Longtime fans of Greece already know the country has more to offer than just its islands. Away from the tourist hotspots, the mainland hides true treasures that bear no resemblance to the pictures in travel brochures. One example is Metsovo, an idyllic village in the Pindus Mountains. In July and August, it’s the perfect place for a summer getaway, while in winter it’s regularly blanketed in a thick layer of snow.
With its traditional architecture, lush green forests, and mountains rising above 2,000 meters, Metsovo has a very special charm, reminiscent of a Greek version of Berchtesgaden in the Alps. Tom & Ella
Metsovo is home to one of Greece’s most popular ski resorts—yes, you heard that right! And so, in the fall and winter, this mountain village is a must-visit for Greeks. At an altitude of over 1,100 meters, you’ll find gray stone houses instead of the Cycladic style; air conditioning is usually unnecessary here, though on some summer nights, the fireplace is occasionally used.
We spent three days thoroughly exploring Metsovo and the surrounding area—in June, mind you—with daytime temperatures around 24 degrees and nighttime temperatures around 12 degrees. We visited wineries, breathed in the alpine air on excursions into the surrounding countryside, and saw fairy-tale waterfalls. Above all, we enjoyed the fact that tradition is still alive here, rather than everything being turned upside down for international tourists.
You’ll find out at the very bottom of this post whether a visit to Metsovo is worth it for you. Here, we’ll share our tips and the best sights in Metsovo:
Where is Metsovo?
Metsovo is located in northern Greece, almost exactly halfway between the city of Ioannina and the famous Meteora monasteries, at an elevation of 1,156 meters. The mountain village is part of the Epirus region and is picturesquely nestled in the lush green slopes of the Pindus Mountains, Greece’s longest mountain range. There’s no sign of the sea here—it takes over two hours to reach the coast.
Those who come to Metsovo are seeking alpine mountain air, endless hiking trails, and Greek mountain culture, which is quite different from life by the sea. Metsovo is fairly easy to reach, as the modern Egnatia Odos highway—Greece’s most important east-west corridor—runs through several tunnels into the mountainous region, making Metsovo a convenient stop along the route between Igoumenitsa and Thessaloniki.
Best Time to Visit Metsovo
Winter is peak season, and the Anilio-Metsovo Ski Center operates nonstop; the snow-covered landscape becomes a picture-perfect backdrop, many hotels are fully booked, and the taverns have a cozy mountain atmosphere. Metsovo is one of the coldest places in Greece; in January, average lows are around −5 °C. Spring, on the other hand, brings plenty of rain, fog, and high humidity. Many hotels close for the season from March through June (except during Greek Easter).
Summer is considered a minor peak season, and temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 °C are ideal for hiking; the surrounding waterfalls and rivers carry water year-round. Many motorcyclists and a few tour buses arrive from Greece and the Balkans, but it’s not overly crowded. In the fall, the fairy-tale mixed forests turn golden yellow, while the fireplaces in the taverns are once again in full swing. The maximum temperature in October is 15 °C.
Getting to Metsovo
The easiest way to reach Metsovo is by flying to Thessaloniki. This major city in northern Greece is served by flights from European capitals year-round, and the flight time is reasonable. From Berlin, the flight takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes; from Vienna, 1 hour and 45 minutes; and from Prague, just under two hours.
✈️ Find flights to Thessaloniki
At Thessaloniki Airport (SKG Makedonia Airport), you can rent a car and drive to Metsovo via the Egnatia Odos highway. The roughly 240-kilometer journey from the airport to the mountain town takes just under three hours. The route takes you past the cities of Veria, Kozani, and Grevena, straight into the Pindus Mountains. Tolls apply on the drive to Metsovo and must be paid at toll booths.
🚗 Find a rental car in Thessaloniki
Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight from Athens to Ioannina National Airport. From there, it’s about 60 kilometers—or a little over an hour’s drive—to Metsovo. For those traveling to Greece by car via the Balkans, the route to Metsovo also starts in Thessaloniki. If you’re traveling via Italy, you’ll pass through the port city of Igoumenitsa, then continue past Ioannina to Metsovo.
→ You can find all the information you need about traveling to Greece in our detailed article: Traveling to Greece
#1 A Walk Through Metsovo
Metsovo is a compact little town with about 2,300 residents and is very easy to explore on foot, provided you enjoy walking and are reasonably fit. The challenge is that the town is built on a fairly steep slope, and many paths through Metsovo feature endless flights of stairs. Especially with small children, it takes a bit of motivation to stroll through Metsovo.
💡 The Vlachs of Greece: The Vlachs (Greek: Βλάχοι), also known as Aromanians, are an indigenous ethnic group of the Balkans who speak a Romance language closely related to Romanian. Originally, they lived as nomadic herders, moving between the summer pastures of the Pindus Mountains and the winter pastures in lower-lying areas. Metsovo became their most important center along the trade route between Epirus and Macedonia. Through trade in wool, leather, and livestock, as well as connections to Vienna and Budapest, many families achieved prosperity, which in turn was reinvested in schools, churches, and foundations. The town was once so important that in old texts the entire Pindus Mountains were simply referred to as “Metzovon.” To this day, traditional costumes, handicrafts, and mountain cuisine shape the cultural heritage of Metsovo.
The starting point for your stroll through Metsovo is Platia Metsovou, the town’s main square lined with numerous plane trees. This is where people meet, sit in the cafés, or stop for a bite at one of the taverns. Right on the square stands the large Church of Agia Paraskevi (16th century), while behind it, the sea of houses in Metsovo stretches up the hillside. Together with the traditional Hotel Galaxy, this creates a beautiful photo opportunity. But be careful, as this is also where all the tourist traffic passes through.
Across from the Xnaria Café, you can take a photo of a bronze bear statue. Afterward, head into the maze of alleys. Amid the classic souvenir shops, you’ll repeatedly come across unique stores, such as the souvenir shop Kati na Thimasai (literally “Something to Remember”), I Skytali (hand-painted icons of all sizes), or the jewelry shop Stergios Ap. Talaris Kosmima, which features handmade jewelry made of gold, silver, and platinum.
A regional specialty is the so-called Metsovone Kapnisto, a smoked cheese made from cow’s milk, which you can buy in distinctive wheels at what feels like every corner. If you’d like to try the cheese, stop by the Pigi cheese factory and ask the friendly owner, Dimitri, for a small tasting. In addition to various types of cheese, they also offer herbs, honey, and homemade egg noodles (hilopites).
You definitely shouldn’t miss the Metsovo Folk Art Museum, located in the Tositsa family’s enormous villa. What at first glance looks like a classic local history museum turns out to be a veritable historical treasure trove. We hadn’t done much research beforehand, but after the guided tour, we were absolutely thrilled by the size of the villa, the beautifully designed interiors in the Vlach style, and the many artifacts from times gone by.
The real highlight of the museum, however, is the third floor, which is dedicated to the former politician and philanthropist Evangelos Averoff-Tositsas, who served, among other roles, as Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense. Personal belongings and photographs from his life are on display there. As we looked at the pictures on the wall, we were left speechless: Averoff-Tossizza with Willy Brandt, Konrad Adenauer, and Charles de Gaulle. A piece of world politics was written in this small mountain town.
- Metsovo Folk Art Museum (Tossizza Mansion) hours: daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed Thursdays) | €5 admission, including guided tour
Right across from the villa, by the way, is one of the most quirky gas stations in Greece—a single ELIN pump located directly beneath a residential building. You can take a coffee break at the Metsovorama Café Bar, where the terrace offers a magnificent view of the densely forested slopes and the valley of Metsovo. Cowbells ring in the distance, the murmur of the mountain stream can be heard, and you’d almost think you were in the Alps—if it weren’t for Greek coffee and frappé on the menu. 🙂
#2 Katogi Averoff: The Metsovo Winery
As fans of fine Greek wines, we’d stood in front of the wine shelves at the Greek supermarket for years, repeatedly seeing these wines with their old-fashioned labels bearing the name Katogi (Κατώγι), but we’d never actually tried them. We didn’t even know the wine came from Metsovo until our trip, so on day two we headed straight to the winery on the northern edge of the village.
The winery’s history began in the late 1950s, when Evangelos Averoff planted Greece’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the slopes of the Pindus Mountains. A true pioneering feat, as international grape varieties were still largely unknown at the time. Averoff wanted to give something back to his homeland and breathe new life into Metsovo—a town plagued by rural exodus—by founding a winery.
He bottled the first vintage in the cellar (“Katogi” in Greek) of his home in Metsovo. Averoff also hand-drew the first label himself, featuring the words “Vines of France on the mountains of Greece.” To this day, the bottle design pays homage to those early days, and the nostalgic labels have become a trademark. At the winery, you can see many records and artifacts from the founding era.
The Katogi wine cellar itself is an experience in its own right. Decorated in deep black and dotted with accent lighting, the space reminds us of a techno club in Berlin. We don’t want to give too much away, but there’s nothing quite like the glass walkway—under which hundreds of wine bottles glow in neon blue light and which is surrounded by stacked wine barrels. There’s even a dedicated underground bar available for events.
Katogi Averoff’s wines are now available throughout almost all of Greece; we’ve even spotted them at wine shops on small islands like Nisyros. They’re even exported to Italy, Japan, Germany, and North America. By the way, the winery even has its own integrated hotel (View on Booking.com*).
We enjoyed a very pleasant wine tour at Katogi Averoff, during which we learned everything there is to know about the winery and its wines. Our favorite was the rosé—truly one of the best we’ve ever tasted in Greece. We actually brought three bottles home, and at our last family gathering, the first one was empty within just a few minutes. 🙂
- Katogi Averoff Winery Hours: Tasting room open daily | Tastings by appointment starting at 20 € | www.katogiaveroff.gr/en
#3 Anilio: Greece’s Ski Village
Anilio is the mountain village directly across from Metsovo, which you’ve already spotted while strolling through the small town. About 550 residents live in this tranquil village, so we were all the more surprised to find that there are no fewer than seven taverns and a kafeneio. In winter, however, Anilio comes alive, because eight kilometers to the east and a good 600 meters higher up is the Anilio Metsovo Ski Center. It’s one of about 20 official ski resorts in Greece and is considered the winter wonderland of the Epirus region.
From early December through late March, depending on snow conditions, you can zoom down over 5 kilometers of slopes with varying levels of difficulty. Afterward, head to the taverns in Anilio, where the atmosphere is cozy and the fireplaces are constantly crackling. Instead of mulled wine and grog, they serve rakomelo (hot raki with honey and cinnamon), and instead of après-ski music, live Greek bands with bouzouki and violin get the party going. You can find information about the ski center at aniliopark.gr.
As mentioned, we were there in the summer, so things were correspondingly quieter in the village. The ski center was closed, but the landscape around Anilio is still very beautiful. Three restaurants (tip: Taverna Delfas) were actually open and served not only typical Greek cuisine but also regional classics like kontosouvli and kokoretsi (meat dishes) or Metsovo saganaki (fried smoked cheese).
Agios Nikolaos Monastery
After visiting Anilio, it’s worth making a detour to the Agios Nikolaos Monastery, a must-see located in the valley of the Metsovitikos River between Metsovo and Anilio. On your way to the monastery, you’ll pass the Anilio Waterfall below the village, where ice-cold mountain spring water cascades year-round.
The Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Metsovo is considered the oldest in the region. Its exact year of founding is unknown, but it was first mentioned in historical records in the 14th century. A major renovation took place around the year 1700, during the Ottoman occupation. The frescoes inside the monastery church, which are still well-preserved today, also date from this period.
The most interesting mural is located at the entrance to the monastery church of Panagia Galaktotrofousa and depicts the Virgin Mary nursing the infant Jesus. The fresco is known as Galaktotrofousa (Greek for “the Milk-Giver”). Although mother-and-child scenes are widespread in the Orthodox Church, the depiction of the nursing Virgin Mary is a rare image that emphasizes the human nature of Jesus Christ.
- Monastery entry hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the summer; hours vary in the winter | Free admission (donations appreciated)
The monks or their assistants will be happy to show you around the premises upon request. In the former monastery wine cellar, there is still a huge wine barrel from 1782 that weighs 14 metric tons. Several hectares of vineyards surround the monastery and are tended by the monks. Next to the old walls stands a modern building housing the monastery’s winery, called Imperator Winery.
Imperator wines are produced in small quantities, quite unlike those of their larger neighbor, Averoff-Katogi. A tasting of three or five of these fine wines costs between 12 and 18 euros, and includes a small platter of snacks. Bottle prices start at 15 euros, including a very good Chardonnay. More information about the winery is available at www.im-votsas.gr.
By the way, there’s also a beautiful hiking trail from the town of Metsovo to the monastery. The hike from the town center takes about 20 minutes, and stunning views are guaranteed along the way. If you don’t want to walk back afterward, you can order a taxi up to the village for about 8 euros.
#4 Katara Pass
Just north of Metsovo lies the Katara Pass, one of the most spectacular roads in Greece. At 1,690 meters, it’s among the highest drivable roads in the country. For centuries, the route served as the most important link between Ioannina and Trikala. Incidentally, the name “Katara” means “curse,” and according to legend, a despot from Ioannina is said to have lost his life here during a storm around 1800 and cursed the area with his last words.
Since the new highway was built, traffic on the old mountain pass road has decreased significantly. Today, it is used primarily by farmers. In winter, the route is often buried under a thick blanket of snow for weeks at a time. Among motorcyclists, however, the winding mountain road near Metsovo has long been well-known, and so we met several bikers from all over Europe in Metsovo.
Once we reached the top, Greece suddenly felt surprisingly far away. Instead of olive groves and dry, hilly countryside, lush meadows, small mountain lakes, and barren peaks dominate the landscape. Add to that the sound of cowbells ringing everywhere—it’s an Alpine vibe right in the middle of Greece. In bright sunshine and 21 degrees, we drove up by car, and shortly after passing Metsovo, we were greeted by a herd of cattle grazing freely, which pointedly blocked the road.
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Hike to the Boulouvar Waterfalls
In the distance, you can see the mighty Tymfi Massif in the Vikos-Aoos National Park. If you continue along the old mountain road toward Grevena, another highlight awaits you: the Boulouvar Waterfalls. A few minutes past the quaint mountain village of Milia (tavern tip: To Tzaki tis Milias), a short but steep trail branches off the road toward the waterfalls.
In the height of summer, this is a popular swimming spot for locals on weekends, because between the Boulouvar waterfalls there are several natural pools where you can cool off—like a kind of natural outdoor pool, only with freezing-cold water. After all, the sea is quite a distance away from here: the coastal town of Parga lies about two hours to the west, and the Olympic Riviera is as far as 2.5 hours to the east.
#5 Aoos Reservoir
From the Katara Pass, you can drive to the Aoos Springs Reservoir (Fragma Pigon Aoou). The artificial lake lies at an altitude of about 1,350 meters and shimmers in intense shades of blue on clear days. This is where the Aoos, one of the longest rivers in the Balkans, has its source. From its headwaters, it flows north through the Vikos-Aoos National Park and crosses the Albanian border near Konitsa. In Albania, the river is known as the Vjosa and flows into the Adriatic Sea after about 270 kilometers.
You can drive around the Aoos Reservoir on a rough asphalt road or explore it on foot. Along the way, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Although the turquoise-blue coves look inviting, swimming and fishing are not permitted here, as the lake is subject to strict nature conservation regulations.
🚵 Mountain Biking in Metsovo: If you’d like to explore the region around Metsovo by bike, you’re in good hands with the local tour operator Go Active Tours. The team led by guide Lefteris organizes customized mountain bike and e-bike tours through the wild countryside, including along the Aoos Reservoir. Thanks to e-bikes, the tours are manageable even without top physical condition. They also offer hiking, rafting, truffle hunting, and jeep safaris. More info at goactive-metsovo.gr.
The small mountain villages around the headwaters of the Aoos are also worth a detour. In Flambourari, Greveniti, Tristeno, or Chrisovitsa, time seems to stand still. Fortunately, there’s usually a taverna in town where you can enjoy authentic and delicious Greek cuisine. As you explore, you’ll also come across centuries-old stone arch bridges, which are typical of the mountainous region of Epirus.
Visit to Anthochori
South of the reservoir lies an agricultural plateau where potatoes are the main crop. In the region’s taverns, they end up on plates as “Patates sto Fourno” (baked potatoes) or “Tiganites” (fried potatoes). Before driving back to Metsovo via the highway, it’s worth making a detour to Anthochori, a village of about 160 residents at the foot of the 2,295-meter-high Lakmos Massif.
Anthochori is known for the Mandani Hydropower Museum, considered the largest of its kind in Greece. The sprawling open-air museum extends around a rushing mountain stream and demonstrates how people once harnessed the power of water. Amid cobblestone paths and arched bridges, you can discover a watermill and other water-powered structures that offer insights into the region’s pre-industrial past.
The To Mantani Anthochori restaurant, which is open year-round, is located on the grounds. The stone veranda was built right next to the spring-fed stream. No matter the season or the weather, you’ll feel right at home here and be treated to delicious and affordable meals. For example, Greek salad is available for €7 and tzatziki for €4.
#6 More Day Trips Around Metsovo
Metsovo is an excellent starting point for exploring other places in the region—many of which most tourists have never heard of—where you can still experience authentic Greece. A day trip to Ioannina is a great option, for example. There, you can take a boat tour on Lake Pamvotida or visit the spectacular Perama Cave. The famous Meteora monasteries are also just an hour away.
Grevena and the Portitsa Gorge
Just about 50 minutes from Metsovo lies Grevena, the capital of the Western Macedonia region. Among Greeks, it’s known as the “City of Mushrooms,” since the local forests are teeming with these wild delicacies (Greek: “manitaria”) and the city serves as Greece’s mushroom-processing hub. The city itself isn’t a major tourist destination, but the surrounding countryside is very scenic.
A highlight for us is the Portitsa Gorge near the village of Spilaio. From the small village, an old stone donkey trail leads down to the gorge in just over an hour. There, a fairytale-like stone bridge dating back to 1743 spans the Venetikos River, which is surrounded by 200-meter-high cliffs. Since 2025, there has even been a paved road leading from outside the village down to the bridge and the Portitsa Gorge.
→ You can find all the information and highlights of the Western Macedonia region in our detailed article: Western Macedonia
Aspropotamos Region
South of Metsovo, at the foothills of the Tzoumerka Massif, lies Aspropotamos—one of the country’s most mysterious regions. This is where the Achelous, Greece’s most water-rich river and, at 217 km, also its second-longest, has its source. The upper reaches are called Aspropotamos, which means “bright river,” because the water appears milky white due to the limestone riverbed.
Scattered among deep valleys and steep mountain peaks are many Vlach villages, including Chaliki, Anthousa, Krania, Kallirroi, Polythea, and Stefani. Those who wish can head to the Mparos Pass, located about 40 km from Metsovo, which, at 1,898 meters, is the highest passable road in Greece. A special highlight is the Timios Stavrou Monastery near the village of Krania, which looks like a fairytale castle.
Trip to Meteora
About an hour’s drive southeast of Metsovo, in the town of Kalambaka, you’ll find the Meteora monasteries, one of Greece’s top attractions. Perched at dizzying heights on gray sandstone cliffs, these centuries-old monastic complexes are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There were once 24 monasteries in the region; today, six are inhabited and open to visitors daily.
The most impressive monasteries are Metamorphosis (Megalo Meteoron) and Varlaam. The magic of the Meteora monasteries really comes to life in the evening, especially once the crowds of tour buses have left. If you have enough time or even stay overnight in Kalambaka (view hotels on Booking.com*), you can explore the lush, green valley between the monasteries on leisurely hikes.
Organized tours to the Meteora monasteries offer a relaxed journey to and from the site and include plenty of photo stops. You can book the tour here*.
Day Trip to Ioannina
Just about 60 kilometers west of Metsovo lies Ioannina, the capital of the Epirus region, which is well worth a visit. Despite its 112,000 residents, Ioannina has a very laid-back atmosphere; we’ve visited several times and really felt at home in this Greek college town. The scenery speaks for itself: the city center nestles against Lake Pamvotida, with the mountainous panorama of the Zagorochoria unfolding in the background.
→ You can find more about Ioannina and the Zagori villages in our Epirus post: Zagori in Epirus
On a stroll through Ioannina, you’ll come across traces of the more than 300-year-long Ottoman occupation and learn more about the famous Ali Pasha, who resided here. From the pier, you can take a boat to the monastery island of Nissi, home to Byzantine churches and the Ali Pasha Museum. And in the 1.5-million-year-old Perama Cave, you can descend several meters underground. What an experience! Our daughter keeps asking when we’ll go back to Ioannina 🙂
Rafting, cave exploring, or a boat tour? There are plenty of trips available from Ioannina. You can book the tour here*.
More travel tips for Metsovo
Hotel Recommendations for Metsovo
It may be hard to believe, but there are plenty of accommodations in and around Metsovo in every price range. This is due to domestic tourism, as Greeks flock to the little town in droves during the winter. People from Athens and Thessaloniki, in particular, are crazy about snow and head to the mountains at the slightest hint of a snow forecast. In the summer, hotel prices are really low, starting at 65 € per night. Life revolves around Platia, but it can get quite noisy there. Our hotel was a bit further away, and we enjoyed peaceful nights.
🛏️ Find hotels in Metsovo
All hotels at a glance, check prices & availability directly:
Here’s where we stayed
Aroma Dryos Spa & Eco Hotel*, Metsovo
We recommend the Aroma Dryos if you’re looking for a stylish place with a personal touch in Metsovo. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Metsovo’s main square, yet it’s in a quiet location. Hostess Vicky welcomes you with her beaming smile, as if you’ve been part of the family for a long time. We especially loved the hotel’s extraordinary style—the reception and dining areas alone look like a castle hall. Scarlett, the friendly hotel dog, was a real highlight for our daughter!
The 16 rooms and suites are all uniquely decorated and equipped with a fireplace for cold evenings, COCOMAT mattresses, and, in some cases, a whirlpool tub. From the balconies, you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of Metsovo and the Metsovitikos River valley. On the ground floor, you’ll also find a private mini-spa with a Finnish sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness room. Massages using select natural products are also available.
Every morning, the lovely kitchen fairy Agathi surprised us with a hearty breakfast, which we enjoyed on the panoramic terrace overlooking the mountains. And since there aren’t that many parking spots in Metsovo, the hotel even has its own underground parking garage with valet service. What more could you ask for? Head to Metsovo and enjoy!
You can view all the details about the hotel on Booking.com* and book a stay at Aroma Dryos if you’d like:
Metsovo Restaurants & Cafés: Our Recommendations
Thanks to its high volume of passing traffic, Metsovo has everything to offer, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or coffee or a romantic dinner. Most dining options are located at Platia. The most famous grill taverns are Galaxias and Ta 5 Fi (Τα 5 ΦΦΦΦΦ), which serve classics like kokoretsi and kontosouvli—though things can get quite hectic there.
Here are our personal recommendations for cafés and restaurants in and around Metsovo:
Athinai 1935, Metsovo—Opened in 2025, this restaurant is located south of Platia in a former archontiko mansion. The friendly Sotiris and his mother (who speaks German) create a family-like atmosphere, and the team serves exceptional dishes in a stylish setting at fair prices. For us personally, it’s the best restaurant in Metsovo.
Léle – A meze bar popular with locals near the Tampas Bakery, serving homemade pizzas and delicious pasta made with local cheeses. There are only a few seats, but the owners are very warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere is cozy.
Metsovorama Café Bar, Metsovo – The most famous café-bar in the upper part of the village of Metsovo. The interior is very inviting, and the mascot—the brown bear—can be spotted in the details throughout (be sure to order a cappuccino). On warm days, the panoramic terrace is a great place to linger. Prices are quite high, though.
Támpas Bakery, Metsovo—This traditional bakery is located about 100 meters east of Platia Metsovo. Among other things, Christos and Lena bake delicious pastries filled with local cheese, as well as sweet and savory treats. Prices are reasonable, perfect for a quick bite.
Taverna Delfas, Anilio—A rustic, family-run taverna on the village square in Anilio. The menu focuses on grilled dishes, some of which are served in parchment. There’s also a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. The Metsovone saganaki and the grilled wild mushrooms were especially delicious. Take a look at the photo wall—quite a few Greek celebrities and politicians have visited.
O Platanos, Chrisovitsa—A simple but authentic taverna right on the village square in Chrisovitsa. Many of the daily specials are served in clay pots. Meat lovers will enjoy the spicy souvlaki and lamb. Prices are reasonable and the hospitality is warm. Open only on weekends in the summer.
Who should visit Metsovo?
✓ Mountain air & hiking: from mountain passes at nearly 1,700 meters to waterfalls and mountain streams
✓ Authentic Vlach culture: living traditions instead of a tourist backdrop
✓ Greece without the crowds: no package tours or tourist traps, just real village life
✓ Experience Greece in a whole new way: snow instead of sand, a fireplace instead of air conditioning, hot rakomelo instead of cool ouzo
✗ Often foggy and cold in winter: lows around -5 degrees; many hotels close for the season until June
✗ Hardly accessible without a rental car: most highlights are located outside the town center
✗ No parties, no entertainment: everything here moves at a “siga-siga” pace
✗ No postcard-perfect blue-and-white houses here: gray stone houses with slate roofs instead of Cycladic-style buildings with blue windows
→ More travel tips for mainland Greece can be found here: Mainland Greece
FAQs about Metsovo
Where exactly is Metsovo located?
Metsovo is located in northern Greece in the Epirus region, at an elevation of about 1,156 meters in the Pindus Mountains. The mountain village lies almost halfway between Ioannina and the Meteora monasteries and stretches out below the famous Katara Pass.
How many days should you plan for Metsovo?
Two to three days are usually sufficient to explore the town itself and attractions such as Katogi Averoff, Anilio, or the Agios Nikolaos Monastery. If you’d also like to take day trips to Meteora, Ioannina, or the Aspropotamos region, you should plan on spending four to five days.
When is the best time to visit Metsovo?
Metsovo is an attractive destination in both summer and winter. During the winter months, the Anilio-Metsovo ski resort is bustling, though temperatures can drop to around -5 degrees. In summer, temperatures usually range between 20 and 25 degrees, offering ideal conditions for hiking or mountain biking. Spring, on the other hand, is often rainy, and some hotels remain closed until early June.
Do I need a rental car in Metsovo?
Yes, a rental car is essential for a trip to Metsovo. Destinations such as the Katara Pass, the Boulouvar Waterfalls, the Aoos Reservoir, and Anthochori are located outside the town and cannot be reached by public transportation.
What’s the best way to get to Metsovo?
Most travelers fly to Thessaloniki and then continue on to Metsovo via the Egnatia Odos highway. The approximately 240-kilometer journey takes about three hours. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Ioannina. From there, it’s about 60 kilometers to Metsovo.
What is Metsovo known for?
Metsovo is best known for its smoked Metsovone cheese, the wines of Katogi Averoff, and the Vlach culture, which remains vibrant to this day. Many wealthy merchant families, such as the Averoffs, have left a lasting mark on the town through museums, foundations, and educational projects.
Is Metsovo worth visiting in the summer?
Yes, Metsovo is a pleasant destination in northern Greece, especially during the summer months. Temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees make it ideal for hiking, while rivers and waterfalls flow year-round. At the same time, it’s significantly quieter than during the winter peak season.
How much does it cost to stay overnight in Metsovo?
In the summer, prices for basic double rooms usually start at around 65 euros per night. During the winter months and around Greek holidays (including Easter), rates often rise to 100 euros or more.
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