Winter Escapes in Greece; Picturesque Villages

If you ever thought that Greece is a destination only worth-visiting during summertime, well, I’m here with this series of pages to prove you definitely wrong.

As promised in part one, I am now back to present an alternative winter escape in Greece that awaits to be discovered and that would definitely steal your heart!

Part 2. Picturesque Villages

A lot of people have contacted me asking me to present some “unknown & hidden Greek villages” that I consider worth-visiting while traveling in Greeece. It’s true, Greece has so many mountainous parts unknown to the broader audience.

As a result, picturesque small villages hidden in between slopes & crafted in a unique traditional architecture, will be the main topic presented in this page! While traveling to those villages, great views, hospitable people, amazing local delicacies & natural beauty can 100% guarantee you an unforgettable experience.

Here’s a selection with some of my personal favourite picturesque villages that deserve a visit while in Greece!

1) Zagorochoria, a cluster of 46 traditional villages; Located in the north-west side of Greece (mountain Pindos), Zagorochoria are only a few hours (well… to be specific 3hours) away from Thessaloniki. For sure, it’s a pure and seductive holiday destination for all seasons but personally I’d suggest a visit during autumn or winter!

2) Siatista and its 18th century charm; One of the most traditional towns in the prefecture of Kozani! Siatista is located in the western part of the prefecture, 30 kilometers (19 mi) southwest of Kozani city. Siatista lies on the slopes of Mount Siniatsiko at 920 meters (3200 ft) altitude. From the 17th to the 19th century Siatista experienced a prosperity that is clearly recognizable by the mansions that are everywhere.

3) Meteora, the suspended in the air Monastery; Meteora is among the most impressive regions in Greece, with huge rocks in the middle of a valley. Located on the northern side of the country, the rocks of Meteora are actually miracles of nature.

4) Samarina Village; Samarina is a small village situated in the northern Greece and specifically in the municipality of Grevena. It is said to be one of the highest villages in Greece and also one of the highest in the Balkans! Located at the eastern spur of Mount Smolikas, (the second-highest mountain of Greece), Samarina is the greek village of highest elevation, at 1650 meters above sea level!

5) Edessa & its waterfalls; Edessa, also known as the city of the “waters”, is a city in northern Greece and the capital of the Pella regional unit, in the Central Macedonia region of Greece. The city is known for its stunning rivers and waterfalls while its name, literally means “tower/city in the water”. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities and extreme sports, then Edessa is the place to be! Edessa offers plenty of activities such as trekking, horse riding and archery. In addition, those who feel more adventurous can even try rafting!

6) Metsovo and its mountainous beauty; Half hidden in the fog or wrapped in a snow blanket as winter sets in; Metsovo practically looks like a painting. Enjoy this marvelous inviting village and: - see art and culture introducing you to an ongoing tradition. - tour this gray stone village with red tile roofs and its green surrounding. - admire the two storey mansions, with their traditionally constructed balconies (hayat) and wooden doors. - quench your thirst at one out of many stone-built drinking fountains and savour famous local dishes. - revive your senses by hiking in the mountains and crossing the rivers.

7) Velventos and its gorge; Surrounded by forests, it is located in the fertile valley of the Haliacmon river and produces fruit, mainly peaches. Velventos contains many late Byzantine and post-Byzantine monuments and temples, among them the 12th-century church of Saint Minas and the 14th-century church of Saint Paraskevi.

Zagorochoria, a cluster of 46 traditional villages

VVH4+X4 Tymphaea, Greece

Kipi, Zagorochoria

VQ7R+MW Kipoi, Greece

Megalo Papingo & Mikro Papingo

XQR3+XH Papigko, Greece

Siatista and its 18th century charm

Μ. Πουλίου 32, Σιάτιστα, 50300, Siatista 503 00, Greece

Meteora, the "suspended in the air" monastery!

Meteora 7, Pallini 153 51, Greece

Samarina Village

4249+38, Samarina 510 32, Greece

Edessa's waterfalls

Florinis 35, Edessa 582 00, Greece

Metsovo Village

Averof 9, Metsovo 442 00, Greece

Velvento Village & Gorge

Aristotelis 9, Velventos 504 00, Greece

Convinced yet? Well, just pack your bags and explore the winter side & the mountainous picturesque villages of Greece!

Stay tuned part 3 is coming with some mystical winter escapes!