Fall foliage in Greece doesn’t get nearly as much attention as the country’s beaches and islands, but October and November can be beautiful in the mountains and forests.
I particularly enjoy traveling around Greece at this time of year, when the temperatures are cooler, the summer crowds have gone, and many mountain areas turn shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Here are some of my favorite places to see fall colors in Greece, from Pelion and Zagori to Kastoria and Kalavryta.
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Top Regions for Fall Foliage in Greece
The best fall colors in Greece are generally found in the mountainous regions of the mainland, particularly in Epirus, Western Macedonia, Thessaly, Central Greece, and the Peloponnese.
Timing varies with altitude and weather, but October and November are the main months to plan a fall foliage trip.
Ioannina City: Lakeside Melancholy (Epirus)
Ioannina in the fall has that introspective, poetic feel. The lake—Pamviotida—reflects golden leaves and low clouds. On chilly mornings, low clouds and mist often hang over the lake.
Take a walk around the lake under towering plane trees, their yellowing leaves falling gently into the water.
Take a short boat ride to the small island and explore its monasteries.
Insider tip: Pop into one of the cafés inside the old fortress walls. Order a hot chocolate or a rakomelo and watch the mist dance on the water.
Where to Stay: Kamares Historic Boutique Hotel & Spa or Stoes Boutique Hotel.
Zagori: Papigo & Monodendri (Epirus)
If I had to pick one place that truly captures the magic of fall foliage in Greece, it would be the Zagorochoria villages.
These 46 traditional stone villages are hidden in the Pindus mountains, and their fall colors are simply unforgettable.
Papigo, with its view of the Astraka Towers, is a dramatic mix of stone and sky.
In the fall, the surrounding woods catch fire in reds and golds. The Voidomatis River runs cold and clear, bordered by bright leaves.
Monodendri is perfect for a scenic walk to Vikos Gorge.
You’ll find a small stone path leading to Agia Paraskevi Monastery perched on a cliff. The view from there?
From here, you get wide views over the forests of Vikos Gorge, especially beautiful when the leaves change color.
Where to Stay: Papigo Towers or Arktouros Hotel (Monodendri).
Tzoumerka: Raw and Wild in Epirus
The Tzoumerka range (or Athamanika Mountains) feels untamed, and that’s part of its charm.
It has around 65 villages and some stunning nature. The forests here are dense with oaks, chestnuts, and maples.
The Kipina Monastery, built into the rock face, looks otherworldly against the changing leaves. Think ancient stone bridges, waterfalls, Byzantine churches, and old-charm Greek tradition.
My favorite moment? Driving through the Kalarrites–Syrrako trail when the afternoon light brings out the warm colors of the trees.
Bring a sweater, a sense of wonder, and a camera with plenty of memory.
Experience autumn in style at Gefiri Plakas Hotel or Orizontes Tzoumerkon Hotel Resort—both offer the perfect mix of comfort and charm.
Prespa Lakes & Quiet Villages (W. Macedonia)
Prespa Lake, straddling the borders of Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia, is one of the most peaceful places I’ve been.
The colors start early here—by late September, the wetlands and hills have already begun to shift.
You’ll spot migrating birds over the lakes, trees dressed in gold, and old stone houses bathed in warm light.
Don’t miss Agios Achillios, the island you can reach via a floating bridge. It’s an especially peaceful walk in fall, with the changing colors around the lake.
Book your stay at peaceful Agios Germanos or Agios Achillios.
Kastoria & Lake Orestiada (W. Macedonia)
I’ll admit it—Kastoria may be my favorite city in the fall.
The lake is stunning, especially in the early morning when the air is still and the trees are mirrored perfectly on the water’s surface.
Walk or bike along the lakeside trail, and you’ll pass by chestnut trees, plane trees, and old mansions with colorful gardens.
Visit the Monastery of Mavriotissa, built right on the water’s edge, and enjoy the silence broken only by birdsong and leaves crunching underfoot.
Stop by a café, grab a bougatsa, and just watch the world slow down.
Where to Stay: Orologopoulos Mansion or Guesthouse Filoxenia.
Lake Plastira (Thessaly)
Lake Plastira is beautiful in every season, but fall is when it steals your breath. The lake, surrounded by the Agrafa Mountains, reflects the flaming leaves like a mirror.
Take the loop around the lake—it’s around 70 km but worth every turn.
Stop in Neochori or Kalyvia Pezoulas for local wine and roasted chestnuts. The shoreline is surrounded by trees turning shades of yellow, orange, and red.
It’s peaceful, it’s poetic, and it’s one of Greece’s most underrated fall destinations.
Best Hotels to Stay: Archontiko Zakoni or Χρυσοπελεια – Chrisopeleia Lake View.
Want more travel tips for Greece in the fall? I’ve got a full seasonal guide here.
Pelion Peninsula (Thessaly)
Pelion isn’t just for summer holidays. In fact, fall is when it feels most alive to me.
Villages like Tsagarada, Milies, Makrinitsa, and Portaria are surrounded by apple orchards and chestnut forests, and the smell of fireplaces starts to fill the air by mid-October.
The kalderimi (old stone paths) lead you through forests full of golden and crimson leaves—sometimes with sweeping sea views in the distance.
Stop in a café, order a spoon sweet made of quince or chestnut, and watch the fog roll in over the rooftops.
Stay at Lions Nine or Sakali Mansion.
Want to see what Pelion looks like in fall? I filmed this walk through Makrinitsa in October, when the village and surrounding mountains were starting to show their autumn colors
Karpenisi: Mountain Town Magic (Central)
Karpenisi and its nearby villages form one of Greece’s most stunning mountain escapes for fall.
The scenery here feels endless—waterfalls crashing into gorges, streams rushing into rivers, stunning Kremaston Lake and little villages that look straight out of a postcard.
In autumn, the oak and chestnut forests turn golden, and the villages come alive with cozy tavernas, welcoming guesthouses, and that irresistible mountain charm.
Take a trip to Panta Vrechei Gorge or wander through Mikro and Megalo Chorio, where you can pause for a hearty meal while soaking up the fall colors.
You will leave with a full heart and a backpack filled with local cheese and walnut spoon sweets.
Stay at Epoches or Μαγεμένο Βουνό.
Kalavryta & Vouraikos Gorge (Peloponnese)
If you ride the Odontotos Railway, you will feel like a kid again.
This narrow-gauge train runs from Diakopto to Kalavryta, cutting through the Vouraikos Gorge—and in fall, it’s like passing through a living painting.
The journey takes you through forests, tunnels, and wooden bridges, all surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Once in Kalavryta, explore the historic sites, walk through the town square lined with trees, and visit Planitero for fresh trout in a riverside taverna. The maples here are some of the brightest I’ve seen.
Stay at Chalet Azanias Kalavryta or Alpine Aria.
FAQs
When is the best time to see fall foliage in Greece?
Mid-October to mid-November is usually the peak season, depending on the region and altitude.
How do I get to the best fall foliage spots in Greece?
Most destinations are best reached by rental car, though some (like Kalavrita) can be accessed by scenic train rides.
What should I pack for a fall foliage trip in Greece?
Layers, a warm jacket, hiking shoes, and a camera—temperatures can swing from mild afternoons to chilly evenings
Are these destinations crowded in the fall?
Generally, they are much quieter than Greece’s popular summer destinations.
However, well-known mountain towns and villages can get busy on weekends and public holidays, especially when the fall colors are at their best.
What local foods and drinks should I try in the fall?
Look for roasted chestnuts, mushroom dishes, local pies, spoon sweets, and seasonal dishes in mountain tavernas. On cooler evenings, you may also come across warm drinks such as rakomelo.
Final Thoughts: Fall in Greece is Its Own Season
If you ask me, autumn is Greece’s most underrated season. So pack a few layers, hit the scenic routes, and get ready to experience a Greece that’s golden, cozy, and absolutely magical.
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Happy and safe travels,
Evgenia
