Less than a month has left for Christmas and the countdown to melomakarona and kourabiedes has already begun.
Many people have decorated their Christmas tree and are looking forward to the holiday, warm chestnuts and hot chocolate by the fireplace. The majority of people have already arranged their holidays and booked their trips to celebrate Christmas abroad and in Greece.
But if you’re one of those who haven’t had time to make your reservations, we’re here to recommend the best places in Greece to enjoy the most magical Christmas.
The 10 best places in Greece for Christmas
Drama
Drama is a top destination for Christmas, as there you’ll find the Dream City of Drama, a village made out of the dreams of young children.
Run by Santa Claus and the elves, it is brought to life by the laughter and voices of their little friends as they run, play and enjoy Christmas.
Zagorochoria
Zagorochoria is undoubtedly on my list of favourite places in Greece for a year-round holiday. But Christmas hides a special magic in their cobbled streets, among the stone houses.
The locals wear their warmest smiles and are waiting to welcome you. In their restaurants you will taste the most delicious fresh sweets, such as baklava and delicious orange pie, and of course you shouldn’t miss the pies with the handmade pastry.
Christmas in Papigo and Aristi is magical and don’t forget to visit the unique “Kolimbithres” that resemble small swimming pools. The more adventurous, if the weather permits, can also climb up to the Drakolimni of Tymfi which is four hours from the Mikro Papigo.
Some of the most famous villages are Mikro and Megalo Papigo, Ano Pedina, Monodendri, Aristi, Tsepelovo and Vovousa.
Choose one of the 48 traditional villages for your stay and rent a car (if you don’t have your own) to discover the rest.
Ioannina
Ioannina and Zagorochoria can easily be a combined trip for Christmas. There is a small Christmas village set up in Ioannina that you can visit, and there is a train that takes you on a ride around the perimeter of the lake.
Is a beautiful destination that combines history, delicious food and idyllic sceneries. Enjoy your coffee by Lake Pamvotida and then take the boat to the island to see the Museum of Ali Pasha.
The best dishes you can try are delicious pies, baklava, stifado and frog legs. Of course, whatever food you choose at the taverns in the area will be delicious.
Metsovo
Metsovo is an ideal destination to go to at Christmas. Traditional and unpretentious, Metsovo at Christmas seduces visitors with the beauty of snow-capped mountains and authentic atmosphere.
Outside the village you will also find the Anilio Ski Centre to enjoy playing in the snow. For those who can’t stand the cold weather, they can have hot chocolate at the wooden chalet above the ski resort.
Don’t miss a visit to the Folklore Museum of Metsovo (Mansion Tositsa), the E. Averoff Gallery and the Tsanakas Museum.
Kalavryta
A ride with train, walks in the alleys of the town with deep inhalations of the refreshing clean air, a visit to the Monastery of Agia Lavra and of course skiing and snowmobiling on the slopes of Chelmos, are some of the things you can do in the beautiful town at Christmas.
Especially if you’re staying in Athens, it’s a relatively inexpensive and naturally nearby destination that doesn’t require much preparation.
Pelion (Pilio)
As with all seasons, Pelion enchants visitors at Christmas with its heavenly beauty. Dressed in white, it is ideal for walks in its beautiful villages and lush green forests, as well as for playing in the snow at its ski resort.
Portaria and Makrinitsa are perhaps the most developed tourist villages in the area. Admire the Pelion architecture, taste local delicacies and enjoy the view of Volos and the Pagasitic Gulf, which stretches in front of you.
Arachova
Cosmopolitan Athens (and not only) renews its rendezvous with Arachova every year at Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Winter sports enthusiasts choose the mountainous town of Boeotia for their festive getaway, filling the chalets, guesthouses and hotels of the area.
Built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 1,000 metres on the southern slopes of Parnassos, Arachova welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Besides, it is only 160 km from Athens.
Its ski resort offers opportunities for snow adventures to both beginners and more advanced skiers. And if extreme sports are not your forte, there’s no need to worry. In Arachova you’ll find plenty of taverns and cafes to pass the time.
Trikala
Want a Christmas destination for an unforgettable family getaway over the holidays? Trikala invites you to the largest Christmas theme park in the country.
The “Mill of Elves” was created in 2011 in the old mill of Matsopoulos and since then it offers unique moments to children and adults. Visit Santa Claus’ house, the fairytale house of the elves, try your dancing skills on the ice and take a ride on the polar express!
Chalkida – Evia
Chalkida is already a favorite excursion for many people who live in Athens, who prefer it all year round for a short and economical getaway, combining it with coffee, seafood or a leisurely stroll. The same condition is of course maintained for Christmas.
Every year Chalkida puts on its “festive clothes” and sets up various games for young and old, such as an ice skate park.
Start your excursion from Chalkida and then choose places like Steni Evia or go to the northern part of Evia, for a coffee at the lake and a hot bath at Loutra of Edipsos.
Trikala Corinthia
The three villages that make up Trikala Corinthia (Kato, Mesaia and Ano Trikala, with an upper altitude of 1,100 metres) have long been a popular destination for young couples and families who want to take a short but well-organised trip close to the capital.
Their mountainous landscape lends itself to winter visits and so they are expected to attract a good number of people during this year’s festivities, as was the case in the days before the coronavirus pandemic.
The ski resort of Ziria, just 10 km away, offers the opportunity to take a sleigh ride.
Have you plan your Christmas getaway?
