Five Autumn Wonders of Northern Greece

Monastery of Meteora. Photo: Apostolos Zafeiriou

What comes to mind when you mention Greece?

The picture-perfect island of Santorini? The packed summer beaches of Mykonos? Or the temples and monuments of Athens?

But look at a map of this huge nation of islands, and you’ll notice one glaring omission – it’s huge northern mainland!

Despite being famed for its islands – something that has unfortunately led to overtourism – northern Greece is frequently overlooked by most travellers.

And what a shame, because it has some of its most jaw-dropping sights, particularly during autumn, when fiery pines, golden oaks and rust-red beeches make their grand entrance.

Let’s take a walk into the peaks, rivers and lakes of northern Greece – autumn-style!

Pindos & Vikos-Aoos National Parks

Vikos Gorge in Autumn. Photo: Feri & Tasos

Located in the far northwestern region of Epirus, Pindos and Vikos-Aoos are the twin geological wonders of Greece.

Pindos or the Northern Pindos National Park is a huge swathe of forested valleys that shelters a vast variety of species such as bear, birds and otters. Known as one of Greece’s coldest areas, it hosts stunning shades of green, gold and brown during the fall months.

The other half of Pindos is Vikos-Aoos – a UNESCO-recognized geopark that boasts spectacularly sheer cliffs and unbelievably breathtaking gorges.

Standing tall above all of them is Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest and arguably most gargantuan gorges in the world. Its monumental size is the perfect canvas for autumn, which paints a fiery streak of trees down the central ravine.

Meanwhile, Aoos Gorge boasts narrower, rugged ravines shrouded in wild shrubland cloaked in golden leaves during fall.

The southern fringes of the park are also home to quaint wonders such as the austere stone monastery of Agia Paraskevi and its cliffside perch as well as the picturesque arches of the Lazaridi and Plakidas bridges over the Voidomatis River.

How to Get Here

As public transport is difficult in rural Epirus, hiring a car or tour guide in Athens or the regional city of Ioannina is the best way to go, with the former having more choice.

After that, make your way towards one of three entrances into the park in the west, southeast and east.

For more details, check out the Pindos Park official page.

Trikala City

Trikala’s Central Bridge. Note the Asclepius Bridge and the waterfalls behind it. Photo: C messier

Towards the southeast in Western Macedonia, almost at the heart of mainland Greece, lies the modest town of Trikala.

But don’t let it’s looks deceive you, for it hides some of Greece’s most underrated urban autumn attractions.

Fed by the Lithaios River, the “River of Forgetfulness” from Greek myth, the town naturally features many bridges spanning its impressive breadth.

Among these, the steel Central Bridge is a must-see thanks to its night lights and relaxing views. There’s also the Asclepius Bridge’s statue as well as the twin waterfalls cascading beneath it. Make sure to get a shot of the bridges being flanked by fall leaves!

The clocktower at the Byzantine Castle. Photo: Meteora Trip

Meanwhile, atop a hill is the ancient Byzantine Castle, still lording over the town all these centuries later. Its patchwork of Roman, Greek and Ottoman walls guard a handsome clocktower as well as a classic Roman amphitheatre –landmarks that only grow more alluring in autumn’s embrace.

Turkey also has countless relics from its days as the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire. Check out our Time Travelling Itinerary Through Turkey for more.

Those looking for a seasonal attraction can head towards the Matsopoloulous Mill. During late autumn, when the frost of winter comes knocking, the unassuming mill-turned-cultural centre hosts a Christmas market and festivals in its grounds.

Paleokarya Bridge. Photo: Visit Thessaly

For those willing to look a little further, there’s also the Paleokarya Bridge to the southwest of Trikala, a stone bridge spanning not one, but two waterfalls – well worth a sightseeing day trip! (Note: As of October 2025, the stone bridge is undergoing renovations with visible scaffolding and will not be accessible)

How to Get Here

Intercity buses via the KTEL service can take you from Athens or Thessaloniki to Trikala. For more info, take a look at the KTEL website.

Meteora

Just a few dozen kilometers northwest of Trikala lies a miraculous sight.

Monumental slabs of stone jut out of the forested autumn hills, bucking and undulating with the waves of the earth. Not only that, crowning these hulking rocks are impossible monasteries that look like a scene out of fantasy fiction.

Welcome to Meteora.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meteora is a larger-than-life town watched over by a group of six monasteries perched atop grand sandstone rock formations.

Dating back to the 11^th century BC, these Orthodox churches were built at such difficult heights to seclude hermit monks from the outside world while protecting them from war.

Today, six of these twenty-four monasteries are open to visitors, offering unparalleled views of the Western Macedonian countryside.

The landscape turns magical during the cool autumn months, when the cool, bare rock cuts a stark and memorable contrast with the warm fall colours below.

The Great Meteoron Monastery is the largest and oldest among Meteoron’s clifftop monasteries, serving as an inspiration and catalyst for all the other monasteries. Meanwhile, the Varlaam Monastery is the home of some of the most colourful and exquisite frescoes in Greek Orthodox Christianity.

Holy Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Photo: Visit Meteora

Back on ground level in the town of Kalabaka, there’s also the Holy Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in the town’s old quarter. Here, a raised ambo pulpit -a common sight in early Christianity – is bathed in the warm gaze of Christian saints and emperors, immortalized eternally in mural.

Can’t afford an overseas UNESCO site right now? Malaysia has SEVEN World Heritage Sites for you to check out!

How to Get Here

Hellenic Train services from Athens and Thessaloniki can take you to Kalabaka Train Station. From there, a bus or taxi ride can get you to all six main monasteries, with a short hike needed.

Do note that there is a dress code for all the monasteries: covered shoulders are required while women should wear skirts. Outfits are available to borrow or purchase, but it’s best to dress modestly or bring some extra clothing.

Meteora Monasteries: 5 Euro Admission Fee

Holy Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary: 2 Euro Admission Fee

Mount Olympus

If there’s one name that anyone with a passing interest in Greek mythology will recognize, it’s Mount Olympus.

The home of the Greek pantheon of gods, Mount Olympus has long inspired reverence and awe ever since the first Greek empires rose up in antiquity.

And why wouldn’t it? It’s remarkable size and the prominence of Mytikas or Nose Peak still inspires many challengers to this day.

Although summiting Mount Olympus in autumn is possible, the frequent mist and rain and the moderately challenging climb itself limits its appeal to climbing enthusiasts or professionals.

Prionia – Spilios Agapitos Refuge route. Photo: The Mount Olympus

Still, there’s no need to despair at your mountaineering abilities because the surrounding villages and hiking trails provide more than enough views of the peaks alongside autumn adventures.

Speaking of hiking trails, The Prionia – Spilios Agapitos Refuge route is arguably the most popular hiking route due to it passing through woodlands filled with classic fall trees like pine, oak and chestnut.

Enipeas Waterfall. Photo: Visit Central Macedonia

Alternatively, the Prionia – Agio Spilaio – Agios Dionysios Monastery route takes you to the serene Enipeas Waterfall as well as ancient monasteries and hermitages – all while surrounded by the cool twilight of fall.

Back in the world of mortals, the nearby town of Litochoro town provides small tourist town vibes with its brick belltower, cobblestone streets and museums.

Autumn is also harvest time, especially for the regions renowned Rapsani wine which is native to its namesake town of Rapsani. Sit among the fall leaves, give your glass and down it all as you gaze up at the cloudy peaks of Mount Olympus.

Hungry for more hiking? Try the trails full of quarries and ridges at Japan’s Mount Nokogiri!

How to Get Here

Buses from Thessaloniki depart frequently for Litochoro. You can also take a train from Athens to Katerini before transferring to a bus to Litochoro.

Kastoria

Although fall isn’t the best time for beach-hopping in Greece, it’s the perfect time for Kastoria!

Sitting on a peninsula jutting out towards the middle of the Lake Orestiada, Kastoria is the quintessential fall experience of northern Greece, with golden leaves draped over lakeside parks, Byzantine churches and spooky caves.

Starting off with Lake Orestiada itself, the best way to enjoy its its placid waters is to take a 2-hour loop on the narrow promenade from south to north.

After you manage to tear yourself away from the waterfront promenade lined with beech and plane trees, take a plunge into the depths at Dragon’s Cave, an otherworldly spot filled with seven whole subterranean lakes and caverns.

View of Lake Orestiada from the Hill of Prophet Elijah. Photo: Tripadvisor

Next, make sure to climb the Hill of Prophet Elijah to its peak to witness the golden trees and the Panagia Mavriotissa Holy Monastery below give way to the lakes’ sapphire blue waters and gleaming Greek towns on the opposite bank.

Kastoria is also a region rich in religious heritage, as seen by the more than 60 Byzantine churches that dot the peninsula and the mainland.

Noteworthy churches include the tiny, cottage-like Panagia Koumpelidik built during the 9 – 11^th centuries. There’s also the Holy Church of Saint Nicanor, which features a vibrant and striking brick-red palette. What’s more surprising is that it was built only recently!

Malaysia also features many elegant churches unique to our climate and history, some of which feature in our article on Malaysia’s Ten Most Beautiful Churches.