Following the summer’s sun and pebble beach experiences, it is the turn of excursions to mountains with fir trees and refreshing water streams. There is nothing more reinvigorating than the fresh air at mountain villages, combined with meals at stone-built tavernas serving local dishes and strolls at lush areas with creeks and fir trees.
There are numerous options for such experiences. We have narrowed down the list to four locations, all close to Athens and ideal for weekend breaks during autumn if, following summer, you still long to stroll along picturesque alleys with charming stone-built features.
Dimitsana
A historic mountain village, Dimitsana, in the central Peloponnese, just had to be on our list. The village, best known for its secret school during Ottoman rule and gunpowder production during the Greek War of Independence, nowadays lures visitors on the strength of its beauty, particular architecture, and impressive Lousios Gorge.
This stone-dominated location features trademark tower houses as well as imposing mansions. Visitors can explore the village streets and visit one of the Lousios Gorge monasteries, reached by trails. Dimitsana has plenty of traditional guesthouses, tavernas and old-school cafes, as well as shops selling authentic and pure local products.
Zahlorou
If seeking a truly magical place for your escapades, there is no need to look any further. Just drive out to Zahlorou, a village situated within the Vouraikos Gorge in the northern Peloponnese area.
The village, located by the Diakopto-Kalvryta rack railway route, was built during Ottoman Rule at a time when Epirots fled Epirus, in the northwest, for the Peloponnese. The rack railway line passes by the village square, a distinctive feature making the place unique. The wild beauty of streams, trees and rocks surrounding the village complements this cinematic setting.
Strolls along the Voraikos Gorge are ideal. If interested in catching the train, passing through lush settings, right by the slopes, head to nearby Diakopto. It is also worth visiting the Cave of the Lakes, 17km from Kalavryta.
Kyriaki
Situated at an altitude of 750 metres, on the slopes of Mount Helicon, Viotia, northwest of Athens, Kyriaki is a traditional mountain village with old-school cafes, tavernas and guesthouses. Besides its classic, stone-character beauty, Kyriaki also possesses a rich history. The village played an active part in the Greek Resistance against the Axis Powers in World War II. As a result, it was burnt many times by Nazi German and Italian forces in 1943 and 1944.
Kyriaki, ideal for filling up on mountain-fresh air, is surrounded by trees, while strolls through its charming cobbled alleys with stone houses enhances the experience. The village is renowned for its fresh and pure products, including its cheese varieties (galotyri, graviera, myzithra and feta)
Like all mountain villages, Kyriaki features little churches, the most impressive of these being the Agios Nektarios chapel at Paleokastro. The view from the village covers the Gulf of Corinth, Mount Giona and Mount Parnassus.
Zarouhla
In the mountainous Akrata area, near the Gulf of Corinth, the village Zarouhla has maintained its old traditional character, despite the growing number of visitors.
The village is dominated by lavish vegetation, while stone, also a key feature, surfaces roads, shops, houses, as well as traditional cafes and small tavernas, where you can enjoy delicious local dishes.
If you appreciate nature, Zarouhla is an ideal destination. Visitors may take walks at fir tree settings and creeks. Before leaving, pass by Lake Tsivlos, gorgeous, amidst lush greenery, but owing its existence to a deadly landslide in 1913.
