The only thing better than summer vacations is winter vacations. If you disagree, maybe this year is the perfect opportunity to rethink and discover the warmth of winter nature with your partner. Create memories together, surrounded by the smell of a fireplace, hot chocolate, and cozy woolen embraces, from one end of Greece to the other.
Escape to the Villages of Pilio
Couples even go to Pilio for their honeymoon, and rightly so. It’s a highly romantic destination with beauties equally divided between the mountains and the sea. The noble Makrinitsa, the picturesque Hania (the most mountainous village), and the stunning Portaria will offer you walks, culinary delights, and priceless festive relaxation. In Portaria, visit the Folklore Museum and then wander through the cobbled streets for some shopping. Gift each other something nice and toast a glass of wine at one of the cosmopolitan tavernas on Merkouri Square.
Ten minutes by car from Portaria, Makrinitsa, with its stone houses and cobbled square, will be waiting for you to enjoy a coffee and dessert with a view of Volos. A more affordable option is to base yourself in Hania, which connects the eastern and western parts of Pilio. Try some hearty fakes (bean soup) and spetsofai, and if you love nature and adventure, enjoy a scenic hike, as the village is perched on the slopes, close to the ski resort.
The Calm Power of Parnonas for Two
Parnonas, the mountain that separates Arcadia from Laconia, is for those who love peaceful trips full of moments of rest for the eyes and soul, with enchanting nature, dozens of shades of green, and traditional charm. Kastanitsa, Tsingina, Kosmas, Ano Doliana, and Karies are five villages where you can enjoy walking and tasting local specialties like trahana soup, boiled goat, and barbecued rooster. On the other hand, the Parnonas area is ideal if you’re a more “extreme” couple, as the mountain offers options for hiking, mountaineering, and mountain biking.
Fairy-Tale Konitsa, Full in Love
Every folk tale worth its salt has a blue river, a green gorge, perhaps an arch bridge, and an imposing mansion. Konitsa has all of this, and it will captivate you, especially since it’s the perfect base for forest trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re in the right place for paragliding, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, and hiking in nature. The single-arch bridge, built in 1870 and the largest of its kind in Europe, offers a wonderful view of the Aoos Gorge.
The lush plain beneath Konitsa will turn you into poets, as it seems like it’s come straight out of a painting. In Konitsa, stroll hand in hand through the streets, between the old mansions and newer houses, beautiful churches and monasteries, stone bridges, and marvelous handmade local products. The beauty of Epirus, its delicious tradition with exquisite pies, strong tsipouro, and the unpretentious generosity and hospitality of the locals will make you return soon, perhaps earlier than next winter.
Warm Embraces and Fun in Kastoria
Between the mountains of Vitsi and Grammos, Kastoria stands majestic, its passage of time only enhancing its beauty. Enjoy the lake view in each other’s arms and stroll through the city for food and drinks. If you love fur, Kastoria is the perfect place to shop for the finest items—luxurious soft slippers, bags, and coats are at your feet. If you visit after the holidays, in the first week of January, you’ll have the chance to experience the traditional and unique carnival, the “Ragoutsaria.” A visit to the wax figurines in Makrochori, the Dragon’s Cave, and the petrified forest is also worth your time.
