Every autumn, the mountains of Northern Greece transform into a landscape of golden forests, woodsmoke, and village festivals centered around one of the region’s oldest traditions: chestnuts. From the slopes of Mount Paiko to the forests near Thessaly and Macedonia, chestnut-growing villages offer a different side of Greece — one built around mountain life, seasonal food, and slow travel.
Here are some of the best chestnut villages in Northern Greece worth exploring during the autumn season.
Kastaneri, Kilkis — The Village Hidden in Greece’s Largest Chestnut Forest
One of the most famous chestnut destinations in Northern Greece is Kastaneri, a mountain village on the slopes of Mount Paiko. The village is surrounded by what is often described as the largest chestnut forest in Greece. Stone-built houses, narrow walking trails, and dense forests make it especially popular during October and November.
Autumn is the ideal season to visit. Local tavernas serve roasted chestnuts, chestnut pies, mushrooms, and tsipouro while hiking paths through the forest attract photographers and nature lovers.
The village also hosts seasonal celebrations linked to the chestnut harvest, drawing visitors from Thessaloniki and across Central Macedonia.
Griva, Mount Paiko — A Chestnut Tradition Passed Through Generations
On the southeastern slopes of Mount Paiko lies Griva, a village deeply connected to chestnut cultivation. The surrounding forest contains thousands of chestnut trees, many of which have supported local families for generations.
Every autumn, the village celebrates its harvest with chestnut, wine, and cheese festivals featuring local music, roasted chestnuts, traditional sweets, and regional wines. The atmosphere feels authentic and community-driven rather than heavily commercialized.
The roads around Griva are particularly beautiful in late October when the forests turn shades of orange and deep red.
Livadi, Near Thessaloniki — A Quick Mountain Escape
Just outside Thessaloniki, the mountain village of Livadi becomes a popular autumn destination thanks to its chestnut forests and annual chestnut festival. Visitors come for forest walks, local food, and panoramic views over the Thermaic Gulf.
Because of its proximity to Thessaloniki, Livadi is ideal for travelers who want a short countryside escape without venturing too far into remote mountain regions.
Karitsa and Melivoia, Larissa — Thessaly’s Chestnut Heartland
The villages of Karitsa and Melivoia are known throughout Greece for high-quality chestnuts grown on the slopes of Mount Kissavos. Seasonal festivals celebrate chestnuts through cooking demonstrations, local recipes, music, and agricultural traditions.
The surrounding landscape combines mountain forests with views toward the Aegean coast, making the region especially attractive for scenic autumn drives.
Ano Chora — A Mountain Escape Filled With Chestnut Forests
Image Source: Chatgpt
Although slightly farther south geographically, Ano Chora remains one of Greece’s most famous chestnut destinations. The village sits among forests filled with chestnut, fir, oak, and cherry trees.
During chestnut season, the village square fills with roasting stations, traditional sweets, local pies, and tsipouro distillation demonstrations. The atmosphere captures the slower, rural side of Greek mountain life that many travelers rarely experience.
Why Chestnut Tourism Is Growing in Greece
Across Northern Greece, chestnut villages are becoming increasingly popular with travelers searching for:
- authentic rural experiences
- autumn tourism destinations
- food-focused travel
- mountain hiking escapes
- seasonal festivals
Unlike Greece’s crowded summer islands, these villages offer cooler weather, local hospitality, forest landscapes, and a strong connection to traditional agriculture.
For many visitors, the appeal is simple: mountain air, wood-fired food, colorful forests, and villages that still move at a slower pace.
The best time to visit is typically from late October through early November, when chestnut harvest season and local festivals are at their peak.
