Dream destinations to spend a wonderful Christmas in Greece!
As we are a breath away from December, the month of Christmas and New Year, there are not a few who have already started planning small or longer getaways in Greece or abroad for the holidays.
Christmas is the happiest time of the year and those who love want to enjoy it in the best possible way, together with their loved ones.
Today we will give you some ideas on where you can have a good time in Greece this Christmas and New Year.
Zagorochoria
Zagorochoria is one of the most beautiful and picturesque mountainous regions in Greece. They are located in the prefecture of Ioannina, north of Ioannina. They consist of 46 villages that over time have kept their traditional character with their stone-built houses, arched bridges, beautiful churches and picturesque squares.
The entire area is divided into Western or Katomeni, Eastern or Vlachozagora and Central or Mainly Zagori, while all the villages except zero are famous for their picturesqueness, famous well-preserved architecture and unique natural beauty.
A characteristic point that you must visit is the Bikos canyon, which is also the deepest canyon in terms of length-width-height in the world, according to the Guinness Book. In addition, Zagorochoria offers the visitor a multitude of recreational activities such as: hiking, horse riding, climbing, mountaineering, rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. Of course, if you want a more chill Christmas you can just wander the picturesque alleys, eat delicious pies (and more) and take in the rich natural scenery.
If you still don’t have a means of transport, so you can go alone with your partner or your partner and do a two- or three-day tour, then you can see the also picturesque Ioannina. From there, one-day trips to Zagorochoria are organized quite often on weekends at a low cost, while the rest of your days can be spent in the beautiful and very lively city of Ioannina.
Metsovo
Metsovo is an equally popular destination for winter holidays. Snow-covered pavements, low temperature, the smell of burning fireplaces and an extreme Christmas landscape are all one needs to spend a magical Christmas and New Year!
Metsovo is located at an altitude of 1,150 meters, while if you find yourself there you can combine it with one-day trips to Ioannina or even visit Zagorochoria, which as mentioned above are located near the city of Ioannina.
Of course, if you find yourself in Metsovo, in addition to the excellent quality food you will, do not miss visiting the Folklore Museum of Metsovo (Tositsa Manor), the E. Averov Art Gallery and the Tsanaka Museum. At the same time, if you love winter sports, you can choose one of the nearby ski resorts (Politsies or Profitis Ilias, Karakoli and Zygos-Anilio), in case of course you are in the habit of snowboarding or skiing.
Kastoria
Without sacrificing much of its authentic personality, Kastoria is an extremely popular holiday destination. It is considered one of the most atmospheric cities in Greece and the ideal springboard for those who want to get to know the mountainous world of western Macedonia, but also to… make excursions to neighboring Prespes.
Kastoria has incredible natural beauty, while its lake is suitable for a pleasant walk. You can also wander through the picturesque alleys of Kastoria, which are located in the oldest district of the city, Dolchos. In fact, there you can install the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, as well as the Folklore Museum which is also located in the same district.
Finally, if you are big nature lovers, you should not miss your visit to the lakeside settlement of Dispilio, located 4 km outside of Kastoria, it is worth it both because of the natural landscape and because it is the first open-air house museum in Greece. This means that there you can see images of people’s lives… 7,500 years ago!
In addition, throughout the festive season, the residents of Kastoria have their own way of celebrating Christmas and the coming of the new year, since they have some traditions of their own, such as the Ragoutsaria, but also the big bonfires that are set up in some of its villages . Kastoria just before Christmas, on December 23, which, according to custom, is intended to warm the newborn Christ.
The Ragoutsarias start from the evening of New Year’s Eve with the “bulukia” dancing in the neighborhoods, just as the Bouparai in Eptachori are a real New Year’s Eve spree. The bands of Ragoutsaria with brass instruments that start slowly after New Year’s to roam the streets of the city from dusk, with their climax during the days of Theophany and St. John. The Ragoutsaria in all their glory have passed through the Byzantine period to the present day.
Karpenisi
In the heart of Central Greece, in the prefecture of Evrytania, is the enchanting Karpenisi! A popular destination with amazing options for winter and summer. The wild beauty, the traditional flavors and the nearby ski resort that give you unforgettable and magical moments this Christmas too.
Karpenisi is located at an altitude of 975 meters, while it is about 300 kilometers from Athens. Throughout the winter and especially during the festive season, Karpenissi is ready to welcome every year several visitors who want to spend Christmas there or welcome the new year.
Apart from its enchanting mountain landscape, Karpenisi has equally enchanting hidden rivers, lakes, students (yes, it houses the Department of Forestry & Natural Environment Management of the Agricultural University) and waterfalls. In fact, according to UNESCO measurements, the fourth cleanest atmosphere in the world is in the prefecture of Evrytania.
So, if you are a nature lover who is tired of the exhaust gas of the city, then “take” the boots and go to spend this year’s Christmas 2021 in Karpenisi, where in addition to the clean air you have the opportunity to get into the Christmas mood by eating traditional dishes, such as kanlou Evrytania, feta, katiki and honey from the reduction of the area. He also has to try “muro”, a type of tsipouro made from black berry spirit.
Finally, if after all this you want to ski or snowboard, then the Velouchi ski center is just 10 km away from Karpenisi and of course you can do it.