8 places near Athens to get away on winter weekends
Winter is a very special season with charm, which inspires you to take a few-day vacation in nearby destinations, to get away from the routine of everyday life. If your base is Athens then you have options and many places to see many, for a weekend either with your company, your relationship or your family.
So don’t waste time, prepare two or three changes and choose which of the 8 places near Athens you will go to for a weekend in the winter.
Nafplio
Whether it is winter or summer, Nafplio is a sure thing, since you will spend a perfect weekend. It is about an hour from Athens and as soon as you reach Antikris this picturesque gem that enchants you with its charm and history.
In Nafplio, you will take walks around the perimeter and around the Castle, in Akronafplia, along Parallia, gazing at Bourtzi in the background. In addition, you will browse the traditional shops in the alleys and find many interesting places to eat and drink near Syntagma Square.
Dimitsana – Mountain Arcadia
One of the top destinations of Mountain Arcadia, picturesque and at the same time cosmopolitan. Winter is the best time to explore Dimitsana, with the fir forest turning its darkest shades of green. From Athens, you will arrive by car in two hours and something for a large part of the route you are in the green nature.
As you understood, this destination is mainly for nature lovers, but there is also a special interest in the stone-built two-story houses that preserve the traditional aesthetics. If you go to Dimitsana, don’t leave without visiting the Acropolis, at the top of the village, the Library of the School of Dimitsana, but also the Ecclesiastical Museum.
Kalavrita
Kalavrita is also a must winter destination and about 2 hours away from Athens. You will walk along the main street and browse the dozens of shops, traditional and non-traditional. Even visiting the sights, the Municipal Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust, the Holy Monastery of the Great Cave and also the Folklore Museum of Kalavryta.
What you should not miss is the ride with the Toothless that reaches Diakopto through an excellent route in nature. And if adventure is in your blood, then test your trekking-hiking and canyoning skills.
Trikala Corinthia
In an hour from Athens you will find this destination that will calm you down and contribute to you. The majesty of nature, the cobbled square, the traditional shops with the traditional flavors make up the beautiful landscape.
In Kato Trikala your tour will start from the oldest settlement, while in Ano Trikala you will see the high towers and the abandoned mansions, the reason why during the Turkish occupation the name of the area was “arhontomahalas”. Finally, you will taste unique flavors in the taverns and taverns of Trikala.
Arachova
Arachova is one of the most picturesque and bustling places in our country. It is one of the best winter destinations due to its wild beauty, its unchanged traditional character and the numerous activities offered by the enchanting Parnassos.
You can choose between skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking or snowmobile rides. However, you can enjoy your visits to the Folklore Museum, the Arachova Clock, or Lakka Square which is the main attraction with the dozens of shops hosted there, for food, drinks and other hot spots.
Karpenisi
Three hours away from Athens is Karpenisi. It is perched on the mountains of Evrytania, in the heart of Central Greece and has developed into a modern city that offers all the comforts to its visitors. Its mountainous location is full of fir trees, plane trees, lakes and picturesque bridges.
Karpenisi also has a Ski Center, which is located in Belouhi. In addition, it offers exciting road trips in the surrounding areas from Karpenisi to Mikro and Megalo Chorio, Koryschades, Prousos Monastery and Lake Kremasto.
Copper
Chalkida remains a classic weekend destination, as it is within walking distance of Athens. Also, it is an ideal destination for families, since it favors the pedestrianized coastal road with shops that have a children’s playground next to it. In Chalkida, the “city of crazy waters”, you will go up to the Castle of Karabamba and you will have a unique view, since it is located at the highest point of the city where you can have a panoramic view.
You will walk in the district of Agia Paraskevi and visit the new Archaeological Museum. The walk to the Evripos Bridge is always in the plans and a trademark of Chalkida!
Slingshot
Zarouchla is a particularly well-kept and peaceful village between the mountain peaks of Helmos at an altitude of about one kilometer. It is a wonderful landscape with fir trees, plane trees and running water. There are a few streets, a few taverns and places for coffee and drinks, a few hostels but this is exactly Zarouchla, a place that is a haven, ideal for rest and isolation.
A different winter weekend destination that will make you come back a different person to your everyday life. Very close is the famous for its beauty, Lake Tsivlou, which you should not miss.
And just like that, your list is ready! All you have to do is to arrange with your group what will be your first destination. However, you have time to complete all 8 parts in the upcoming winter weekends!