Galery

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St Valentine’s, the day of lovers, is a good reminder that love should be experienced every day rather than only celebrated on 14 February. This is why we would like to offer you five destinations for a romantic weekend. These are places you can visit throughout the year and enjoy solitude, comfort, and…. the power of love.

Monemvasia: hand in hand in the castle

This is a place with strong romantic spirit that will make you feel as if you are in another era. Yannis Ritsos’ Monemvasia is a place favoured by couples. Stone stairways, narrow streets, fairy houses, arches, churches and magnificent sea views from the upper city and Hagia Sofia: this is enough to create a mood for celebrating Valentine's Day. And if on top of all that we put the wonderful food in taverns or restaurants, and a stay in some of the big old houses in town, you get all the makings of a genuine love weekend's in Monemvasia.

Nafpaktos: some mountain, some sea and the one you love

About 2.5 km away from Athens, Nafpaktos easily makes the grade for a romantic weekend. There is a mountain here and sitting by the fireplace; but there is also the sea for romantic walks. The town’s castle, especially when it's lit during the night, adds an air of mystique. A stroll in Aphrodite’s neighbourhood and to the "fountain of love" will put some more strokes in the love scene. And if after all these walks and lovemaking you have some time left, relax a little in the traditional café at the central square.

Galaxidi: love against the backdrop of the sea

216 km away from Athens, Galaxidi is mostly a summer destination. But it is exactly what couples escaping the city might wish for. The traditional hues, the old stone houses, the cobbled streets are enough to make you feel released from the urban environment and the dreariness of concrete. Stroll along the beach, starting from Yanti and reach the foot of the hill with the statue of the sailor's wife. She is bidding goodbye to her husband, who sails away on the ship. When you get hungry from so much walking, you can try mussel pilaf, stuffed squid or the traditional local dish kelemia (onion bulbs stuffed with minced meat).

Karpenisi: 11 shades of ... green

Winter scenery, idyllic routes, a fireplace, quiet, noise, sports ... In Karpenisi will find everything you want. You can enjoy nature in all its glory, with running water, fir or plane or many other species of trees. Or you can rest more vigorously by skiing at Mt. Reluchi. The rich vegetation and traditional architecture will enchant you and will give another colour to your romantic walks. Green.

Lake Plastira: love in the mist

Lake Plastira in Karditsa region is a long way from Athens, but once you get there, you'll find that these 300 km were entirely worth the drive. There is something definitely non-Greek about the way this place looks. The fog makes the atmosphere even more mysterious, and quaint villages, e.g. Neochori, Kerasea, Kalivia or Kryoneri will welcome you with a wonderful small hotels overlooking the lake. The more athletic among you can enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, mountaineering, etc. Love sometimes needs a bit of effort!