The land of sea and sun also serves up the slopes.
This is a public service announcement : Greece does have a winter . We ’re here to expose the myth that solid ground of the gods is only cerulean down seas and endless summer . Do n’t get us wrong , it is — but it ’s also so much more . Greece ’s alpine village and winter picture are perhaps the country ’s intimately keep secret .
So if you ’ve been mourning the terminal ofsummer on Mediterranean islands , do n’t fret . The party continue in the mountainside townsfolk of Arachova . A winter - translation of Mykonos , if you will , this cool and smart ski town is a destination for in - the - know Athenians — and now you , as well .
Located a forgetful two - 60 minutes drive from the capital of Athens , Arachova sit down at the foot of Mount Parnassos and is buzzing with a widely distributed weekend crowd look for a cozy and classy escape from the city . The sidereal day begins and ends at Lakka Square , the meeting detail of the town and the spot to see and be find out . In between skiing , expect to find overflowing coffee shop occupy with a jet - set crowd sipping frothy cappuccino , shopping at construct stores , and warming up fireside in the townsfolk ’s taverns and bars .
Aráchova, Greece|Sven Hansche/Getty Images
This idyllic alpine town with a touch of glamour will have you reconsidering Greece during “ off - time of year ” calendar month . Here ’s our insider ’s scout to Arachova .
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Hit the Greek slopes
Yes , you’re able to ski in Greece . Mount Parnassos is Greece ’s largestski center . At an altitude of 5,250 – 7,400 foot ( taller than anything in ski - loving Vermont ) , it delivers deftness and runs for all acquirement stage . With two sections , Kellaria and Fterolakka , connected by lifts and runs , Mt. Parnassos ’ snow - covered meridian and swanky resorts attract a local and outside crowd .
Ranging 32 – 37 euro for individual tickets , the cost are a buy . An on - site chalet has a central fire place and a well - stock bar for all your aprés - ski needs . It ’s not Mount Olympus , but Parnassos is stillfull of its own mythology , so you may imagine fleeing the fluctuating moods of Zeus as you zoom down the slopes .
Eat Greek tapas and feta-filled soup
Arachova may be a small townspeople , but it has no shortage of delicious places to wipe out . For sprawling views and your carnivorous fix , head toKaplanis , where you ’ll find a menu of traditional Greek dish that will be certain to warm up your bones . share-out is care and Greeks take their household - style meals seriously . You ’ll retrieve a table filled with ορεκτικά , which are the Hellenic combining weight of tapa . Fill up on the usual suspect of tzatziki , piquant feta drop , Hellenic small town salad , xορτόπιτα ( a flaky phyllo pie make full with untamed greens and herbs ) , sausage made from wild Sus scrofa , and if you ’re brave enough , κοκορέτσι , a Greek delicacy of gut twine around offal and grilled to perfection .
Meander down the cobblestoned streets and pop out intoTo Tsoukali , a pastel - hued taverna with stone detail and a informal atmosphere centered around a fireside . With locally sourced and seasonal knockout , you ca n’t go wrong with the casual specials or anything straight from the card . Do n’t leave without trying the rooster with Hilopites , hand-crafted alimentary paste , bouyourdi ( baked feta with tomato plant , pepper and spicery ) , and a bowl of piping hot and countrified Trahanas soup . Traditionally a James Leonard Farmer ’s breakfast , Trahanas is one of the world ’s oldest foods and the tart and milky flavor of this comfort porridge is still very much a raw material of traditional Greek winter dishes .
For chalet - voguish vibes , Le Sapin’srustic decor and Gallic looker may have you confusing Arachova for Chamomix in the Alps . Dive into an amuse bouche of foie gras with dour apple , raisin , and ginger , then eagerly await the tataki contraband angus served with arugula pesto , truffle crème , and parmesan crisps . Be certain to stick around for innovative cocktail and popping strain after 11 pm .
Afanos Guesthouse
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Drink cozy cups of cheer from day to night
Warm up fireside and drop your recovery Clarence Shepard Day Jr. at one of Arachova ’s cafes . While umber polish runs strong in Greece , O Tea Pineishas a lovely presentation of teas from around the world . Stock up on chocolate , dried fruit , and daft while sipping on locally - grown , organic mountain tea . For a sweet delicacy , head toBelleville Pastry Bar , serving brunch and traditional Hellenic dessert like melt - in - your - sassing homemade loukoumades ( bite - sized honey donuts ) .
If you ’re looking for some serious aprés , the night life does not disappoint . If you ’re golden enough to snag one of the four bistro - style tables in the narrow-minded skittle alley outside ofRoom Cocktail bar , we recommend take hold of a nightcap and then staying for the DJ spinning house and electronic euphony until early dawn . There ’s also locally loved Red Six Bar , which is still as pop as it was 25 old age ago , as isSehre Cafe , which transforms into a club after midnight .
Pick up a new ski outfit or a last-minute souvenir
Been too meddling living your best life to grab gifts for all your overjealous family and friends ? We ’ve got you cross . hop-skip into the traditional shopOreon Gefsis , a bantam yet copiously overflowing memory board sell local , traditional goods like herb , jams , honey , dry Trahanas , and their famous pomegranate juice .
Upgrade your wardrobe with trendy style staple fiber , both from Hellenic and outside designer atLoussoand2803 Ave . Loft . Or reckon scouring the luxuriant lifestyle and decor piece atCosta Lekkaoff the independent square .
Take a day trip back in time
In between hitting the slope and sipping cocktail , make certain to squeeze in a bit of chronicle and finish . Only a 15 minute of arc drive is the UNESCO world inheritance site ofDelphi . You ’ll want to load down sensible brake shoe for your trip back to ancient times ; the archeological site is spread over a extortionate hillside , but the views of the olive groves and monuments are well deserving the hiking . Before heading back to Arachova , check out the museum for an impressive collection of ancient art spanning from the 2d millenary BC .
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Rest and recharge at the best hotels
While Arachova has a great deal of file choice , this small town has a mellow need during winter months and tend to book up rather quickly , so chequer well in advance . BookmarkSanta Marina Arachova Resort & Spafor an unostentatious taste of luxury . The stone - built belongings has impressive views and a full - divine service spa that instantly make this a calm and elegant mountainside retirement .
Arachova also has a handful of xenones , which are traditional guest sign of the zodiac , where you’re able to go through a more quaint , nursing home - away - from - home vibration . The unbeatable location ofAfanosoffers a signature of country exclusivity in a restored home sign . Seamlessly blending inheritance with mod amenities , Afanos excels at the traditional cordial reception the region is lie with for .
For those who wish to plan well out front , putElatos Resort and Spaon your list . It ’s presently closed for renovation , but this more secluded option will be well deserving the wait . The all - inclusive lavishness fitting offers wooden chalet where you ’ll wake up to the frosted evergreen and C. P. Snow - covered mountain tops . Each chalet has its own hearth and patio , while the vulgar sphere provide a heated swim pool and eatery with sprawling aspect .
Χιονοδρομικό Κέντρο Παρνασσού
Le Sapin
Room Cocktail&Coffee Bar
Costa Lekka
Stefan Cristian Cioata/Getty Images
Afanos Guesthouse
