The images which spring to most people’s minds when we talk about Greece are of sun, sea, pristine white buildings and glistening blue domes. If you are one of these people, visiting Greece in the winter is likely to challenge your perception of the country in a major way. However, to experience authentic Greek culture and to enjoy so much of what Greece has to offer, without the heat and the crowds, we’d recommend no other season more highly.
Whether you prefer city breaks or rural retreats, Greece in winter has something for everyone. If urban getaways are more your thing, take this opportunity to do some sightseeing in the ancient city of Athens without having to wait for hours in queues. Meanwhile, if you’d like a taste of traditional Greek rural life, take your pick from the country’s thousands of mountain villages. Visiting the islands in winter also has its benefits; without the crowds, you will be able to more easily experience and enjoy the rich and diverse culture which each island has to offer. Click here to read more about the best parts of Greece to visit in winter.
You may think that it’s always hot in Greece, and that it’s not a particularly ‘wintery’ destination. However, while it’s consistently warmer than the UK throughout the year, winter temperatures can drop pretty low. It regularly snows in mountainous regions like Nymfaio, Tzoumerka and Metsovo, and in recent years it has even snowed in lower lying areas, including Corfu and Crete! Moreover, if you love winter sports, look no further than the resorts of Arachova, Kalavryta and Elatochori, which are all located in different parts of Greece yet all offer the opportunity to practice your skiing or snowboarding skills.
Don’t let that put you off if you’re a sun-worshipper! As Elena Kountoura, the former Minister for Tourism, has argued, Greece offers 365 days of sunshine. Though this may be a slight exaggeration, you’re guaranteed at least some sun on a winter trip to Greece. If you’re really craving the beach, take a dip in a thermal lake, like Lake Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera, where the lowest recorded water temperature is 22 degrees.
Some of the most important cultural traditions in Greece take place in winter. If you visit during the Christmas period, you’re sure to become acquainted with the unique tradition of the Christmas Boat. Alternatively, carnival season, or Apokries, typically runs during the month of February. More local, idiosyncratic traditions can be enjoyed, too; in Kastoria, Ragoutsaria, a 3-day-long modern Dionysian festival when locals dress up in costume and dance in the streets, begins on the Epiphany.
Greek cuisine is renowned worldwide, but if you exclusively visit in the summer, you may never get to try some of the country’s delicious warming winter dishes. Throughout the year, we particularly look forward to savouring the traditional winter desserts, like kourambiedes, diples and melomakarona.
Related: http://www.kittykittyjones.com/5-reasons-to-visit-corfu-in-autumn/
If you’ve not yet been convinced of Greece as your next winter travel destination, consider the price – visiting off-season is significantly cheaper than visiting in the summer. Book your trip now to find out for yourself what more Greece in the winter has to offer!