Even though a large part of the people leaving Athens during the holidays usually heads to the famous winter destinations of central Greece and the Peloponnese, there are some closer options where you can easily go to (and return from) if you want to escape the capital but remain near.
Some of these destinations have appeared in the spotlight in the past years so there will be quite a few people in December, creating a vibrant environment. Others still maintain a quiet atmosphere, ideal for those in search of a break from busy Athens combined with mountainous nature or with the more relaxed, laidback, vibes of a smaller town.
Three ideal choices you can reach after just 1-1.5 hours’ drive from Athens (depending always on the traffic you’ll face when leaving the city) are Chalkida, Trikala of Corinthia, and the villages of Elikon in Viotia.
Chalkida
The capital of Evia is already a favourite destination for many Athenians throughout the year for a short and affordable escape that they combine with a coffee, seafood or a carefree walk. The same applies for the festive period.
Chalkida has been decorated, the Christmas “lanterns” have been lit at the Agios Nikolaos promenade, while many events are scheduled that will give you the impression you never left Athens. On Wednesday 22/12/2021, there is a Christmas celebration at Agios Nikolas Square, with open fires and treats provided by cultural clubs. On Christmas Eve, there will be carolling and a traditional dance show at the Dikastiria square, and the same event will also take place on New Year’s Eve, followed by a special festive show by Boca Negro. On Thursday 30/12, at Agios Nikolaos square, students and teachers of the “Gefires” music school will perform a selection of traditional songs.
Apart from attending events, you can walk around town to admire the Kotsika mansion with the domes, the family home of world-renowned composer Nikos Skalkottas, the Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi – in fact it’s one of the oldest churches in the world still in operation – and the Emir Zade mosque. You can grab a coffee at the Agios Nikolaos square if you want to be among younger people, and you’ll go to Xenia hotel for a hot beverage with a view, and to Le Petit Savoureux for a tiramisu. And if you’re not planning of spending the night in Chalkida, or don’t want to prolong your stay by going to an ouzeri (traditional tavern serving fish and ouzo), you’ll be back in Athens in about 50 minutes.
Trikala of Corinthia
The three villages that comprise Trikala of Corinthia (Kato (lower), Mesaia (middle) and Ano (upper) with the highest altitude at 1100 m) have become a popular destination for young couples and families aiming for a short, well-organised trip near the capital, for a while now. Their mountainous landscape is ideal for winter visits and so, quite a crowd is expected during the holidays, as was the norm during this period in the years before the pandemic.
If you’re imagining Christmas and New Year in a scenic setting with picturesque houses and hikes in plane, elm, blackthorn, and strawberry tree forests, while maintaining easy access to busy cafés, bars and taverns with good wine and food, then Trikala of Corinthia can offer you the whole package – with the added advantage of being a 1.5 hour’s drive from the centre of Athens.
At the Ziria ski resort, just 10 km away, you’ll get in the Christmas spirit by going on a sleigh ride, while if you have children it’s worth visiting Fysi k On where they will learn about tree-planting and they can see a small petting zoo. At Ano Trikala, it’s also worth visiting the Agios Vlasios monastery (dating back to around 1400) to enjoy the view of the Sitha valley from its courtyard. Before you return to Athens, you must try the galaktompoureko (Greek custard pie), or any other dessert of the day, at the “Alfavitario” café in Kato Trikala.
The villages of Elikon
Mount Elikon, in Viotia, never experienced the fame of Parnassus, but it is an ideal mountainous choice for those in search of an alternative destination near Athens this holiday season.
At the Elikon mountain range, at a 700 m altitude, you’ll enter the heart of the winter landscape through the village Agia Anna, walking in the beautiful fir forest or taking the path that leads to Paliovouna, at 1748 m., the top of Elikon.
From Agia Anna you can continue towards Kyriaki. At around 7 km distance you’ll find yourself in the Arvanitsa mountain range, that in the summer is buzzing with activity (and many events are organised). In the winter, visitors are clearly fewer, but it is still an imposing setting due to the firs and the fountains.
Driving for another 7 km, you’ll arrive to Kyriaki, at 750 m. altitude. It’s a picturesque village surrounded by trees that is ideal both for a stroll and for buying local products made there – mostly cheese, although they also have great oregano.
From Kyriaki, take the road to Distomo and reach the Osios Loukas monastery, one of the most important Byzantine monuments in the country.
If you need a bigger dose of the Christmas spirit, then from Kyriaki head to Livadeia (the region’s capital) where various festive celebrations are taking place. On Thursday 23/12 the municipality of Livadeia is planning the “Hristougenniatika Kerasmata” (Christmas Treats) at the main square, while there will also be a Christmas train on Karagiannopoulou street (until 25/12) that will go around town. On Christmas Eve, at 11.00 in the morning, the town’s Philharmonic Orchestra will be parading around town playing carols, and the Christmas Treats will take place again. On New Year’s Eve the Philharmonic will parade around town again, playing the corresponding carols, while a bit later, Santa Claus’ sleigh will arrive at the main square and Santa will give out candy and sweets to children. On midnight, there will be fireworks to welcome the new year.
