Greece is so much more than just a summertime destination! If you are in the mood for a winter getaway, look no further as the country will leave you spellbound with various possibilities for the perfect holiday.

Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, Peloponnese, Western Greece, and well-known islands in the Aegean, the Ionian, and Crete are easily accessible by air, and have a very authentic atmosphere in the wintertime. Here are some of the best places and activities to enjoy:

Snow-capped mountain thrill

Along with enjoying the view of snow-capped landscape, enjoy the thrill of some sporting activities. The biggest ski resorts in the country are on Parnassos, Kalavryta, Kaimaktsalan, Vasilitsa, Tria-Pente Pigadia, Pelion and Mainalo Mountains that offer unforgettable adventures against an all-white setting. One must go hiking, horse riding, mountaineering or mountain biking to discover the off road routes, wide network of sign posted trails and numerous cloud–capped peaks that will lead you deep into the heart of Greek nature.

Winter festivities and Greek carnival

Christmas decorations adorn the cities and villages, ready to welcome visitors for this special season.. Let your childhood fantasies about Christmas come true in numerous cities around Greece, where events such as long-established festivities, outdoor concerts with bands and children’s choirs singing Christmas carols promise you a magical atmosphere. Next up is the New Year celebrations followed by Epiphany on 6th January and then local festival Ragoutsaria celebrated in Kastoria town. The festive season only ends with the grand Apokreas Carnival that usually happens towards the end of February. If you love to eat, drink, meet people then Apokreas, is one of the most exciting times to be in Greece.

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Trendy villages full of life

Dotting the countryside partly covered in clouds or lying under a cloak of white snow, these villages are a meeting point for those jet-setters who wish to enjoy their trip to the countryside, play winter sports in style and at the same time want to a great nightlife. Arachova in Central Greece and Palaios Agios Athanasios, a picture-perfect traditional village in Macedonia, are the most popular destinations at a stone’s throw from ski resorts.

Avoid the crowds of tourists in winter

The advantage of visiting Greece in the winter is that it allows you enough time to admire its ancient landmarks without having a lot of people around. There are more than 100 imposing archaeological sites, numerous monuments, and hundreds of museums that successfully keep track of a historic course that has been both continuous and amazing, over a span of 5000 years. Seasons may change yet the perennial beauty of some destinations remains, only to be enhanced in winter! Kastoria, Ioannina, Metsovo and Karpenisi are typical examples.

Nature’s Embrace

Virgin forests, majestic mountains, impressive caves, deep shaded gorges, wetland habitats and other remarkable ecosystems enhance the loveliness of the Greek countryside. You will see the grandeur of Greek nature unfold in the National Parks on Pindus, Parnassos, Vikos, Parnitha, Olympus, Mainalo mountains and the Forest of Dadia, as well as in habitats such as the ones in Lake Kerkini, Prespes, Vegoritida and in Nestos River.

Greek Nightlife

Greece is known across the world for offering countless options when it comes to nightlife. The nights last longer here and being in high spirits is a fine start for having a great time. Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras, the country’s three biggest cities, are leaders when it comes to nightlife in Greece. So, if clubbing is what you’re after, you will definitely find the place that best suits you.