If your idea of the holidays is roaring fireplaces, mulled wine, the scent of fir trees and – if you’re lucky – snowflakes outside the window, these are some of Greece’s most magical mountain escapes

Arachova & Delphi (Central Greece)

Why go: Greece’s most cosmopolitan winter destination. Known simply as “the village” to insiders and “the mountain” for its organised Parnassos ski resort, Arachova blends upscale accommodation, lively nightlife and narrow stone-paved lanes lined with traditional houses. Its proximity to Athens makes it the perfect last-minute getaway.

What to do:
Ski or snowboard at Parnassos Ski Centre, stroll up the main street for shopping (handwoven flokati rugs, local cheeses like formaela, tsipouro and deli products), and dine in tavernas or stylish hotel restaurants with creative Greek cuisine before heading out for late-night bar-hopping. Don’t miss a daytime trip to the archaeological site of Delphi for a serious dose of history and views.

Karpenisi & Evrytania

Why go: One of the most authentic mountain regions in Greece, ideal if you want to truly unplug from city life. Think alpine scenery with fir forests, rushing rivers, stone-built villages and storybook guesthouses perched at 1,000 metres.

What to do:
Hit the slopes at Velouchi Ski Centre, then follow the classic scenic drive from Karpenisi to the village of Proussos, stopping at viewpoints along the gorge, the historic Proussos Monastery and the dramatic “Black Cave”. For the more active, there’s rafting and other outdoor pursuits – including a beautiful boat trip on Kremasta Lake – before returning to tavernas for local meats, tsipouro meze and long evenings by the fire.

Pelion (Thessaly)

Why go: A true “Olympian” landscape from end to end. Winding roads take you through forests of beech, fir, chestnut and apple trees, past streams and waterfalls and into 24 postcard-perfect villages, from stately Pinakates to atmospheric Tsagarada. Stone mansions from the 18th–19th century and village squares with centuries-old plane trees recall the days when Pelion thrived on fruit, silk and trade – today it’s enjoying a new life as a refined, slow-travel destination.

What to do: In Pinakates, pause in the square under the 500-year-old plane tree for coffee and dessert, browse small pottery workshops and have lunch in village tavernas overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf. In Tsagarada, wander the cobbled paths between mansions and fountains, take photos under the thousand-year-old plane tree and explore its four neighbourhoods. For nature lovers, there are hiking routes from Milies to Tsagarada and Damouchari, trails through beech forests, and of course a ride on the historic “Pelion train” to admire bridges, tunnels and scenery that constantly shifts between mountain and sea.

Zagori Villages (Epirus)

Why go: For a quieter, deeply authentic escape across 46 stone-built villages, from Megalo Papingo to Vitsa and Tsepelovo. Traditional mansions, arched stone bridges, chimneys puffing smoke and the feeling of being “far from the noise of civilisation” make Zagori ideal if you’re after raw nature, atmosphere and cosy guesthouses.

What to do:
Hike the Vikos Gorge, walk from Aristi towards the twin villages of Mikro and Megalo Papingo and the natural rock pools at Rogovo, and make leisurely stops in Vitsa, Monodendri and Kapesovo for viewpoints, old cafés, spoon sweets and local dishes. For the more adventurous, there are off-road 4×4 routes, rafting and demanding hikes towards the Dragon Lake (Drakolimni), using the villages of Zagori – and the WWF information centre in Mikro Papingo – as your base.