A new year has arrived, and 2026 begins right in the middle of Greece’s most atmospheric season: winter. While many people automatically associate Greece with summer islands, winter reveals a completely different country—one of stone-built villages, misty fir forests, roaring fireplaces, alpine roads, local cheeses and stews, and landscapes that feel cinematic even on an ordinary weekend.
This is the time of year when travelers start planning short getaways and longer breaks to places where nature is close, the pace is slower, and the experience is deeply sensory: the smell of wet earth after rainfall, the sharp bite of cold air at high altitude, and the comforting warmth of a wooden chalet café after a hike or a ski run. Greece is particularly rich in winter options because its geography is surprisingly varied—mountain ranges, gorges, rivers, plateaus, and forest belts exist within relatively short driving distances.
Of course, any “Top 10” list could easily become a “Top 50.” Greece is full of winter destinations that deserve attention. Still, some places stand out because they combine accessibility, scenery, authentic architecture, activities (from hiking to skiing), and the kind of local hospitality that turns a trip into a memory. The following ten destinations offer different vibes and budgets—some are lively and popular, others quieter and more “discoverable,” but all are ideal for winter 2026 planning.
Top 10 Winter Destinations in Greece to Bookmark for 2026
1) Kalavryta (Achaia) — Ski, Gorge Adventures, and Mountain Tavern Life
Kalavryta is among Greece’s strongest winter classics, largely thanks to its major ski center, but the area offers much more than slopes. The broader mountainous region attracts different kinds of travelers at once:
- Traditional weekend visitors who fill the taverns and family-run restaurants
- Younger crowds who bring energy to the cafés along the main pedestrian street
- Hikers and nature-lovers drawn to dramatic routes and forest trails
If you want to move beyond the town itself, nature delivers: explore the Vouraikos Gorge and walk the paths around the plane-tree forest of Planitero, with the bonus of rewarding, local mountain cuisine in nearby taverns (including the wider area and places like Kleitoria). And when the snow finally settles in, the experience becomes even more “winter-perfect”: a warm drink inside a large wooden chalet at the ski center, looking out at a white landscape.
2) Pelion — The Mountain of Villages, Sea Views, and a True Four-Season Charm
Pelion is not just a winter destination—it’s a year-round legend, but winter brings out its most romantic side. What makes Pelion unique is the scale of its choices: over 70 villages, each with its own character, architecture, and views.
Some of the most memorable stops to keep on your list:
- Portaria (often called the “Gate of Pelion”) for its classic village ambience and welcoming taverns/tsipouro spots
- Makrinitsa (the famous “Balcony of Pelion”) with striking views over the Pagasetic Gulf and stone mansions
- Tsagarada, perched above beaches like Mylopotamos and Fakistra, offering a rare winter combination: mountain calm with Aegean horizons
- Zagora, where history feels present, including the church of Agia Kyriaki (1740)
- Milies, a must-see village where the train station and the iconic “MILIES” sign have become a signature image for travelers
For ski enthusiasts, Pelion also has a ski center near Hania, just a short distance away, with multiple pistes and the essential winter facilities (chalet, café/restaurant, shelter, medical point). Accommodation ranges from small guesthouses in old mansions to more modern hotels—so you can shape the trip around your comfort level and budget.
3) Metsovo — Alpine Elegance, Local Delicacies, and Culture in the Mountains
Metsovo is one of those places that feels complete as a destination: it has atmosphere, gastronomy, tradition, and enough variety to satisfy both relaxed travelers and curious explorers. Located about an hour from Ioannina, it offers:
- Traditional taverns with rich mountain dishes
- Shops full of local products, including the famous Metsovone cheese
- A lively café scene that stays active through winter
For culture and indoor options (perfect for cold or snowy days), Metsovo adds extra value with the Folklore Museum and the Averoff Gallery. And the village itself invites slow wandering—uphill streets, stone corners, and scenic viewpoints.
If you want to go further:
- Visit the historic Monastery of Agios Nikolaos with 17th-century frescoes
- Cross to the village of Anilio and, for winter sport lovers, head to the Anilio Ski Center—or simply enjoy a warm drink in the chalet with snow-covered views.
4) Steni Dirfyos (Evia) — A Fast Winter Escape Close to Athens
For those seeking a winter break without a long journey, Steni Dirfyos on Evia is a strong choice—about two hours from Athens. Built at around 400 meters on the slopes of Mount Dirfys, it combines a cozy village layout with surprising winter character, including meaningful snowfall despite its moderate altitude.
Highlights include:
- The village’s amphitheatrical feel and its charming paved central square
- Classic local hangouts—cafés, taverns, and traditional coffee shops
A rewarding mini-route: walk toward the “Doctor’s Spring” (Vrysi tou Giatrou)—a green, water-rich spot not far from the square—then continue toward the Steni forest, rich with pines, plane trees, oaks, chestnuts, and firs. Accommodation options aren’t endless, so planning ahead helps, but the destination is ideal for a compact, magical reset.
5) Palios Agios Athanasios (Kaimaktsalan / Voras) — Stone Beauty and Greece’s Highest Ski Center
This destination is a winter powerhouse. Palios Agios Athanasios, built around 1,200 meters, is closely connected to the Kaimaktsalan Ski Center and has become one of northern Greece’s most iconic winter escapes.
The village stands out for:
- Its stone-built Macedonian architecture, mansions, and paved paths
- A strong tourism infrastructure: taverns, cafés, shops, and local products
The Kaimaktsalan Ski Center sits at high altitude (around 2,040 meters) and is known for excellent snow conditions and impressive views. Even if you don’t ski, the experience is worth it: sitting in the café of the stone chalet at altitude, surrounded by winter scenery, feels like a “peak Greece” moment.
Beyond skiing, the broader region invites exploration—like trips toward Lake Vegoritida, nature walks, and outdoor activities such as cycling, horseback riding, and more.
6) Elati – Pertouli (Trikala) — Lively Village Energy and Fir-Forest Roads
Elati is a destination with life—busy weekends, warm lights, and the kind of winter buzz that makes you feel part of something. It’s a great base for comfort, food, and easy walks, but the real “must” is the route to Pertouli.
The drive and the area around it deliver classic winter images:
- Dense fir forests
- Open clearings and the celebrated Pertouli Meadows
- A sense of spaciousness that feels almost alpine
For those who want to roam further, you can extend the mountain crossing of Koziakas toward villages like Neraidochori, Pyrra, and Agios Nikolaos, before descending toward the Aspropotamos riverbed—a route that turns the trip into a full mountain journey rather than a simple weekend stop.
7) Zagorochoria — Stone Bridges, Epic Landscapes, and the Spirit of Epirus
Zagorochoria is not one place—it’s a world. A complex of 46 villages in Epirus, famous for:
- Traditional Zagori architecture
- Stone bridges and cobbled paths
- Mountain scenery that feels dramatic in every season, especially winter
The region is divided into Eastern, Central, and Western Zagori, with popular villages such as Monodendri, Papingo, Vitsa, and Tsepelovo attracting most first-time visitors.
Nature here is “big”: nearby you encounter two famous national parks—Vikos–Aoos and Valia Kalda. The Vikos Gorge, crossed by the waters of Voidomatis (a tributary of Aoos), is one of the most powerful landscapes in Greece.
Key stops that many travelers consider essential:
- The natural pools (Kolymbithres) in Papingo
- The Vradeto Steps (Skala Vradetou)
- The Monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Monodendri
- The Aristi–Papingo bridge and the iconic Plakidas (Kalogeriko) Bridge
Accommodation exists across villages, but many first-time visitors choose to base themselves in highly popular hubs like Papingo and Monodendri.
8) Mountainous Nafpaktia — Forest Villages, Traditional Stone Homes, and Quiet Winter Quality
Mountainous Nafpaktia is ideal for travelers who want something beautiful without the intense crowds of the biggest winter hotspots. Roughly four hours from Athens, the wider area offers a blend of:
- Strong natural scenery
- Well-kept traditional villages
- Outdoor options (hiking, forest routes, off-road drives)
Villages like Elatou and Ano Chora sit among fir and chestnut forests, mixed with beeches, oaks, and cedars. The stone-and-slate-built houses show clear architectural influences and create an environment that feels authentic rather than staged. It may not always rank as the “most popular” choice—but the experience often matches or even exceeds more famous destinations for travelers seeking calm, nature, and honest hospitality.
9) Volakas – Falakro (Drama) — Northern Mountain Calm and a Full Ski Infrastructure
Volakas, built around 830 meters in a mountain valley of Falakro, is closely linked to the Falakro Ski Center, making it a strong winter destination—especially for winter sports fans.
Falakro Ski Center (founded in 1980) offers extensive facilities, including:
- A large number of pistes and multiple lifts
- Chalets, restaurants, cafés
- Ski schools and equipment rental/purchase options
- Easy access (about 20 minutes from Volakas, under an hour from Drama)
Volakas itself features traditional guesthouses and weekend-life cafés and taverns. Beyond the village, scenic drives and nearby stops add variety:
- Explore Granitis and enjoy the route toward Kato Nevrokopi – Potamoi
- Visit Livadaky to see the striking church of Panagia (dated 1870)
- Discover Potamoi, where the Nestos River first enters Greek territory—an area that often surprises travelers with its atmosphere.
10) Amfikleia (Phthiotis) — Relaxed Mountain Charm at a Convenient Distance from Athens
Amfikleia is perfect for an easy, restorative trip—particularly for travelers from Athens, since it’s roughly two hours away. Nestled on the northern foothills of Mount Parnassus, the village blends old and new, but its real appeal lies in the traditional details:
- Stone mansions and neoclassical touches
- Springs and cobbled alleys
- A sense of lived-in authenticity
The village’s social heart is its central square—spacious, paved, and shaded by tall plane trees. It’s where locals and visitors gather, and where cafés and taverns create that classic Greek winter rhythm: coffee, conversation, slow meals, and unhurried evenings.
Winter travel in Greece is ultimately about contrast: cold outside, warmth inside; silence in the forest, lively conversation in a village taverna; bright snow on peaks and dark stone streets below. The ten destinations above are not simply “places to go”—they’re different versions of Greek winter, each with its own personality. Some revolve around ski slopes and high-altitude chalets, others around hiking paths, gorges, historic villages, and culinary comfort.
If you plan smartly for winter 2026—choosing based on your priorities (skiing vs. walking, lively nightlife vs. quiet nature, close-to-Athens vs. deeper road trip)—you’ll discover that Greece is not only a summer country. It is a winter country too: dramatic, intimate, authentic, and surprisingly diverse.
And perhaps that’s the greatest gift of winter travel: it doesn’t demand spectacle. It rewards presence. A well-timed coffee in a stone square, a slow walk through a fir forest, a view that opens unexpectedly after a bend in the road, and a table filled with local flavors—these are the moments that make a winter escape feel like something more than a simple trip. In 2026, let Greece’s mountains, villages, and forests remind you how rich the “other season” can be