It might still be pretty hot in Greece at the moment, with temperatures forecast to rise above average, but let us whet your appetite for the cooler months by presenting some great resorts and numerous beautiful villages. Not all ski resorts have traditional villages with scenic alleys, stone mansions, unobstructed views and picturesque squares.

However, there are some amazing ski centres whose surrounding villages are famed for their beauty. In fact, some of them might steal the spotlight. The list below includes just a selection of these since Greece’s beauties are endless.

Parnassos ski resort
Arachova

It’s the most popular winter destination within the borders – and for good reason. It’s amphitheatrically built at an altitude of 960 m, very traditional, located half an hour away from the largest ski resort of the country, and has amazing lodgings with great amenities. The small cobbled alleys, cosy cafés with fireplaces, famous taverns, and its bars are, in their own right, strong enough reason to visit. Leave your car and stroll around its narrow streets, have a coffee on Lakka square, climb up the 200+ steps to the church of Agios Georgios to see the village from above, as well as the Delphi valley, and walk down to the Clock, a village landmark dated back to the 18th century. The rock the clock is built on served as a natural refrigerator in bygone times. If you would like to go on a long walk, take the road that starts at the clock and leads to the free parking area to see the quieter side of Arachova. At Livadi, individuals in search of something extra, but not into skiing, can rent a snowmobile, ride an ATV, rent snowshoes to go on a walk, and of course, try the famed lamb chops of Roumeli at the local taverns. A bit further up, at the Varko location, on a large clearing to your left, as you’re headed towards the ski centre, you can take the dirt road (during the winter only with a 4Χ4 vehicle) and go on a short drive through the fir forest. If the road is open, go to the location Pirgaki where the forest authority centre of Amfissa is located, to see the stunning view. If you continue on the paved street, you can go to the Defner refuge for a coffee. Make sure to buy formaela, the local cheese, before you leave.

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