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The long weekend is the perfect opportunity to escape from everyday life, relax and be reminded of the beauty of Greece. The sun is shining and the choices of destination for a weekend getaway are many.

Kalavrita: a historic town with excellent tourist infrastructure

Kalavrita is located in the mountainous region of Achaia, surrounded by greenery, (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=1942201). It is a historic city that suffered, in the most brutal way, from the Germans' revenge during the occupation. It was here that the Greek Revolution started in 1821.

Today, Kalavrita atrtracts tourists during the winter, since it provides facilities for winter tourism and an organized ski resort, but it is worth visiting in other seasons, too. From here you can visit two historic monasteries - Agia Lavra and Megalou Spileou (the Monastery of the big cave), as well as the Cave of the lakes near the village of Castro. Be sure to also visit the Gorge of the Vouraikos River, through which one of the most beautiful train routes in Greece passes.

How to get there: by car, on the Athens-Patras highway using the exit for Kalavrita at Diakofto. Kalavrita is 188 km from Athens and the trip takes about 2.5 hours.

Parnassos: a mountain that has a bit of everything

This is one of the highest mountains in Greece, and is directly related to Greek history and mythology, mainly through the most important sanctuary of ancient Greece - the Delphic oracle. The landscapes are unique; some are organized for tourists, while others are wild. The ski resort is the largest in Greece. The most popular and secular place is Arachova on mount Parnassos (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=1902618), "the winter Mykonos" at an altitude of 940 m.

However, Parnassos is not only Arachova. There you will find many other beautiful villages at the foot of the mountain, such as Polidrossos, Amfiklia (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=2095435), Agoriani, Elatia and Delphi. Choose the best for you and spend a long weekend there.

How to get there: the advantage of Parnassos is that it is located in central Greece, near Athens, Lamia and Patras. Arachova is about 170 km northwest of Athens, and it can be reached in about 2 hours.

Zagorohoria: 46 beautiful villages at the foot of Pindos

This is a network of 46 villages scattered at the foot of Pindos northeast of Ioannina. The Zagorohoria (villages of Zagora) are picturesque and boast boundless natural beauties. They are divided into north, west, east and south of Zagora and all have something unique. Some have a relaxed and traditional atmosphere, others are in the woods, or have incredible views. They all come together in a single unit with beautiful scenery, forests, peaks, crystal clear rivers and lakes (at an altitude of 2050 m.)

Vikos Gorge (one of the most impressive, deepest and largest gorges in the world) is also worth seeing.

If you visit the Zagorohoria, you will admire the local cuisine and traditional dishes. Try the famous pies, sweets and meat dishes as well as the local red wine and brandy tsipouro.

You can spend the night in the villages of Papingo (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=1945043), Monodendri, Tsepelovo, Aristi and Ano Pedina, etc.

How to get there: From Ioannina, along the Ioannina-Konitsa highway, at the 19th kilometre you will see the fork to central Zagora. If you continue, you will see the fork to West Zagora.

Lake Plastira: the paradise of nature lovers

Although it is artificial, it has fully merged with the environment - dense forests of pines and chestnuts, with 650 species and subspecies of flora and fauna. With a length of 14 km, depth of 70 m, at an altitude of 750 m, today Lake Plastira (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=1886281) is a tourist destination that attracts many visitors. It is located 25 km from Karditsa (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=2291957) and offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and walks. Hotels, taverns, restaurants and traditional inns offer their services to visitors. The dam is also worth visiting.

How to get there: Karditsa is 300 km from Athens and Lake Plastira is 25 km of Karditsa. If you stay in the villages of Pezoula, Krioneri, Neohori and Beloukomiti –choose the route through Mitropoli towards Morfovouni. If you drive towards the dam - drive along the road to Kalitiro.

Kastoria: enchants visitors with its crystal clear waters of Orestiada

Wherever you go in Kastoria (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=1921350), you will end up near the lake. The city is built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 620 m. It is one of the most picturesque cities in Greece, with many Byzantine churches, Doltso square and large houses of wealthy furriers with workshops, as well as local dishes and the magical and spectacular nightlife. Walking along the lake you will see cormorants, gulls and many other birds.

All the villages in the district of the same name are also very beautiful, with traditional architecture and warm hospitality. The local food is known for its most delicious beans, wild mushrooms, chestnuts and cheese, as well as local brandy.

How to get there: Kastoria is 575 km from Athens (via Kozani) and 219 km from Thessaloniki. You can also fly there - the airport is 10 km from Kastoria.

Nafpaktos: welcomes the winter with a summer aura

The seaside town of Nafpaktos is located near Athens (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=1881257). It is an ideal destination for both long and short breaks. The favourite city of Venetians and Turkish conquerors who used to call it Lepanto and Enevahte is famous for its well-preserved acropolis which is unique in Europe, and which has 5 defensive zones, extending to the port. The magical view over the castle is great at night when it is illuminated by spotlights. You can have a coffee and enjoy the view over the bridge of Rio-Antirio and the Gulf of Corinth.

From the Gulf Coast, through the picturesque harbour and traditional homes, up to the green forests and mountain villages (www.clickatlife.gr/story.aspx?id=1904172), everything will fascinate you.

How to get there: to get to Nafpaktos, you have to drive to Rio and go over the bridge in Antirio, about 299 km from Athens. The mountainous area is 63 km from the city and there you will find very beautiful villages hidden in the forest.