In our previous article, we discussed that Greece does not necessarily mean summer and sunshine. Greece can also be a winter destination, offering countless opportunities for winter excursions in any area at elevation, whether it has snow or not (you can read more here.
However, you don’t need to head up into the mountains to enjoy the country’s beauty, as you can also find equally picturesque winter destinations at sea level.
Winter getaways on the Greek islands
Try an alternative proposal for winter. You will discover the beauty of the islands without the crowds of August and, of course, at more affordable prices.
Some of the most popular islands, with many Airbnb accommodation options to choose from, include:
- Crete: A whole world in one island that truly has it all. Chania and Heraklion are bustling with life throughout the year, featuring many beautiful Airbnb properties by the sea. You also have the option to choose more mountainous areas like Anogeia. Don’t forget to try the Cretan cuisine, wherever you decide to stay.
- Corfu: Head up to the Ionian Sea, where Corfu stands out with its Venetian elements and alleys that allow you to walk without bumping into one another at this time of year. Choose an Airbnb accommodation that will let you explore the Old Town, visit the touristy Paleokastritsa, and the second port of Corfu, Lefkimmi. Be sure to try the famous dishes of Corfu, such as pastitsada, sofrito, and bourdetto.
- Rhodes: From the Ionian Sea and Corfu to the Dodecanese and the historic island of Rhodes. Explore the medieval city of Rhodes, enjoy the view from the Acropolis of Lindos, and visit the Valley of the Butterflies. You can choose a stone Airbnb accommodation for your stay and live your fairy tale on the island of the Knights.
- Syros: Known as the queen of the Cyclades and cosmopolitan. Surely, we have all sung and danced at the mention of its villages in one of the most famous rebetiko songs. The island features unique architecture, which you will notice even before you disembark from the ferry. You must try the famous Syros loukoumi (if you haven’t already), the fragrant fennel pie, and the unique halva pies.
Coastal winter getaways without a ferry
If you prefer not to travel by ferry, either because you are concerned about being at sea in winter or because you don’t want to burden your budget with ferry tickets, there are countless destinations you can reach by road.
Some of these are perfect for even a day trip throughout the year:
- Nafplio: Perhaps the first choice for any escape idea, even for a day trip. It is one of the most picturesque and romantic destinations in Greece, with its neoclassical buildings in the Old Town, the charming Bourtzi, and the imposing Palamidi, which become the central theme in countless photo albums. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, stroll by the sea, and enjoy a city where you don’t need a car to get around.
- Monemvasia: Our castle town resembles an island but is connected by a bridge to the Peloponnese, located on the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese. It is another city where you forget about the car and keep walking to enjoy every sight that the Lower and Upper Town have to offer. Visit the Monemvasia Lighthouse, one of the most famous lighthouses in the world, at sunrise for an unforgettable experience. You can choose an Airbnb property near Monemvasia for your stay, allowing you to discover beauties outside of it, such as the port of Gerakas, a picturesque fishing village with a Scandinavian feel.
- Gytheio: An amphitheatrical town in the Peloponnese with neoclassical buildings, reminiscent of a Cycladic island. The most famous attraction in the area is less than five kilometres from the town of Gytheio, at Selinitsa beach, and it is none other than the wreck of the “Dimitrios,” with its imposing hull taking visitors’ breath away. Walk to Marathonisi, which is connected by road to Gytheio, and enjoy the view of the Stone Tower of Janetakis Grigorakis, which houses the Historical Ethnological Museum of Mani.
- Kalamata: Continuing the tour of the Peloponnese, you can choose the historic city of Kalamata for your stay. Here, you can visit the Castle, the OSE Park, or simply choose the dining establishments where you can enjoy local delicacies such as the famous roasted pig, lalaggia, honey, and of course olives.
- Galaxidi: Leaving the Peloponnese, we move to Central Greece. The picturesque Galaxidi also resembles an island and has been designated a preserved settlement, which has maintained its traditional architecture. It is a purely maritime town, where most of the residents were sailors, and some of the captains’ houses have been converted into guesthouses and Airbnb accommodations. See up close the International Monument of the Woman of the Navy, a statue that commemorates the life of the place.
- Platamonas: Heading further up compared to the previous suggestions, you will encounter Platamonas, in the shadow of Mount Olympus. It is a unique choice for those who want to combine mountain and sea. The Castle of Platamonas and the nearby Leptokarya offer wonderful walks with views of the Aegean Sea. If you feel like moving a bit away from the sea, you can visit the picturesque Old Saint Panteleimon.
Unfold the map
As we can see, Greece can also be an option for winter excursions, whether for a day or more. Here, we mentioned some destinations, both island and coastal, that cover only a tiny percentage of all the beauties of our country.
So, unfold the map that you have forgotten in a drawer or open the maps on your mobile or computer, find that place you always wanted to go but always postponed, log onto Airbnb, Booking.com, or any other short-term rental platform you have an account with, choose the accommodation that meets your needs, and simply decide whether your winter break from the bustling reality will last for a weekend or if you will take a few days off from work.
