Where to Go When It Gets Cold

Temperatures are dropping. The beaches have been left with those few dozen people that enjoy swimming in winter and we've even seen a few chimneys smoking here and there. It's official. Summer is over. So, where to now?

Mount Pilio

Entering the city of Volos from Athens, you cannot help but notice the towering mountain of Pilion overlooking a sprawling city that ends where the beautiful Pagasitikos Gulf begins. Known as the mountain of the Centaurs in mythology, and as the place where the original conflict started that led to the Trojan war, Pilion traces its history back to the ancient times. Today, many of its villages are tourist attractions. Makrinitsa, Portaria, and Hania are the most popular ones on the northern side. Makrinitsa overlooks the city of Volos and the view from almost anywhere in the village is just stunning. The inhabitants of Pilio weigh in heavily on tradition, as most of the houses, new and old, are built of stone. Try the several kinds of jarred sweets and other dried herbs that are sold there. Have a coffee at the village squares where the giant age-old trees serve as a natural tent. Past Hania you will find the Ski Center of Pilion.

If you decide to head towards the northeastern side of the mountain, you will find picturesque villages such as Milies, Tsagarada, Zagora... All of them offering a sense of seclusion, yet with an air of calmness and peace. Before you head up the mountain, you will see the villages Kato and Ano Lechonia. This is where you can take the Pilion train "Moutzouris" that will take you through a graphic journey in the mountain, ending in Milies. Don't forget to try the apples of Pilio and the chestnuts that are sold! (Tickets for the Small Train of Pilion: 12,90 adult, 8,90 child. For more info call: +3024210-28555) Volos and Pelion are approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Athens and a 2-hour drive from Thessaloniki.

Arahova

Perhaps the most popular and cosmopolitan of all winter destinations in Greece, the town of Arahova sits on the side of Mount Parnassos. Despite its popularity, Arahova has maintained its architectural roots in tradition with stone buildings and narrow paths in the town. By staying in Arahova, visitors have access to the three ski centers of Parnassos and the ancient archaeological site of Delphi. Another link to archaeology is present with the cave of Korikion Antro, where you will see countless stalactites as you get lost in the dark cave, which was used by Ancient Greeks as an oracle. If you're more the adventurous type, besides skiing, you can also enjoy mountain biking, mountain climbing, and hiking. (For more information visit: http://www.arahova.gr/) Arahova is a 2-hour drive from Athens.

Karpenisi

Karpenisi is a hidden gem nestled in Timphristos Mountain in Evritania. Karpenisi is known for its Ski Center and large number of activities of alternative tourism. For example, Karpenisi is the place to go mountain biking, rafting, canoeing, horse-back riding, archery, nature orientation and so on. The area is also rich in religious sites, such as several churches and the beautiful Monastery of Proussos, which is about 45 minutes away. (For more information on the activities mentioned call +3022370-24606). The road to Karpenisi is mountainous and full of turns. If you're coming from Athens, through Lamia, It'll take you about 4 hours. A list of activites, information on the ski center and the area can be found at www.karpenissi.gr. (Read about 2 more destinations at www.allthegreeks.com)