When it comes to planning a romantic vacation in Greece everyone thinks of the most romantic Greek islands and the summer season. But Greece is very romantic during the low season and even if you are not heading to one of the islands.
So, we’ve put together a list of romantic places on the Greek mainland which can be perfect choices outside the summer season.
Athens
Athens’ fast pace usually dazzles visitors and many ask themselves why they would even consider a romantic vacation in this place. The narrow streets, charming houses and excellent restaurant in the Plaka area and the Monastiraki market area are just three of the reasons. The stunning archeological sites, starting with the Acropolis , continuing with the Temple of Zeus as well as the rich museums complete the scenery of this marvelous city.
The nightlife is amazing as well, and in total contrast with the city by day. You can choose among numerous posh nightclubs or just spend a lazy night out in a taverna listening to traditional Greek music.
Omonia area is where many hotels are located and is a good choice if you want to be close to the sites. Many luxury hotels are located in Syntagma Square, close to the Parliament and the Temple of Zeus. Hotels in Athens range from affordable to very expensive but during the low season you can easily find rooms in a 5-star hotel located just opposite the Temple of Zeus for only €115 a night. Room rates in 3-star hotels start at €63 per night.
Read more about:
>>Free things to do in Athens
>>The Neighborhood of Athens
>>Day trips from Athens
Nafplio
The seaside town of Nafplio was Greece’s first capital. The charming town is filled with things to explore and many archeological sites are located close by as well. The Bourtzi, the city’s fortress, is located out of the harbor and can be reached by boat. Above the town stands the Akronafplia Fortress, which started life as a prison, then was turned into a fortress, only to be used as hotel now. The third fortress located in the city, The Palamidi Fortress, stands on a cliff overlooking Nafplio and is the best place to visit if you want to see stunning views of the Aegean and of the city.
Since the town is popular among tourists, there are a lot of restaurants – specialized in seafood – and nightclubs to check out. Most restaurants close down for the winter, but worry not, you won’t starve even if you come here during the low season.
There’s nothing more romantic then spending a vacation in the charming rooms of a fortress. Room rates at the Akronafplia Pension start at $100 per night, but you need to book in advance.
Halkidiki area: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos Peninsulas
Halkidiki area consists of three peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The area’s capital is Polygyros, located about 60 km from Thessaloniki . The charming town is a great start point for exploring the entire area.
Kassandra peninsula is dotted with small villages, beaches and affordable hotels. It’s the place where Eastern Europeans flock during summer to enjoy a cheap vacation. Fourka is not only filled with hotels, but also has some historical sites to visit. The village of Petralona is known for its museum and the cave with the same name. The fishing villages complete the scenery and offer excellent tavernas to enjoy a very fresh seafood meal.
Sithonia is also beautiful, dotted with charming villages, ports and beaches. It’s the more expensive area in Halkidiki and where you’ll find a lot of luxury hotels.
Mount Athos, located on the peninsula with the same name, is a World Heritage site and comprises 20 Orthodox Monasteries. Only men baring a special permit are allowed to visit the mountain. Two villages on the peninsula, Ouranoupolis and Tripiti, can be visited by tourists looking for pristine landscape.
Make sure to do your research in advance if you plan to spend your vacation here outside the summer season. Most hotels close down for the winter but some are open year round. Special packages are often available during the low season.
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Ski Areas
Is it possible to plan a romantic ski vacation in Greece ? Sure. There are 14 ski areas in the country and compared to the rest of Europe, everything is cheaper here. The largest and most popular area is Parnassos, located about 180 km from Athens.
Typically the season starts in December but some areas get snow earlier. Kaimaktsalan area got the first snow of the season (2009) already. You can find detailed information about the snow and the ski areas here .
What makes a ski vacation romantic? The fact that you can play in the snow like you used to when you were kids, the snuggling and warming up after spending hours in the snow, the romantic mood in the room, the hot chocolate and many more.
Photo credits: Acropolis of Athens ; Nafplio ; Sunset in Halkidiki ; Parnassos
