One of the most characteristic phenomena in the climate of Greece is that one can find great contrasts in temperature on the same day, depending on where one is.

And this is because there is a diversity on the ground, which means that you can encounter high mountains and beautiful coasts in close proximity. So the temperature will definitely be different there. The same thing happens depending on the season as well. But did you know that there is a place in Greece where you can encounter frost even in summer? Even in the middle of August. And yet, it happens. Most people may think that this is Mount Olympus. But it is another mountain, also imposing and full of beauties. Mainalo in Arcadia, where there is a point where frost and very low temperatures have been recorded during the three months of summer.

This has been ascertained by meteorological stations set up in mountain valleys, that is, in large cavities formed in them by nature. In fact, these are impressive natural formations formed in various mountainous regions of Greece due to subsidence. Their characteristic is that they are themselves surrounded by higher ridges that isolate them from the atmospheric circulation and at the same time protect them from the winds.

The lowest temperatures in Greece during the summer period have been observed and recorded in these valleys of Mainalo. About 10 years ago, in January, the temperature was -35 degrees Celsius. A temperature that we probably could never have imagined in Greece. Accordingly, very low temperatures have been observed in the summer months of the past. More precisely, from 2011 to 2014 and with the exception of August 2012, there was not a single summer month without frost. For example, the temperature reached -4 or -4.5 in June and August.

The frozen sinkhole of Kechroti

One of the most impressive and icy sinkholes in Mainalo is the sinkhole of Kechroti. But why is it so? This sinkhole owes these extreme minimum temperatures and months of frost to a well-known and common atmospheric phenomenon. We are talking about the so-called temperature inversion. In this phenomenon, the air temperature rises locally with altitude, instead of falling as normal.

The villages of Mainalo

The villages of Mainalo are equally beautiful and picturesque. Settlements small and large, always traditional and ready to welcome you. Vytina, Stemnitsa and Dimitsana are among the most famous ones that will not leave you unmoved, no matter what time of year you are there. Set in greenery, with picturesque squares and cobbled streets that will transport you to another Greece, more traditional and authentic. Piana and Lagadia are the most unknown villages that can offer you equally strong emotions. All you need is a mood and a few days off to get to know them up close and steal your heart.