Almost surrounded by sea, covered in mountains! That’s Greece in a nutshell, a globally adored summer destination that’s also abundant in winter delights waiting for the most adventurous of travelers to unlock their secrets.
In contrast to Greek summertime havens welcoming flocks of vacationers in their overcrowded hot spots, the country’s winter destinations offer low-intensity, open-ended tourist experiences. Far from our noisy, cement-ridden urban environments, winter travelers can spend their holidays in remote sanctuaries buried in nature.
Greece’s mountains are home to hundreds of picturesque villages almost silenced by time and emptied by internal migration, yet standing proud to attest to their glorious pasts. Historical sites commemorating different times in Greek history, natural wonders of unscathed beauty, and diverse cultural food for the mind and senses create an unforgettable tableau of experiences much different and sometimes more profound than everything the carefree Greek summer offers.
During the cold months, most slopes dress in snowy white gowns and welcome winter sports enthusiasts to chalet-like lodges and bustling ski resorts. In the absence of snow, the highlands provide ample opportunities for other fun activities like hiking through Natura paths, rafting down wild rivers, visiting national parks, or discovering local culinary treasures.
Olive Villa Rentals has already begun to tap into the rich potential of the winter season in Greece by offering a series of magnificent holiday properties in top-of-mind destinations.
Epirus: The wildest rivers and highest peaks
The most mountainous region of Greece, Epirus offers a wealth of diverse experiences like hiking up to alpine lakes, following rivers from one traditional stone bridge to another, admiring the ancient ruins found in verdant highlands, or hopping between beautiful villages in search of one-of-a-kind cultural offerings.
Visit Epirus for the multifaceted landscapes spreading from the high-rising Pindos mountaintops to the lengthy Ionian beaches and the plentiful wetlands. Enjoy the countless natural beauties and cultural diversities in between: climb the snowy peaks, lose yourself in the dense forests, learn about living legends and time-honored customs, and taste the local pies… the Epirotes’ pride and joy!
Pietra Estate, Olive’s Epirotic gem, is set amidst a green plateau near Terovo, on the Xerovouni slopes, between the cities of Ioannina and Arta. The stone-built rustic-styled property can accommodate up to 10 fortunate travelers in its cozy living spaces and private rooms where they can have a warm lodging experience, perfect for the freezing Epirotic nights. Meanwhile, the villa’s strategic location is the ideal headquarters for launching daily trips to the region’s must-visit spots and most interesting sites, like the ancient ruins of Dodoni and the traditional town of Metsovo.
Mani peninsula: Where time stood still
There’s a certain mysterious, timeless aura surrounding Mani, the middle peninsula of Peloponnisos, standing out for its two starkly contrasted faces that no visitor can ever forget: barren and deserted-looking on the southeast, verdant and flourishing on the north and northwest.
Visit Mani for its otherworldly side, the rocky lands reaching all the way to the ancient gate to Hades at Cape Tainaron, dotted with hundreds of identical stone buildings, the famous narrow Maniote towers built to fend off pirate attacks. Enjoy dipping into the area’s rich history, ranging from pre-historic and ancient times to the locals’ heroic contribution to every Greek fight for independence, and fully indulge in the sui generis culture and gastronomy.
Overlooking the beautiful Oitylon Village and Bay, Olive’s traditional Maniote house is a plain stone residence turned comfy villa, the ideal lodge for sophisticated travelers looking to relax in an authentically rugged yet ultra-cozy winter retreat. The two-level property offers hotel-grade accommodation to up to 16 guests who can enjoy their private time in any of the tower’s 6 roomy bedrooms, lounge together around the fireplace, or share a locally sourced dinner after an adventurous day of exploration across the Mani mainland.
Monemvasia: On a rock at the end of the world
To reach Monemvasia, you must follow a narrow strip of land leading to a towering rock emerging from the sea. Then, take the road around it until you see a little picturesque fort-town carved into that rock, staring at the vast horizon ahead.
Visit Monemvasia for its unique character, medieval charm, and historical significance, as it is one of the oldest continually inhabited fortified towns in Europe. Enjoy its breathtaking location, where you feel like you have reached the end of the world, and lodge in one of the restored houses inside the fort to use it as your own “stronghold” for launching daily “charges” to the neighboring Mani.
An artfully renovated medieval stone mansion with cave-like living spaces and antique furnishings, Castello Malvasia encompasses all that’s enchanting about the Monemvasia castle while offering everything wintertime travelers yearn for. Spread across three levels, the property’s accommodations can provide up to 7 guests with an ultra-comfortable hospitality experience, complete with a private spa for an extra-relaxing wellness-oriented stay.
Mount Pelion: Land of the Centaurs
A mountainous, forest-covered peninsula in Central Greece with a time-honored local character, Pelion holds a special place among the country’s most timeless destinations as an all-season tourist attraction and sophisticated holiday retreat.
Visit Pelion to enjoy its ever-popular inimitable winter treats: the wild natural environments that famously nurtured mythical creatures and heroes, the seasoned ski resort, and the resurrected breathtaking monorail route. But mostly, to enjoy the strolls around the picturesque traditional villages of Pelion like Portaria, Zagora, and Tsagarada, which offer exceptional local experiences for tradition, culture, and gastronomy enthusiasts alike.
Hanging from a verdant slope on the Aegean side of Mount Pelion, Aphrodite’s Mansion is an 1892 building masterfully restored, remodeled, and decorated by acclaimed architects. The 2022 silver winner in the “Traditional Villa of the Year” category of the annual Tourism Awards combines traditional Pelion styles with latter-day art-deco elements and exclusive art objects to create an enchanting lodging experience for up to 13 guests. The spacious rooms, view-adorned openings, and wooden furnishings provide a warm, comfy winter setting for slowing down to enjoy life moment by moment.
So, what if it’s cold outside and the days are short and chilly? Olive offers the perfect, coziest headquarters for the most unforgettable trips to some of the most beautiful winter destinations in Greece.
