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Top 7 Christmas Destinations in Greece

Greece Christmas destinations
Greece offers much more than sun and sea. Credit: Greek Reporter

Greece has amazing destinations for Christmas. Although it is globally known for its warm, sunny summers, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters, the country offers much more.

The surprisingly diverse landscape of Greece provides countless opportunities, all the way from the north to the south, to explore and enjoy superb winter destinations.

Top Christmas destinations in Greece

Agios Athanasios

Christmas destinations in Greece
Agios Athanasios is located on the western slopes of imposing Mount Vorras. Public Domain

One of the most popular Christmas destinations in northern Greece, Agios Athanasios is located on the western slopes of imposing Mount Vorras, which forms the border between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

An authentic village with traditional stone architecture, Agios Athanasios still has plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants. Together with the ski area, also known as Kaimaktsalan, it offers the perfect holiday vacation for most anyone, and it’s only a couple hours’ drive from  Thessaloniki.

Elatochori 

Christmas destinations in Greece
The Elatochori Ski Area in Pieria. Public Domain

A village nestled in the deep woods, Elatochori promises to make you forget the outside world entirely. A sojourn there will allow you to experience the beauty of nature, with walks winding through the forest and along small streams. The village itself has several distinctive boutiques, and you should try some of the local delicacies such as traditional marmalade and chocolate drinks.

A ski area is just outside of town, so if you’re lucky enough to go when the region is covered in snow, you can enjoy all the winter sports offered by the center.
Elatochori is located west of the city of Katerini, just a couple of hours from Thessaloniki.

Elati and Petrouli 

Christmas destinations in Greece
The region of western Thessaly offers some of Greece’s most spectacular winter scenes. Public Domain

Elati and Pertouli, both located in Central Greece’s Trikala region, are among the most famous winter and Christmas destinations in the country.

The mountain of Koziakas offers fairy-tale scenery, with plenty of snow. Often, fog and mist will freeze on the trees there, creating fairytale-like scenes along the forest paths.

The traditional mountain architecture of the region, along with the natural magnificence of the area, is not to be dismissed. The mountains of western Thessaly should definitely be among your next Greek Christmas destinations.

Karpenisi

Karpenisi, Greece
Karpenisi, Greece. Credit: Flickr / Constantine Pilavios CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED

Karpenisi is located in the center of the Greek mainland. Built on the slopes of Tymfristos Mountain, it is the capital of the local county.

With a population of about ten thousand, Karpenisi perfectly combines the leisure facilities of a mountain town with the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Rivers, forests, and irresistible ski slopes make Karpenisi one of the most attractive destinations for Christmas in Greece.

Trikala Korinthias

Trikala
Trikala Korinthias is a popular Christmas destination for many Athenians due to its proximity to the capital. Credit: Trikala-Korinthias.gr

A famous winter and Christmas destination for the Peloponnese, Trikala Korinthias is actually a complex of three villages, namely Ano, Mesi, and Kato Synoikia.

Mesi Synoikia is famous for its traditional taverns, and it is not far from Lake Doxa as well as the small ski area of Zireia. The charm of the Trikala Korinthias area mirrors the stunning beauty of the mountains of southern Greece.

The forests, wintry temperatures, and warm hospitality will make you feel like you’re somewhere in central Europe. Don’t miss celebrating at least one Christmas break in this corner of the eastern Peloponnese.

Palaios Panteleimon 

Christmas destinations in Greece
Palaios Panteleimon was abandoned in the 1950s, following the inhabitants’ move to Neos Panteleimon village, built at a lower altitude. Public Domain

Built on the slopes of the “Mountain of the gods,” Palaios Panteleimon is the most popular tourist destination on Mount Olympus.

An ancient settlement that was abandoned in the 1950s by its inhabitants, Palaios Panteleimon is now a vibrant mountain destination. It combines the incomparable beauty of Greece’s largest mountain along with Macedonian sea breezes, as the village is just a few minutes drive from Pieria’s Aegean coast.

Full of taverns, hotels, and shops, Palaios Panteleimon could be the perfect spot for a Christmas break away from everyday city life.

Arachova

Christmas destinations in Greece
Arachova covered in snow. Public Domain

One of the most famous (if not the most famous) popular winter destinations in Greece is the mountain village of Arachova. Not only is this gem located in one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Greece, but it is also very close to the ancient site of Delphi, a must-see destination.

Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, famed from ancient times, Arachova has numerous options for recreation and apres-ski fun that will please everyone, with ski areas, bars, clubs, and boutiques of all kinds. Its traditional architecture set against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks offers you a glimpse of the Alps less than a couple of hours from the country’s capital, Athens.

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