7+1 Mountain Destinations to Visit with a Rental Car
With Christmas only a month away, mountain getaways are becoming more and more popular.
Mark the November weekends on your calendar, pack your scarf and sweatshirt, find the rental car that works for you and head out for an unforgettable mountain outing.
In case you have not yet decided on your destination, keep reading below to get some inspiration. Find enchanting destinations for car holidays and spend your winter weekends exploring mountain destinations in Greece.
With your Carwiz rental car you can discover all winter and autumn destinations near Athens. If you are looking for mountain destinations near Athens keep reading below for more ideas and suggestions.
#1. Parnassos
Parnassos is one of the most popular options for all those who enjoy winter and mountain travel and want to spend a few hours away from the city center in a picturesque winter scenery.
Remember that if you rent a car from Athens, you can explore the cosmopolitan city of Arachova or visit Delphi. In addition to all the above, you may as well visit the Parnassos ski resort for a short escape from your busy everyday life.
#2. Menalon
The area around Menalon can be visited throughout the year. Organize a mountain holiday and travel to Stemnitsa, Vytina and Dimitsana. Tour the traditional villages, visit impressive gorges and taste the local recipes.
Depending on the weather, you can hike on the Menalon trail to admire the lush fir forest.
#3. Helmos
For the winter sports enthusiasts and ski lovers, we suggest renting a car from Piraeus and driving to one of the top mountain destinations. If the slopes are not your thing you can head to Kalavryta in order to stroll around the picturesque village or visit the Municipal Museum of the Kalavrita Holocaust. If you have young children with you, take the Odontotos rack railway.
We leave behind us the Greek capital and continue our way up north to explore the most picturesque villages of Northern Greece.
#4. Megalo (Big) Papigo and Mikro (Small) Papigo
The Megalo (Big) and Mikro (Small) Papigo could be out of a fairy tale with fairies and elves. Traditional architecture, smoky fireplaces, stone-built alleys and a green forest that embraces the villages.
If sitting in the central square of the village and simply gazing at nature is not enough for you, note that you can go hiking in the Vikos Gorge, tour the Tymfi Dragon Lake and, of course, grab the chance to sit in a traditional tavern to taste local delicacies.
#5. Konitsa
Renting a car from Thessaloniki makes it very easy to reach Konitsa, which is just a few kilometers outside of Ioannina. Located at the foothills of Pindus, the settlement offers endless views of the high mountain peaks and the lush green landscape.
Take your time to tour the village and discover all hidden gems. Pass by the single-arched bridge of Konitsa, visit the Wine and Vine Museum and end your day by enjoying a glass of tsipouro.
#6. Olympus
Mount Olympus is worldwide known due to its mythological background and breathtaking natural surroundings. Greece's highest mountain peak offers breathtaking views all year long. However, just before the first snows fall is the perfect time to hike the mountain or simply enjoy the route from your car.
#7. Smolikas
Smolikas is the second highest Greek mountain peak after Mount Olympus. With Smolikas as your reference point, you can organize autumn excursions to the surrounding villages and lose yourself in the beauty of the mountain landscape.
Keep in mind that the villages around Smolikas are ideal for a three-day trip near Thessaloniki especially for families traveling with young children.
#8. Grammos
We are confident that you will not regret planning an excursion to Grammos. Exotic beauty that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Lakes, gorges and flowing waters complete the picture of the ultimate natural landscape.
A trip to the mountain requires organization and proper preparation. At Carwiz you will find a wide range of SUV cars. Find the one that suits you and set off on the ultimate winter adventure.