Greece is beautiful year-round, but Northern Greece takes on a special character in the cooler months. As temperatures drop, locals and visitors head to the mountains, lakes and traditional villages of Macedonia and Thessaly for snow, scenery and a quieter side of the country.
From high-altitude ski resorts to lakeside towns and forest trails, these destinations offer a different kind of Greek getaway.
One of the region’s most popular winter bases is Agios Athanasios in Pella. Built in the late 16th century at 1,200 metres at the foot of Mount Voras, the village retains its traditional architecture of sloping roofs and cobblestone streets. Nearby sits one of Greece’s most modern ski resorts, at nearly 2,500 metres, combining reliable snow with strong facilities. The surrounding area also holds historical interest: Macedonian tombs and the remnants of ancient settlements are scattered through the landscape. Other nearby stops include Aridaia’s natural hot springs, set among streams and pine forest, as well as the Archangel of Mount Paiko and the small church of Profitis Ilias.
Further west, the village of Nymfaio sits at 1,350 metres on the ridge of Mount Vernon. Visitors stay in guesthouses filled with handmade furniture, sample local wine and food, and walk trails through the surrounding forest. The Arcturos environmental centre, the only one of its kind in Greece, is home to rescued bears and draws steady interest. Winemaker Yiannis Boutaris also established La Moara here, a small boutique hotel with just eight rooms that has earned a reputation as one of the country’s finest intimate stays.
In the remote northwest corner of the country lie the Prespa Lakes — Great Prespa and Little Prespa — at 850 metres above sea level. Framed by mountains, the lakes are a major habitat for migratory birds, with hundreds of species nesting and breeding in the area, many of them endangered. A floating bridge leads to the island of Saint Achilios, where the ruins of a 10th-century church remain.
The city of Florina offers a different atmosphere, with architecture that spans neo-Byzantine and Art Deco styles from the 1930s. The Archaeological Museum, located near the railway station, sits beside an art gallery showing work by local artists. The Sakoulevas River runs through the city, and the surrounding region is known for products such as Florina peppers, Prespes beans, mountain tea and spoon sweets.
Kastoria, built beside its lake, is best explored on foot. A path follows the shoreline, with a stop at Dragon’s Cave, which contains seven underground lakes. Higher viewpoints include Profitis Ilias Church and Agios Athanasios. The neighbourhood of Doltso preserves 17th- and 18th-century buildings, while Apozari features Byzantine churches and castle-like houses typical of Macedonian architecture. The city also has a Folk Art Museum, a Costume Museum, a freshwater aquarium and a long-established Fur Centre.
In the Trikala prefecture, Elati and Pertouli sit at 900 and 1,090 metres respectively. Elati is the largest village in the area and receives regular winter snow. Pertouli has a ski resort seven kilometres away and climbing routes at nearby Red Rock. Both villages are known for their stone houses with red or stone roofs. Activities include horse riding, archery and cycling, and the forest near Pertouli is considered one of the best preserved in Greece. Local shops still sell traditional mountain products, including sun-dried frumenty with goat’s milk, honey, cracked wheat and spoon sweets.
Lake Plastira, in the Karditsa prefecture, is an artificial reservoir created by an 83-metre dam and named after former Prime Minister Nikolaos Plastiras. It lies 30 kilometres west of Karditsa and is surrounded by villages with wide views. The area supports horse riding, mountain biking, canoeing, boating, hiking and rafting, and is dotted with churches and monasteries. A small ski resort operates at Karamanoli, and the Grand Stream Canyon is another popular outing. Meteora lies within reach for those combining the lake with religious sites.
Finally, Mount Olympus — Greece’s highest peak and the mythical home of the gods — remains a major draw. The mountain supports more than 1,700 plant species, some rare. The village of Litohoro serves as the main gateway and is reachable by bus from Athens and Thessaloniki. Many trails are suitable for walkers with basic equipment and warm clothing; a full ascent typically takes two days. At the mountain’s foot, the Archaeological Park and Museum at Ancient Dion mark a site sacred to the ancient Macedonians, where Alexander the Great is said to have made sacrifices before his campaigns.
Together, these places capture Northern Greece in its quieter season: ski slopes and mountain villages, lakeside walks, traditional architecture and a landscape that feels far removed from the summer coast.
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