Portaria, Pelion

Portaria, one of the most accessible villages near Volos, is ideal for a long weekend, with a drive time of less than four hours from Athens and only 2.5 hours from Thessaloniki. This enchanting village has a lovely central square, shaded by the sprawling branches of ancient plane trees – an ideal place to enjoy your morning coffee in tranquility.

Nearby, you’ll discover charming villages perfect for day trips. Hania, the highest village in the region, is just 20 kilometers away, and the drive there is one of the most picturesque routes Pelion has to offer. A 35-minute drive will take you to Drakia, which also boasts a lovely central square. When the weather’s nice, the Metaxogenis taverna (Tel. (+30) 24280.960.15), which specializes in traditional cuisine made with local ingredients, sets up tables beneath a large plane tree. Be sure to try the local delicacy, boubari (finely chopped liver with onions, rice, and spices wrapped in intestine), along with their perfectly grilled meats.

In neighboring Makrinitsa, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Volos and the Pagasitic Gulf, as well as delicious food at Kardamo (Tel. (+30) 24280.901.31). Between Makrinitsa and Portaria is the beginning of the Centaurs’ Path, a 1.9-kilometer trail that meanders through a lush gorge with flowing streams – perfect for a leisurely hike.

While in Portaria, make sure to stop at Kritsa Taverna (Portaria, Tel. (+30) 24280.991.21) for perfectly executed traditional Pelion recipes. Enjoy hearty dishes like spetzofai (sausages and peppers in tomato sauce), wild greens with eggs, and innovative options such as linguine with veal fillet and Parmesan cream.

Karpenisi, Evrytania

Karpenisi, the capital of Evrytania, sits at an altitude of 975 meters, a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Athens and about four hours from Thessaloniki. This charming region is brimming with attractions – monasteries, museums, caves, and gorges – making it ideal for both road trips and day excursions.

A short drive leads you to the village of Koryschades, home to the fascinating National Resistance Museum (Tel. (+30) 22370.249.96; open 10:00-15:00, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays). It was here, in May 1944, that the first “Mountain Government” convened, representing the communist-led resistance during World War II. The museum features an impressive collection of relics and documents from that era.

Continuing along the Karpenisi-Proussos provincial road, you’ll discover Newton Park (7th km Karpenisi-Proussos, Tel. (+30) 22370.246.14), a theme park offering a variety of educational and entertaining activities for children. For a delightful meal, head to Mikro Chorio and visit the Horiatiko Nasiopoulos Taverna (Tel. (+30) 22370.412.57), known for its grilled meats. Just three kilometers away, in Megalo Chorio, you can enjoy delicious sweets and quality coffee at Rakomelo (Tel. (+30) 22370.413.39).

Back in Karpenisi, make sure to stop by the Mountain Museum (49 Zinopoulou, Tel. (+30) 22370-80265; open Thursday to Monday 10:00-14:00, Saturday 18:00-21:00), where you can explore the history of mountaineering and skiing, and even take a virtual reality tour of the Panta Vrechi Gorge, a location that’s particularly challenging to access in winter.

Kalavryta, Achaia

Kalavryta is only a 2.5-hour drive from Athens and provides the ideal balance of nature and history for a three-day getaway. Begin by visiting the Kalavryta Massacre Memorial, which overlooks the village. On December 13, 1943, German forces executed over 650 men in retaliation for partisan operations. Learn more about this dark chapter in the region’s history at the Kalavryta Holocaust Museum (1-5 Andrea Syggrou, Tel. (+30) 26920.236.46; open 09:00-16:00, closed Mondays; entrance fee 4 euros).

The Holy Monastery of Aghia Lavra, located just five kilometres southwest of the village, is said to be the site where the Greek War of Independence began in 1821. Kalavryta is nestled at the foot of Mount Helmos and offers numerous hiking opportunities, but the most enjoyable experience is riding the Odontotos, the legendary cog railway that has been in operation since 1896. The train travels from Kalavryta to Diakofto, passing through the breathtaking Vouraikos Gorge.

Keliari (19 Lochia Kapota, Tel. (+30) 26920.233.01), Peri Orexeos (57 25th Martiou, Tel. (+30) 26920.244.44), and Avli (12 Solioti, Tel. (+30) 26920.244.04) are three traditional tavernas that serve hearty, authentic Greek cuisine.