3 budget-friendly destinations for a wonderful weekend getaway

What’s the perfect way to escape the gloom that winter brings?

A trip, of course!

We’ve found and recommend 3 affordable destinations you can visit for a lovely and carefree weekend.

Our criteria, apart from the unique beauty of each place, include budget-friendly prices for accommodation, food, and other activities.

Trikala Korinthias

One of the most beautiful winter destinations near Athens, ideal for a revitalising weekend.

Trikala Korinthias is a traditional settlement at the foothills of Mount Kyllini, with the highest point in the Ano Trikala district reaching 1100 metres.

How to get to Trikala Korinthias

Located just 145 kilometres from Athens, Trikala Korinthias is quite close, and you can reach it by car in 1.5 hours.

You will need to follow the Athens-Corinth provincial road and turn off for Xylokastro. It is a very easy route that won’t tire you, and you’ll also enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Hotels in Trikala Korinthias

For your stay in Trikala Korinthias, there is a wide range of options. Most are cosy, traditional guesthouses with stone walls.

You can find suites with hydromassage columns, fireplaces with unlimited wood to create a romantic atmosphere, and breakfast, all for just 50 euros per night. Superior suites with a jacuzzi start from 100 euros per night.

On Booking.com’s dedicated page here, you will find all available hotel options in Trikala Korinthias.

Before you start your search, bear in mind that you will need to choose in advance which of the 3 settlements you wish to stay in.

Ano Trikala is at a higher altitude than the other two settlements and will naturally have a noticeable difference in temperature.

The Mesaia Synoikia Trikalon (Middle District of Trikala) offers the most accommodation options, while Kato Trikala is at an altitude of 900 metres and features many lovely shops and the most charming traditional square.

Activities in Trikala Korinthias

Most activities you can do in the wider area are related to the mountains and countryside.

You can go horse riding, archery, and paintball at the Riding Centre in the village of Rethis Korinthias, which is very close by.

The Zireia Ski Centre is also very close, and during the winter months, when there is snow, you can ski, rent a sled for younger children, and even go snowmobiling.

Another very popular activity in Trikala Korinthias is, of course, hiking. So don’t forget to bring your athletic clothes and shoes!

Santorini

Santorini is certainly a destination we all associate with beautiful summer sunsets. However, even in winter, the same wonderful sunsets and unique views exist, with something extra.

You can enjoy it all at your leisure without the hordes of tourists that flood the streets of Fira and Oia from May until the end of October.

Accommodation in Santorini

[ See prices and availability at ART HOTEL in Pyrgos, Santorini ]

It’s a fact that Santorini is one of the most expensive destinations in Greece. However, during the winter months, accommodation prices drop significantly.

While there certainly isn't the same abundance of choices as in summer, you'll easily find very decent accommodation for your stay.

The best option is to stay in Fira itself or in Karterados, which is just a 10-minute walk from the centre, where you'll find lovely and affordable rooms.

Prices for hotels in Santorini in winter start from 40 euros per night, while for 100 euros a night, you can find a room with a heated jacuzzi.

For the same rooms in summer, you would likely pay up to triple the price.

On Booking.com’s page here, you can discover all the hotels in Santorini that are available during the winter months.

Flights to Santorini

Tickets to Santorini in winter are also at very low prices.

With Ryanair airline, you can fly to Santorini for just 52 euros per person return. The flight duration from Athens to Santorini is only 25 minutes.

On our homepage, you can book your flight tickets to Santorini at very affordable prices.

What else can you do in Santorini in winter?

Regarding food and entertainment, quite a few good restaurants and bars on the island do not operate in winter.

However, in Fira, you will certainly find enough options to serve you as best as possible during your short stay.

Most permanent residents of the island live in the village of Karterados, and it is the area where you will find many open cafes and tavernas, as well as most of the island's life.

The best thing you can do while in Santorini in winter is to visit one of the many wineries on the island – which operate all year round – for a wine tasting or even a dinner with a view of Santorini.

Our choice is Venetsanos Winery, which boasts an amazing view towards Athinios port, as well as excellent quality wines that pair wonderfully with their meal menu!

Chalkida, Evia

Evia, the second-largest island in Greece, offers many beautiful areas to discover. It is a lovely destination for both summer and winter.

In Northern Evia lies the village of Aidipsos, well-known since antiquity for having one of the best thermal baths in Greece!

In the area, you will also find the beautiful Kymi with its stunning view of the Aegean Sea!

The capital of Evia is Chalkida, which has many attractions to visit.

What to visit in Chalkida

While in Chalkida, you absolutely must visit the old bridge. Cross over the bridge and observe the “mad waters” that change direction every 6 hours.

It is a unique phenomenon that occurs due to the difference in sea level between the North and South Euboean Gulfs, as well as the gravitational pull of the moon.

A stroll along Chalkida’s promenade will captivate you. You’ll find many tavernas with fresh fish and lovely bars to enjoy your coffee or a drink.

The Karababa Fortress, or Kanithos Fortress, is located on Fourka Hill with a magnificent view of Chalkida city. Built in 1864 by the Ottomans, it remains in good condition to this day.

You can visit the castle from Tuesday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 15:00. You’ll be able to take a short tour, admire the bronze cannons, and enter the castle museum.

Accommodation in Chalkida

In Chalkida, you will find very pleasant tourist accommodations for your stay. Prices start from just 35 euros per night. For a little more money, you can find rooms with a fireplace and magnificent sea views.

Check Booking.com’s page HERE for the ideal room in Chalkida and enjoy the lowest price online!

How to get to Chalkida

From Athens, to reach Chalkida, you will need to cover a distance of 80 kilometres (approximately one hour by car), and you will have the opportunity to admire the superb suspension bridge!

Other wonderful options for your stay in Evia include Karystos and Aidipsos with its thermal baths, which are suitable for a long weekend throughout the year.

All the aforementioned destinations are particularly budget-friendly for a weekend or even longer, from autumn through to spring. They are primarily characterised as summer destinations, which is why you will see their prices soar when the summer season approaches!