Why Winter in Greece is One of Its Best-Kept Secrets
Now that it is officially spring, I cannot help but reflect on my first winter back in Greece after seven years. Having lived in the U.S., between Chicago and Los Angeles, my idea of winter had drastically changed. Chicago winters were brutal with freezing temperatures, endless snowfall, waking up early to scrape ice off the car windows, and bundling up in layers just to step outside. Meanwhile, LA winters were almost non-existent, with the occasional chilly morning but mostly mild, sunny days.
Returning to Greece in the winter was a completely different experience. Unlike the extreme cold of the Midwest or the continuous sunshine of California, winter in Greece had a crisp but mild feel. Days were cool but pleasant, making it easy to explore the city without feeling weighed down by heavy coats. But what many people do not realize is that Greece is not just a summer destination; its winter season has just as much to offer, from snow-covered mountains to vibrant city life and festive traditions.
Skiing in Greece: Yes, It’s a Thing
One of the biggest surprises for many visitors is that Greece has an active ski season. While people associate the country with beaches and islands, Greece is actually home to several ski resorts, offering everything from scenic alpine villages to après-ski culture. One of the most famous winter destinations is Arachova, a picturesque mountain town just under three hours from Athens, at the base of Mount Parnassos, home to the largest and most well-known ski center in Greece.
I had American friends visiting, along with my cousins, and we took a road trip to Arachova for a weekend getaway. The drive itself was stunning leaving behind the urban landscape of Athens, we watched as the scenery gradually transformed. As we ascended toward Parnassos, the temperature dropped, and patches of snow started appearing on the side of the road, getting thicker the higher we went. By the time we reached the ski center, we were surrounded by a full-on winter wonderland.
Skiing at Parnassos
If you’re visiting Greece in the winter and love skiing, Parnassos Ski Center is a must. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Athens and has two main base stations, Kellaria and Fterolakka, offering slopes for all skill levels.
Skiing in Greece is a unique experience. While it might not be the Alps, the views of the Gulf of Corinth from the slopes are breathtaking. You can rent ski and snowboard equipment either directly at the ski center or from shops in Arachova, where you’ll often find better prices and more variety. But one thing to keep in mind; because Parnassos is the most popular ski resort in Greece, weekends and holidays can get extremely crowded. When we visited, the lines to take the lifts up the mountain were long, and by the time we were leaving, the line of cars trying to descend was backed up for over an hour. If you want to avoid the crowds, weekdays are definitely the best time to go.
The town of Arachova is full of cozy chalets, boutique hotels, and traditional tavernas serving local delicacies like kontosouvli (slow-roasted pork) and formaela cheese (a local specialty best enjoyed grilled with honey). We stayed at Anemolia Mountain Resort, a beautiful hotel with a mountain lodge vibe, perfect for unwinding after a day in the snow. Other great options in the area include Santa Marina Arachova Resort & Spa and the luxurious Aegli Arachova.
Beyond Arachova
Arachova and Parnassos are just one example of Greece’s winter charm. There are actually over 20 ski resorts across the country, with some of the most popular being:
Kalavryta Ski Center: Located in the Peloponnese, this resort is smaller than Parnassos but offers a more relaxed atmosphere and incredible views.
Vasilitsa: Found in Northern Greece, this is a favorite among snowboarders due to its natural half-pipes and deep snow.
Kaimaktsalan: Near the border with Skopjie, this ski resort sits on the slopes of Mount Voras and has some of the highest-altitude skiing in Greece.
These destinations prove that Greece is a year-round country, whether you are hitting the beach in the summer or skiing in the winter, there is always something to do.
Christmas in Greece
Winter in Greece is not just about skiing, the cities and towns transform into festive hubs during the Christmas season. One of my favorite things about being in Athens in December was seeing the entire city lit up with holiday lights. Syntagma Square, home to Athens’ biggest Christmas tree, felt like a true holiday spectacle, with concerts, markets, and festive decorations everywhere.
A unique Greek Christmas tradition is the karavaki (Christmas boat). Instead of just decorating trees, many Greek households and cities light up boats, a nod to Greece’s deep maritime history.
Athens also hosts Christmas-themed pop-ups and winter villages, like:
The Christmas Factory at Technopolis, where you’ll find festive markets, food stalls, and activities for kids.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s Winter Wonderland, which features ice skating, concerts, and beautiful light displays by the waterfront.
Spending my first winter in Greece after so many years, I experienced it in a completely different way. Being away for so long made me appreciate the change of seasons more. As someone who has always loved the beach, the sea, and the sun, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But winter brought a new side of Greece, one that felt more intimate, more connected to local life, and filled with traditions that aren’t often highlighted in the media.
From skiing in Parnassos to strolling through Athens during the holidays, the atmosphere was completely different. The energy shifts, offering a slower pace, a different kind of Greek hospitality, and a chance to immerse yourself in local traditions in a way that feels more personal than in the summer. Whether it’s exploring mountain villages, warming up in traditional tavernas, or experiencing festive celebrations alongside locals, winter in Greece is an experience worth having, one that offers a deeper connection to the country beyond its famous summer landscapes.
