Looking for a hide away for the weekend is not an easy task for the residents of Athens. Especially during winter, when most of the resorts favored by the well heeled Athenians require more than a few hours on the road.
Arachova at the bottom of mount Parnassos is a favorite choice but during the ski season it is unapproachable to most due to high prices and limited accommodation.
Naphplion is well known for its beautiful architecture and historical sites but in provides only limited access to the mountains that are especially attractive during the winter months.
Evia provides plenty of options and is easily approached regardless of the fact that it’s an island. But, to reach the mountainous regions you need a long drive in winding roads that are not always well maintained.
The best option is to head for the region of Corinthos, a short drive from Athens where the dense forest reaches the sea and the options for nature lovers are practically limitless.
Picturesque villages hide in the folds of the gentle slopes, there is a ski resort with ample amenities for beginners and families and the gulf of Corinthos beneath provides breathtaking views.
There are plenty of villages where one can stay and a multitude of accommodation choices, from bungalows to hotel rooms. The most well known is Trikala. But Kastania is by far the best option for people that have travelled the region.
The few houses are built of stone and the village square is beautiful and welcoming. People who travel with children will be positively surprised by the fact that the youngsters can roam without supervision allowing them time to enjoy a few hours of relative peace.
Your best option for staying is in a traditional B&B that provides for all your basic needs. If possible ask for a room or a suite with a fireplace -there are quite a few.
Kastania is only a short distance from some major mature sites that you are well advised to visit. Lake Stymphalia is only one of them. In greek mythology it was the site of one of the best known adventures of the invincible hero Hercules and today and it retains a good portion of its magical atmosphere. You can see, depending on the time of the year, rare wild birds that find respite here during their long voyage from the northern shores of Africa to the European north.
Near the lake there is a small museum dedicated to the local environment which can be very pleasurable and enlightening to visit.
Watch the video:
{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgUFynRuyyE}
