An Easter or Autumn Family Escape to Epirus and Central Greece

Meteora rocks in every sense of the word. Rising from the plains of Thessaly, they stretch 2,000ft up into the sky. So, what better way to spend your first day in Greece than on a privately guided hike up these unique geological phenomena. Start at the foot of Doupiani rock and wind your way up to the impressive monasteries of Grand Meteor and Varlaam that perch precariously on isolated peaks in the Peneas Valley. After descending down the ancient monks’ trail back to the quaint village of Kastraki, you’ll have the afternoon to refuel and rest up at your hotel. But don’t get too comfortable, in the evening you’ll be heading on a sunset tour of the Holy Monastery of St Stephen (Agios Stefanos), the Monastery of Roussanou and the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Mary.

After a traditional Grecian breakfast of sfakianopita (cheese pie topped with nuts and honey), scrambled eggs and feta salads, you’ll bid farewell to mighty Meteora and head an hour west to Metsovo. Suspended in time, this lively village is as traditional as it gets. Think Epirus-sloped streets steeped in history, grand mansions nestled between beech and fir trees and grand squares fringed by stalls selling arts and crafts. At your hotel, where you’ll be for one night, it’s all about mountain views, modern dishes and indulgent spa treatments. Spend the day getting acquainted with the wilderness on e-mountain bikes, hike to ridges overlooking the Aoos River or go truffle hunting with a local expert, followed by lunch and a bottle of local wine – naturally.

From Metsovo you’ll head west again for Aristi - but not so fast. Before you arrive at one of Zagoria’s prettiest villages, we recommend swinging by Ioannina. A small town on the western shore of Lake Pamvotida, it is a history heavyweight with the Fethiye Mosque and tomb of Ali Pasha (the legendary governor of Epirus during the Ottoman Empire) on its doorstep. If you’d rather stretch your legs, head to the lake’s island for a quiet car-free wander. Back in your hire car, it’s a short drive north to Aristi. Check in to your mountain hotel where you’ll spend the next three nights and tuck into moreish plates of Epirotic gastronomy.

The next two days are yours to spend at leisure. With the mountain resort and village of Aristi on your doorstep, you’ll be spoilt for choice between day trips to quaint Zagorian villages and Vikos Gorge – one of the deepest gorges in the world – and cooking and photography workshops with local experts. For those wanting adrenaline-fuelled experiences, there’s fly fishing and rafting in the Aoos River; while for the more cautious, who prefer their feet on solid ground, yoga classes and wine tastings are always available. Don’t forget about the epicurean Epirus cuisine too, such as Zagori pie and charcoal-grilled meats.

From Aristi, it’s south to the seaside town of Parga for your final four nights. Just an easy two hour drive away, it is the epitome of a picture-perfect beach town with its chequered-cloth tavernas, terracotta-topped houses and a swoon-worthy seafront harbour. Get comfortable in your new seafront room before heading out to explore the local area. Whether it be on bikes, to explore northern Greece’s verdant forests and meandering rivers, or in kayaks to sail along its stunning coastline, a stay on the Ionian coast is the perfect way to end any spring or autumn escape. If you’d rather use the time for some R&R, stop by daily yoga classes, go for long walks along its turquoise bay and spoil yourself at its spa.