Indeed, summer is slowly coming to an end, and some people still haven’t had the chance to enjoy either the sun or the sea. But as always, nature has the solution—a late-summer getaway to the Greek mountains can guarantee a comparable, if not better, travel experience away from the mass summer tourism. Of course, one such option is the already beloved and well-known throughout Europe, Nymfaio.

As a UNESCO-protected settlement and ranked in the top 10 most beautiful villages in Europe, this mountain village in Western Macedonia, with its picturesque cobblestone streets, imposing Nikeios School, and the half-ruined headquarters of Pavlos Melas, is without a doubt one of the must-visit winter destinations. It stands out for its traditional Macedonian hospitality and aesthetic. At the same time, it’s an ideal alternative for a quick, lively summer escape in the mountains, far from the summer chaos of coastal Greece.

Nymfaio/Photo: Shutterstock
Stone-paved streets in Nymfaio/ Photo: Shutterstock

Unlike the stifling crowds of the beach, here you will have the chance to enjoy wildlife and explore the cool, dense beech forests, accompanied only by the rustling of leaves and the birds’ songs. Don’t forget that Nymfaio is also home to the Arcturos bear sanctuary, and this time of year is the best time to see the bears awake before they hibernate. Naturally, if you’re lucky, you might even see the bears wandering close to the fence. If you’re in the mood for more exploration, you can visit the nearby village of Agrapidies, just ten minutes away from Nymfaio, where you’ll find a wolf and lynx sanctuary. Who knows? The lynxes brought from Andorra might captivate you with their piercing cries.

Arcturos houses 21 bears/Photo: Periklis Merakos
Lynx/Photo: Periklis Merakos
Nymfaio Florina/Photo: Shutterstock

Equally exciting is a horseback ride through the forest. Unlike the cold winter when riding isn’t ideal, late summer is the perfect time to test your endurance in horseback riding and get a fun taste of pre-industrial life. However, if you have no prior experience with horseback riding, there’s no need to worry at all. Throughout the ride, you’ll be accompanied by a guide who will instruct you on exactly what to do and how to handle the horse. One thing’s for sure—a horseback ride through the dense beech forest is the most refreshing alternative to the midday heat.

Nymfaio/ Photo: Shutterstock

With Penny Turner’s book on the trails of Nymfaio in hand, you can explore the paths around the village and fully immerse yourself in the magic of nature’s routes, under the sun-filtered light through the leaves and the fragrant herbs freely filling the forest air.

Experienced craftsmen chose tin roofs for the village houses so the winter snow could slide off easily. Photo: Periklis Merakos
View of Nymfaio/Photo: Periklis Merakos

Also, don’t forget that Nymfaio is quite close (about a twenty-minute drive) to the wine region of Amyntaio, offering you yet another unique summer advantage: wine tasting. Touring the vineyards and wineries in the area, you’ll have the opportunity to taste several varieties of wine with protected designation of origin and understand firsthand why the wines from Amyntaio’s vineyards have become so sought after, even reaching restaurants in Washington.