Athens in Winters: See the charming and cozy side of the city

When you are planning for a Greece trip, you will hear a strict no-no when it comes to visiting this place in winters. Is that so? Wait! Greece has something to offer for all seasons, and you can surely look forward to visiting Athens in winters.

Unlike summers and autumn, which is the peak season for travel to Greece, winters are less crowded and touristy. You can find a lot of things to do and indulge in Athens during the winters. The climate of Athens is cold and wet during winters and sometimes, it does get an occasional snow cover. The winters are not very harsh if you compare them with other European capitals. The temperature being in the range of 7-15 degrees. You can indulge in a lot of activities, from hiking to the top of Acropolis to sipping a cup of your favourite Greek tea in Plaka, the list is endless.

Our recommended things to do in Athens in Winters

1. Hike the Acropolis for a birds-eye view of the city.
2. Take a day relaxing and checking out the historic Plaka during the winters in Athens.
3. Indulge in Gastromony trying out some authentic Greek cuisine.
4. Take a trip to Meteora.
5. Take a Charming train ride to Glyfada.
6. Visit the National Archaeological Museum.
7. Shop till you drop at Omonia square to experience Athens in winters
8. Take a day trip to Delphi.
9. Visit the iconic Syntagma square and witness change of guards ceremony.
10. Visit the Mount Lycabettus for a panoramic view of Athens

1. Hike the Acropolis for a birds-eye view of the city

During your visit to Athens, Acropolis visit is surely a must-do. This iconic ancient citadel is situated in a hilltop and overlooks the Athens city. If you are visiting Athens in winters, the crowd and queue would be much lesser and you can make your way to the top effortlessly. Also, an added cherry on top is that the entry is free from November through March.

2. Take a day relaxing and checking out the historic Plaka during the winters in Athens

Plaka is surely the most laid back and authentic section of Athens lying in the Shadow of Acropolis. You can take a full day checking out the sights and sound of this scenic area making you way around its cobblestone alleys. If you are visiting Athens in winters, surely you can also expect some added vibes. As more locals come to bask in the sun and enjoy a drink in the numerous sidewalk tavernas and cafes.

3. Indulge in Gastromony trying out some authentic Greek cuisine

Winters are the ideal time to enjoy an authentic Greek meal, as you get to try a lot of winter specialities like chickpea soups, Lahanodolmades – cabbage leaves stuffed with meat or veggies, Spetsofai – made with red pepper and lots of sausages. One more speciality dish which you get during winters is Trahanas – which is a traditional dish made with cereals like semolina/wheat with milk.

4. Take a trip to Meteora

The Meteora is a one of kind wonder in the world where you get to see precipitously built monasteries perched atop vertical peaks. Winters are probably the best time to take a trip to the famed Meteora. Though it can be a bit hectic to cover in a day, you can also take a night stay in a nearby town. For the adventure lovers, there are a total of six monasteries to hike to and all of them have a different set of challenges.

5. Take a Charming train ride to Glyfada

If you like taking train rides, one of the things to do in Athens in Winters would be taking a train ride from Athens to Glyfada along the coast. From Omonia square take a tram to Neos Kosmos and then onwards in a scenic coastal journey to Glyfada. Upon reaching Glyfada, indulge in a brisk walk along the coast and if you are a seafood lover, do check out some delicacies in the shacks along the beach.

6. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

For all the history fanatics out there, this Athenian museum is considered to be one amongst the best in the world. Boasting an impressive collection of ancient Greek art, prehistoric to ancient antiques, it sure is to turn your heads. The museum has a collection of more than 11000 artefacts and also you can witness several temporary exhibitions happening there from time to time.

7. Shop till you drop at Omonia square to experience Athens in winters

What’s better in winter to hunt for bargains and check out the display in shops leisurely. For quenching your shopping thirst head out to Omonia square – the most fashionable district of Athens. You can indulge in buying anything from Greek traditional jewellery to designer clothes. And yes, due to winters and low season, expect a drop in prices!

Also read: Best places to shop in Greece

8. Take a day trip to Delphi

Take a day off to visit Delphi, one of the most important historical sites to visit near Athens. As per legends, this place was the site of Temple of Apollo, the Greek god of the moon. You can spend your day visiting the mountainside archaeological remains and also check out the Delphi Archaeological museum which has carefully preserved the remains of the ancient ruins.

9. Visit the iconic Syntagma square and witness change of guards ceremony

If you would like to see the Greek guards dressed in traditional military attire, head out to Syntagma square at 11 am. You will witness an impeccable display of change of guard ceremony which happens daily at the square. Also, the square is renovated recently and is maintained as a place of national importance. The square is famously connected with almost all major Greek historical moments, which are itched among its streets and also the metro station.

10. Visit Mount Lycabettus for a panoramic view of Athens in Winters

If you are a fan of great city views, head out to Mount Lycabettus which is the highest point in Athens. You can either hike to the top (recommended) or take an underground cable car which reaches the peak. You can just expect breathtaking views of the city, especially during the early morning and sunrise.

So while planning your next winter trip, do consider an Athens tour in Winters. The city surely is worth a visit during this time of the year or for that matter any time of the year. To find out interesting vacation ideas and to plan and book your trip, do check out curated recommendations. And if you are the DIY type, please head out to pickyourtrail.com to customise your own trip for any destination under the sun.

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