From Mount Olympus to the shores of the Prespa Lakes and the slopes of Kaimaktsalan, five of the most beautiful villages of Macedonia inspire us for winter getaways. Each one is unique.
Traditional settlements with imposing Macedonian mansions, "balconies" with endless views over mountains and lakes, popular ski resorts and villages that seem frozen in time. Invigorating mountain air, idyllic landscapes, traditional food, warm hospitality. We discover the winter magic of Macedonia in five of its most picturesque villages.
Palaios Panteleimonas, Pieria
A beautiful settlement on the slopes of Lower Olympus, "draped" in chestnut, beech and plane trees and with unique views of the Thermaic Gulf and the shores of southern Pieria, Palaios Panteleimonas is one of those villages that win you over at first glance. It is one of the finest examples of traditional Macedonian architecture in northern Greece. The settlement managed to retain its local character as it had almost been deserted since the 1950s. In the 1980s, however, it was restored and the village came back to life.
About 100 km. you will need to travel from Thessaloniki to wander its cobbled streets, among the handsome stone houses. In the main square stands the church of Agios Panteleimon, which gave the village its name, and the restored old school. 20 km away lies Litochoro and the Enipeas Gorge with its famed waterfalls, while the impressive Castle of Platamon is just 4 km away.
Nymfaio, Florina
Just a short drive from the town of Florina, there is a mountain village, built at 1,350 meters on the slopes of Mount Vitsi, that looks as if it has stepped out of a painting. Nymfaio, also known as the "stone jewel of Macedonia", enchants visitors with its distinctive architecture and setting. It has been named one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Europe, while in UNESCOs global competition it vied for the "Melina Mercouri" International Prize for exemplary management of cultural heritage and the natural environment. The entrance with its arched wooden footbridge linking two impressive mansions, the cobbled paths, the well-crafted stone houses and the towering beech trees surrounding the village create a one-of-a-kind scene.
The settlement is designated traditional, with stone and wood prevailing, while the roofs of the houses are made of galvanized sheet metal so the snow slides off easily. The villages landmark is the old stone school, the Nikeios School, a donation from the great tobacco merchant Zan Nikou in 1928. You can walk through the surrounding beech forests and breathe the invigorating mountain air, go riding and cycling, visit Lake Zazari and taste fine wines from renowned vineyards.
Agios Germanos, Florina
Seven kilometers from the shores of the Prespa Lakes and 48 km. from Florina, Agios Germanos, perched at an elevation of 1,000 meters on the slopes of Varnountas, looks as if it has come out of a movie set. It is one of three designated traditional settlements in the Regional Unit of Florina along with Psarades and Nymfaio. Come here for quiet strolls among beautiful houses with wooden balconies and to sample distinctive flavors, but above all to explore Prespa, one of the most beautiful regions of Greece.
The entire settlement is of great architectural interest. Its stone houses, many of which were built up to World War II, are characteristic examples of the local, traditional architecture. In Agios Germanos you will find guesthouses and tavernas serving bean soup, lake carp, dried tsironia and other delicacies. Dont forget to buy beans from the shops selling local products. Also here is the information center for the Prespa National Park. Hikers should know that along the European E6 trail, which passes through the area, are the Motsara and Potistra springs.
Palaios Agios Athanasios, Pella
Built at an elevation of 1,200 meters on the slopes of Kaimaktsalan,the third-highest mountain in Greece, 30 km from the town of Edessa and 123 km from Thessaloniki, a mountain village of Pella has been designated a traditional settlement since 1992, and its fame extends beyond the countrys borders. Palaios Agios Athanasios stands out for its traditional Macedonian architecture, and for its proximity to the famous Voras ski resort, which has the greatest elevation of all ski centers in Greece, at about 2,500 meters.
Buildings with tiled roofs and stone and wood as the primary materials dominate everywhere and explain why Palaios Agios Athanasios is known as the "stone village". From the chapel of Agios Athanasios on the hill of the same name you can admire the superb view toward Lake Vegoritida, the third-largest lake in Greece by area. On the highest peak of the mountain lies the Voras-Kaimaktsalan Ski Center, with excellent facilities and runs for every level. It is the highest ski center in Greece and one of the few with such a long snow season. An unforgettable experience is the hike from the ski center to the chapel of Prophet Elias, at the mountains summit, which is dedicated to the memory of the Serbian fallen of World War I.
