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4 Villages near Athens that time travel you and bring serenity and peace
Calmness, fresh air, abundant images of nature, picturesque settlements, hospitality like at home and taverns with good food. We found all this in four beautiful villages that promise relaxing city breaks and daily getaways just a stone's throw from Athens.
Chrissos
Built at the foot of Parnassos, just 8 km. from Delphi, Chrissos is one of the most beautiful traditional villages of Phocis. Restored houses surrounded by green gardens, two squares, many stone churches, traditional cafes and taverns where you can taste delicious meat from local producers, create the ideal setting for relaxation and tranquillity. The scenery is spectacular: Amfissa's olive groves, Itea's beach, and Galaxidi's countryside stretch out before you. From Chrissos, you can go to Delphi, go up to Arachova or go down to the sea.
Zarouchla
In about two and a half hours from Athens, you can find yourself in a picturesque place that marries a natural landscape of incomparable beauty, tranquility and nature-loving activities. Built at an altitude of 1,100 meters on the slopes of Helmos, amidst fir and chestnut trees, Zarouchla is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages of Achaia.
In the settlement you will find beautiful guest houses and cozy taverns to enjoy local flavors, while your eye will be drawn by the imposing tower houses, some of which have been preserved.
Exploring Zarouchla further unveils a rich cultural heritage and an array of outdoor activities. Nature enthusiasts will find the surrounding trails ideal for hiking, offering captivating views of the verdant landscape. Winter brings a unique charm to Zarouchla, with nearby skiing options at Helmos ski center, making it a year-round destination.
The village's close proximity to the stunning waters of Tsivlou Lake adds another layer of allure, providing opportunities for tranquil walks and picnics by the waterโs edge.
Zarouchla's harmonious blend of natural beauty, historical architecture, and comfort makes it a must-visit for those seeking solace away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Kastania
The word "escape" takes on its true meaning in this small village of Mountain Corinth. Perched close to 1,000 meters above sea level, on the south side of Ziria, Kastania will steal your heart with its stone-built houses among the fir trees, its quiet streets and its square overlooking the slopes of Oligyrtos.
On the way to the village you will definitely make a stop at the mythical Lake Stymfalia, where the excellent Museum of the Environment is located. It goes without saying that you will not miss the opportunity to go to the alpine beauty Limni Doxa to take the most beautiful photos.
Upon arriving in Kastania, visitors are greeted with an atmosphere of peace that seems almost tangible, a true testament to the village's untouched beauty. Not only does the landscape offer exquisite scenic views, but it also invites exploration through its dense forests and well-marked trails, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
The village itself, with its traditional architecture and welcoming local inhabitants, offers a glimpse into a lifestyle that prioritises harmony with nature.
Gastronomy in Kastania is noteworthy, with local taverns serving dishes prepared with fresh, regional produce, providing an authentic taste of Greek culinary traditions. For those seeking a serene retreat that combines natural beauty with the warmth of rural Greek hospitality, Kastania stands out as an idyllic destination.
Kyriaki
An hour and a half away from the center of Athens are the picturesque villages of Helikon. Kyriaki (24 km from Livadeia) is built on the western slopes of Helikon, at an altitude of 780 meters, in a green and beautiful landscape. Here you will take your walks in picturesque and quiet narrow streets, you will look at beautiful churches, you will quench your thirst in stone fountains and you will taste the delicious products produced by the inhabitants of the village. Climb up to Paliokastro, home to the chapel of Agios Nektarios, to admire the village from above and enjoy the view that reaches the Corinthian Sea and the peaks of Parnassos, Giona and the Peloponnese mountains. Five minutes from the village, there is Arvanitsa, a wonderful recreation area in a green landscape full of fir trees, where there is a cafe-restaurant and a playground.
