By Taylor Boozan-Contributor
When planning a trip to Greece, travelers likely picture visiting skylines of white, Cycladic architecture capped with cerulean domes on a sun-drenched island sometime between July and August. But for those hoping to get the full Grecian experience, you might be surprised to hear that the winter months are really the best time to visit if you’re hoping to explore like a local. For starters, there won’t be any lines at the Acropolis.
Mild Winter Weather
The weather in Athens mid-January could feel like a perfect spring day. Ranging in the mid-60s, it’s a welcome warmth allowing travelers to still enjoy tourism along the coastline, al fresco dining and walking tours comfortably. It’s ideal weather for layering, sans bulky puffer.
Access
For the tri-state area, Emirates now offers direct flights from the U.S. to Athens. No connections, no hassle, and if you’re flying as a pair, you can enjoy companion rates as low as under $1,000 for economy class through May.
Greece Is A Chic Ski Destination
Who knew? Just two hours north from Athens city center, you’ll hit a quaint mountain town called Arachova, or what I’d like to call “the Aspen” of Greece. Situated in the western part of Boeotia, Arachova is reminiscent of a Christmas village during the winter months and it’s the favored ski destination for Athenians and visiting celebrities. The winding cobblestone streets are dotted with Byzantine churches, and in between stretches of homes you’ll catch sprawling views of rolling hills and dusted evergreens for the most picturesque ski town you never thought you’d find in Greece.
What’s remarkable is the journey up Mount Parnassos. As you’re ascending the mountain toward the ski center (about a 10,000 ft. altitude), you’ll truly watch the seasons change before your eyes. From a scenic drive along green cliffs in what was once a spring-like climate, you can hit whiteout weather with heavy spells of snow flurries in a matter of 30 minutes, and you’ll inevitably wonder how you could possibly be in the same country.
When you wrap up your day on the slopes, stop for fondue and a Rakomelo (a warm spicy cocktail – the Greek version of a hot toddy) at the chalet-esque Le Sapin for a Greek take on après ski. Arachova is one of those towns “if you know, you know” and you’ll want to keep it your best kept secret.
Greek Food, Wine & Ouzo
You don’t have to be an insider to know how tasty Greek food can be, but what will surprise you is the breadth of wine harvested in Greece’s islands and mainland as well as its storied past. Greece is one of the oldest wine regions in the world and one of the first wine-producers in Europe, holding high prestige in the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages for exporting exclusive wines for the upper echelon from Crete and Monemvasia, among other ports. Assyrtiko is one of the country’s more popular wines native to the island of Santorini – a lean white wine with notes of lemon and a salty finish thanks to sea spray off the Aegean. For lovers of red, Agiorgitiko is a fragrant, full-bodied grape grown in the Nemea region of the Peloponnese peninsula. To get a proper experience, book a tasting (and delicious pairing) at Oinoscent with acclaimed sommelier, Aris, who can walk you through everything there is to know about Greek wine and how it should be served. The wine bar is conveniently located right in city center Athens, so after-dinner plans can easily be made within a short walking distance.
During your Grecian travels, you’ll undoubtedly try Ouzo at least twice – the dry anise-flavored aperitif consumed in every corner of the country. While walking through the town of Plaka, keep an eye out for Brettos, the original producer of Ouzo circa 1909 and the oldest bar in distillery in Athens founded by Michail Brettos. The bar is flanked with hundreds of colorful bottles and the original barrels that aged the Ouzo as well as brandy, sherry, peppermint, mastic and citron liqueur, loyally following ancestral recipes from the ancient city of Smyrna.
While in town, it would be amiss if travelers skipped over a Grecian olive oil experience. Book an olive oil tasting and visit the groves to fully discover Greece’s number one commodity.
Festival Season
Each winter, Greece rings in Apokria, the country’s version of Carnival with some of the biggest “must see” celebrations across the globe. The season kicks off 40 days before Lent followed by a rollicking series of vivacious celebrations climaxing throughout the last weekend. According to locals, the biggest fête takes place in the western city, Patras, with revelries including balls, parades and hidden treasure hunts, capped with the ritual burning of the Carnival King at the St. Nikolaos Street pier in the harbor.
Insider Tips
- Treat yourself and enjoy a signature spa treatment at the opulent Hotel Bretagne, the grand dame of Athenian hotels situated in Syntagma Square
- Grab a cocktail at The Clumsies, one of the top bars in the world with unique cocktails crafted by distinguished bartenders and their homemade (and top secret) ingredients fashioned in their in-house laboratory. The menu can only be read under a black light, and you’ll be mystified by their offerings – like a cocktail that legitimately tastes like a Greek salad, for example.
- If you’re up for a late night, check out Cinderella, a night club decorated like you’re stepping into an illuminated disco ball with quirky neon décor
- For clear views of the Acropolis, snag a reservation at Sense for dinner for moonlit sightseeing
- Visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion by late morning and have lunch at Moorings in Marina Vouliagmenis for unmatched water views with fresh seafood. A breathtaking view from every vantage point in the restaurant
