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Wednesday , March 1, 2023 | Pinewood International American School of Thessaloniki

Bucket List Places in Greece to Visit During Winter

C oprak Şevket Gökçe M T

Zagori–Pure Mountain Magic

When it comes to Zagori, superlatives fail. On 1000 square kilometers of densely wooded, mountainous landscape, crisscrossed by deep gorges, pristine rivers, waterfalls, caves and much more, 46 villages built of stone and slate (the Zagorohoria) complete what can only be called a mountain paradise.

Nature-loving hikers are spoiled for choice with hundreds of kilometers of well-marked trails leading over ancient stone bridges, past inhabited and uninhabited monasteries, through sheltered forests teeming with life, and over ridges with heartstopping views.

Experienced mountaineers can venture to the area's alpine peaks, while a number of companies offer dozens of activities from cross-country skiing, to whitewater rafting, to organized hikes that make the region's natural wonders accessible to all.

Each of the villages is more beautiful than the next–the heritage of the builders is considered the greatest in the country–and the accommodation options are numerous and of exceptional quality. And if you feel the need to get back to civilization, the cultured city of Ioannina is just a short drive away and a destination all its own.

Simply a must see.

Meteora–Beyond Unique

The first sight of the monasteries perched improbably high on the rock pillars in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtaking moment–a true must -see for any visitor. Many visit this site in the summer, but the sweltering heat and large crowds can mar the experience. Autumn and winter, on the other hand, are perfect for enjoying the true majesty of this place.

Of the 24 total monasteries that once made up this 1000-year-old community, six are still in operation and open to the public. A visit to these monasteries means entering a world of its own, where wonderful