10 Distinctive Mountain Guesthouses in Greece

Traditional accommodations with warm atmosphere that offer magical mountain views.

During the coldest period of the year, we choose to take a journey through Greece via select guesthouses. These are warm corners full of warmth and tranquility that everyone seeks for the few days they want to escape from the city.

It's an experience, next to a fireplace, beside a window with a view, with a warm aromatic coffee or herbal tea accompanying the moments.

We select and present to you guesthouses in emblematic locations throughout the country, in areas that can function as bases for beautiful nature attractions.

1. Ruista Tzoumerka Resort

Six independent buildings of traditional architecture, at the entrance to Tzoumerka National Park, constitute Ruista Tzoumerka Resort, with 21 spacious rooms. Each has its own layout, while dominant materials are stone and wood.

In the cafe with the large fireplace you'll enjoy coffee or drinks, while you'll have the opportunity to taste homemade liqueurs and sweets with mountain views. Breakfast includes traditional options with quality raw materials. The complex also has outdoor calisthenics gym, playground, basketball court, and ping pong area, while it organizes jeep tours and guided tours in the region.

Info: Vourgareli, Tzoumerka, www.rouista.com

2. Astra Inn, Papingo

In an emblematic Zagorochorio village, Papingo, we find the Astra guesthouse which consists of four independent residences, characteristic examples of local architecture. With views of the Astraka towers, the stay becomes special, and the visitor manages to relax and enjoy their vacation. At the eponymous restaurant, you'll enjoy your breakfast, but also lunch and dinner with homemade recipes and emphasis on local specialties.

Info: Papingo Zagoriou, www.astra-inn.gr

3. Soulioti Mansion, Metaxohori

On the slopes of Kissavos, in the known "village of artists" in Metaxohori Agias Larissa, among streams and plane trees, is the Soulioti Mansion. The building housing the guesthouse was constructed in the 19th century and is designated a listed building. The conversion into a guesthouse was done with respect for the building's historicity in balance with visitor comfort, and resulted in six rooms and on the ground floor a living room area with fireplace. The auxiliary building, which in the past they used either as a warehouse or stable, today has been converted into the junior suite. Breakfast is traditional, while there's also the possibility for culinary lessons of traditional Greek cuisine, tours in the surrounding area, and alternative activities.

Info: Metaxohori, Agia, www.souliotismansion.com

4. Vasiliki Guesthouse, Steni Evia

We move to Steni Evia at 400 meters altitude, where at the entrance to the settlement is the Vasiliki guesthouse. Wood and stone are the main construction materials of the guesthouse, which decoratively balances between traditional and contemporary. The guesthouse has 15 rooms, while visitors will enjoy high-level services. Breakfast includes traditional handmade flavors that will make you start your day in the ideal way.

Info: Steni Evia, www.vasilikiguesthouse.gr

5. Xenios Ano Hora, Oreini Nafpaktia

We climb the slopes of Pindos to find the 13 independent chalets of the Xenios complex, which are constructed entirely from Finnish logs. We're in Mountainous Nafpaktia, in a place where natural grandeur is expressed with thousands of chestnuts and walnuts. The chalets have fireplaces and will be the ideal destination for all those who want to calm down, away from everyday habits. In the stone-built common area operates a restaurant where breakfast is served, as well as meals with traditional recipes like wild boar stew, wine-cooked rooster, and pies with handmade phyllo.

Info: Ano Hora Oreinis Nafpaktias, www.anohora.com

6. Prespa Guesthouse, Agios Germanos

We're in one of the most beautiful and mystical places in Greece. We're in one of the most authentic regions, protected by international treaties. We walk in the settlement of Agios Germanos, a breath away from the Prespa Lakes. Wood, stone, respect for tradition but also the sense of familiarity, warmth, and coziness are the basic ingredients of the guesthouse which consists of 10 rooms. The fireplace is also a basic element of the experience around which the hospitality experience is set up. Meanwhile, a series of activities next to the unique Prespa biotope, like hiking, bird watching, boating on the lake, visits to traditional settlements with Byzantine monuments, transform your trip into an indelible experience.

Info: Agios Germanos Prespon, www.prespa.com.gr

7. Viglatorion, Ano Poroia

It once functioned as a khan which was a station for camel drivers who with caravans started from Constantinople and reached the Monastery, in today's Bitola, transporting goods. We're in beautiful Ano Poroia hidden in greenery on the slopes of Veles. Specifically at the traditional Viglatoras guesthouse. It has eight rooms of traditional architecture and decoration. It follows the typology of an old mansion, while inside the space are placed several antiques, characteristic examples of various eras, that keep pace with the history of the space but also of the settlement in general. Breakfast is a special experience as it includes homemade pies, cakes, homemade jams and spoon sweets from fruits of the region, as well as selections from herbs that grow here.

Info: Ano Poroia, www.viglatorashotel.com

8. Kefalari Mansion, Mountainous Korinthia

The "Kefalari Mansion" is located in the village of Kefalari in Mountainous Korinthia, with the building's history starting in 1880, when Georgios Roumpekas, resident of Kefalari, built this particular in architecture mansion, jewel of the region, under the shade of an ancient plane tree next to the village square. Over the years it lost its original splendor, until the current owners restored the mansion in respect to its history, preserving its traditional elements. Lace curtains, blown glass, iron beds, paintings and romantic style decoration items and much more create a hospitable and comfortable space. Breakfast includes local products like handmade jams, goat Zirios cheese, and trahana pie.

Info: Kefalari, www.arxontiko-kefalari.gr

9. Hotel Yliessa, Domnista

It's a beautiful wooden guesthouse on the southern slopes of Pindos, in Domnista Evrytania, at 1000 meters altitude. The Swiss-type chalet is constructed exclusively from natural materials, harmonized with nature. It consists of wooden logs and stone, while it has spacious rooms with all modern comforts. It owes its name to the Homeric word Yliessa, which means dense forest. This word can describe in the best way the natural landscape surrounding the guesthouse.

Info: Domnista Evrytanias, www.facebook.com/hotelyliessa/

10. Mansion 1716, Agios Lavrentios

We find it in Agios Lavrentios in Pelion, in one of the best-preserved settlements. Mansion 1716 was built in the early 18th century and constituted a stone fortress with battlements, while its typology is also unique, as it's three-room with wooden awning. The guesthouse has two suites as well as three rooms. Highlight of the guesthouse is the carved stone fireplace in the dining room, where quality breakfast is served with selected flavors of local cuisine.

Info: Agios Lavrentios Peliou, www.1716.gr

Common Questions

Where can I find this in Athens?

The Central Market (Varvakios Agora) on Athinas Street is the best starting point for any serious ingredient hunt in Athens. It's open weekday mornings and is genuinely one of the great food markets of Europe — chaotic, loud, and completely authentic. Go with a local if you can. I take people there on my Athens food walk.

What makes Greek versions of this different from what I've had elsewhere?

Greek cooking is obsessed with quality of ingredients, not complexity of technique. The olive oil is better. The tomatoes taste like tomatoes should. The feta is brined in whey, not plastic brine. When you eat the same dish in Greece vs. a Greek restaurant abroad, you're eating fundamentally different food.