Autumn is a wonderful time of the year. Summer has passed, but winter has not set in yet. So the temperature is mild and nature is still vibrant, filled with warm earthy tones of orange and brown, golden and green. If you are lucky enough to spare some time before Christmas in vacations with family, friends or just solo, autumn retreats in Greece are definitely going to amaze you. Unspoiled, without the crowds of summer and with the hospitable locals eager to welcome you to their special hometowns, these retreats are the ultimate scenery for holidays in Greece.
Of course, if we had to make a list with these autumn destinations for you to explore, we would not have finished writing yet! So we have picked just four autumn retreats in Greece for you to choose from. Consider it a glimpse into the country’s fabulous landscapes and depth of destinations. First stop, Dimitsana village. Set at an altitude of 960 meters above sea level, this lovely village overlooks Lousios River and Taygetus Mountain in Peloponnese. You will be stunned by the stone houses and the narrow, cobbled pathways that lead you to the main square or the quiet neighborhoods with the fragrant gardens. Once you are in Dimitsana, you will have great options to spend a day or two appreciating nature. Rafting along the river and other water sports activities, hiking or mountain biking, bird watching and even swimming (should the weather permit), these are just some of the leisure activities in Dimitsana. And obviously, there are various monasteries and churches to visit, as well as the archaeological settlement of Gortyna and the Open-Air Water Power Museum.
We then move on to Kalarrytes, a mountainous settlement in the region of Ioannina in Epirus, located 1,200 meters above sea. It is part of Tzoumerka villages, along with Sirako. Here you will also get stunned by the picturesque stone houses and the laid-back atmosphere all around. The locals have been famous for creating fine items made of silver. This is why in short distance from the settlement you will find the Museum of Silversmithing, as the most eloquent proof. The peak for this village was 18th center, due to the intense commercial activities of the locals. The river bearing the same name (Kalaritikos) flows by the settlement and makes the scenery even more idyllic. Oak trees, century-old plane trees and fir trees embrace the mountains.
Makrinitsa is the next stop in our journey to the best autumn retreats in Greece. It has been described as the balcony of Mount Pelion and the view is simply mesmerizing. The village dates back to the 13th century and offers guests a remarkable blend of history, culture, tradition and natural charms. Cobbled pathways and fountains with pure, fresh water from the mountains, stone towers and the Museum of Ethnography, churches and monasteries compose a perfect picture for you to delve in. And of course, there are innumerable activities for you to indulge in. Biking, trekking, bird watching and cooking lessons, just to name a few. A ski resort is also located within proximity from Makrinitsa, in case you are particularly fond of the snow!
Last but not least, Nymfaio is within the best destinations for autumn and winter in Greece. Located at an altitude of 1,350 m above sea level, this is a traditional settlement on Mount Vernon. Here the aesthetics resembles the previously mentioned villages. Among the top attractions within the area, you will find the Gold and Silversmithery, Folklore and History Museum. Zarari and Cheimaditida Lakes are two impressive wetlands for you to discover, parts of Natura 2000. And finally, Arcturos Sanctuary is found in the area and this is certainly a must-see destination to see bears that have been freed from captivation and are let to live in a wonderful natural habitat.