Leave the city for a different kind of blue: forested slopes, stone villages, and clear water falling over rock. In Greece’s highlands, the air is crisp and the past feels close. Flagstone lanes turn underfoot. Plane tree squares hold the afternoon in the shade. Traditions still meet you at the door.
Follow the sound of streams into valleys with patient stone bridges. Breakfast is often a slice of pie and a strong coffee. Trade the sea’s salt for mountain springs, beaches for meadows, bright glare for cool shade. Skip the crowds and walk cobbled paths to a small taverna, then to a viewpoint, then back for dessert. The rhythm is slow and welcoming. Conversations linger. Evenings end with a fire and a glass of something local.
Weekends here are simple: a sweater, good shoes, and an appetite. Ten mountain village clusters open like short chapters, each with its own voice and porch and a gentle way of asking you to stay a little longer. You come for the views and leave with names, recipes, and the feeling that time can stretch when you let it.
01
Zagorochoria
Forty-six villages, two national parks, and a world of stone bridges make up this enchanting cluster in Epirus. Start in Monodendri with its legendary pies beneath the plane trees, pause at the monastery of Agia Paraskevi to peer into the Vikos Gorge, sip tsipouro in Dilofo, and wander the noble alleys of Tsepelovo. Adventure-seekers head to Papigo for rafting, hiking, horseback riding, and a dip in the natural pools of Rogovo.
02
Nymfaio, Florina
At 1,350 meters on Mount Vitsi, Nymfaio is a masterpiece of stone manors, flagstone paths, and cultural intrigue. Its Silver and Goldsmithing Museum opens a window to centuries of artistry, while the Arktouros sanctuary introduces visitors to bears in their natural habitat. The nearby Zazari Lake draws birdwatchers with its rare avian guests, making Nymfaio a place where beauty and knowledge meet.
03
Tzoumerka, Epirus
Wild cliffs, rushing rivers, and stone villages clinging to sheer rock faces define the Tzoumerka. Syrrako is an architectural jewel with a bygone air, while the hike to Kalarrytes rewards with vistas and a stop at “Akanthos,” a café in operation since 1840. The Monastery of Kipinas, carved into a vertical rock, adds mystery and awe to the journey.
04
Kosmas & Mt Parnon Villages
Alive with history and shaded by chestnut forests, the villages of Parnon reveal an authentic Peloponnesian soul. Kosmas charms with its fountains and lively square, Kastanitsa serves chestnut-based dishes, Geraki boasts Byzantine monuments, and Ano Doliana exemplifies careful restoration. At Tzintzina, cool air, hiking paths, and rustic flavors create the sense of a secret retreat.
05
Samarina, Grevena
One of Greece’s highest villages, Samarina rests on the slopes of Mount Smolikas. Mentioned in old maps as Santa Maria de Praitoria, it has long carried historic weight. Today it’s embraced by thick forests, waterfalls, and trails, while its tables serve hearty mountain meats. A place of nature and memory, Samarina embodies the spirit of the highlands.
06
Megalo Horio, Evrytania
Just 13 kilometers from Karpenisi, Megalo Horio lies against the slopes of Kaliakouda. Its stone-built architecture and sweeping views set the tone, while the local cuisine and guesthouses make it a beloved year-round base. Excursions to Pruso, the Black Cave, or the Pantavrechei Gorge turn a stay here into a full alpine escape.
07
Pelion, Magnisia
A mountain with the soul of the sea, Pelion unfolds through a string of storybook villages. Tsagkarada, Milies, Vizitsa, Lafkos, and Agios Lavrentios enchant with plane-shaded squares, traditional cafés, old libraries, and evenings filled with tsipouro. In Hania, even when the ski center lies quiet outside winter, the views, green slopes, and robust meals keep visitors anchored.
08
Peleta & S. Kinouria Villages
Quiet and authentic, Peleta sits on the eastern side of Parnon, with stone houses and a sense of timeless simplicity. Nearby, the hamlet of Pigadi offers meals at its sole taverna, while the secluded Fokiano beach lures with calm beauty. Further along, Kyparissi waits as a coastal hideaway untouched by crowds, where mountains meet the Aegean.
09
Aetomilitsa, Ioannina
At 1,430 meters on Mount Grammos, Aetomilitsa is a Vlach village that keeps faith with its pastoral roots. Its stone houses, slow rhythms, and open horizons make it a place of genuine stillness. Hiking paths surround it, while excursions to Konitsa and the pristine Aoos River round out a journey rich in quiet wonder.
10
Lagadia, Arcadia
Built amphitheatrically on the mountain slopes, Lagadia dazzles with stone mansions and historic lanes. The village gymnasium, dating from 1868, is a listed monument, while the district of Lefkes recalls Kolokotronis and Papaflessas on the eve of the Revolution of 1821. From its heights, views stretch to the Ionian Sea, giving Lagkadia a perspective steeped in both beauty and history.
