❄ 9 Places to Visit in Greece in Winter (2024)

Updated: November 13, 2024

Greece in winter is truly special—it’s the perfect time to explore its historical and natural gems without the busy summer crowds or intense heat.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best places to visit in Greece during winter, each with its own unique charm and variety of activities.

Table of Contents

What to Do in Greece in Winter

1. Athens

Visiting Athens in winter lets you dive into its rich history at a more relaxed pace. You can take a Athens Acropolis tour, visit the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis Museum without long lines or packed crowds—something you rarely get in summer.

This season is also perfect if you're looking for a budget-friendly trip to Greece, as hotels in athens and the rest of the country are more affordable. Plus, Greek museums have several free admission days.

Athens in winter is mild compared to other European destinations, so it’s ideal for walking around archaeological sites without the blazing summer sun. In fact, it’s one of the best European cities to visit in winter if you prefer avoiding freezing temperatures.

If you’re there in December, the city comes alive with festive lights and Christmas markets. The Plaka neighborhood and Syntagma Square glow with decorations, and in Monastiraki, you can shop for local products and soak up the holiday spirit. Christmas in Athens is a magical experience that I highly recommend.

Make sure to join a food tour to discover Greek cuisine or warm up with a local wine tasting.

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2. Meteora

The monasteries of Meteora in winter are among the most breathtaking sights in Greece during this season. These dramatic rock formations, crowned by medieval monasteries, look even more mystical when wrapped in mist or dusted with snow.

Starting in the 11th century, 24 monasteries were built, and today, 6 of them are still active and open to the public. All of them designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Here, you can enjoy stunning views and admire the frescoes inside.

Meteora is a must-visit and one of the best day trips from Athens—it’s actually my personal favorite.

How to Get to Meteora

Public transportation: From Athens, head to Kalambaka, the nearest town to Meteora. From there, you can take a taxi or join this guided tour of Meteora.
Excursion: The easiest option, especially if you’re short on time, is this guided tour to Meteora from Athens, which includes all transportation.
Driving: If you’re planning to explore Greece more broadly, renting a car is the best way to visit Meteora and other destinations I mention in this guide.

3. Delphi

Delphi is a magical place year-round, but in winter, the snow-covered mountains lend this sacred site an even more mysterious feel, making it a must-see in Greece during the colder months.

The ancient city, home to the famous Oracle of Delphi and its museum, is one of the top cultural sites near Athens.

To get to Delphi, you can go by bus or car. You can also join this Delphi tour from Athens to learn more about its significance in Ancient Greece.

4. Arachova and Mount Parnassus

If you're after snow activities, Arachova is one of Greece’s top winter destinations. This charming mountain village, located nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, is known as the "winter Mykonos" for its appeal among locals.

During the holiday season, Arachova comes alive with its stone houses, craft shops, and tavernas offering traditional dishes.

Another major draw is its proximity to the largest and most popular ski resort in the country.

On Mount Parnassus, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in a snowy landscape. The resort has 23 slopes covering 34 km, suitable for all levels, with some deep-snow black runs ideal if you're looking for an adrenaline rush.

It's a perfect spot for a winter getaway.

There’s no direct public transportation to Arachova, but you can take a bus to Delphi and then a taxi. Although, driving or taking this private tour to Arachova and skiing are the best options.

5. Thermopylae

The thermal baths at Thermopylae are one of the most relaxing experiences in Greece during winter. These natural hot springs are perfect for a cold day, surrounded by mountains.

The sulfurous waters flow at over 40°C, and according to Greek mythology, they’re connected to the entrance to Hades, the underworld. That’s where the name Thermopylae, meaning “hot gates,” comes from.

Note that this isn’t a spa center, but rather natural pools, so you’ll need to bring your own towel.

While you’re in the area, you can also visit the site of the famous Battle of Thermopylae, a fascinating historical stop to complete your visit. This place blends history and relaxation, making it ideal for your winter trip to Greece.

To reach the hot springs, you can take a bus to Lamia and then a taxi. However, renting a car is one of the most convenient options—I recommend this trusted website with great rates. You can also join this Delphi and Arachova tour, which includes a stop to bathe at Thermopylae.

6. Peloponnese

The Peloponnese region is rich in history and natural landscapes that you can enjoy without the summer crowds. On this peninsula, you'll find several must-see historical sites as well as some places with unique charm.

Some of the best spots to visit in the Peloponnese are:

Mycenae: once home to one of the major Bronze Age civilizations in Greece and the legendary King Agamemnon.
Epidaurus: nestled in the Peloponnese mountains, known for its ancient theater.
Nafplio: often called the most romantic city in Greece, with its cobblestone streets and stunning views of the Argolic Gulf.

These are all great places to visit if you're heading to Greece in winter, and you can explore them by car or join this Peloponnese day trip.

7. Kalavryta

Kalavryta is the perfect winter destination. The historic Odontotos cog railway takes you through a beautiful mountainous canyon, with breathtaking views as it travels through tunnels and over bridges.

In the area, you’ll find highlights like the mountain monasteries, including the historic Agia Lavra Monastery and the Mega Spilaio Monastery, the oldest in Greece, set in a massive cliffside cave. You can also visit the Cave of Lakes in Kastria, filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that create a magical atmosphere.

Kalavryta is a great choice if you're looking for nature and a one-of-a-kind train adventure, and it’s rarely crowded with tourists.

If you're driving through the Peloponnese, it's worth adding Kalavryta to your itinerary. For public transportation, take a train from Athens to Diakofto, where the cog railway (10 euros) will take you directly to Kalavryta. Alternatively, you could book this private tour to Kalavryta, which includes stops at key sights, including the Corinth Canal.

8. Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, has a rich mix of culture and cuisine. In winter, the city comes alive with events and festivals, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Christmas in Greece is celebrated with local traditions, and places like Aristotle Square are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Along with its cultural attractions, Thessaloniki is known for its markets and traditional tavernas, where you can try delicious winter dishes perfect for the season.

You can travel from Athens to Thessaloniki by bus or train that you can book on that link, although the fastest way is by plane. If you book your flight to Thessaloniki in advance, you can get great deals. Thessaloniki’s international airport also offers direct flights to many European cities, with budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz flying there.

9. Pozar and Edessa

Pozar is an open-air thermal spa surrounded by mountains, where you can soak in warm waters while surrounded by snow—an experience unlike any other. Nearby Edessa, known for its breathtaking waterfalls, looks especially magical in winter.

If you're visiting Thessaloniki during winter, make sure to check out Pozar and Edessa for a peaceful escape into nature. These hot springs offer a perfect retreat in a one-of-a-kind winter setting.

There is no public transportation to the springs, but you can rent a car in Thessaloniki, which is only about a two-hour drive away. Alternatively, this full-day tour from Thessaloniki is a great way to visit.

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Map of Winter Destinations in Greece

Final Thoughts

These are the best things to do in Greece in winter for a holiday full of history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

In this travel guide to Greece you can continue reading all my articles, all based on my personal experience living in the country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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Andrea Rodriguez

Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.