Autumn and Christmas in Corinthia

When summer ends, Corinthia changes its face. The beaches empty, the mountains turn yellow and red, the grape harvest in Nemea has just finished and the fireplaces are lit in the mountain villages. It is the season for short getaways one hour from Athens, without the crowds.

October and November: the colours of the mountains

Lake Doxa, at 900 metres above Feneos, is the most photographed autumn landscape in Corinthia. The fir trees stay green, while the plane trees, oaks and chestnuts around the lake turn yellow and red. Walk out to the small chapel of Agios Fanourios on its little peninsula and continue to the village of Goura.

• Route: Feneos — a lake, fir forest and antiquity
• Guide to Lake Doxa and Feneos
• A little further east, Stymphalia with its wetland and the Environment Museum of Stymphalia.

Nemea after the harvest

Nemea is the largest PDO red wine zone in Greece and the home of the Agiorgitiko grape. In autumn the vineyards turn golden red and the wineries have just filled their tanks. Many welcome visitors for tastings, usually by appointment, so call before you go.

• Nemea wine tour guide
• Nemea harvest and autumn
• A weekend in the wine villages
• Combine it with Ancient Nemea and the Temple of Nemean Zeus.

December and January: snow on Mount Ziria

Mount Ziria (Kyllini) is the second-highest mountain in the Peloponnese and turns white in winter. On its slopes, Trikala Korinthias with its three districts is the favourite winter destination of the region: stone houses, plane trees in the square, fireplaces and views over the Corinthian Gulf. The Ziria ski centre opens when there is enough snow.

• Route: Trikala and Ziria in two days
• Guide to Trikala Korinthias
• To stay with a view of Ziria: Pleiadon Gi Mountain Resort & Spa. For charcoal grills by the fireplace: To Polychoro taverna.

Warm waters in Loutraki

Winter is the best season for the thermal springs of Loutraki: warm water inside, cold air outside, and none of the summer crowds. See our guide to the thermal baths and spas.

Archaeological sites without queues

Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth are far more pleasant in the cool weather of autumn and winter. From November the archaeological sites switch to winter opening hours and close earlier, so check the times before you set off.

Epiphany at Lake Doxa

On 6 January, the feast of Epiphany, the blessing of the waters takes place at Lake Doxa, next to the chapel of Agios Fanourios. A good reason to end the holidays in the mountains.

Holiday excursions departing from Kiato

If you would rather travel over the holidays without driving, see the organised excursions departing from Kiato. The list updates automatically.

Winter tips

• Before driving up to Feneos, Trikala or Ziria, check the forecast and the road conditions. Snow chains are needed when it snows.
• For Christmas and New Year, book mountain accommodation early: it fills up fast.
• Some tavernas and guesthouses open only at weekends in winter. Call before you go.

Read also: Corinthia in winter: why the off-season is worth it.