From Thessaloniki: Private Day Trip to Paleos Agios Athanasios and Kaimaktsalan Ski Center

Paleos Agios Athanasios

Paleos Agios Athanasios is a wonderful, mountain village, situated next to one of the best ski centers of Greece, far away from the metropolitan centers of the area. The village maintains its peace and colour all year, except the holiday periods, when many visitors from Thessalonica and other cities are gathered to the village.

The village has about 300 permanent inhabitants and it is rapidly developed according to the contemporary facilities for high quality hospitality. In addition, the area combines the traditional, local cuisine, the recreation to various cafes and wine shops with the mountain activities (trekking, horse riding etc.) and winter sports. There are many earth-roads for 4×4 vehicles which lead to the villages Loutraki, Kerasia, Panagitsa and Achlada, Skopo (Florina) next to the ruins of Setina castle. The Kaimaktsalan wood is an important biotope and an area of great natural beauty, recognized as a protected of *NATURA 2000* area and a member of *CORINE* network.

What to do in Paleos Agios Athanasios

• Agios Athanasios Pellas: A new twist on a traditional settlement

An excellent example of tasteful residential development and the epitome of understated elegance. Once an abandoned village dug into the mountain at an altitude of 1,200m, Agios Athanasios Pellas was listed as a ‘traditional’ settlement in 1992 when its new fairy tale life began. Today, it is among the most up-and-coming and rapidly growing winter destinations in Greece, with traditional local architecture, sloping rooftops, cobblestone streets and high standards of service.

• Kaimaktsalan: The highs of skiing

A favourite destination for skiing enthusiasts, Kaimaktsalan is the only ski resort in Greece where you can reach an altitude of 2,480m. It has very good snow quality and, if that’s not enough, the landscape of the eastern foothills of Mt Voras will knock your socks off! Kaimaktsalan (meaning white peak) has pistes for all levels, from bunny to advanced, a chalet, ski and snowboard schools and equipment rental to suit all your needs.

• Pella: Ancient treasures of Macedonia

The grande dame of Macedonian cities, Ancient Pella was discovered in a land that still has many treasures to reveal. The plain is scattered with Macedonian tombs and the remnants of ancient settlements that have yet to be found or excavated.

• Aridaia’s hot springs: Nature’s elixir

Who wouldn’t want to soak in these thermal springs? The natural warm pools are found among beautiful streams, waterfalls and snow-laden pine branches. It’s the ultimate spa, with the mist rising around you from the mineral springs. Walking in the gorge, rock climbing and mountain hiking … everything is possible at Pózar Thermal Baths.

Hidden gems of Lake Plastira

• Wetland Agra-Vryton-Nisiou

In Macedonia, where Mt Voras and Mt Vermio meet the mountain basin of Agra, there is a little yet very important wetland, where more than 250 different bird species have been observed. The short distance from Edessa makes it a paradise not easily missed!

• The Archangel of Mt Paiko

Why the Archangel? At 700m above sea level, it took its name from the monastery founded in 1858. One of the most significant attractions in the area, the Archangel of Mt Paiko stands out for its architecture and is the starting point for all alpine routes into the Paiko Mountains, as well as exotic Tzenas.

• The little church of Profitis Ilias

The 1.5hr walk from the ski resort to the little church of Profitis Ilias, at the summit of Mt Kaimaktsalan, is an experience in itself. At an altitude of 2,524m, the third-highest point in Greece, the church is a World War One memorial to the fallen Serbs and was built with war debris found in the area. Take a deep breath and feel the incredible power of the area.

Included

• Pick up and drop off service from your hotel in Thessaloniki
• Transportation by air-conditioned V.I.P. car or mini van
• Professional chauffeur (English-speaking)
• Wifi on board (free)
• Bottle of water and coffee during the route (free)
• After the trip you will receive with email edited photos and a small video of your trip.

Not Included

• Gratuities (optional)
• Guide who speaks your language
• Entrance fees

• Participants under the age of 12 must have a parent or guardian.
• Because there are many sights worth seeing but a day trip is not enough to visit all of them, before starting the trip we will present to you all possible sights to choose what you are more interest for.
• There are many beautiful sights. You are encouraged to bring a camera along. But if you don’t… we have a camera for you!
• Weather will not affect the operation of the tours.
• However if canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date
• Pick up from your hotel in Thessaloniki
• Departure time: 09:00 am (approx.)
• Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
• Return details: Returns to original Pick up point