Vytina

Vytina sits at just over a thousand metres in the Mainalo range, surrounded by black fir forest, and it has been the standard mountain retreat of Athenians and Peloponnesians for generations: stone houses with slate roofs, a central square of plane trees and cafes, a wood-carving tradition that fills the shops, and a climate cold enough for real winter. The town's builders were known across Greece as stonemasons, and the older buildings show it. Around it lie the Mainalo trail network, the Mainalo ski centre twenty minutes away, and the Arcadian villages of Dimitsana, Stemnitsa and Elati. In summer the forest offers walking and cool air; in winter the square fills with visitors and the tavernas serve mountain food.

What you actually see

• The stone town - houses and public buildings in local grey stone.
• The plane square - the social centre with cafes under the trees.
• The fir forest - black fir woods surrounding the town on all sides.
• The woodcarving shops - a local craft sold along the main street.

When to go

Winter weekends for the mountain atmosphere and possible snow; late spring and autumn for walking in the forest without crowds. August is busy and hotels raise prices at Christmas and Carnival.

Honest expectations

Vytina is a base rather than a sight, and there is little to visit in the town itself. It fills to capacity on winter weekends and holidays, when booking is essential. The mountain roads can require chains after snowfall.

Nearby

Dimitsana and Stemnitsa lie southwest; the Mainalo ski centre and Lousios gorge are close.