Winter Destinations in Greece: 9 Top Choices for This Year

Greece’s winter destinations aren’t just about ski resorts. They are stone villages with fireplaces, mist-shrouded lakes, thermal baths and cities that truly come alive in winter.

Below are our nine top destinations, with distances from Athens, journey costs and accommodation suggestions.

Summary Table: Distances, Times and Costs

Before we dive into the details, here’s a summary of what each destination means in terms of kilometres, hours and euros. The table helps you quickly choose based on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one-way)	Return Trip Cost*
Zagorochoria	445 km	5 hrs 30 min	22.00 €	164 €
Arachova	160 km	2 hrs	5.40 €	54 €
Karpenisi	300 km	3 hrs 35 min	9.60 €	100 €
Kalabaka	355 km	4 hrs 10 min	14.90 €	125 €
Pelion	330 km	4 hrs 5 min	14.20 €	117 €
Ioannina	425 km	5 hrs	22.00 €	158 €

*Estimate based on petrol at 1.92 €/litre, consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, and return tolls. Toll and fuel prices change — please use these figures as a general guide.

The Destinations, One by One

1. Zagorochoria — 445 km, 5 hrs 30 min

Our first suggested destination is Zagorochoria. The distance from Athens is 445 km and the driving time is approximately 5 hrs 30 min, with 22.00 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 164 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Vikos Gorge and the arched bridges
• Papigo, Aristi, Kipoi and Monodendri
• Dragonlake of Tymfi for the more experienced hikers

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: Zagori pies, boiled goat, and tsipouro. Ideal for an autumn or winter long weekend. Tip: distances between villages are short in kilometres but slow to cover — don't try to cram too much into one day.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are Aristi Mountain Resort, Archontiko Aristis, Hotel Taxiarches. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Zagorochoria.

2. Arachova — 160 km, 2 hrs

If you’re looking for something that works all year round, add Arachova to your list. The distance from Athens is 160 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs, with 5.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 54 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Stone alleys and lively nightlife in winter
• Parnassus Ski Centre, 25 minutes further up
• View of the Amfissa olive grove from Koraki

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: grilled formaela cheese, hilopites (traditional pasta) and Parnassus wine. Ideal for a winter weekend by the fireplace. Tip: for January weekends, book your room at least a month in advance.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are Mons Boutique Hotel, Hotel Parnassos, Lykoria Hotel. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Arachova.

3. Karpenisi — 300 km, 3 hrs 35 min

One of the most reliable choices is Karpenisi. The distance from Athens is 300 km and the driving time is approximately 3 hrs 35 min, with 9.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 100 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Megalo Chorio and Mikro Chorio with their stone houses
• Rafting in Karpenisiotis river and zipline
• Velouchi Ski Centre

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: rooster with hilopites, trachanas (fermented wheat soup) and local formaela cheese. Ideal for a winter long weekend with activities. Tip: in the mountainous villages, the road requires snow chains from December to March.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are City Apollonion, Melegos Hotel, Lecadin Hotel. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Karpenisi.

4. Kalabaka — 355 km, 4 hrs 10 min

A bit further, but perfectly feasible, is Kalabaka. The distance from Athens is 355 km and the driving time is approximately 4 hrs 10 min, with 14.90 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 125 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Meteora and its six accessible monasteries
• Sunset from Psaropetra rock
• Kastraki with its stone houses beneath the rocks

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: traditional cooked dishes and local Thessalian cheeses. Ideal for a two-day trip with history and views. Tip: the monasteries have different closing days — check before you go.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are Konaki of Meteora Boutique Living, Mirabilis Boutique Hotel, Epavlis Meteora Suites Hotel. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Kalabaka.

5. Kastoria

For something different, try Kastoria.

• Lake Orestiada with its walking path
• Byzantine churches and mansions of Doltso
• Dragon’s Cave

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: lake fish, pies and wine. Ideal for a romantic winter two-day trip. Tip: the lake loop is 9 km — rent bicycles instead of driving.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are Hotel Orestion - Bike and motorcycle friendly hotel, Paraliako Katerina Lakefront - Biker Friendly Hotel, Hotel Kastoria in Kastoria City. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Kastoria.

6. Loutra Pozar

Among our favourite destinations is Loutra Pozar.

• Natural thermal pools within the gorge
• Waterfalls and hiking trails
• Close to Edessa and Kaimaktsalan ski resort

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: grilled meats and local Goumenissa wines. Ideal for a winter weekend with thermal baths. Tip: go in the morning or late at night — weekend lunchtimes can have queues.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are Pozar Salt Cave Hotel Spa, Thermes Pozar Resort, 4 Epoxes Hotel Spa. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Loutra Pozar.

7. Nymfaio

It’s also worth considering Nymfaio.

• One of Greece's most beautiful stone villages
• The “Arcturos” bear sanctuary
• Beech forests and woodlands around the village

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: local cheeses, pies and Amynteo wine. Ideal for a winter two-day trip by the fireplace. Tip: the last few kilometres are uphill — in winter, be careful of ice.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are Guesthouse Enterne, Casa Mare, Manis Hotel. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Nymfaio.

8. Pelion — 330 km, 4 hrs 5 min

We conclude our suggestions with Pelion. The distance from Athens is 330 km and the driving time is approximately 4 hrs 5 min, with 14.20 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 117 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Stone villages such as Makrinitsa, Portaria, Tsagarada
• Aegean beaches: Mylopotamos, Fakistra, Damouchari
• The Moutzouris train in summer

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: spetzofai (sausage and pepper stew), tsitsiravla (pickled greens) and tsipouro with meze. Ideal for a two- or three-day trip combining mountain and sea. Tip: the roads in Pelion are winding — allow double the time the map suggests.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are Xenia Palace Portaria, Valeni Boutique Hotel & Spa, Stevalia Hotel & Spa. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Pelion.

9. Ioannina — 425 km, 5 hrs

Our first suggested destination is Ioannina. The distance from Athens is 425 km and the driving time is approximately 5 hrs, with 22.00 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return trip (petrol and tolls) is around 158 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Castle and the islet of Lake Pamvotida
• Perama Cave
• Vibrant student city with cafes and meze restaurants

When it comes to food, the local “rule” is simple: pies, bougatsa (custard pastry) and lake fish. Ideal for a city break with a lake and history. Tip: the ferry to the islet departs every half hour and costs very little.

Where to stay: good options we’ve checked are Stoes Boutique Hotel, Petrou Suites, IALNA Boutique Hotel. For detailed information on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Ioannina.

Practical Tips for a Road Trip

Travelling by car from Athens has a big advantage: freedom. You’re not tied to schedules, you can stop wherever you like, and the cost can be shared. However, there are some points worth considering beforehand.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For long journeys, this can mean 10-22 € each way, so double that for a return trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, a medium-sized car spends about 13-14 € every 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and petrol, and more on public holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and long weekends, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — good options in popular destinations go first.

Which Season Suits Each Destination

The same destination can change completely depending on the month. Coastal options are at their best from mid-June to mid-September, when the sea is warm and beach bars are open. In spring, the same areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and dining without waiting.

Mountain villages work in reverse: from November to March, they offer fireplaces, snow and the highest demand, while in summer they provide cool temperatures, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, high-level lakes and empty roads make every journey more pleasant.

If you have children, prefer to depart in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that tires them. For couples, mountainous two-day trips outside of public holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to Organise Your Trip

Start backwards: first decide how many hours you can endure in the car, then choose a destination from the table. It's the most reliable way to avoid regrets halfway through your journey. Second step, book accommodation before planning meals and activities: in popular destinations, good lodgings sell out first, and prices rise closer to the date.

Third, create a relaxed schedule with two fixed points a day — one attraction and one meal — and leave the rest open. The best moments on these types of getaways often come from spontaneous stops in villages and unexpected views. Finally, always check tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Athens on this list?

That would be Arachova, at 160 km and approximately 2 hours’ drive.

How much does the most affordable journey cost?

The cheapest option is Arachova: about 54 € for a return trip in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Zagorochoria, with approximately 5 hrs 30 min of driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in tolls in total?

It depends on the destination: in our list, tolls range from zero to 22.00 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

What is the number one winter destination in Greece?

Zagorochoria. It combines architecture, world-class nature, and top-tier accommodation with fireplaces.

How much does a winter two-day trip for two cost?

Realistically, 250-400 € in total: 90-160 € per night for accommodation, 60-90 € for transport, and 70-100 € for food.