Picnics are always a great excuse to get together with friends and have a good time. Even more so if you choose a gorgeous location for your picnic. Plan well, arrange who’ll bring what, pack, and head to the countryside.
Parnassus
It’s the perfect place for a relaxed picnic surrounded by a dense fir forest. Go up the mountain, pick a clearing, and set up. Or if you have trouble finding a clearing you like, we have a tip for you: after you pass by Livadi, turn right in the direction of the ski resort, and at about midway to the resort you’ll come across a large clearing on your left, almost on a 180° turn of the road.
You can either stop there and have your picnic at the clearing or follow the dirt road until you get to the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, its courtyard is a great place for your picnic.
The dirt road is not always in the best condition, especially in the winter, but you can reach the chapel also on foot, it’s not far. After your picnic, if you feel like it, you can walk on the dirt road, surrounded by firs. On your way back, you can make a stop in Arachova and get some formaela cheese.
Vytina
Vytina is also a great option for a picnic, just two hours away from Athens. In particular, the Vytina Grove, with the tall trees and the wooden benches is ideal. In addition, the proximity to the village is convenient, in case you forgot something. Or you can skip bringing provisions and buy everything locally, from the shops and taverns.
Cheeses, grilled meat – Vytina is known for its meats – fruit, and of course sweets. Another location that’s nice for a picnic, but requires a bit of a hike, is the stone bridge of Milaontas in the location Zarzi. You can have your picnic under the plane trees, though there’s more space in the Vytina Grove.
Planitero plane forest
Just outside the village Planitero, on the banks of Aroanios river, there’s a magical, century-old plane tree forest, ideal for autumn excursions. The running waters, the bridges, and the tall plane trees create a dreamy setting. Choose the plane tree you like and sit under it to enjoy nature and your picnic. It’s worth strolling on the river’s banks and visiting the watermill or hiking on the forest trails.
There are taverns in the area, so don’t worry if you forget to bring something. You can also combine your picnic with a visit to the impressive Spileo ton Limnon cave. The historic Kalavrita are also very near, so you can make a stop for coffee on your way back. The area of Planitero is part of the Natura 2000 network.
Doxa lake
Lake Doxa is a small lake in Feneos and is one of the most beautiful lakes in Greece. It’s located at 900m altitude, surrounded by tall fir trees and it’s a truly magnificent spot. It was created in the end of the 1990s, when the damn of the Doxa river was built. You can enjoy your picnic on its banks, with the amazing view of it waters and of the surrounding forest. The small chapel of Agios Fanourios on the island that is linked to the mainland by a strip of land is quite distinctive.
If you’d like to go mountain biking, or use a water bike or canoe, you can get in touch with the local alternative tourism company and make the most of your excursion. If you like hiking, there are many trails that go in the forest. Just a stone’s throw from the lake, you’ll find the village Archaia Feneos where you can get any provisions you forget.
Livadakia beach
If you’re a beach person through and through even in autumn, then head to Evia for your picnic, and in particular the beach Livadakia. It’s a pebbled beach, surrounded by rocks covered in green and it offers seclusion and a great view of the Aegean sea.
You’ll need to plan carefully to go on a picnic here, as there’s no village nearby where you can get anything you forget. Prepare a list to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Read also:
Vytina: Worthwhile experiences in the beautiful village of Greece
Crossing a beautiful artificial lake in Greece: From Trikala to Lake Stymfalia via Lake Doxa
3 lake areas near Athens ideal for nature, good food, scenic routes
