iLoveGreece

Winter & mountains

Greece has snow too

80% of Greece is mountains. Ski, cosy villages and hot springs — December to March.
Snow-covered stone village in Zagori with mountains at sunset

Ski resorts

Season: late December to March. Weekends get busy.

Central Greece

Parnassos

  • 🚗 ~2.5h from Athens
  • ⛷️ All levels
  • 💡 Biggest in Greece. Stay in Arachova.

Peloponnese

Kalavryta (Helmos)

  • 🚗 ~2.5h from Athens
  • ⛷️ Beginner–Intermediate
  • 💡 Combine with the rack railway.

Grevena, Pindus

Vasilitsa

  • 🚗 ~2h from Thessaloniki
  • ⛷️ Intermediate+
  • 💡 Known for good powder and forests.

Macedonia

Kaimaktsalan (Voras)

  • 🚗 ~2h from Thessaloniki
  • ⛷️ Intermediate+
  • 💡 Highest lifts in Greece.

Thessaly

Pelion (Agriolefkes)

  • 🚗 ~30 min from Volos
  • ⛷️ Beginner
  • 💡 Ski with a view of the sea.

Tip: weekend ski buses run from Athens and Thessaloniki. Check the resort's website for snow and lift status.

Snowy stone villages

Fireplaces, mountain food, no crowds.

Zagori

46 stone villages, stone bridges, snowy Vikos Gorge.

Metsovo

Mountain town, smoked cheese, cosy fireplaces.

Arachova

Lively ski village next to Delphi.

Mountain Arcadia

Dimitsana & Stemnitsa: quiet, traditional, scenic.

Karpenisi

Pine forests and fir trees — 'Greek Switzerland'.

Kastoria

Lakeside town; misty, sometimes frozen lake.

Hot springs

Warm water, cold air.

Pozar (Loutraki Aridaias)

Warm outdoor pools and waterfalls — even in the snow.

Edipsos (Evia)

Hot springs flowing straight into the sea.

Kamena Vourla

Spa town, easy stop between Athens and the north.

Winter food

Hearty mountain dishes.

Winter driving rules

Read this before driving into the mountains.

Snow chains are required
  • ✓Carry snow chains or snow socks in winter mountain areas — it's the law.
  • ✓Ask your rental company for chains when you book.
  • ✓Police may stop cars without chains during snowfall.
  • ✓Check road status before you go; mountain roads can close.
  • ✓Keep fuel above half — stations in villages close early.
  • ✓Emergency: 112. Greece also sends 112 weather alert messages to phones.

Islands in winter

November to Easter, island life slows down.

Stay lively all year

Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Syros, Naxos, Lesvos, Chios

Very quiet in winter

Mykonos, Santorini (partly), Ios, Folegandros, small islands

  • • Fewer ferries — small islands may get only 1–3 a week.
  • • Winter storms can cancel boats. Keep a spare day.
  • • Many hotels and tavernas close; book ahead.

Seasons, opening dates and rules can change. Check official sources before you travel.