activities agios athanasios - kaikmatsalan
AREA DESCRIPTION
The settlement of Palaios Agios Athanasios is a traditional stone-built restored village in the wider area of Pella, just before the top of Mount Voras – Kaimaktsalan. The village has an altitude of 1200 meters and is located north of Lake Vegoritida. It has the traditional Macedonian architecture based on hewn stone and wood. It consists of only 67 permanent residents. The proximity to the ski resort of Voras – Kaimaktsalan, the picturesque streets, the intense snowfall in the winter as well as the many options in modern taverns, restaurants and types of accommodation even for the most demanding rank it as the No. 1 winter destination in Northern Greece as well as one of the most popular in Greece in general. The settlement of Old Agios Athanasios was completely abandoned in the 1990s and from the beginning of 2000 it began to be restored in order to develop today into the ultimate winter tourist destination.
Due to the high altitude at which it is located, can naturally give you coolness in the hot summer days for accommodation or even for an excursion as you can enjoy your coffee or your food in the fresh air in one of its shops, walk through its narrow streets and to browse its small shopping mall.
EXPERIENCES IN THE REGION
Palaios Agios Athanasios is an excellent choice to get in touch with nature, walk in beautiful streets, enjoy the unique wines from the surrounding area and relax in the cozy chalets with the sound of the fireplace and the thick snowflakes outside to renew the beautiful white view.
It is located very close to remarkable places and routes that will certainly not leave your trip monotonous. The options are really many:
Ski Resort Center of Voras - Kaimaktsalan
It is located only 18 km away from the settlement of Palaios Agios Athanasios on an almost vertical route until you reach the final altitude of 2524 meters! At the ski resort you can enjoy your favorite sport of skiing with a variety of slopes that will satisfy even the most demanding skier. For the less adventurous, don’t hesitate to rent a small sled so you can enjoy the magic of the snow and of course give our little friends an incredible ride! If winter sports do not attract you, enjoy a hot chocolate drink in the chalet enjoying the breathtaking view from 2500 meters between the clouds and in the distance below admire the peaceful lake Vegoritida!
Mall of Palaios Agios Athansios
In the center of Palios Agios Athanasios you can visit the central market, where you will find a wide variety of traditional handmade products. Unique spoon sweets from fruits and vegetables from the surrounding area, handmade pasta and liqueurs. Leather products such as gloves, slippers. Handmade wooden souvenirs for you and your loved ones. Handmade chocolates, unique collections of antique small cars and much more are there waiting for you to experience them.
Route Palaios Agios Athansios - Keriasia
It is a hidden route as we would describe it since it is a road better known to the locals. A special route for those who love adventure and nature a little bit more. Permanently snowy road at high altitudes during winter. During the rest of the year, you will simply be amazed by the changing colors of the vegetation as the altitude of the route changes. The use of winter chains is considered necessary.
This particular route ends in the villages of Orma where you can enjoy amazing food as well as in Loutraki where you can enjoy the unique hot springs of the Pozar baths!
Pozar hot springs & baths
The thermal baths of Pozar are located at a distance of about an hour from the village of Palaios Agios Athanasios. They are located at the foot of Mount Voras and they consist a point of reference for Northern Greece, as they offer relaxation and well-being in a unique natural environment. The hot thermal springs form natural waterfalls with thermal water, next to the river of Aghios Nikolaos that crosses the whole of Loutropolis and private indoor pools provide the possibility for therapeutic baths.
Prespes Lakes
An unforgettable experience is an excursion to the lakes of Prespes, specifically to the small and large Prespa, which are only two hours away from the small and three hours from the large. The two lakes which have been officially named as landscapes of special natural beauty as the beech forests, the reedbeds, the 260 species of birds, the 23 species of fish and the 1,300 species of plants, the pelicans, its historical monuments of archaeological interest, the pastures, the cultivation of beans and the mosaic of cultures make the arid area of Prespa a wetland of international interest.
Vegoritida Lake
The view of Vegoritida lake will surely cause you awe and admiration, not only from its impressive size but also from the surrounding natural landscape. It is surrounded by mountains Voras, Vici and Vermio. 163 species of birds live in the lake, among others and rare species, some of which are silver pelicans, cormorants and mallards, 20 species of fish as well as amphibians. Even though it is surrounded by 3 mountains, it never freezes so it also becomes a gathering point in the cold winter for birds from other frozen lakes.
Waterfalls of Edessa – Water Museum
The city of water and the 5 senses. A city full of natural beauties and impressive waterfalls. The waterfalls of Edessa are the bigggest in the Balkans. They are located on the edge of a cliff in a unique water-sculpted geopark with 12 waterfalls. Both are large, visible, visitable and offer a unique atmosphere of the power of nature creating the myth of the water state. In the open water museum, a short distance from the park of the Waterfalls, you can visit the old industrial water-powered zone of Edessa, known as the area of the Mills. The abundance of water in combination with the strong slopes of the ground made it possible to exploit hydrodynamics since ancient times.
Sklithro in Florina
In Sklithro you will find an activity center specializing in excursions and recreational outings in nature. All kinds of activities are organized, for intense as well as calm moments, but always special, with the only condition the desire to know and love nature. A visit by bicycle to the wolf sanctuary in Agrapidia, a walk along the fishermen’s path to Lake Zazari, canoeing in its calm waters, climbing an artificial tower, walking with horses on enchanted paths in the mountain. The area is an ideal destination and provides you with possibilities for many excursions, such as hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, etc.
Arktouros - Nymfaio
How about a trip to the beautiful village of Nymphaeum? There you can meet all the bears hosted by Arcturos in a specially fenced area of 50 acres, at an altitude of 1,350m.
Ktima Alpha
Ktima Alpha is located in the area of Amyntaio, Florina, with the Petra lake in the background, between the picturesque Nymphaeum and the cosmopolitan winter destination of Agios Athanasios. The goal of the ktima Alpha is to take special care in the exploitation of the privately owned vineyard of 850 acres, with the highest management standards. The viticultural ecosystem of the Amyntaio region brings together all the exceptional characteristics of a unique vineyard and the goal of the ktima Alpha team is to highlight the dynamism and uniqueness of the vineyard with absolute respect for the quality data of the winemaking process.
