of Vienna ? No ? Neither did we! Seek for the plaque that is placed on a main street in Vienna as an honour to him and learn more!

vienna austria

15+1 Top attractions in Vienna

1. Belvedere palaceDunabeVienna state opera houseSchönbrunn Palace
2. Schönbrunn Park and Gardens
3. The Hofburg treasuryImperial  ApartmentsImperial chapelSisi MuseumSpanish Riding School
4. Vienna city hallSt. Stephen’s Cathedral
5. Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum
6. Tiergarten Schönbrunn
7. Karlskirche
8. Vienna’s Natural History Museum
9. Hundertwasserhaus
10. Vienna’s Capuchin Church
11. Parliament Building
12. Kärtner Strasse.
13. Donner fountainNational Theater Burgtheater
14. Franciscan Church
15. Rathaus
16. Rigas Feraios plaque

The list of the top attractions as you may see yourself is really long, but that doesn’t mean you have to see all of it of course! Depending on the itinerary of yours and travel days try prioritize the above attractions and make the most out of your trp. The city of Vienna is easily walkable so just try to enjoy it without any worries!

Food stories in Vienna

You will definitely taste the sweet chimney cake which is coming out of the oven and while it is still hot they sprinkle it with chocolate, candies and all you can imagine. We suggest you try it in its pure original version, which is no other than cinnamon and sugar! Of course, in Vienna you have to try chocolate or maybe we should say chocolates! All sorts of chocolates can be found throughout the pedestrian area of the city center of Vienna and wonderfully decorated stores are waiting for you to visit them and try all kind of chocolates!

Of course while in Vienna, you cannot miss drinking Viennese chocolate, although we did not notice any difference with the classic ones but let’s say that you owe it to the city.

For the lovers of the street food hot dogs and sausages – wurstels are all around the city… They are really convenient in terms of budget and taste and of course it is a must especially while visiting Christmas festive markets! Lst but not least the classic old-fashioned schnitzel can also be found in every restaurant in the center of Vienna at affordable prices and in satisfactory portions!

The center of Vienna is very easy to walk around. In fact, there is one main ring road that encapsulates the city center, making it hard to get lost! There is a lot to see on different sides of the city, so the easiest way to get around is via the U-Bahn

Historic cafes in Vienna

We drank coffee at a central a quite minimal actually for such a baroque city and at Fenster Cafe Vienna (instagrammers will love it).  We didnd get to visit Vienna’s well-known historic cafes, but we believe that some of them are worth visiting and enjoying a hot cup of coffee or a pastry!

• Cafe Central
• Cafe Mozart
• For more coffee stories read  here!

These were some little tips and top attractions for your visit to aristocratic Vienna which will welcome you with festive mood whether you are travelling on Christmas time or not. It’s a beautiful trip with very pleasant european notes (you might try dancing and waltz as well, would you?), endless walks in pedestrian streets and hot chocolate! Put your pins in the maps, wear some warm shoes, isothermal clothes and you are ready to indulge in the beauty of the grand city of Vienna. Vienna is always worth a trip, but at Christmas time the city radiates a very special kind of magic.

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Milos

Milos

When it comes for the top island of Europe we need to know the top attractions, beaches and things worth seeing and doing on this wonderful island!

We Visited Milos island as part of our island hopping trip in the Cyclades with Seajets her and we present to you below everything we did and liked while exploring Milos!

1. Sarakiniko Beach-for some outerspace views
2. Tsigrado Beach-has ropes and ladder to ease your access
3. Kleftiko Beach-Daily sea trip to the south side of the island
4. Daily Sea excursion to the north side of the island-Glaronisia
5. Fyriplaka Beach-for unique colors that will surprise you
6. Plathena Beach-its all about blue here
7. Papafragas Beach and caves-wild beauty
8. Plaka Chora-Castle of Plaka-for walks and view of the whole island
9. Sunset in Plaka – for romantic moments with your partners
10. Mandrakia for tradition lovers and the chance to discuss with the local fishermen
11. Syrmata-Klima-like a apainting
12. Tavern O! Hamos on the beach of Papikinou-get ready to wait long in the queue
13. Pastry Shop – I Kivotos ton gefseon – ask for chocolate pie, galaktompoureko or watermelon pie
14. Taverna Aleuromulos in Parasporos – ask for Pytarakia
15. Ice cream at Angeliki in Adamas
16. Fish in Mikros Apoplous in Adamas – cheaper than in Pollonia
17. Milos Catacombs-ten minutes devoted to history and religion stuff
18. Day trip to Kimolos for the island hoppers
19. Trekking in the villages or in the volcanic areas of the island for lovers of nature and adventure
20. Sulphur Mine Theiorycheio Beach – for more exploration

Milos

Milos

milos greece

Extra info! Did you know about… Afrodite of Milos? or… Venus de Milo?

The Venus de Milo is one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture.  Created sometime between 130 and 100 BC, the statue is believed to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.  It is a marble sculpture, slightly larger than life size at 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) high. Part of an arm and the original plinth were lost following the statue’s discovery. It is currently on permanent display at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The statue is named after Aphrodite’s Roman name, Venus, and the Greek island of Milos, where it was discovered.

island hopping greece milos

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Why choose Island hopping?

The reason we love island hopping is the great flexibility along with the countless experiences you can reap on a single trip! Basically what you do is to start a trip to a new island of Cyclades almost every day! The Cyclades have countless islands waiting to be discovered that satisfy every type of traveler and now with Seajets travelling from one island to another has become even faster, comfortable and easy!

seajets island hopping greece

Why Choose Seajets?

Because:

• It covers 260 connections  from Piraeus, Rafina and Crete for the islands of Cyclades, allowing you to discover as much as you can in a single summer!
• It is ideal when your time is limited, but your mood for exploration is limitless, offering you a great variety of choices.
• Because it has ready-made ideas for romantic getaways, nightlife, adventure etc.
• Because it has the largest high-speed fleet in the Aegean (20 ships)!
• A total of 26 islands including Crete are available.

3 Summer proposals for island hopping in the Cyclades with Seajets

Piraeus-Syros-Mykonos-Naxos-Santorini with WorldChampion Jet the fastest speedboat in the world.

The only speedboat with a Guinness record for its speed, travels daily from Piraeus to Syros, Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini! Four unique islands that stand out each for a different reason! You enjoy a journey of incomparable speed and luxury in the brand new WorldChampion Jet lounges, reaching islands such as Syros with its unique chora (the main town on the island) and its incredible alleys or picturesque villages in Naxos, or even the cosmopolitan and colourful Mykonos! the words of course are not enough to describe the unparalleled beauty of one of the most popular islands (and rightly so), Santorini. Also worth highlighting is the pioneering concept of WorldChampion Jet, as you can find an authentic Formula 1 car, which has run in the world’s leading institution of motorsports. So until you are photographed and see a genuine Minardi driven by Jos Verstappen, which made its appearance on the track the years 2003-2004, you will already have reached your destination! A colorful and fast itinerary for every type of traveler!

Piraeus-Paros-iOS-Santorini with Tera Jet the world’s biggest speedboat

Our second proposal is a unique 5 star travel experience with Tera Jet! You travel fast, affordably and comfortably with spacious seats! The journey starts with a stop to wonderful Paros.  Once you’re done drinking your coffee in one of the lounges of the ship , you’ll have reached your destination! big Island, with crystal clear beaches, hiking trails, quite lively nightlife and undoubtedly good food! You continue with the cosmopolitan iOS which has a beautiful chora that challenges you for night getaways and then the itinerary ends up in Santorini! The island is world famous for its magnificent sunsets, as well as its geology due to the volcano activity. Easy and luxurious itinerary with Tera Jet.

Piraeus-Santorini-iOS-Milos-Naxos-Koufonisia-Mykonos The Nonstoptravellers route

The choices are really countless so in addition to the ready-made proposals with WorldChampion Jet and Tera Jet that offer you ready-made routes, you can improvise as we did! We traveled with WorldChampion Jet, Tera Jet, Superjet and Naxos Jet. We practically tried every speedboat of Seajets! We started the route romantically, going to our beloved Santorini , which we basically visit every year. Then, we went to Ios and got a taste of its nightlife. We couldn’t help but continue the route by stopping at the number one destination for 2019, Milos. The landscapes, the enchanting beaches, the picturesque alleys are breathtaking and definitely not to be missed. Leaving Milos and as we were heading to Koufonisia we were fortunate enough to stop at the port of Naxos for a few hours. There we found ourselves in the famous Portara of Naxos gazing at the endless blue. Next stop Koufonisia! A paradise on earth that gives you moments of tranquility. Finally, we arrived at the cosmopolitan Mykonos! Little Venice, windmills and a beautiful chora with charming alleys will definitely meet your expectation.

Extra tips for island hopping with Seajets

• Start with the suggested routes you will find here!
• Continue with improvising, choosing your own favorite islands here!
• Invest in a good backpack ideal for island hopping!
• Take only the essentials, summer needs simplicity!

Enjoy your trip!

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nonstoptravellers greece

Despite the many many differences amongst those islands mentioned above its hard to visit only one single island to satisfy sumer vibes, and thats why we recommend island hopping in the Aegean islands! So get yourself together, pack a few light clothes and explore the different options regarding island hopping, depending on your mood and time.

Mini Island hopping

Mainstream Island hopping

Theres actually no enough words to describe the beautiness of the mainland of the Aegean sea… talking about Cyclades can last for about forever… Finally travellers now have the chance to choose between several ferry connections and can enjoy many islands on a single trip! Choose between Cyclades and Dodecanese, while for those of you who want more adventurous scens you will find itineraries that combine a mainstream island with Crete, for example! You can find plenty of itineraries and cruises that can be ideal options for those of you that you do not have the time to organize the trip by their own. There are options that acan also take you to the coast of Turkey. Try various combinations, from cosmopolitan Mykonos and romantic Santorini to authentic Crete and islands of eastern Aegean, all in one trip! Actually, there is no rule just indulge yourself to the magic!

Alternative island hopping

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Our travel suggestions for couples travel are published by Glow magazine and we present them to you as they are posted!

The travel destinations we recommend:

Our inspiration is endless, but we  chose some of the best travel destinations for couples of every type of travelers!

• On top of all couple travelling is no other than Paris. Paris is ideal for first time travellers especially for couples and a trip to historic districts of the city of lights seems perfect if you’re still in honey moon phase!
• Bali on the other hand, perfectly suited to lovers of exotic beauty and offers a unique experience amidst the lush jungle!
• Then, Cappadocia it is… Cappadocia is indicated for … love birds, followers of the aesthetics of the Orient. Romantic balloon ride is once-in-a-lifetime experience!
• Certainly, we must not forget California, for authentic road-trippers and a life journey that combines national parks, nature and cities all in one great trip!
• We couldnt miss mentioning Alsace in France, at the borders with Germany make it perfect for wine tasting, for grape enthusiasts or for those who just want to enjoy a tour in picturesque hamlets with enchanting décor and medieval beauty!
• Amazing Iceland is the must for nature lovers and for those who dream to live the experience of the northern lights of Aurora!
• To continue with we ll propose Cambodia for adventurous backpackers exploring available religious monuments and temples lost in jungles, for exotic fruits and a chance to meet one of the kindest people in the world!
• Of course Singapore is an incredible destination for the lovers of urban tourism and modern Futuristic architecture.
• Last but not leat…Jaipur in India for the admirers of the Pink City, of tour palaces of Eastern flavours and tastes and for the big bargainers who will enjoy negotiating at authentic bazaars!

Did you like our trips’ recommendation? Have you been in one of these trips? What will be your next ones? We hope you found the travel proposals interesting and you found the style that suits you and your partner best!

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1. Oreini Arcadia

Thinking about getting out and experiencing the great outdoors? the surrounding nature of Oreini Arcadia has the perfect solution for you! Its picturesque villages are among the most beautiful architectural examples of Greek craftmanship. Walk the main street of  Vitina with its traditional shops, where you can fetch the famous fir honey and drink coffee in the central square. Passing the “Path of Love”, will be direct you in Elati, then visit the “village of Letters” Dimitsana, the famous Museum of Water Power, beautiful mansions and the Philosopher’s Monastery while you and will fall in love with the picturesque Stemnitsa.  The traditional greek food is great  and for trekking lovers there are beautiful routes that lead to the river Lucio, as well as many small villages waiting to be discovered (Greek, Karytaina etc.)

Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.

Arachova is one of the most picturesque parts of Greece, with excellent services that find ideal extensions to tradition. You can walk through the main path, which is full of small traditional shops (do not forget to buy formaela!). Drink your coffee in one of the haunts of Lakka Square. Do not hesitate to take the 264 steps that lead you to the church of Saint George! And if you want an extra … escape,  Agoriani is waiting for you at 25 miles away.

Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.

3. Kalavrita

Kalavrita is one of the most beautiful winter resorts in Greece at an affordable price! Take a walk through dozens of shops at the main street and go sightseeing (Municipal Museum of the Holocaust, Place of Sacrifice, Holy Monastery of Great Cave, the famous Monastery of Agia Lavra and the Cave of Lakes in the village castle! For the romantic ones there is an hourly “must” route to nature with the traditional train called “odontotos” from Kalavryta to Diakofto village, for the most athletic ones hiking on the same route will last about 5 hours (without return).

Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.

4. Pilio

If you consider yourself a nature lover, head straight to the breathtaking Pilio.The combination of sea and mountains makes it an ideal destination for all four seasons! Winter city breaks introduces to you the beauty of Portaria. Arriving at the central square, you see the City Hall and an elegant building called Zoulia mansion where you can find the Folklore Museum. You can lose yourself in quaint cobbled alleyways to shop traditional products from the Women’s Agricultural Association, admire mansions of unique architecture, surrender yourself to the running water and the outstanding green landscape and taste local delicacies in Mercouri Square, which is full of traditional taverns. At Makrinitsa (10 ‘ away from Portaria) you can wander through the narrow streets among the traditional stone houses. The quais.nt alleyways  lead to the paved square, where you can enjoy your coffee, with the extraordinary view of Volos city unfolding before you. the post-Byzantine churches and medieval tower Skoteinioti in Koukourava, the lower district of Makrinitsa, are waiting to be discovered! Don’t forget to… “check in” at Tsagarada and get photographed with the plane tree of Tsagarada, one of the oldest trees in Europe. Its age is 1000 years!

Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.

5. Trikala Korinthias

If you wish to change scenes, to let the magnificence of nature to calm you down, to try unique flavors, and all these half hours from Athens. Left the car in Lower – Kato  Trikala and start your tour of the oldest settlement. A cobblestone square, the Church of St. Demetrius, and traditional taverns compose the picture! You continue with the Medium  -Mesaia Trikala, full of traditional tavernas (greek traditional restaurants), the shops with the traditional products the and beautiful hostels. At Upper – Ano Trikala, tall towers and abandoned mansions justify their name during the Turkish occupation as “archontomachalas”. For  dining choose rooster in wine sauce with noodles homemade pies and stews.

Accessibility: about an hour and a half time from Athens

In winter landscape is magical and eerie, like a storyline from a fairy tale. The lake is wearing the most romantic of colors and invites for relaxation and direct contact with nature. You can take a course around the lake (about 60 km.). You will get to know beautiful places and villages like Mouzaki Morfovouni, the village of Dionysus, the Mesenikola -with attentive Wine and Vine Museum, the “balcony” of the lake, Neochori, Kalyvia Pezoulas and the water dam. For the sport lovers there are plenty of outdour activities like archery or even flying with jelicopter above the lake.

Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.

It is for sure that you will  be filled up with green, you will relax by nature excursions and drink plenty of champagne. You can explore the city and take excursions in the wider region. We recommend the route to Prouso, where you will meet historiac Karyschades, the  Voutiro, the Mikro and Megalo Horio (small and big village), and the famous Touch of the Virgin. One of the must do of the Megalo Horio is try Galaktompoureko (greek traditional dessert)! Other villages worth seeing is the Domnista, Krikello and Snakes which have wonderful view of the lake of Kremaston.

Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.

8. Oreini Naupaktia – Naupaktos

Nafpaktos gives you many choices.The winter days you will enjoy the mountain while at the same time discovering Villages submerged in firs. Mountains, ravines, rivers … A landscape of incomparable natural beauty …especially when the snow falls, descends rooftops and decorates the scene with winter gifts!

Accessibility: about three hours time from Athens.

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