8 Ιουλίου 2025

Hotels with heated pools open over Christmas

Hotels in mountainous Greece, the Peloponnese, Halkidiki, and Crete with indoor heated swimming pools that operate normally in December, ideal for holiday breaks.

Από Travelo Team

Those looking for hotels with heated pools open over Christmas usually want something different from the classic summer seaside holidays. In December and during the festive season, a warm indoor pool acts as a focal point for relaxation, especially when it's cold or snowing outside. Many hotels in mountainous Greece, the Peloponnese, around Thessaloniki, and in Crete remain open all year round, with a spa and indoor pool forming a key part of the experience.

The difference compared to summer is that in winter the pool is almost always indoors, heated to 28-30 degrees Celsius, and combined with a sauna, hammam, or hydro-massage. Opening hours during the holidays are usually more limited, from 9 or 10 am to 8 or 9 pm, with some hotels also offering access for children during specific time slots.

Accommodation prices during Christmas and New Year's are typically higher than a regular December week, as many hotels offer packages with festive dinners, New Year's Eve celebrations, and multi-day stays. Nevertheless, there are options ranging from €90 to €300 per night, depending on the category, region, and whether half-board or a full holiday package is included.

In this guide, we present hotels divided into four regions: mountainous Greece, the Peloponnese, Thessaloniki and Halkidiki, and Crete. For each, we note what the heated pool offers, the indicative price range, and which features make each accommodation suitable for the December holidays.

How a heated pool operates in winter

Most indoor pools in mainland Greek hotels are maintained at a temperature of 28 to 30 degrees Celsius all year round, regardless of the outside temperature. This means that even when the temperature drops below zero, as often happens in areas like Karpenisi or Metsovo, the pool remains usable throughout the day.

Opening hours during the holidays vary from hotel to hotel. Typically, they open at 9 or 10 am and close at 8 or 9 pm, with an intermediate cleaning break of one to two hours at midday in some cases. It's important to check the hours before booking, as some spas operate with reduced staff between December 24th and January 2nd.

Many of these hotels combine the pool with a dry or wet sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi, creating a complete spa experience. In several cases, spa access is included with the stay, while in others, it's charged separately, from €15 to €40 per person for daily use.

Water safety and hygiene are checked daily, with chlorine and pH measurements, which is especially important in winter due to increased use in an enclosed space. Most pools have an age limit for unsupervised children and specific family use hours, usually in the morning, while in the afternoon, priority is given to adults.

Finally, it's worth noting that in mountain destinations, the view from the indoor pool towards the landscape, such as a forest or snow-capped mountain, is part of the experience, while in coastal areas like Halkidiki or Crete, the pool is usually in an enclosed space with glass windows overlooking the sea.

What to look out for when booking for Christmas

The Christmas and New Year period is one of the most demanding for availability in hotels with spas, especially in mountainous destinations such as Pelion, Kalavryta, or Karpenisi. It is advisable to book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you want a room with access to a private jacuzzi or a suite with a fireplace.

Many hotels require a minimum stay of two or three nights during the period from December 23rd to January 2nd, while some offer five or seven-day packages including Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners in the price. It's wise to read carefully what the package includes before confirming your booking.

Cancellation policies often change during the holidays, with many hotels asking for a 30% to 50% non-refundable deposit. It's worth checking the terms before payment, especially if your holiday depends on weather conditions or your work schedule.

Access to the area is something to be seriously considered in winter. Mountain destinations like Metsovo or Karpenisi may have ice or snow on the roads, so winter tyres or chains are essential. In contrast, destinations like Halkidiki or Crete have a milder climate and easier access by road or air.

Finally, check if the hotel has a restaurant open every day during the holidays, as in small villages, most local shops may be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Which destinations are best for a holiday with a pool in December?

Mountainous Greece, with destinations such as Pelion, Karpenisi, Metsovo, and Kalavryta, offers the most classic combination of winter landscape and an indoor heated pool. The cold outside makes the experience of the warm pool more intense, and many hotels feature a fireplace in the lobby and views of forests or mountain peaks.

The Peloponnese combines mountainous destinations like Mystras and Kalavryta with coastal areas such as Kalamata and Kyllini, where the climate in December is milder. Here you'll find hotels with large spas and indoor pools that operate normally throughout the winter.

The Thessaloniki and Halkidiki region offers easy access from Macedonia Airport and combines city breaks with relaxation at spa hotels, mainly in Halkidiki, where several large resorts remain open in winter with reduced operations.

Crete is one of the few Greek destinations where hotels with heated pools operate almost normally all year round due to the milder climate, especially in cities like Chania and Rethymno, where demand for winter getaways has increased in recent years.

The choice of destination ultimately depends on whether you prefer a winter atmosphere with potential snow or a milder version of winter with the sea visible from your room. All four regions we present cater to different traveller profiles.