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Looking for an eco-friendly resort in Greece? Montanema Handmade Village near Lake Plastira is a solid choice.
This is not just a place to sleep but more of an experience destination. It’s set in a fir forest at 1,000m altitude, inside the Natura 2000 protected zone. Expect fresh mountain air, traditional stone-and-wood houses, and a focus on local food, wellness, and outdoor activities.
I had Montanema on my list for a long time and finally got to visit a few years back. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, how to get there, and what I’d recommend booking once you arrive.
Getting There & Surroundings
Τhe area where Montanema is located is the Agrafa mountains, near Lake Plastira.
From Athens, it is about 4.5-5hours by car. The other option is to grab a train or KTEL (bus) to Karditsa (about 3 hours). You can then arrange a hotel transfer for the last 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Driving on your own is doable, but a higher vehicle is more comfortable for the last stretch that is unpaved. Signs are posted along the way, so you won’t get lost — just give yourself enough daylight for the final approach.
Accommodation & Design
The property consists of stone-built houses and cottages, villas, spread around the property with wood, stone, and handcrafted touches. Inside, you’ll see exposed beams, fireplaces, rugs, handcrafted furniture and (in our case) great bathrooms. It has a deliberately rustic decor, and I loved that we got a fireplace to use as well, since the days were getting colder.
For those that have limited mobility, you might want to check to get a cottage higher up the hill so you don’t have to walk as much.
I also found that even if we had next door neighbors so to speak, the stone walls and distances were enough to feel like you are not bumping in to people all the time.
We stayed in what they call “Cozy Homes” which is one of their smaller and more intimate rooms, (also more affordable) but I got to peak inside some of the villas and manor houses, and they are beautiful!
Definitely recommend booking one of those if you need more space or want to treat yourself.
Facilities & Amenities
One of Montanema’s strengths is how it blends retreat luxuries with nature.
Spa & Wellness: They have the “Aquanema” spa with an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, massage rooms, and relaxation areas which we reserved and got to use twice. I would also highly recommend booking a massage or healing therapy session, it was incredibly enjoyable.
Pools: There is also an outdoor pool that would be amazing for the warmer months but we had no use for during our stay.
Food and Dining: Their main restaurant “Fournia” uses wood-fired ovens and local ingredients, often from their own farm or nearby lands. Also there’s a café (“Herema”) serving herbal refreshments, homemade liqueurs.
Most ingredients if not all are seasonal, fresh and local. The menu constantly changes but I would say there is no need to suggest anything. Whatever you order will be amazing.
Since my visit was during a holiday over the NY period, I also got to have a special dinner that night, that I still remember vividly.
Activities: Like most eco-retreats, Montanema invites guests to prebook and order their activities after booking their stay. Some get booked out, while others require prior notice.
But some like a lot of the activity stuff, you can join on the day. I really loved the hiking trail around the property and down to the stream, and the archery offer.
They also do mushroom picking, wild herbs, and various workshops depending on the season. Little kids will also love the farm animals that you can see and visit, including the ponnies. Another by request activity that I recommend booking is a wine tasting and a tour or walkthrough of their cellar and regional wines. There is a lot here to appreciate for wine fans or just regular wine drinker fans, as well as a chance to taste local cheeses, cured meats and other delicacies.
What to keep in mind
Staying in Montanema is an experience to be enjoyed while there, meaning less moving around and more taking in the property, food and offerings. Don’t fill pressed to see the region too much, or factor in some relexation days (at least 2) and some exploration days. You will also want to book ahead of time if you are planning on a holiday weekend, since it might be full.
In terms of packing, make sure to bring some extra warmer layers, as the mountain temperatures can dip and you’ll feel more comfortable with some waterproof walking shoes and a nice hoodie.
Also, I’d recommend arriving early in the day so you don’t have to navigate unknown roads later at night.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
