These mountain retreats are often in unexpected locations and only have the bare necessities. Despite this, the hospitality at these shelters can be unique and enjoyable. Comfort and luxury are not the primary focus here,  rather, it is the simplicity and connection with nature that stand out. These shelters allow for a magical, immersive experience with their surroundings that is hard to come by elsewhere. They are the spring board from which to explore, hike and climb in the adjacent countryside.

13

Nestled in the shadow of the iconic Strogoula mountain in Tzoumerka, the Pramanton Shelter stands at an elevation of 1,250 meters as a model of hospitable accommodation. Easily accessible by car, this shelter serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Tzoumerka mountain range in northwestern Greece. Visitors can relax on the wooden benches and tables outside, taking in the breathtaking views with a warm drink in hand. 

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Pramanton Shelter/Photo: Amalia Kovaiou
Pramanton Shelter/Photo: Amalia Kovaiou

If the weather does not allow for sitting outside, the indoor sala is a cozy and inviting space, heated by a red cast iron stove and furnished with stylish and comfortable pieces. During the summer, there is even a small reservoir for guests to rest and refresh after a challenging hike. The guest rooms at the Pramanton Shelter are of the same quality as those at hotels, and guests have the option to rent a private room or just a bed. (http://tzoumerkarefuge.com/)

Munti Smolikas Guesthouse

The Munti Smolikas Guesthouse, located in the Pades region of Ioannina, is the perfect launching point for a dive into the wild nature of the mountains of Epirus. It is the guesthouse that brings life to a settlement that is like something out of a fairytale. Located 90 kilometers from Ioannina, the journey to get there is an experience in itself, with forests of fir, pine, ash, and oak trees surrounding the route. When you arrive at the settlement, you’ll find it nestled in the greenery with a stunning, unobstructed view of the slopes of Tymfi.

The Munti Smolikas guesthouse is located in a 1901 building that used to be the village school. In addition to the guesthouse, the village cafe, which has always served as a gathering place, is also still in operation today. The guesthouse has five rooms with private bathrooms, including two 8-bed rooms, two 4-bed rooms, and one 6-bed room. Each room is equipped with bed linens, towels, heating, and hot water. The kitchen is open all day and offers full meals, provisions for the mountain, and various snacks. (https://muntismolikas.com/)

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Photo: Flampouri Shelter/Facebook
Photo: Flampouri Shelter/Facebook

The Flampouri Shelter in Parnitha is nestled among the fir trees and sits at an altitude of 1,158 meters. From the south side, visitors can marvel at the views of Athens, Aegina, Poros, the Peloponnese, and on clear days, even Hydra. From the east and north sides, the Marathona lake, the Evia Gulf, Evia, the highest mountain in Diri, and on clear days, the Aegean Sea are visible. Along with Bafi, it is one of the closest shelters to Athens, making it an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The space is adequately heated by a wood-burning stove, and the electric energy is generated by solar panels. It has a well-equipped kitchen and offers coffee, snacks, traditional pies, freshly cooked homemade dishes, grilled meats, and more. (https://flampouri.gr/)

Valia Kalda

Nestled in the heart of eastern Zagori in northern Greece, the Valia Kalda Retreat invites guests to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. Set in a two-storey building that was designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding mountain landscape, this retreat offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world. Located just a stone’s throw from Vovousa and situated at an altitude of 1050 meters, the Valia Kalda Retreat is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate on the banks of the Aoos river.

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Photo: The Valia Kalda Retreat
Photo: The Valia Kalda Retreat

On the ground floor of the Valia Kalda Retreat, guests are greeted by a warm and inviting reception area and living room. Upstairs, there are five guest rooms that can accommodate a total of 50 people. The on-site restaurant serves up delicious dishes of local cuisine, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Visitors can also take in the beauty of the natural surroundings by relaxing under the shade of the trees next to the river and listening to the soothing sounds of nature. Additionally, a portion of the outdoor area is set up for camping.

Nestled in the Muses plateau, at an elevation of 2,650 meters, stands the Christos Kakaalos guesthouse. Located on the awe-inspiring Mount Olympus, this popular mountain destination attracts visitors from far and wide. To accommodate the needs of these travelers, there are nine guesthouses scattered throughout the region, as well as six emergency guesthouses that can be used in times of need. The guesthouse itself was named after the first recorded mountaineer to scale the peak of Olympus, who, alongside his Swiss companions, made the historic climb to the summit of Mytikas on August 2, 1913. In addition to providing comfortable accommodations, the guesthouse also serves as a center for rescue and mountain skiing. With a capacity of 17 guests, it operates from the end of May until the end of October. (www.olympus-climbing.gr/)

Read also:

4 Mount Parnitha trails, easily reached, ideal for weekend escapes

Greece: Mount Olympus was designated a National Park –What’s changing

Smolikas Drakolimni: Sub-alpine lake with wild orchids on Greece’s second-tallest mountain