Here’s a hand‑picked selection of charming places to spend the holiday season and discover Greece in a way you never imagined!


Nymfaio

@alexiasarikaki

At just 57 km from Florina, Nymfaio is a mountain jewel protected as a traditional settlement since 1978 and even crowned by UNESCO as one of Europe’s most beautiful villages. From the late 17th century and for nearly three centuries, it glittered as one of the Balkans’ most important silversmithing centres (so don’t miss its Museum of Silversmithing, Folklore and History!). This prosperous past enabled the construction of its grand stone mansions; strolling through the cobbled streets, you’ll admire beautiful architecture such as the Boutaris residence or the Sossidis houses, charmingly linked by a stone bridge. The St. Nicholas church, first built in 1867, destroyed in 1947, and lovingly rebuilt, adds a touch of resilience to this fairytale setting.

Here, architecture is as practical as it is picturesque: stone walls topped with tin roofs designed to let heavy snow slide away safely. And when winter arrives, the whole village turns into a snowy wonderland from guesthouses offering cozy warmth.

Surrounded by forests and pastures, Nymfaio is a haven of calm, home to 141 bird species and 150 plant varieties. The famous Arcturos Bear Sanctuary, founded in 1992, spreads across 28 hectares of oak forest and shelters bears, wolves, shepherd dogs, wild goats, otters, deer, roe deer, jackals, and even lynxes : a true wildlife fairytale!

Lagadia


@travelmaniaworld

Perched on the edge of a steep canyon, Lagadia is the proud homeland of master craftsmen and artisans who, for generations, perfected the art of stone and built houses, churches, and schools all across Greece. The village itself is a picture of tradition, with its upper neighborhood, Pano Geitonia, offering magnificent views and postcard‑perfect charm. The Folklore Museum keeps local heritage alive with stories of everyday life and artistry.

The surroundings are just as enchanting: explore adorable neighboring villages like Tropea, with its folklore and charming shops full of local handicrafts or Vytina and Stemnitsa, centers of craftsmanship and artisanal tradition. Loutra’s thermal springs, famous for their healing waters, invite you to slow down and soak in nature’s gifts. Hiking lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, from short loop trails and gentle walks to longer crossings, while, for ski enthusiasts, the nearby Mainalo ski resort adds a dash of winter adventure.

Trikala Corinth



@lexidada

Just two hours from Athens (with a quick stop at the famous Corinth Canal on the way) Trikala welcomes you with clean air, good wine, and spring waters, the “three good things” from which it takes its name. These settlements, founded around the 10th century by Corinthians fleeing raiders, are tucked among firs, plane trees, and pines, with fountains and breathtaking views of both mountains and sea, especially from the highest quarter, Ano Trikala.

Modern comforts blend seamlessly with tradition: hotels, suites, wooden chalets, stone houses,and spa resorts recall the area’s past as a popular health retreat, once attracting patients for its thermal environment. And food lovers, take note: the local walnut pie is a must‑taste treat!

History buffs will love exploring Agios Nikolaos with its 10th‑century frescoes, Agios Dimitrios from 1697 with expressive paintings, the Monastery of Panagia or the fortified Notarades mansion, a striking example of Ottoman‑era architecture listed as a historic monument since 1962.

Adventurers and/or mythology enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy here: Mesaia Trikala is the starting point for countless hiking and mountaineering routes toward Megali Ziria, through the Flambouritsa Valley, even on horseback! Nearby Lake Doxa, an artificial lake nestled between the mountains of Ziria, Helmos, and Feneos, is often called the “Corinthian Switzerland,” with landscapes that echo the Alps when snow arrives. For winter fun, the Ziria Ski Center, opened in 2007 at 1,500 meters, offers gentle slopes perfect for beginners.

The mythology of Mount Kyllini adds another layer of magic: said to be the birthplace of Hermes and home to Hera and Hercules, it invites you to visit the Cave of Hermes on its eastern slope. With eight chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, reached by a dreamy downhill road, it feels like stepping straight into legend.

Metsovo


@euampenou

On the northern slopes of the Pindus mountains, Metsovo is a picturesque mountain town where local traditions are still very much alive, and the perfect destination for food lovers: famous for its cheeses, it proudly offers the smoky AOP Metsovone, made mainly from cow’s milk, aged for three months and smoked with herbs for twelve days, as well as Metsovela, Graviera, Grana, Galotyri, and variety of other cheeses marinated in red wine and wild herbs. Wine lovers are equally spoiled: the family‑run Katogi Averoff estate, with vineyards at 1,050 meters, is among the highest in Greece. Its cellars hold 1,200 oak barrels and showcase both traditional and modern winemaking methods. Guided tours let you imagine daily life in an isolated mountain village of earlier times, with collections of icons, weapons, and everyday tools on display, plus a tasting room to savor the region’s best vintages.

Culture thrives here too. The Tossizza Folklore Museum houses traditional costumes, embroidery, weapons, and objects from 1650–1850. The Averoff Gallery, founded in 1988, presents 200 works by Greek artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, alongside temporary exhibitions from museums and galleries across Greece and abroad.

Above the main square, the Averoff Gardens open onto incredible views of the Pindus National Park. Their trees and plants represent the local flora, while at the center stands the church of St. George, where Georgios Averoff, having made his fortune in Egypt, he later financed the reconstruction of Metsovo after its destruction in the 1854 uprising against the Ottomans. He called upon a gardener from Alexandria, to recreate a special atmosphere around the church, which still holds precious 18th‑century icons.

For outdoor fun, the Anilio Adventure Park, newest ski resort in Greece, lies just 25 minutes away, offering climbing, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and skiing. And while spotting a bear is rare, you might find paw prints along your walk, especially on the Ursa Trail (named after the Vlach word for “bear”). The surroundings of Metsovo are full of scenic paths and host an unforgettable trail running event each year.

Paleos Agios Athanasios




@kyriakos.pipis

Rising 1,200 meters above sea level on Mount Voras, Paleos Agios Athanasios is a traditional mountain village that feels like stepping into a winter postcard. Its stone houses and cozy streets invite you to wander, shop for winter accessories, and pick up local products that make perfect souvenirs.

The area beyond is no less breathtaking. A short excursion takes you to Loutraki and the famous Pozar thermal springs, open year‑round with outdoor pools at a constant 37°C - no reservation needed. The nearby village of Orma charms with its picturesque atmosphere, while Edessa, the “city of waterfalls,” lies only half an hour away. Here you’ll find the spectacular Karanos waterfall plunging 70 meters, alongside the historic Varosi quarter with its church and traditional architecture. And for snow lovers, the Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort is less than a 30‑minutes drive away, offering slopes for all levels and a chance to enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Steni Dirfyos

Less than two hours from Athens, Steni Dirfyos is a semi‑mountain village that proves altitude isn’t everything : at just 400 meters, it still enjoys frequent winter snowfalls that turn the landscape into a sparkling white escape. Built amphitheatre‑style, the village unfolds around a picturesque paved square lined with cafés and tavernas, the perfect spot to sip something warm while watching the snowflakes fall.

A short stroll brings you to the “Doctor’s Fountain,” a leafy corner shaded by plane trees. Beyond the square lies the Steni Forest, one of Greece's aesthetic forests, a magical mix of pines, plane trees, oaks, chestnuts, and firs, a natural playground for hikers, dreamers, and anyone who loves the scent of the woods in winter!

Whether you come for the cozy village atmosphere, the snowy charm, or the forest trails, Steni Dirfyos is a delightful mountain getaway that feels worlds away from Athens, yet close enough for a spontaneous escape.

In winter, Greece truly has something for everyone: wild landscapes for nature and animal lovers, snowy peaks for adventurers and outdoor sports fans, winding alleys steeped in myth for history buffs, cozy retreats for those who prefer wellness and cocooning, and of course, irresistible tables for food enthusiasts. So for your next winter getaway, don’t forget to add Greece to your destinations list!

Helmut Newton is one of the world’s famous photographers, working before the ‘age of photoshop’… The exhibit was simple and striking – his provocative style is well-known.

Opened in 2010 after an international architecture competition, the Onassis Cultural Centre is a modern building on Syngrou Avenue, near the Intercontinental Hotel. As Athens’ newest major cultural space, it plays host to a great variety of events and performances from the worlds of theatre, dance, music and the visual arts to the written word.

I must say, the building is impressive: different levels, different layers offering interesting spaces to explore. Ticket prices seem quite reasonable. A quick scan through their website (in English!) reveals a rich program, with something for everyone interested in contemporary culture. It gets a bookmark on my browser. ;)

And on-site parking too.

Until next week,

Jack

Onassis Cultural Centre
107-109 Syngrou Avenue
Information/Tickets: 210 900 5800
www.sgt.gr/en

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Amidst the economic crisis which has hit all sectors of the local economy in recent years, the company founded in 1861 by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss and run by Greek entrepreneurs for decades today looks to the future going East, as far away as China, said tour guide Tonia Rapti during a visit Saturday.

With a 6-million-liter annual production and 70% exports in over 40 countries and regions worldwide so far, the vast Chinese market seems the next reasonable step for the winery, the retired PR officer explained.

"We are currently making efforts to export to China. Our future undoubtedly lies there," she stressed.

Rapti talks like she is still working at the stone, castle-like facilities set up in 1861 by Clauss, who is considered as a pioneer in the industrialization of wine production in Greece.

After a business trip he fell in love with the beauty of the natural landscape and a local girl. He created a company and a big family.

After 33 years working at the winery, Rapti feels like a retired member of this extended family. Her younger colleague Yorgos is a fourth generation employee at Achaia Clauss.

One of his predecessors worked for the production of the first wine produced in modern Greece in 1873: Mavrodaphne, she explained while showing us the barrel which still contains it.

A liquor with a red ruby color, named after Daphne, Gustav's late fiance, Mavrodaphne is one of the company's best selling products. It is the wine used in the Holy Communion at the Greek Orthodox Church.

The 1873 wine is not for sale, but a bottle containing a few drops of the 1896 production, the year of the first modern Olympics, reaches up to €1,500 (US$2,055), while a three-year-old wine costs about €5 (US$7.50).

In one of the big oak carved barrels at the Imperial Cellar, Athena, the goddess of wisdom in ancient Greek mythology, is depicted offering wine to Hercules.

At the end of the tour, after taking a look at the two biggest barrels in Greece manufactured in 1882 in Trieste and each containing 13,195 liters of Mavrodaphne, Rapti and her colleagues offer visitors a unique opportunity to taste some of the excellent quality wine.

The winery, located among the vineyards, is one of the topmost tourist sites in the region, attracting some 100,000 visitors per year. Before the crisis, the numbers were double. Still visitors leave the site impressed.

"I feel as if I discovered a treasure today. This winery is part of our history. We need to work to preserve it and promote it," said Yorgos Kontos, an engineer who was visiting a friend in a nearby village, while posing in front of a barrel containing the production of 1940, when Greece entered World War II.

Among dignitaries who have visited the winery are the empress Sissy of Austria, German chancellor Otto von Bismarck and Hungarian composer Franz Liszt in the 19th century.

wantchinatimes.com

Souvlakia on a stick continue to be the one very affordable food offered in Greece. However, recently the food has undergone a metamorphosis: souvlaki shop owners have tried to dress it up (as in the case of Piatsa Kalamaki) or stand it up (as it’s being offered in interesting stands in other restaurants) in an effort to make the food seem more exciting and competitive. Surely the price and the taste alone would accomplish that? I recently went to Piatsa Kalamaki in Vouliagmeni , and found that it won out in every way: good service, great atmosphere, excellent portions, and quality food! Piatsa Kalamaki offers simple and few choices, but you will enjoy it all. If you order a salad, we recommend the Roka and Anthotiro Cheese with a lemon-honey vinaigrette. Your meat will come served in what looks like a silver shovel, to match the silver pots and pans hanging on the wall.

You will enjoy everything on the menu, but XpatAthens recommends these dishes in particular:

From the appetizers, the grilled mastello cheese and fried zucchini sticks. From the foods, try the “manti” or the “lahmajoun”, and the fillets in moschato (a sweet wine) sauce with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. You must also order (and share) the chicken “payidakia”. From the variety of kebabs, we especially enjoy the spicy kebab adana. And of course, don’t forget an extra order of french fries! Finish off your satisfying meal with the “Loukoumades” (the closest description would be to say it resembles a little donut) accompanied by mastic ice-cream, and the “mosaiko.”

To Berdema in Kifissia
Vasilissis Amalias 20, 145 61 Kifissia
210 8013853
info@berdema.gr
Daily 7:30pm to 12:30 a.m.
Sunday 13:30pm to 5:30pm (closed on Sunday evenings)

Google released interesting date with regard to the way travelers worldwide research their trips.

During an event that was organized by Google to announce the expansion of its innovative “Grow Greek Tourism Online” program, the powerful company released interesting data with regard to the way travelers worldwide research their trips.

According to the data presented by Google, most travelers that search Greek destinations online come from UK, Germany and USA.

Moreover, the 20 most googled regions in Greece include the country’s two biggest cities, namely Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as popular islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Crete.

See the full list below:

1. Athens

2. Thessaloniki

3. Thessaly

4. Peloponnese

5. Corfu

6. Lefkada

7. Zakynthos

8. Skiathos

9. Lesbos

10. Chios

11. Andros

12. Mykonos

13. Paros

14. Naxos

15. Patmos

16. Kos

17. Santorini

18 Rodos

19. Karpathos

20. Crete

To read more please visit: Protothema