Chestnut Festivals in Greece: 3 Mountain Villages to Visit in Autumn 2027
Autumn in Greece is a wonderful time to explore the country’s mountainous landscapes, discover traditional villages and experience local celebrations. Among the most charming seasonal events are the Chestnut Festivals (Giorti tou Kastanou), which celebrate the annual chestnut harvest with traditional food, music, dancing and plenty of local hospitality.
First established in 1984, the Chestnut Festivals have become a much-loved autumn tradition in several mountainous villages across Greece. The oldest and best-known celebration takes place in Kastanitsa, Arcadia, attracting visitors who want to experience authentic Greek village life and sample delicious chestnut-based specialities.
The Chestnut Festivals are traditionally held in late October or early November, making them an excellent excuse for an autumn weekend getaway.
Visitors can enjoy freshly roasted and boiled chestnuts, accompanied by local wine and tsipouro, while many villages also organise walks through picturesque chestnut forests, traditional music and dancing, and exhibitions showcasing local crafts and folk art.
If you are planning an autumn escape in Greece in 2027, these three villages are worth keeping on your travel list.
3 Chestnut Festivals in Greece to Look Forward to in Autumn 2027
1. Kastanitsa, Arcadia – October 2027
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnon in the Peloponnese, Kastanitsa is one of Greece’s most picturesque traditional mountain villages and home to one of the country’s oldest and best-known Chestnut Festivals.
The village traditionally hosts its annual celebration during the last weekend of October. In 2027, visitors can look forward to another edition of this much-loved event, although the exact dates and programme have not yet been officially announced.
One of the festival’s most distinctive features is its walking-tour format. Rather than taking place exclusively in the village square, visitors are invited to follow the specially designed “Chestnut Trail”, a circular route through the village’s picturesque alleyways and neighbourhoods. Participants receive a map and can explore different festival stops along the way.
The celebration traditionally features a tempting selection of local dishes and seasonal specialities, including:
- Boiled chestnuts and traditional treats
- Warm sour trahana soup and mountain tea
- Pork cooked with chestnuts
- Chickpeas with chestnuts
- Traditional boiled goat
- Homemade pies and fried bread
- Local wine, oinomelo (warm spiced wine) and tsipouro
Beyond the culinary delights, the festival is a great opportunity to explore Kastanitsa’s traditional architecture, admire the surrounding chestnut forests, and experience the authentic atmosphere of a Greek mountain village.
2. Ano Doliana, Arcadia – November 2027
Another wonderful destination for an autumn excursion in the Peloponnese is Ano Doliana, a traditional village on Mount Parnon that celebrates the chestnut harvest with its own annual festival.
The village traditionally organises its Chestnut Festivals in early November. Following its 22nd edition in 2026, visitors can look forward to the next celebration in autumn 2027. The exact date and programme are expected to be announced closer to the event.
Rooted in local heritage and mountain traditions, the festival brings together chestnuts, traditional music, dancing and delicious regional specialities.
Food is naturally an important part of the celebrations. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes and seasonal delicacies, while the village’s coffee house and taverna offer additional options for refreshments. The local Cultural Association also traditionally serves souvlaki during the festivities.
Set within a traditional settlement surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Parnon, the event offers an excellent reason to visit Ano Doliana in autumn. It is also a lovely opportunity to discover how local celebrations help preserve cultural traditions and support rural tourism.
3. Paleochori, Kavala – October/November 2027
For a different autumn experience in Northern Greece, head to Paleochori, in the Municipality of Pangaio, Kavala.
This charming village is best known for its Chestnut Festivals, held in the heart of the surrounding chestnut forest. Its woodland setting makes the celebration especially appealing to nature lovers and visitors seeking an authentic countryside experience.
The festival is traditionally held in late October or early November, although the exact date for 2027 has not yet been announced.
Visitors can enjoy freshly roasted and boiled chestnuts, sample local wine and tsipouro, and even collect chestnuts directly from the forest. It is a wonderful way to experience the harvest season while discovering one of the region’s beautiful natural landscapes.
Experience the Magic of Autumn in Greece
From the historic mountain settlement of Kastanitsa in the Peloponnese to Ano Doliana and the forest-surrounded village of Paleochori in Kavala, Greece’s Chestnut Festivals offer much more than a celebration of the seasonal harvest.
They invite you to discover lesser-known destinations, taste traditional regional dishes, explore beautiful mountain landscapes, and connect with local communities.
Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a gastronomic excursion or a scenic autumn road trip, these traditional celebrations are a wonderful way to experience authentic Greece.
Make a note for autumn 2027 and discover some of Greece’s most charming mountain villages through one of its most delicious seasonal traditions.
Please note: The 2027 festival dates and programmes have not been officially confirmed yet. Check with the local organisers before planning your visit.
Source: Originally published in Greek by Economistas.gr and translated into English for this publication.
Experience the Magic of Autumn in Greece
From the historic mountain settlement of Kastanitsa in the Peloponnese to Ano Doliana and the forest-surrounded village of Paleochori in Kavala, Greece’s Chestnut Festivals offer much more than a celebration of a seasonal harvest.
They invite you to discover the country’s lesser-known destinations, taste traditional regional dishes, explore beautiful mountain landscapes, and connect with local communities.
Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a gastronomic excursion or a scenic autumn road trip, these traditional celebrations are a wonderful way to experience authentic Greece in autumn.
So, this October and November, follow the scent of freshly roasted chestnuts and discover some of Greece’s most charming mountain villages.
