In the following days, the first heatwave of this summer is expected in Greece and so there’s no better timing for the following feature. Aircon is great, and swimming in the wonderful Greek seas even greater, but being in a forest and swimming in rivers and lakes is quite remarkable. We’re not saying you shouldn’t spend your holidays by the sea, we’re saying it’s worth also spending some time in one of the mountainous destinations that most of us associate with winter holidays.
Mountainous destinations include lovely routes by car or on foot, seeing beautiful landscapes, and even reaching locations that in the winter are not accessible. You can enjoy bodies of fresh water, practice adventure sports, stay in lovely lodgings and eat at restaurants that won’t be crowded like they would be in the winter, and pay less for it too. Below you’ll find a list of 8 villages in Greece that are worth visiting also at a time when a nice, thick coat is not a necessity.
Pavliani, Fthiotida
Located on the slopes of Oeta, just a 3-hour-drive from Athens, Pavliani is probably the best choice if you’re looking for a mountainous destination for the summer and have small children. The image of its lovely park, at the sources of Asopos river reflects the love of the locals who have volunteered to create it. You’ll walk next to everlasting trees, by abundant springs and come across hammocks, wooden beds, bird nests, humorous signs, musical bridges, swings, a trampoline, exercise equipment, as well as a “beach” on the river banks. Children will get very excited by the iron throne, a 600kg iron structure placed at 1,260m altitude, that brings Game of Thrones to mind.
In addition, hiking afficionados can explore the impressive Oeta National Park, while foodies should visit the neighbouring Athanasios Diakos village, another verdant village, with a lot of water, famous for its meat and dairy products.
Papigo, Ioannina
Megalo Papigo (and the neighbouring Mikro Papigo), the stone-built village of Zagori, is located on the slopes of mount Tymfi, at 960m altitude, and is perfect for those who love fresh air, beautiful hiking trails and impressive natural formations. On the way from Megalo Papigo to Mikro Papigo, park by the side of a turn on the road (there’s enough space) and head toward Rogovou creek, where you’ll find the marvellous Kolibithres or Ovires.
It’s best to wear trainers or hiking shoes and to tread carefully to be able to enjoy the marvellous colours and formations of nature. The braver can attempt dipping their feet in the water, at the location where it is said that Ali Pasha liked to bathe. Kolibithres is not the only water sight in the area.
North of Papigo, you’ll find the Tymfi Dragon Lake, in a location that resembles the Swiss Alps, while if you’re looking for more thrilling activities, you can go rafting on the Voidomatis, or canyoning in Zagori.
Ano Poroia, Serres
At the foothills of mount Belles, at 400m altitude, the village Ano Poroia is known for its beautiful houses –some of which are old Macedonian mansions–, its lovely nature and its laidback pace. The village overlooks lake Kerkini and the small valley that surrounds it, and thus can be your headquarters for adventures in the area. The more adventurous types can climb to the top of the mountain, at 2,031m altitude, a distance that takes about 4 hours to complete. While wellness lovers can visit the thermal springs of Agkistri and Sidirokastro.
The village Mandraki, a 15-minute-drive from Ano Poroia, is perfect for birdwatching, as there are observatories where you can see the birds that live around the lake. No matter what type of traveller you are, you’ll probably want to ride a boat in the lake or walk on its banks, where you can take photos of the buffaloes and pelicans that live on Kerkini’s banks. Make sure you also try the local delicacies, including trout, carp, buffalo cheese and dishes made with buffalo meat).
Megalo Horio, Evritania
Evritania is primarily a winter destination and so, when we happened to be in Megalo Horio during the summer, we were very impressed by how much fun we had. If you find yourselves there in the summer, you’ll see that you can enjoy Evritania’s great cuisine, made with local ingredients, heavily meat-based, as well its lovely cool climate. In the summer, you can also go hiking, with the most popular trail being the one that leads to the verdant Panta Vrehi gorge, with the lovely waterfalls.
If you’re observant (and lucky) you might see otters and trout in the water. Panta Vrehi is only accessible in September and in the summer months, as in the winter it’s too dangerous to visit.
This unique creation of Nature is reason enough to visit Evritania in the summer.
Neohori, Karditsa
Neohori is the most developed village of the Plastira lake area, probably because it has the best view of the lake. It has great accommodation options, restaurants and taverns that stay open all year round, while a visit to the Agios Nikolaos church, with the 16th and 17th century frescoes is a must. Whether you choose Neohori, or one of the villages nearby, the focus of your stay will be the lake.
There are cycling and horseback riding trails, while there are also facilities for water sports. The more adventurous of you can also go paragliding at Ellinopirgos. We recommend lake Plastira for those seeking true relaxation and amazing food.
Nymfaio, Florina
Nymfaio, located at 1,350m altitude on mount Vitsi, surrounded by a lovely oak forest, is one of the most beautiful mountainous villages of Greece. The beauty of the surrounding nature competes with that of the majestic village with the cobbled streets and impressive stone mansions that have mostly been turned into guesthouses. The Museum of Gold-and-Silver-Smithery is housed in one of those mansions, showcasing the art that helped the village thrive.
But history and beautiful architecture are not the only reasons to visit remote Florina. Nymfaio is the home of Arcturos, an NGO that was established for the protection of the brown bears and wolves of the area, which has become a major attraction for visitors who want to learn more about these wonderful animals and see them in their natural habitat. In addition, lake Zazari, nearby, is a great birdwatching destination, home to many birds, many of which are rare. If you choose to visit Florina for a few days in the summer, you will probably be unaffected by the heatwave, as temperatures there tend to be low.
Samarina, Grevena
Samarina, in the Grevena region, on Pindos, has the same advantage – that is, cool temperatures even during the hottest summer days. Built on the eastern slopes of mount Smolikas, at 1,450m altitude, it’s one of the villages in the highest altitudes in Greece. You’ll come here for the fresh air; for the unique hiking opportunities inside thick forests, almost obstructing sunlight; for the lovely bodies of water, like the grand Apa Spintzouriata waterfalls whose waters end in the Valia Calda valley; you’ll come here to drink water from the crystalline springs in the village, like the Kira spring; to have amazing meat from local farms, as well as game meat. If you’re planning a summer visit to Samarina, make sure to be here on August 15 for the festival known as the “Easter of the People of Samarina”.
Andritsaina, Ilia
Most people have associated summer holidays in the Ilia region with its lovely, endless coast or with the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, but its mountainous part is equally lovely, and much less crowded. And the best place is Andritsaina. Built at 700m altitude, this village is known for its amazing architecture, with the lovely houses and the stone fountains. The main square, with the large plane tree is the perfect spot for a traditional coffee.
Starting at Andritsaina, you can visit the temple of Apollo Epicurius, one of the most important and most imposing ancients temples in Greece. You can also hike in the Lousios gorge, visit other mountainous gems of the Peloponnese like Dimitsana, taste amazing local delicacies, while, at the same time, being just a one-hour-drive away from the sea.
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