Winter sports and Greece don’t usually go hand in hand, but just north of the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast sits a mystical mountainous ski-village.
Away from the crowds of The Alps, Metsovo is tucked alongside the Pindus Mountains in Greece, drawing winter-sport enthusiasts from December to March.
The canopy of fog which drapes the village adds to its ethereal beauty, where visitors can swap apple strudel for feta pies and wooden cabins for disctinctive red roofs.
It’s hard to forget you’re in the mountains thanks to the serene sound of water running from moutain springs, which are directed into stone fountains you to drink from.
Describing it as the “jewel of Epirus”, Visit Greece hails the village on its website as a winter destination, saying: “Half hidden in the fog or wrapped in a snow blanket as winter sets in; Metsovo practically looks like a painting.
“Particularly during winter, the famous vlach village, birthplace of various national benefactors (Tositsas, Stournaras, Averof etc.), is Epirus’ beloved holiday destination.”
Even though it comes alive in the winter, Metsovo’s location along the Ionian shore and rich cultural heritage make it ideal for a holiday year-round.
Just twenty minutes away, the Aoos River Lake is a stunning place to go hiking, which you’ll hardly believe is manmade thanks to its diverse wildlife.
For stunning views of the Pindos Mountains, head to the Averoff Gardens which is full of beautiful flora and fauna of the region.
Greek cuisine is a proud part of the area, which you’ll be able to smell as you stroll the street. As suggested by its name, Metsovone smoked cheese is local to the area, and it would be rude not to sample the rich Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
The nearest airport is just under an hour away in Ioannina, or for a more scenic route, flights go to Thessaloniki from which you can take a five-hour train ride traverses through mainland Greece.