Autumn in Greece: 10 Amazing Getaways

1. ARACHTHOS: RAFTING IN GREEN WATERS

The Arachthos River, whose source lies in the Pindos Mountains, in
northwestern Greece, is 135km in length and flows out into the Ambracian
Gulf. The emerald shade of the river makes it sensationally beauty. The
Arachthos is renowned for its stone bridges and outdoor recreational
activities, including rafting. Watersport enthusiasts should check out Via
Natura, a rafting company active in the region throughout the year

2. AEGINA: PICNIC AT ELEONAS

Located in the southern part of the island of Aegina, between Pahia Rahi and
Sfentouri, Eleonas, an area filled with age-old olive trees featuring rich,
silver-green foliage and old trunks that resemble sculptures, is an ideal spot
for picnics. It is recommended for a one-day excursion with family or friends.
Aegina, one of the Saronic islands, is conveniently located close to Piraeus,
Athens main port. There are numerous ferry and high-speed boat services
every day. Getting to the island requires between 40 minutes and two hours,
depending on your choice.
3. KYTHNOS: CYCLADES VARIATION
A discreet, low-profile destination, Kythnos possesses a unique style of its
own. Its villages, including Mesaria, Dryopida and Merihas, differ greatly to
standard Cycladic villages. Located three hours from Piraeus port, Kythnos
makes for an ideal weekend getaway. Exceptional food choices are available on
the island. Try the strapatsada (scrambled eggs in tomato
sauce), tyropitaria (cheese pastry), dry olives and cheese croquettes. Consider
visiting Kolona, an extremely impressive beach, where a strip of sand divides
the sea into two.

4. EASTERN CRETE: GET SOME SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES

With its southern coastline facing the Libyan Sea, Crete offers an appealing
bonus compared to other islands comfortable swimming beyond the
summer season in October. Greeces largest island possesses countless
beautiful beaches. Its worth heading to Cretes northeastern edge for a swim
at Vai beach, which is located next to a palm forest. For even more tropical
conditions, make the small boat crossing from Ierapetra to Gaidouronisi, also
known as Hrysi, to swim in the islets crystal-clear blue waters and sunbathe
on its incredible, sand-covered beach in the north.

5. ARCADIA: TREKKING IN THE HEART OF THE PELOPONNESE

One of the most renowned areas in the Peloponnese, Arcadia, an area of
authentic beauty, offers a trail linking historic local settlements that is truly
worth exploring. The Menalon Trail, stretching 75km and formed back in
antiquity, connects the villages of Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Zygovisti, Elati,
Vytina, Nymfasia, Magouliana, Valtetsiniko and Langadia.
6. NEMEA: EXCURSION TO RENOWNED VINEYARD
LANDSCAPES
A region well-known to Greek wine enthusiasts, Nemea is located in the
northern Peloponnese. If you are interested in seeing the areas vineyards and
trying quality wines such as the celebrated red Agiorgitiko, local wineries,
including Gaia Wines and Semeli Wines, offer tours and wine-tasting sessions.

7. VOLOS: ODE TO TSIPOURO

One of the first things visitors usually do when in Volos is to head to one of the
citys countless tsipouradika, for tsipouro (a pomace brandy) and assorted
meze dishes such as olives, fried cheese (saganaki), meatballs, sardines,
anchovies, red snapper, clams (gyalisteres) and many more exquisite
selections. It really is worth sitting at one of these spots in the city center or in
Neo Ionia, a district settled by Anatolian Greeks who ended up in Volos
following the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922, prompted by an ill-fated Greek
military campaign. The refugees brought with them the drink-and-meze ritual
to their new home.
8. NAFPLIO: CANNERY TURNED INTO ART
Fougaro, an ultra-modern art complex that resulted from a lengthy restoration
project of a historic canning facility, is located in Nafplio, a two hours drive
from Athens. The complex hosts a library, an art shop selling ecofriendly
clothes, as well as a caf whose menu includes beverages made with Greek
herbs. It also hosts a range of cultural events, including a jazz festival and
sculpture exhibitions.

9. IOANNINA: DISCOVER THE LAKES ISLAND

In Greece, the island-in-lake combination is rare, which is what makes

Ioannina featuring Lake Pamvotida, the largest lake in the entire Epirus
region different to other cities. The lake is home to an inhabited island,
which may be reached by boat from the lakes shore in ten minutes. The path
around the island, small enough to go around on foot, leads you to marvelous
views of the islands greenery, restaurant choices along the way as well to a
small museum dedicated to the island.
10. MT OLYMPUS: ASCENT TO THE GODS
Mt Olympus, at 2,918m Greeces highest mountain, requires particular
stamina and mountain-climbing experience to reach its peak, Mytikas. Of
course, beginners and less advanced climbers, provided they are in good
shape, can still enjoy the mountains slopes, where easier routes are available.
Visitors can try to ascend from the Krevatia shelter to the Barbala peak
(1,847m), one of 52 on the mountain. After a strenuous climb, trekkers usually
head to one of the mountain shelters to regain strength: bean soup and
sausages are typically on offer.