While it is true that love should not be celebrated on just one particular day, Valentine’s Day always gives a good excuse for a romantic getaway from the daily routine.
And half of its success often has to do with the “setting”, rendering the choice of the right accommodation particularly important.
Needless to say, as winter tourism is very popular in Greece, there is a wide variety of choices – literally for every taste and every pocket. Besides, many accommodations are so scenic by design that they already stand as favourite destinations for those seeking an idyllic experience for two any day of the year other than the special occasion of Valentine’s Day.
However, from the cream of the crop, as far as guest-houses and small hotels are concerned, the following accommodations stand out: the “Anerada Inn” in Megalo Horio in Evrytania, the “Anemolia” resort in Arachova, the “Nafplion 1841” in Nafplio, the “Archontiko Filippidis” in Milies, Pelion and the “Archontiko Metsovou” luxury boutique hotel in Metsovo.
Anerada Inn (Megalo Horio, Evrytania)
Evrytania is full of amazing mountain villages that combine enchanting forests with good food. Of these, one of the most picturesque is Megalo Horio at 720 metres altitude, just 17 kilometres from Karpenisi, next to a chestnut and walnut forest.
The boutique hotel Anerada Inn is considered one of the most romantic guest-houses in Greece, thanks to its decoration, which creates the impression of being in an elegant manor house in the British countryside. The bright, vibrant colours, fabrics, antiques, iron furniture and flowers exude a special sensuality, creating a very special character, perhaps unique in Greece.
Note that in addition to the classy rooms in blue, lilac, green and salmon there is a two-storey house in the garden, completely autonomous from the rest of the inn.
Anemolia (Arachova)
On the fringes of popular Arachova, boasting magnificent views of Mount Parnassus and the valley of Delphi, the mountain resort Anemolia belongs to the Domotel family of hotels, following the latter’s general policy of combining luxury with simplicity.
For Valentine’s Day, it’s worth considering the mini chalet suites with their huge beds and fireplaces, which open onto a private balcony. If you’re looking for the same romantic atmosphere in something more spacious, there are also the so-called “executive rooms” of 25 square metres, which are reminiscent of a small apartment. Note also that the Anemolia also offers free transportation to Arachova on winter weekends and has an indoor heated pool.
Nafplion 1841 (Nafplio)
Cosmopolitan, charming and full of colour, the capital of Argolida is one of the most popular destinations in the Peloponnese, all year round – which is of course related to the fact that it is only 2 hours from Athens. The romance that pervades the city is legendary: they say that even if you’re already in love, you’ll relive the experience all over again if you find yourself in Nafplio.
Nafplion 1841 is housed in a renovated traditional building dating from 1841, just 30 metres from Syntagma Square. It is a beautifully decorated family-run guest-house, which in recent years has been in great demand by couples. It has beautiful rooms with a hot tub and offers free parking, as well as a delicious breakfast. All of the town’ s major attractions can be reached within a 5-10 minute walk, and for an extra fee you can enjoy massage services.
Archontiko Filippidis
Pelion could not be missing from a list of romantic destinations, as its mountainous, green landscapes and the magnificent view of the Pagasetic Gulf constitute a dreamy combination.
Located in the village of Milies, the guest-house Archontiko Filippidis – 28 km from Volos, at 400 metres altitude- pledges that its guests will wake up gazing at the sea and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest. Wooden floors, windows made in a typical Pelion way (the guest-house’s lounge is a place you won’t easily escape from), antiques and retro lamps compose an accommodation with a special charm.
The guest-house’s home-made breakfast, made with the owners’ organic produce, has received excellent reviews. Don’t leave without trying the firiki apple spoon sweet they make.
Archontiko Metsovou
Located in the heart of an already popular winter destination, Archontiko Metsovo is a boutique hotel housed in a neoclassical building made of wood and stone enjoying stunning views of Pindus’ mountain peaks. In recent years, its reputation as a destination ideal for couples has spread to Europe.
For Valentine’s Day, choose one of the executive suites featuring a traditional (energy-efficient) fireplace and hot tub, two features that add to the overall decor of the suite with its king-size canopy bed. The guest-house also offers guests the option to rent bicycles to leisurely tour Metsovo.
Read also:
10 mansions in mountainous destinations in Greece
Staying in a traditional windmill: An alternative accommodation experience in Greece
Airbnb treehouses in Greece, ranging from €80 to 180 per night
