Imagine having breakfast on the terrace of your Greek home while gazing out at the sea, before driving through stunning scenery to spend the day having fun on the ski slopes. In Greece, skiing has become a popular winter alternative to swimming in the sea. While a dip in sparkling blue waters on a sunny day is hard to beat, it does make a refreshing change to drive into the mountains to see the snowy panoramic views.
Greek ski resorts are having an exceptional season this year, with people flocking to see the snow. In the Peloponnese, the Kalavrita ski resort has reported visitor numbers exceeding 15,000 a day [1]. Coincidently, the resort has just spent €22m upgrading its infrastructure (partly with money from the EU). They also plan to invest in artificial snow and turn the mountain into an all-season destination, with events all through the year.
Although most tourists think of Greece as a beach destination, they are beginning to realise that the country is also one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, with 15 ski resorts. In winter, most visitors arrive at Athens airport. For them, it is convenient to be able to jump in a car and drive straight to their accommodation. Fortunately, the two Peloponnese ski resorts are not only the nearest to Athens, but also within driving distance. They are also close enough to the sea that you can swim and ski on the same day.
Ski at Kalavrita, swim at Trapeza
Kalavrita ski centre on Mount Hemos is considered to be one of the best ski resorts in Greece. Located in the northern Peloponnese, it can easily be reached by car. Amazingly, Kalavrita boasts 25 kilometres of ski slopes, offering a thrilling experience for skiers of all levels. There are eight ski lifts to sweep you up to 14 exciting ski runs, located at an altitude of 1,700 metres and 2,340 metres.
Kalavryta is one of 15 ski resorts in Greece (image: Xydas Yiannis via Shutterstock)
As you pause to take in the breathtaking panoramic view across the deep blue Gulf of Corinth, consider the other fun activities on offer. You can choose to go snowboarding, off-trail skiing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, moguls, or sledging with the children. If you fancy your chances of becoming the next James Bond, you can even practice jumping on a snowmobile and experience the exhilarating feeling of zooming through the snow.
The ski centre has all the modern facilities to cater for the 150,000 visitors to the area each year. There are ski shops, restaurants, a cafe and a medical centre. The ski centre is open from December to April, but the mountain area is open for mountaineering, mountain biking and horse riding throughout the year. It is a dream location for hikers too, with trails passing through a gorge, lakes, springs, a waterfall and the unusual “Cave of lakes” in Kastria. Another unique sight is the Helmos Observatory, which has the second-largest telescope in continental Europe.
Kalavrita area
Within the municipality of Kalavrita there are many villages and hamlets, offering a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. Kalavrita town is a romantic location, with picturesque cafes and tavernas and charming little squares and stones houses. You will find two-bedroom apartments here priced at around €150,000 and two-bedroom houses from €200,000. When the summer temperatures rise to over 30°C (86°F) on the coast, it is pleasant to retreat to the mountains, where it can be as much as six degrees Celsius cooler.
Swim in the Gulf of Corinth
Just an hour’s drive from the ski slopes, you can swim in the turquoise blue seas of the Gulf of Corinth. The nearest seaside village is Trapeza, which is in an elevated position with stunning sea views. Down the hill, you can park right behind Pounta beach, then it’s just a hop, skip and a jump into the beautiful clear waters. Sea temperatures in January are between 14°C (57.2°F) and 17°C (62.6°F). In August it reaches over 26°C (78.8°F).
Along the coast, heading towards Corinth, there is a varied coastline with pebble beaches and a sprinkling of houses by the sea and in villages on the hills above. These hillside villages with their traditional stone houses have some of the most spectacular sea views. The nearest town is Xylokastro, where you will find more shops, and further towards Corinth there are the small towns of Kiato and Velo.
Weather along the Gulf of Corinth
August is the warmest month of the year with an average temperature of 25.5°C (77.9°F). The lowest average temperatures occur in January, when it is around 6.6°C (44.0°F).
Property prices near the sea
A two-bedroom sea view house in Trapeza costs around €180,000. Close to the sea in Diakopto, it is possible to find a two-bedroom house for as little as €165,000. Along the coast there are two-bedroom apartments for €125,000 and two-bedroom houses with a sea view and pool for €445,000. Two-bedroom apartments in Xilokastro start under €50,000 and houses €80,000. (All prices are a rough guide based on what was for sale on 27/01/2025)
This large house in Aigio, has views to the sea and mountains
Sea and mountain views from this three-bedroom house above Xylokastro for just €260,000
How to get to Trapeza and Kalavrita
Trapeza is positioned on the national road that runs along the north coast of the Peloponnese. It offers a fast driving route from Patras (42 minutes), Corinth (48 minutes) and Athens (1 hour 30 minutes). Trains and buses follow a similar route.
Patras is the largest town in the north Peloponnese and the third-largest in Greece. From its port you can catch ferries to Italy and the Ionian islands. Close by is the famous Rio-Antirrio cable bridge, which connects the Peloponnese to mainland Greece.
Once at Trapeza you can drive to Kalavrita in about an hour. Alternatively, you can catch the Snow Bus from Athens all the way to the ski centre. If you prefer to let the train take the strain, you are sure to be enchanted by the Odontotos Cog railway. This line has carried passengers from the coastal town of Diakofto to Kalavrita since 1896. The tooth rack rail allows the cogwheels on the train to climb up the steep slope, passing through the Vouraikos Gorge, crossing bridges and cutting through rock faces.
Ski at Mainalo, swim at Nafplio
Mainalo is one of the oldest ski areas in Greece. Since it opened in 1965, it has become much loved for its natural beauty and traditional Greek atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking at other times of year.
The Mainalo ski resort is smaller than Kalavrita but is very picturesque. It is particularly popular with families in the local area, as well as people from Nafplio, Tripoli, Athens, Kalamata and Sparta, who mainly come for the day or a weekend.
Renovation work in 2024 has improved facilities at the chalets, which serve hot drinks and typical dishes of Arcadia. On selected dates they have also introduced music at the Summit Lodge.
The Ski slopes of Mainalo
The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,560 and 1,800 metres and is set up for skiing and snowboarding. There are seven slopes, most of which are easy. But there are also three red and one black. In addition, there is a valley run and the possibility to ski at night. Two J-Bar lifts take you up the slopes and there is a tow rope for the children.
Even when the ski slopes are busy, families are happy throwing snowballs and sledding on a designated slope. Surrounded by nature, there are also many beautiful hiking trails to explore, such as the European Trail E4. The route takes you through a beautiful landscape of gorges and rivers.
Villages near the ski slopes
The surrounding villages are rich in culture, history and hospitality. You can try local delicacies at traditional cafes and tavernas, such as handmade pies, honey and Arcadian cheeses. They are all authentically Greek with stone-built houses and narrow streets.
The village of Vytina, known as “the bride of Mainalo”, is just 10 minutes from the ski resort. It is a charming place with traditional architecture. Then there is Levidi, with its cosy village atmosphere and rich culture. When you visit Dimitsana, it is like a journey back in time, with cobblestone streets, great food and a museum of hydropower. Finally, there is Stemnitsa, a picturesque traditional village with an air of nobility.
Property prices in the mountain villages
A stone house in a village can cost from €80,000. A detached two-bedroom house costs around €180,000. Prices vary a lot, depending on condition. For example, in Levidi you might find a house needing renovation for €100,000 and a beautifully finished house for €450,000.
Nafplio is about an hour’s drive from Mount Mainalos
Swim near Nafplio
As the crow flies, Mount Mainalos is not far from the sea, however, the road has to go around another mountain before reaching the Argolic Gulf. The mountain village of Levidi is about an hour’s drive from the beaches along the coast between Lerna, Nea Kios and the town of Nafplio. Nea Kios is a small fishing village with a great fish market and restaurants. Despite only having a population of 3,500, it has a big square where they hold festival events. In Nea Kios a two-bedroom apartment costs from €80,000.
Nafplio Coast
There are some great beaches and rocky coves around Nafplio, where you can swim in the warm waters of the Argolic Gulf. In December, the sea temperatures are between 15°C and 17°C (59°F and 62.6°F). However, in August it averages 26°C (78.8°F).
By the coast, there is a long nature path, with amazing sea views. Along the path you will come across a sea water swimming pool. Eventually, you arrive at the port of old town Nafplio, where you can see yachts and fishing boats. As well as a small castle in the bay, a large castle on the hill watches over the town.
Nafplio town
Nafplio is a great town for year-round living, with a mild winter climate. The month of July has the highest temperatures, with averages of 28.3°C (82.9°F). The lowest average temperatures occur in January, when it is around 8°C (46.4 °F).
The town has an old Venetian style and a reputation for being one of the most picturesque and romantic towns in Greece. It is a very walkable town, with lovely places to eat, shop, drink coffee and listen to music. Plus, on Wednesdays and Saturdays there is a fresh fruit and vegetable market that also sells wine, olives and honey at great prices. It’s perfect for picking up salad and fruit to take on a picnic trip to the beach.
Property prices in Nafplio
In Nafplio, a two-bedroom apartment can cost from €100,000 up to €600,0000. Two-bedroom houses sell for between €200,000 and €450,000.
Getting to Mainalon ski centre
From Athens airport it is a two-hour drive to Mainalon ski resort. From Corinth and Nafplio, it takes a little over an hour. Other towns you may want to travel from are Tripoli (35 minutes), Argos (48 minutes), Kalamata and Sparta (an hour and 20 minutes).
See more Greek properties for sale in the Peloponnese on our property search page.
Sources:
[1] Greek reporter
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