There’s something heartwarming and inherently romantic about the winter months, even when we can’t quite determine what makes them feel so idyllically enchanting. One thing is for sure: there’s no more fitting season for an escape to a tranquil, scenic, and eye-opening destination, for just the two of you.
Often, our minds conjure images of a picturesque mountain village, enveloped in a strikingly beautiful natural landscape; strolls beside flowing streams and cobblestone alleys, pit-stops for steaming coffee and hearty meals at a traditional restaurant with a view, at a secluded table. Or perhaps hikes through the riotous nature of mountainous Greece, trails beside crystal-clear lakes, and stays in small, cozy rooms with a roaring fire warming the space perfectly during the year’s first chilliest days.
The wintry side of Greece has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a few days of utter tranquility and relaxation in a tiny village away from everything and everyone, or want to spend a few days in one of the most popular winter destinations. The options are plentiful for a dreamy escape to some of Greece’s most beautiful villages, which await your discovery. This guide presents the top destinations for an unforgettable romantic stay in some of the loveliest traditional inns in mountainous Greece.
Stemnitsa
Near historical Dimitsana and the renowned Vitina, there lies Stemnitsa, a village of arresting beauty and vibrant greenery, enveloped by a dense forest at an elevation of 1,100 metres. Towering firs, expansive plane trees, walnut and cherry trees, stalwart chestnuts, and delicate acacias orchestrate a uniquely enchanting landscape. Its name, stemming from the Slavic language, fittingly means “a shady and forested place”.
A somewhat secluded location imbues Stemnitsa with the perfect romantic answer for an idyllic, autumnal retreat with your beloved. Imagine going on walks through the magnificent, unspoiled nature that enfolds the village, and lodging within atmospheric, stone-built inns where fireplaces sprinkle the space with warmth and comfort. At the heart of the village, the charming little square becomes a vibrant scene of cafes and restaurants, all under the watchful eye of the Church of St. George and its towering, imposing belfry. Exploring further, meander through the narrow, cobblestone alleys and allow your gaze to linger upon the windows of local shops, showcasing delicate silver jewelry and handcrafted decorations.
Discover
Stemnitsa is a place known for its rich tradition in silversmithing and goldsmithing. It’s worth visiting the School of Silversmithing, housed within a striking building at the village’s center. The school continues the art and traditions of the village’s original metallurgists, artisans who made exquisite jewelry as well as constructing intricate bell towers. Examples of their remarkable work have traversed from Stemnitsa to the churches of Eastern Europe.
In the picturesque village of Arcadia, take a stroll through the famed Palamidi quarter. The neighborhood, in the northern part of Stemnitsa, is brimming with impressive, historical mansions. Also stop at the Folklore Museum, housed in the beautiful Hatzis Mansion. More than 200 years of history are showcased through valuable exhibits, with handmade jewelry playing a leading role throughout the museum.
To see the most enchanting vista across Stemnitsa, walk up to the ‘Mother of Water’. If you like trekking, follow the path that leads to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigis with its beautifully carved wooden temple, a masterpiece from 1805.
Stay
The entire village is sprinkled with impressive guesthouses that offer a warmly hospitable stay for a truly romantic couple of days. The Bellio, with a view across the village and numerous rooms featuring fireplaces, is a great choice. As is Trikolonion Country with traditional features like stone and wood and stylish decor touches, as well as a spa.
Trikala
In the mountainous region of Corinthia, journey to one of Greece’s most picturesque winter destinations, that remains relatively unknown to most foreign travelers.
A mere 150 kilometers from Attica, Trikala of Corinthia offers an exceptionally accessible destination for a brief escape with your partner, even if it’s an unplanned, spur-of-the-moment getaway without detailed planning.
Discover
Steeped in a history rooted in antiquity, this area is partitioned into three neighborhoods: Kato (lower), Mesaia (middle), and Ano (upper) Trikala, each a distinct “neighborhood” scaled upon the slopes of Mt Ziria. You can hike across them via delightful serpentine routes up the mountain, that are even more thrilling on sunny winter days. The three distinct villages connect in a seamless, natural continuum, as if each unfolds from the last, gradually extending homes and traditional buildings ever higher into the mountains. Each village has its unique character, with the varying altitudes playing their part.
With Trikala as your starting point, you can visit numerous other beautiful spots in the surrounding area, with the must-visit Lake Doxa, of course, at the foothills of Mt Pentelia and Mt Helmos, topping the list. Beside the lake, the small, stone chapel of Agios Fanourios creates a contemplative scene, particularly at sunset, when the lake, situated at an altitude of 900 meters, is at its most captivating, utterly enchanting moment.
Envisage this: a heartening trek up to the monastery of Agios Georgios Feneos, where the church of Agios Fanourios has stood since the 17th century. The panorama from this vantage point is a quiet spectacle, as is the beauty of Lake Doxa. If you find the monastery open, climb the wooden stairs to the upper balcony to enjoy a remarkable view over the lake.
Amid the journey, a pause in Goura, the village midway between the lake and Trikala of Corinthia, is a great idea. The stone-paved, elevated square of Goura, emblematic of the settlement, is arguably among the nicest you’ll find in the mountainous destinations of Greece.
Stay
Imagine a deeply romantic cocooning experience together at the luxurious guesthouse Pleiadon Gi, where you can stay in a stone lux suite that offers a real sense of privacy. Alternatively, the comforting rooms at Archontiko Fiamengou, each with its own fireplace, and some even a private jacuzzi, is another great choice.
Agoriani
Some may say that Arachova is the jewel of Greek mountain destinations. However, if you’re seeking a deeper sense of tranquility visit Agoriani, a village that’s the perfect base near expanses of verdant nature, amidst verdant fir trees and in the pristine mountain air.
Discover
Set off from charming Kato Agoriani, (known as Lilaea until 1928), a picturesque village constructed at the foothills of Mt Parnassus that’s enshrouded in a lush landscape at an altitude of 330 meters. Upon entering the village, you’ll be greeted by the poignant sign, ‘Martyr Village,’ a silent reminder for visitors of the ruthless days of 1943 when the village was entirely incinerated by German soldiers. Shortly after, in the village’s tiny square, sip your coffee in front of the church and the Kefalovrysa fountain, distinctive features of Kato Agoriani.
Also of interest is the National Resistance Museum, housed in the residence of the fighter, Yiannis Alexandrou. Certainly, take a moment to pause here before wandering through the quaint, cobblestone lanes.
Agoriani is built across seven green hills, and its official name is Eptalofos (‘seven hills’). Embraced by a dense fir forest, amidst cool, running waters, it is truly beautiful. Hike up to the Church of Agia Paraskevi to enjoy the best panoramic view over the entire village and then, meander long the cobblestone alleyways, where you will find scores of shops offering delicious local produce and charming souvenirs.
Also, go to the settlement’s delightful square from where the view is genuinely remarkable. Inside the village, the Ethnographic Museum of Eptalofos is well worth a visit, brimming with ethnographic treasures that reveal much about the history and traditions of the region. If you’re craving a long, exploratory walk in nature, go for a hike along the length of the Agorianiti river. The route guides you to a small yet stunningly beautiful waterfall, which cascades fervently into an untouched landscape of rampant vegetation.
Stay
Among the most charming traditional inns of Agoriani, you’ll find the Asimina Guesthouse, offering comfortable, impeccably clean rooms with understated decor just 100 meters from the village square. And then, there’s the Balkoni of Agoriani, with its traditional rooms, a captivating view, and an on-site restaurant providing a delightful breakfast and exquisite local cuisine.
Nafplion
A mere one and a half hours away from Athens, Nafplion, with its characteristic quaintness, lovely, cobbled alleyways, small but utterly charming Old Town, and its important historic, is one of the most romantic and atmospheric destinations in mainland Greece. It certainly stands as one of the most historical since it was the first capital of the newly formed Greek state at the time.
Discover
Any stroll in Nafplion, in essence, mandates starting off with a walk along the much-photographed Megalos Dromos, one of the oldest and quaintest roads of modern Greece. Constructed under the orders of Ioannis Kapodistrias during the era when Nafplion was the capital of the Greek state, Megalos Dromos seamlessly links the beginning of Nafplio town with Syntagma Square.
In this quaint nook of the world, you might find yourself losing track of time wandering through the picturesque alleyways of Nafplion, as you look for the chapel of Agios Spyridon. There, on a stone wall, an indenture reflects a tangible echo from the past: it is the bullet hole that claimed the life of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece.
If you’d like to take a walk that will take you to new heights, walk the (supposedly 999, though some say it’s more) steps to the Palamidi fortress. From its commanding heights, your eyes will drink in scenes where the soothing embrace of the sea laps against the dramatic sweep of history beneath it.
The Archaeological Museum of Nafplion and the Folklore Museum welcome you to delve deeper, presenting collections that include, amidst other artifacts, Kapodistrias’ writing desk. As daylight yields to the gentleness of evening, picture this: you and your beloved, side by side, sipping on a delicious cocktail by the sea, while the illuminated Bourtzi fortress gently flutters across the tranquil waters in a distant yet companionable silence.
Staying in the Old Town not only places you in the intimate proximity of all landmarks but also ensures that you immerse yourself in an authentically romantic residential experience, one that you might forgo otherwise.
Stay
Consider Hotel Ippoliti, which captures the spirit of Nafplio’s Venetian past with timeless elegance, with spacious and comfortable rooms and optional whirlpool tubs. Alternatively, let the Amymone and Adiandi Collection bed and breakfast has rooms that are decorated in different styles.
Arachova
There’s a lingering misapprehension about Arachova that demands a gentle correction: it’s thought among many that this cosmopolitan town warrants a visit solely for indulging in endless hours of skiing at the Parnassos Ski Center or for reveling from afternoon till the deep of night in the bustling square of Lakka, lounging in comfy armchairs under the warm glow of heaters, with fluffy blankets to put on your lap.
Arachova offers the perfect balance between its more touristic side and a robust mountain tradition, reflected in its splendid local products, a lively community, and wonderful surrounding landscapes. One thing is certain: no list of autumnal, romantic destinations in Greece could be deemed complete without including a stop at Arachova, one of the most enchanting towns in the country.
Discover
Every wander through Arachova begins with a meander down its serpentine central road, on one side looking out to a view of the Delphi Valley, and on the other a row of the village’s elegant restaurants, cafes and bars, with the clock tower rising above.
Next, retrace your steps to the village center and head up towards the Church of Saint George. Prepare to climb 265 steps, with a backdrop of Arachova’s rooftops and chimneys. In spring, they may not billow with smoke, yet they remain an equally picturesque sight.
Upon reaching the top, take in a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding nature, in one of the most photographable spots in the entire region. If you wish to head down along a different route, walk along the cobbled paths, seeing all angles of the village.
Undoubtedly, the scenery here is highly romantic, and should you seek more peacefulness, visit Agoriani and other nearby villages, and of course, historic Delphi for a genuinely enlightening journey through time, visiting one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece.
Stay
For a plush, comfortable stay, get rooms in the opulent Santa Marina Arachova Resort and Spa, with its striking indoor pool, or at the Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort, where perfect vistas of the Delphi Valley and spacious, comfortable rooms await. This eloquent interplay of luxury and tradition offers not just a place to stay, but warm hospitality and the spirit of the Greek countryside.
