Ask anyone and they’ll tell you Greece is just heavenly. Dope. Extraordinary. Scenic. Heck, there’s not enough epithets to describe Greece, yet one of the most prevailing themes comes back to the holy triptych of sea, sun and sand. The last 10 years have also seen food squeeze into the equation and the list is growing by the day. Without doubt Greece is a sunny, summer destination, but travelers; heed these words: Greece is a magical autumn and winter destination. And this is where it gets good. You can lord it up for a fraction of what you’d pay in traditional winter spots around Europe. And what’s more you can have it all to yourselves with the obligatory bragging rights for your Instagram feed (or not). Today we’ll look at the beguilingly off radar village town of Konitsa. Located up on the Epirus region of Greece, Konitsa boasts Switzerland epic level scenery. We’re talking the whole shebang, folks. Crystal clear waterfalls and springs, quaint cobblestone mountain trails amongst the beech and pine trees, meandering rivers, gorges and just an absolute obscenity of natural beauty.

Konitsa also happens to be somewhat of a playground for stone bridge fans, with a smattering of about 13 of them around the area. And if you’re wondering why, the answer lies in the past, and the skillful stone masons that traversed the latitudes of the Ottoman Empire lending their services. Their level of skill was so high, the ottomans themselves hired them to build what they couldn’t. The Konitsa bridge, or Aoos bridge is the largest single arch bridge in the Balkans. Built by master mason Ziogas Frontzos in 1870 it stands testament to time. Others worth checking out include Klidonia or Voidomatis bridge built in 1853, as well as Mavri Petra bridge amongst others. In fact bridge hunting is a thing. You can tour your way around the mountainous forest and through the Aoos and Voidomatis rivers and maybe even indulge in a spot of kayaking.

Konitsa is like a little slice of Alpine magic, plucked straight out of a Hans Christiansen book. Step aside, Courchevel, we got this.

Previous reading
Kavala: Star Of The North
Next reading
The Athens Marathon: A Race Against History