Christmas and New Year in Greece, at the Thrones of Meteora
Meteora Thrones, Mill of Elves | Christmas 2024 – New Year 2025
Looking forward to the Christmas and New Year Period? Here below you will find a Christmas and New Year proposal with information about some Christmas traditions in Greece.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Destinations: Trikala, Plastira lake, Meteora, Metsovo
Region: Thessaly, Epirus
Accommodation: Trikala, Kastraki or Kalambaka
Tour Language: English
Age range: 1-99 years old
Available on: Christmas and New Year
- A trip not only to Meteora but also to the wider area of beautiful Thessaly Visit to the photogenic Neraida, once the Spinasa of the fir trees, with an unlimited view of Lake Plastira, the artificial lake with magical beauty that is made even more beautiful by the Agrafa mountains that surround it.
- Visit to the dam, the implementation of the idea of General Nikolaos Plastiras, but also to Lamperos beach, with local products of the Plastira Lake Women’s Cooperative. Visit to Niochori, on the slope above Lake Plastira! Visit to the Great Meteoron and the monastery of Agios Stefanos.
- Meteora, the monastic tradition, the preserved and Protected Monument of humanity which, apart from the awe it causes, is also a unique setting for many movies. We mention “For Your Eyes Only” with James Bond climbing one of the six remaining monasteries, that of Saint Barlaam! A film that left an era! Visit to the Natural History Museum of Meteora and the Museum of Mushrooms: Two museums housed in an area of approximately 1100 sq.m.! A beautiful tour (individual expenses).
- On this trip we will admire one of the creations of Agios Vissarios, the bridge builder on the Pinios river! Pyli – Porta Panagia – Elati – Pertouli: The famous and traditional villages of Aspropotamos await us! Essentially crossing Pertouli, we are in the University Forest of Pertouli Trikala, which is a public forest, but also in the “Controlled Hunting Area of Koziakas”. The picturesqueness of the exquisite traditional villages, the green villages of Greece, will amaze you!
- Metsovo! The famous Epirus village of benefactors! His benefactors created the National Technical University of Metsov. Etymologically derived from the Slavic “metska” (bear) and “ovo” (village), the wine village with the best-known producer is the vineyard of the Averov family’s house and with the exquisite Art Gallery and the Folklore Museum! Visit to the Elf Mill.
- Festive dinner on Christmas / New Year’s Eve with food, drink and music.
- Accommodation at the Pantelidakis 3* hotel, in Trikala, to be close to the Mill of the Elves or at the Grand Meteora 5* to be next to the Meteora rocks.
Travel ID
A journey of exploration and getting to know the hidden beauties of Thessaly and Epirus land. Based in the beautiful Trikala, we minimize the distances for the intelligently planned excursions that will offer us different but equally exciting experiences.
The global natural phenomenon of Meteora with its overwhelming atmosphere and breathtaking views, the unique Metsovo mansion, the “European” Trikala, virgin vegetation, but also high gastronomy, all fit into this comprehensive and satisfying program, designed in from Athens Tours Greece Travel’s many years of experience in “different” journeys of essence, rare experiences and indelible memories.
The journey in a few lines:
A trip not only to Meteora but also to the wider area of beautiful Thessaly.
Natural Beauty at Plastiras Lake

Charming Town of Trikala and Plastira Lake
An early departure from Athens in the morning for Lake Plastira. This artificial lake is completely all-natural and it’s full of nice places.
Following that is a visit to the villages of Neraida and Niochori to the dam and the Lamperos beach.
Anyone wishing to make their own lunch can enjoy local wines and spirits and also have some grilled and stewed meats and trouts.
Next is the move to Trikala or Kastraki Kalambakas in Greece (depending on venue for a night).
I think it’s about time you enjoy the hotel and a night stay.
The holy rocks with the byzantine Monastery standing between Land, wind, and sky!

Meteora Thrones
Right after our morning meal, we head out to explore the enormous, monolithic cliffs of Meteora towering over the town of Kalambaka. This is an autobahn scenery to make for lands which is unlikely to be seen anywhere else. Visit to the Great Meteoron and Agios Stephanos Monastery for the climbing.
The Meteora Monasteries were built in the 14th century and are home to priceless religious artifacts and stunning Byzantine art. As the second-largest collection of Byzantine Monasteries in Greece after Athos, this UNESCO-protected wonder is an absolute must-see highlight of your tour.
Then the Natural Museum of Meteora and Mushrooms will be visited. Two distinctive museums at the same site, located in a 1100m plus surface area space of a quite imposing building.
After the museum tour, we will drive to Trikala and refresh at our hotel before heading to the largest Christmas village in Greece, known as the “Mill of the Elves“. Every year, adults and children alike are transported to a fairytale land filled with the spirit of Christmas.
Elf Mills

Elf Mills, Trikala
- Rich History: Elf Mills in Trikala has a fascinating history. It dates back to the 19th century and played an essential role in local agriculture.
- Cultural Significance: These mills are part of the region’s cultural heritage. They showcase traditional Greek craftsmanship and community life.
- Beautiful Scenery: The surrounding area is picturesque. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Pindus mountains and the lush valleys.
- Tourist Attraction: Elf Mills has become a popular tourist spot. It attracts visitors interested in history, nature, and traditional Greek architecture.
Each of these aspects contributes to the charm of Elf Mills, making it a must-visit destination in Trikala. Free evening and accommodation.
Resources:
Trikala The Best Christmas town of Greece

The Best Christmas town of Greece in 2024 is definitely Trikala.
To this day, in the whole of Greece, this small town is profuse most magnificent Christmas market. The place blooms with heavenly food and decorations, with treats and lanterns and all the yuletide paraphernalia. Best holiday compositions are set around The Mill of the Elves, or in Greek, Μύλος των Ξωτικών. It looks like a Christmas Tomorrowland – every detail is wonderful and exciting. You can find more information about outstanding Christmas bazaars in Trikala, Greece, in this article.
After breakfast, we commence our city tour, and endure a variety of cultural institutions based in the territory most distinguished by the presence of the famouscarer Asclepius.
The city, or rather the area, is almost entirely located within the confines of the Litheos river, which is to say its hills give way to the soothing embrace of the river.
It ticks all the boxes of being an iconic place of worship, requiring well-integrated efforts from all musicians, singers and their fans alike; and consists of beautiful structures as a sign of unity in the Litheos river.
Next travel to Metsovo!
Metsovo: A Picture-Perfect Destination Nestled in the Greek Mountains

Immersing Yourself in the Rich History and Scenic Beauty!
We travel further, wishing to visit one of the most beautiful places in Greece, Metsovo has identity crisis. That other restored village attests to the birth of the rural progress association. It’s a place that will definitely charm visitors no matter the time of year.
Although in the cupola establishment there is a renewed manse fashioned by the family of Tositsa, here the Metsovo Folk Art Museum is built. Apart from above, in the Averof Gallery (named after Evangelos Averof originally from Metsovo), there is an exposition of Redemption, clearly specifed, with great paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries created by Greek artists, along with a big handful of sculpture and engravings.
We will finally taste what the region is most famous for besides its frankincense and scorpion beans, and we will take a splendid walk around the traditional goods stores. Transfer to the hotel with accommodation assured for a night.
The Ultimate Adventure Destination for Nature Enthusiasts

Greece’s Hidden Gem Waiting to be Discovered!
Breakfast and we start for Trikala Gate. It is the entrance to the gorge that leads to the mountain villages of Pindos.
The Portaikos river flows through the village, which then flows into Pinios. On the bank of the river we will meet the Byzantine church of Porta Panagia.
Continuing next to the river we will reach Elati, one of the most popular tourist destinations of Trikala. It is built at an altitude of 880 to 950 m and of course it is located in the… fir trees.
Just above the village dominates the mountain Koziakas, which has an altitude of 1,900 m. Pertouli is a fairy-tale village, also built among fir trees.
Slowly and full of wonderful images we will make our way back to Athens with intermediate stops.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- During the winter season, the weather is an incalculable factor, which we must take into account and act accordingly.
- The program as well as the opening hours in places whose program is approved by the municipalities of each region, are subject to any changes.
Greek Christmas Facts | New Year’s Eve in Greece
- Christmas day in Greece is celebrated on the 25th of December. The date differs from other Orthodox countries that celebrate Christmas in January.
- New Year’s Eve in Greece is often a bigger celebration than Christmas. That’s the official day of gift exchanging.
- Presents are brought on New Year’s day by Saint Basil, rather than Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus.
- On January 6, Greeks celebrate the Theophany, rather than the Epiphany. This day is also called “Phota”.
Included
- Transfers/transfers by air-conditioned coach during the tour.
- Three nights at Pantelidakis Hotel 3* in Trikala or Grand Meteora, Kastraki Kalambakas (choice of accommodation or similar).
- Rich breakfast and dinner daily (3 breakfasts and 3 dinners).
- Christmas and New Year’s Revival (part of half board) with music and drinks package (wine, beer, soft drinks).
- Transportation & guided tours as detailed in the program.
- Experienced driver leader/attendant of our office.
- Liability insurance.
They are not included
- Entrance to museums, parks and attractions
- Meals not described in the program Drinks during dinners (with except for the New Year’s Eve only)
- Personal expenses Accommodation tax payable locally
- Anything not mentioned in the program and included Important observations
- With your reservation you need to send a photocopy of your ID.
- With your reservation, please tell your travel advisor if you want a double bed or two singles so that it can be requested from the hotel (we request it from the hotel, it is entered as a priority and given upon availability).
- The office bears no responsibility.
- You also inform us if there is any allergy or dietary habit or anything else we need to know for the best execution of the program, e.g. a mobility problem, etc.
- In case of any special dietary requests, e.g. lactose-free, gluten-free, etc., it is not certain that the hotel or the restaurant can provides it.
- Limited number of single & triple rooms, please contact your travel advisor first.
- The flow of the program may change even during your stay, if necessary.
- Entrances to caves, archaeological sites, museums, etc. are not included. In Greece there are special discounts according to age etc. they are paid individually locally and you should have an ID or proof with you with which you can get a discount.