By Friday afternoon everything should be ready. Although the journey is relatively short, it is best to arrive at your destination before dark. Certainly a long holiday is a great respite from the daily routine, but short weekend getaways are also very useful to relax and rejuvenate.
Winter weather is no hindrance, who said we can’t enjoy nature in winter, too? In these 3 villages less than 2 hours from the capital, one can enjoy unique forest walks and great traditional food. All three villages are located on mountains, Agios Petros in Parnonas, Amfiklia in Parnassos and Goura in Ziria, but access is neither difficult nor time-consuming.
Agios Petros, Arcadia
Take the National Road Corinth – Tripoli. Pass the turn towards Vytina and Dimitsana and continue towards Parnonas. This mountain doesn’t have the luster of Mount Menalon, nor so many guesthouses and cafés, but it has tons of trees, hundreds of trails and beautiful villages.
One of the first villages found on the way up the mountain is Agios Petros. The village spreads like a plane leaf on the steep sloping side of the mountain, built at 950 metres altitude, and is one of the largest in the area featuring accommodation options, taverns and cafés. For religious tourism it is a stopover, as many people come to visit the famous Malevis Monastery, 5 km outside the village.
Amfiklia, Parnassos
Part of the trio of villages of northern Parnassos that in recent years have emerged as top destinations, Amfiklia, along with the villages of Polydroso and Agoriani, is located very close to the ski resort of Parnassos and offers plenty of activity, accommodation and dining options. Amfiklia is built at the foot of Mount Parnassus and its highest points overlook the valley of the Kifissos River. It is worth visiting the Artos Museum (Central Square of Amfiklia, tel. 22340 23044, www.breadmuseum.gr) which introduces the visitor to the bread cycle from sowing and kneading to the table, exhibiting also various tools, traditional ovens and other bread items.
Accommodation: The suites of the guesthouse “Kyriaki” (Amfiklia, tel. +30 22340 29011, www.xenonaskiriaki.gr ) offer a comfortable stay.
Food: Located in the centre of the village, the tavern “California” (Amfiklia, tel. +30 22340 22021) serves delicious food.
Info: Amfiklia is 176 km from Athens and the journey takes less than 2 hours.
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Goura, Corinth
From an unknown, mountainous and remote village, in just a few years Goura has become a hot destination. Excursionists from Athens arrive here within two or three hours, while middle-aged groups always get the best tables in the taverns. The beautiful artificial lake Doxa, located just 9 km from the village, is surrounded by a huge fir forest. Weather permitting, you can follow the path that starts from the western side of the lake and climb up to Dourdouvana Mountain.
Accommodation: For a beautiful stay, choose the guesthouse “Callisto” (Goura, Tel. +30 6977 226514, www.xenonascallisto.gr )
Food: On the way to Lake Doxa stop at the tavern “Trikrina” (Messino, tel. +30 27470 41033).
Info: Goura is 166 km from Athens and the journey takes about 2 hours.
Read also:
Crossing a beautiful artificial lake in Greece: From Trikala to Lake Stymfalia via Lake Doxa
