There is something particularly appealing about a weekend away in November. A couple of days in a different city, a good hotel to return to after a long walk, a museum you have been meaning to visit, and enough time to discover where the locals go for coffee or dinner. As the days grow shorter and the first signs of winter settle in, even a short trip can feel like a proper holiday.
Across mainland Greece, smaller cities offer plenty of reasons to travel at this time of year. Some are built around lakes, others have old quarters full of architectural surprises, lively food scenes or mountain villages just a short drive away. Each has its own pace, its own traditions and more than enough to fill a weekend.
Here are six places to put on your November travel list.
Ioannina: Life by the Lake
Few Greek cities are as closely connected to their surroundings as Ioannina. Set beside Lake Pamvotida, the capital of Epirus brings together centuries of history, a lively university community and a food culture deeply rooted in the region.
Begin with a walk along the waterfront, where cafés overlook the lake and the mountains rise in the distance. From here, make your way into the Castle of Ioannina, one of the country’s oldest inhabited fortified settlements. Its narrow streets, historic buildings and small courtyards reveal different chapters of the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman past.
Inside the castle, the Silversmithing Museum offers a fascinating introduction to one of Ioannina’s most important crafts. The city’s silverwork tradition stretches back centuries, and contemporary makers continue to work with the material today.
Take the small boat across to the island of Lake Pamvotida, where stone houses, monasteries and lakeside tavernas make for an enjoyable afternoon. Back in town, explore the independent shops and cafés before sitting down to a proper Epirote meal. Traditional pies, local cheeses and regional wines are all worth seeking out.
Make time for: The Castle of Ioannina, the Silversmithing Museum, the lake island and a traditional Epirus pie.
Kastoria: A Town of Mansions and Reflections
Built around a peninsula extending into Lake Orestiada, Kastoria is a town best discovered on foot. Its historic neighbourhoods, Byzantine churches and grand merchants’ houses speak of a prosperous past, while the lake remains central to everyday life.
Start in Doltso, where cobbled streets lead past imposing mansions with wooden balconies and richly decorated façades. Many were built by wealthy merchants during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, reflecting the town’s long association with the fur trade. Continue towards Apozari, another historic quarter with traditional houses and narrow streets.
The Byzantine Museum provides an introduction to Kastoria’s remarkable religious heritage, while the lakeside route offers some of the town’s most memorable views. In November, the surrounding trees turn shades of yellow and copper, and the water reflects the houses built along its edge.
For a change of pace, follow the road around the peninsula, stopping at the Cave of the Dragon or one of the small churches along the way. Finish with a meal featuring local lake fish or traditional Macedonian dishes.
Make time for: Doltso and Apozari, the Byzantine Museum, a walk around the peninsula and the Cave of the Dragon.
Florina: Art, Architecture and the Sakoulevas River
Florina has a character that feels distinct from anywhere else in Greece. Close to the country’s northern borders, the town is known for its artistic community, early twentieth-century architecture and the Sakoulevas River, which runs through its historic centre.
A walk along the river is the natural place to begin. Old houses with colourful façades stand beside the water, while bridges connect the streets on either side. The surrounding neighbourhoods are home to small cafés, shops and buildings that recall Florina’s history as a meeting point of different cultures.
Art is an important part of the town’s identity. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art to discover works by Greek artists, including those connected to the region, and explore the town’s galleries and creative spaces.
Florina is also a rewarding destination for food lovers. The wider region is known for its peppers, beans and hearty Macedonian cooking, while nearby Amyntaio has established a reputation for Xinomavro wines. A winery visit makes an excellent addition to the weekend, particularly in November, when the harvest season has recently ended.
If you have time for a short excursion, head to Nymfaio, a beautifully preserved mountain village with stone mansions and cobbled streets. Set among beech forests on Mount Vitsi, it is also home to the ARCTUROS environmental centre, dedicated to the protection of bears and other wildlife.
Make time for: The Sakoulevas riverfront, the Museum of Contemporary Art, a meal at Diethnes and a wine tasting in Amyntaio.
Trikala: A Weekend Along the River
Trikala is one of those cities that makes a weekend away feel wonderfully uncomplicated. The Litheos River runs through its centre, with pedestrian bridges, tree-lined paths and cafés creating an inviting setting for exploring on foot.
Begin in Varousi, the historic neighbourhood beneath the Byzantine fortress. Its traditional houses, narrow lanes and old churches offer a glimpse of the city’s past. Climb towards the fortress for views over the rooftops before returning to the centre and the streets of Manavika, a former market district now known for its restaurants and tavernas.
Trikala also has an interesting industrial heritage. The Matsopoulos Mill, built in the nineteenth century, is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Its preserved machinery and restored buildings tell the story of an important chapter in the region’s economic history.
The city’s relaxed atmosphere is part of its appeal. Spend the afternoon browsing local shops, stopping for coffee and exploring the riverside. If you have more time, the surrounding Thessalian countryside offers opportunities for a short excursion.
Make time for: Varousi, the Byzantine fortress, Manavika, Matsopoulos Mill and a walk along the Litheos River.
Kavala: A Different Side of the Aegean
With its amphitheatrical setting above the sea, Kavala is one of northern Greece’s most distinctive coastal cities. Its harbour, Ottoman landmarks, old tobacco warehouses and historic neighbourhoods make it an appealing destination long after the summer season has ended.
Begin in Panagia, the old town that occupies a peninsula overlooking the Aegean. Follow the narrow streets uphill towards the fortress, passing traditional houses and the Imaret, one of Kavala’s most significant historic buildings. The views from the top stretch across the harbour and surrounding coastline.
Back in the city centre, the impressive Kamares aqueduct is a reminder of Kavala’s Ottoman past. Another important chapter of its history can be found in the former tobacco warehouses and merchants’ residences, built during the period when the city was a major centre of the tobacco trade.
Visit the Tobacco Museum to understand how the industry shaped local life, then spend time exploring the streets around the waterfront. November is a good excuse to enjoy Kavala at a gentler pace, with seafood, local pastries and long views of the sea replacing the usual beach plans.
Make time for: Panagia, Kavala Fortress, the Kamares aqueduct, the Tobacco Museum and a seafood lunch by the harbour.
Karpenisi: A Weekend in the Mountains
Surrounded by the mountains and forests of Evrytania, Karpenisi offers a different kind of weekend. The town itself is a convenient starting point for exploring a region of stone-built villages, winding roads and landscapes that are particularly beautiful in late autumn.
Begin in Karpenisi with a coffee in the central square before heading towards Koryschades, a traditional village with restored stone houses and an important place in modern Greek history. The old school building, which hosted the National Council of 1944, now houses the Museum of National Resistance.
Continue towards Megalo Chorio, where narrow lanes, traditional architecture and mountain views invite a leisurely afternoon. Stop for a meal featuring local meats, cheeses and seasonal dishes, then explore the nearby villages or simply enjoy the surrounding scenery.
For a longer excursion, follow the road towards Proussos, home to the historic monastery built into a dramatic mountain setting. The journey itself is part of the experience, passing through forested valleys and along steep mountain slopes.
In November, Evrytania’s autumn colours are at their most atmospheric, making Karpenisi a particularly appealing choice for anyone looking to spend a couple of days outdoors.
Make time for: Koryschades, Megalo Chorio, the Proussos Monastery and a traditional mountain meal.
A Weekend Well Spent
A weekend away doesn’t need a packed itinerary. Sometimes, two days are enough to discover a different side of a familiar country, whether that means exploring the streets of an old town, learning about a local craft or finding a favourite table in a neighbourhood café.
Across Greece, places like these offer plenty to discover beyond the usual holiday season. And November, with its quieter streets, changing landscapes and slower afternoons, might be one of the best times to visit.
