The winter destinations in Greece offer you the opportunity to walk and get to know the mountainous side of Greece. The choices are many, always depending on what you wish to do and how to spend your time. Let us accept a basic principle. Winter means mountain villages, nature, bitter cold, and sometimes snow. It means caps, gloves, a fireplace, and of course traditional taverns with cooked dishes and smells that break your nose. All the above are generously offered by the Greek countryside. We just need to put on the… cap and gloves. And our imagination!
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Winter villages that will blow your mind for different reasons
Two sophisticated winter destinations await you – and from them, we will start our proposals. Papigo, in Zagorochoria of Epirus, and Milies in Pelion, offering exploration and a relaxed pace! And Arachova for intense. Let’s see them one by one…
Papigo, Zagorochoria
At the foot and slopes of the legendary Pindos, the mountain that defeated every opponent, there are Zagorochoria – the 46 settlements that invite you to explore them. The most famous destination of the beautiful puzzle of villages, is undoubtedly Papigo – Mikro and Megalo Papigo, as we meet them. Built on the slope of Tymfi, Papigo stands proudly at an altitude of 960 meters.
What will attract interest from the first moment, apart from nature that generously offers its beauty, is the traditional architecture of Epirus. The stone is imposing and together with all the traditional elements of the area, they create a unique composition. Papigo combines with the mountainous and the wet elements. There are
Ovires or otherwise natural fonts with special beauty
. Keep in mind that the routes in Papigo and Zagorochoria in general are full of turns without this meaning that you will encounter difficulties. In Papigo you will taste nice roasts and before you start returning to your accommodation, try spooning sweets or apple pie. Be that as it may, in Zagorochoria There are some of the most picturesque villages in Greece worth exploring.
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Milies, Pelion
Pelion, the mountain of the Centaurs has a lot to offer to its visitors and the village of Milies is one of the destinations that wins the preferences. About 30 minutes from Volos and at an altitude of 400 meters, there is the village where you are fascinated by its simplicity. Apart from the rich nature, tradition, and history, what makes the difference by giving a special feeling to your stay is the simplicity of the village. For example, you will remember for a long time the coffee at “Anna na ena Apple” – although the shop has changed management over many years and turned to commercialism.
You will walk where Anthimos Gazis raised the flag of the Revolution in 1821. The history of the village is inextricably linked to the Second World War, with the Germans burning it in retaliation for the actions of the Greeks. If you visit Milies, it is worth getting off at the station “Milai” and meeting the most historical railway route -where the famous “Moutzouris” train was situated. The line that starts from Volos, and passes through Ano Lehonia began in 1896, with the section ending in Milies being delivered in 1903. If you have more time, check out on our website, ExploringGreece.tv, the articles about trekking in six beautiful villages of Pelion – with apple trees being on the track.
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Arachova
She is the lady of Parnassus. You will also hear it as the “Mykonos of winter” and with it, we will close the proposals. Built on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassos, at an altitude of 950 meters, Arachova is a destination that marries the new with the old. The small town of Viotia is a timeless attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. Cobbled streets, traditional guesthouses, and a main street are among the most recognizable in the country.
Arachova is famous for its nightlife and many choose it for a weekend. Dancing and singing until the early morning hours on the menu followed by waking up and breakfast in nature. Not bad at all. But because a fasting bear does not dance, as the angry people used to say, there you will find what your soul pulls. Trust the stews – goat or lamb on parchment paper. At your table, you can also order the local formaela cheese. In your luggage leave space to shop trahana and noodles. However, after you have been to the lady of Parnassus, put in the program an excursion to Delphi, the navel of the Earth. It is only 10 km from your base and is one of the
many reasons to go and go back to Arachova.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best winter villages to visit in Greece include Papigo in Zagorochoria, Epirus (at 960 meters altitude), and Milies in Pelion (at 400 meters altitude). Both villages offer stunning natural beauty, traditional architecture, and authentic experiences perfect for winter exploration.
Papigo is located in Zagorochoria in Epirus, built on the slope of Mount Tymfi at an altitude of 960 meters. It's special for its traditional Epirus stone architecture, natural beauty, mountain views, and local amenities including natural springs called Ovires and traditional taverns serving local cuisine.
In Milies, Pelion, visitors can explore the village's rich history dating back to the 1821 Revolution, walk through picturesque mountain scenery, visit the historic Moutzouris railway station (operational since 1903), enjoy local coffee shops, and experience authentic village life surrounded by nature and apple trees.
Milies is approximately 30 minutes from Volos and sits at an altitude of 400 meters. It's located on Mount Pelion, the legendary mountain of the Centaurs, making it an easily accessible winter destination from the coastal city.
In Greek mountain villages like Papigo during winter, you should try traditional roasts, local desserts like spoon sweets, and apple pie. These authentic tavern dishes are part of the genuine mountain village experience and reflect local culinary traditions.
Zagorochoria is a beautiful puzzle of 46 mountain settlements located at the foot and slopes of Mount Pindos in Epirus. Papigo is the most famous village in this collection, but all settlements offer opportunities for exploration and showcase traditional Epirus architecture.
The historic Moutzouris railway line, which started from Volos in 1896 with the section ending in Milies completed in 1903, passes through the village. Visitors can get off at the 'Milai' station to experience this most historical railway route and explore its cultural significance.
