5 Ski Resorts In Greece That Will Make You Love Greek Winter
5 Ski Resorts In Greece That Will Make You Love Greek Winter
☞ Table of Contents:
Yes, snow in Greece is a thing! Being in the heart of the winter season, we have to mention the best ski resorts in Greece.
Yes, you read it just right! Greece does not only have great beaches but also enormous mountains for winter sports lovers! So, we have put together some of the best ski resorts for your winter vacations in Greece.
Parnassos Ski Center and Resort
The mountain of Parnassus is one of the tallest in Greece and is located in the center of the country. In addition to the rich wildlife and forests, Parnassus is mainly famous for its ski centre. This is one of the oldest ski centres in Greece, as it is has been open since 1976 non-stop. Just 180 kilometers and 2 hours driving from Athens, and you will arrive at this winter paradise. In an altitude of 1640 to 2260 meters, there are 2 skiing areas, Kellaria and Fterolakas, for your entertainment. In total there are 21 pistes, 7 ski routes and 4 mini pistes for beginners. The best thing about this ski resort is the sea view of the Gulf of Corinth. What could be better than skiing and gazing at the amazing sea view at the same time?
In terms of facilities, international visitors will find there is a lot of room for improvement, however, it is one of the best kept centers in Greece. There are two cosy chalets for relaxing moments, ready to offer you hot beverages to protect you from the cold. You will also find a ski equipment rental store, souvenir store and ski school, where you can learn how to ski with the help of a tutor.
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Ski Center Resort Parnassus in Greece: Where To Stay?
Where To Stay: the best choice for accommodation is Arahova village. This village has the title of “Winter Mykonos”, due to its cosmopolitan vibes. In Lakka square, the main paved square of Arahova, there are plenty of lively cafes and restaurants, as well as plenty of nightlife options. Also, visit the Holy Church of Agios Georgios, for a great view of the whole area and Arahova’s clock, which dates back to the 18th century. Do not leave the place without trying the traditional formaela cheese. It is produced by goat or sheep milk and has a protected designation of origin.
Just 10 kilometers from Arahova, you will find yourself in front of the famous Delphi village. According to the legend, Zeus released two eagles, one to the East and one to the West and they met at Delphi, making it the center of the world. Delphi is famous worldwide for its Oracle, which Unesco listed as a World Heritage Site and is a must-visit spot when you travel through Greece.
Address: Amfikleia Elateia 350 15
Tel: +30 22340 22700
Daily Pass Ticket: 30 €
☞ Related: A Guide To The Unesco Sites Of Northern Greece You Have To Visit
Kalavrita Ski Center and Resort
Kalavrita is a small city located in the Peloponnese region at an altitude of 730 meters. Among other things, Kalavrita is famous for its ski center. During the winter season, more and more choose Kalavrita for skiing and relaxing, which is 188 kilometers away from Athens, making it an easy getaway.
The ski center and resort is located on the north side of Mt Chelmos and has been open since 1988. There are 14 pistes for visitors that range at an altitude of 1730 to 2340 meters, with a great view of the Ionian Sea. For those that choose to travel light, the rental store can provide you with all the necessary equipment. A ski school is also there, in case you want a tutor to show you how it’s done.
You can choose between skis, snowboards, ski bikes or sleds if you are not so into extreme sports. In addition, there are two chalets, which offer a much needed place to relax and warm beverages. In the evening the cafe turns into a bar for you to enjoy a nice glass of wine next to the snowy mountain slopes.
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Kalavrita Ski Center Resort in Greece: Where To Stay?
Where to stay: the city of Kalavrita is just 15 kilometers away from the ski center and is the best choice for accommodation during your stay. Kalavrita is a picturesque place full of traditional buildings with paved, cobbled streets and interesting shops. You will find many cafes, restaurants, and bars for all your needs.
In addition, there are many historical and important places you can visit in the city as well. Kalavrita is the place where the evolution of 1821 started and a monument is dedicated to this in the center of the city. Also, the Monastery of Agia Lavra and the Monastery of Mega Spilaio are important landmarks of Greek history and you will need to pay a visit, preferably with a guide or a good book that can walk you through the events of that era. If you are more of a nature lover, then you can walk through the Global Geopark Chelmos Vouraikos and the Gorge of Vouraikos.
Address: 6 Kipourgou str, Kalavrita 250 01
Tel. : 0030 2692 024451
Daily Pass Ticket: 25 €
Kaimaktsalan Ski Center
Moving to northern Greece, the mountain Voras is the 3rd biggest in Greece and host to one of the best ski resorts in Greece, Kaimaktsalan Ski Center. It is located near the city of Edessa, just a 2 hours drive from Thessaloniki, which makes it the perfect choice for a quick getaway. The ski center has been open since 1995 and is a great option for beginners, as the pistes are not that difficult or intimidating.
Apart from skiing, there are two chalets, where you can enjoy the snow from a distance if you are not into winter sports. On the top of the mountain is the chapel of Saint Prophet Helias. It is a great location, as it is always covered in snow. The church is dedicated to the victims of WWI.
Kaimaktsalan Ski Center: Where to stay?
Where to stay: there are plenty of places near the ski centre to stay the night. The best one is the village of “Palios Agios Athanasios”, which means the old Agios Athanasios village. There are two villages named Agios Athanasios. The old one dates back to the 16th century and is the most beautiful one. The cobbled streets and the architecture of the buildings seem to have arrived from another time and usually, plenty of people walk the narrow streets all day, admiring the atmosphere. The place is full of restaurants (this is THE place for meat lovers!), cafes and fancy hotels with luxurious facilities.
Being in the area, do not leave without visiting Pozar Thermal Baths. This is a paradise for those whose idea of a relaxing day is the spa! Since 1920, visitors choose the thermal baths of Pozar due to their healing effects. Whether you choose the natural thermal baths, or the artificial inside pool and Jacuzzi, the result is the same: it will be a perfect relaxing day.
Address: Edessa 580 02
Tel.: 0030 2381 032000
Dialy Pass Ticket: 15 €
Vasilitsa Ski Center and Resort
Staying in northern Greece, you will find another great ski resort, Vasilitsa Ski Center. Vasilitsa is located near Grevena city and got its name from the homonymous mountain Vasilitsa. Since 1975, this ski center has been a place for adventurous excursions for all the Greeks, especially those who live in the northern part of the country. The distance from Thessaloniki is just 213 km or 2 hours and 10 minutes of driving. There are 18 pistes at an altitude between 1788 and 2060 meters.
This is a fully organized ski resort, where you can find all the things you may need, such as ski equipment, tutors, souvenirs, cafes, and restaurants.
Vasilitsa Ski Center: Where to stay?
Where to stay: near the ski center there are many small traditional villages with affordable or luxurious rooms to let according to preference. Traditional buildings, great Greek food and plenty of cafes are waiting for you to discover. The other option is to choose Grevena city. There you will have more options for accommodation and going out.
Another place in the area that you have to visit is the National Park of Valia Kalda. The place is full of forests, rivers, and streams. The route is hard to reach, but ideal for hiking enthusiasts, photographers, adventure bunnies or just nature lovers in general. Address: Grevena
Tel. : 0030 24620 84850
Daily pass ticket: 13 €
Seli Ski Center and Resort
The last one to mention is the first ski resort that ever opened in Greece in 1934.
The resort is located in the mountain Vermio near the city of Veroia. Just 95 kilometers from Thessaloniki, it is the ideal destination for a quick getaway. At an altitude of 1530 meters, there are 10 pistes waiting for eager skiers, snowboarders or just snow lovers. There are also mountain climbing routes, which are covered by the international hiking trail E4.
Seli Ski Center: Where to stay?
Where to stay: The village Seli is just 1,5 kilometers away from the ski center and is a great option for overnight visitors. The village is small but with an idyllic atmosphere that matches perfectly with the winter vacation concept. If you would like something bigger with more options, then you can choose the city of Veria for your accommodation. Address: Kato Vermio, 591 32 Veria
Tel: 0030 23310 26237 , 0030 23310 49021, 0030 23310 26237
Daily Pass Ticket: 10 €
- If we had a penny for every time someone thought there is no snow in Greece, we would have a lot of pennies! Now you are in on the secret and can entertain your friends with some winter in Greece facts. Are you a fan of ski resorts and which one would you visit in Greece?
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