Suggestions for beautiful mountain villages for festive getaways.
As Christmas and the magical holiday season approaches, the trends for holiday getaways are red hot. And, of course, are there better destinations than traditional Greek villages with their quaint guesthouses, quality holiday food, and small historical and natural attractions?
Below, we have selected some of the most well-known and beloved villages of Central Greece. From the slopes of Parnassos to the mountains of Evrytania, these villages never cease to offer exciting destinations for unforgettable holidays.
Eptalofos
This beautiful village on the slopes of Parnassos is located just 25 kilometres from Arachova and offers direct access to the Ski Centre of Parnassos.
Built in the middle of a forest full of fir trees - an ideal landscape to experience the magic of Christmas - and with a gurgling rushing waterfall drowned in winter beauty, Eptalofos is the No. 1 classic destination for last-minute weekend getaways.
That doesn't mean, of course, that it isn't a dynamic holiday destination, especially for those who decide on a last-minute Christmas getaway.
Polydrosos
Very close to the Ski Center of Parnassos and in one of the most beautiful parts of the mountain, Polydrossos is an amazing Christmas destination.
There are many good options for food and coffee in the cobbled central square, directly opposite the Church of the Assumption.
Of course, a stop at the picturesque Ano Souvala is a must for good traditional food and authentic manor accommodation.
If you still feel like walking for a while with an ally, always in good weather, you can walk towards the monument of Palaiopanagia or Mavromandila, very close to the springs of Boiotiko Kifissos.
Domnista, Evrytania
Built at about a thousand metres altitude, Domnista is located among dense fir forests filled with dozens of paths, wild gorges and virgin fir forests.
In Domnista, you can stroll calmly in the village square with the plane trees, under which Aris Velouchiotis once preached, while you can also visit the Historical and Folklore Museum along with the archaeological finds in ancient Fantino.
Remember that from Domnista, you can reach the impressive and internationally known Pantavrechei Gorge, especially in summer, which is the perfect cool antidote to the unbearable heat.
Krikello, Evrytania
It is one of the first (perhaps even the first) villages in Greece to turn white every year when the temperature drops, giving a unique spectacle that perfectly matches the bright atmosphere of Christmas.
On the one hand, the huge stone-built square of the village - the meeting place for all residents and visitors - and on the other, the imposing church of Agios Nikolaos built in 1903 characterise the centre of Krikellos which is full of traditional fountains, cafes and tavernas.
Ano Chora, mountainous Nafpaktia
In the most mountainous part of mountainous Nafpaktia, built at an altitude of 1,050 metres, is Ano Chora, the village that really keeps the heart of the region alive.
The best-known settlement of mountainous Nafpaktia, which is full of rich forests, picturesque houses, and streams that run all year round, is the ideal destination for a peaceful Christmas getaway that combines rest, unspoiled nature, and local gastronomy.
Of course, if you find yourself in Ano Chora, don't forget to try the traditional pies of the area along with the local wine and trachana.
Yianni Koutroudi is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.
READ MORE: Pindos: Magical nights of stargazing in the heart of the mountains.