• Stay calm.
• Relocate all flammable materials around the building to closed and protected areas.
• Close all the passages (chimneys, windows, doors, etc) to prevent sparks from entering the building.
• Shut off all the gas and liquid-fuel supplies.
• Open the gate of the garden to facilitate fire-fighting vehicle access.
• Put a ladder outside the building so that someone is able to climb immediately on the roof. 
• Switch on the interior and exterior lights to increase visibility

White landscapes, cozy corners, hot chocolate, and moments by the fireplace. Yes, this time of the year has come! So, what if there is a place that combines all of the above, it’s cosmopolitan, and at the same time, you can find peaceful escapes that will set your mind and soul free?

Arachova is the one and during winter is transformed into a bustling little city. This beautiful mountainous village that is known for its breathtaking nature and historical background is situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos in Viotia (the highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus), Southern Greece.

The tourism facilities of Arachova, which are fully developed, make it an ideal destination for ski lovers or the ones who are seeking other outdoor facilities, such as snowboard, hiking, and mountain bike or just walking through the cobblestone streets. Furthermore, even if you don’t belong to the adventurous visitor category and you just want to relax in cute cafes and cozy guesthouses, again, Arachova is perfect for you.

At the same time, though, we should not forget that this picturesque village carries interesting history and cultural heritage. Byzantine churches and monasteries hold their own place in Arachova, whilst in really close proximity you will find Delphi, the ancient sanctuary that is recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. In ancient times, Delphi was considered to be by the Greeks the center of the world, the ‘navel of the world’, ‘Omphalos’. Questions were asked to the Oracle Pythia (modern-day Google!) in a will for consultation on crucial decisions. Delphi was also the center of worship of the God Apollo. Delphi is undoubtedly a must-visit while in Arahova.

Arachova also offers traditional Greek food, namely presenting ‘trahana’, a traditional Greek and Cypriot dish, usually found in the villages and is made with either semolina, wheat flour, or cracked wheat and ‘hilopites’, Greek egg pasta. Moreover, it stands out for spoon sweets, yogurt with honey, olives, dry wines, the ‘formaela’ cheese, and grilled meat. You can taste all these in restaurants and taverns, but you can also buy many of the above from local shops. 

Last but not least, you may as well pay a visit to Eptalofos or Agoriani, a charming mountain village that lies at the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus. Its central square is a beauty and there are many options for dining, coffee, and dessert all around. Agoriani is only 11 km far from Parnassus ski center and it's a quiet escape from the bustling Arachova.

Main image: @arachova_greece

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

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!