Ideal for autumn and winter weekends.
We’ve said a lot about trips near Athens. This time we present 5 picturesque villages near Thessaloniki that you should definitely visit at some point. Ideal destinations for autumn and winter weekends, these traditional settlements have everything you need for a change of scenery: abundant natural scenery, clean air, warm hospitality, and traditional food.
Nymfaio
Just a short drive from the city of Florina, there’s a mountain village, built at 1,350 meters on the slopes of Mount Vitsi, that looks like it’s been lifted from a painting. Nymfaio, also known as the «stone jewel of Macedonia», enchants visitors with its distinctive architecture and setting. Indeed, it has been named one of Europe’s 10 most beautiful villages, while in UNESCO’s global competition it vied for the International «Melina Mercouri» Award for exemplary management of cultural assets and the natural environment. The arched wooden little bridge at the entrance, which links two impressive mansions, the cobbled paths, the well-crafted stone houses, and the towering beech trees surrounding the village create a unique scene. You can walk through the surrounding beech forests and breathe the mountain’s invigorating air, ride horses and bikes, visit Lake Zazari, and savor fine wines from renowned vineyards.
Palaios Agios Athanasios
Built at an altitude of 1,200 meters on the slopes of Kaimaktsalan, Greece’s third-highest mountain, 30 km. from the city of Edessa and 123 km. from Thessaloniki, a mountain village of Pella has been designated a traditional settlement since 1992, while its reputation extends beyond the country’s borders. Palaios Agios Athanasios stands out for its traditional Macedonian architecture, as well as for its proximity to the famed Voras ski resort, which has the highest elevation of all the ski resorts in Greece, at around 2,500 meters. Tile-roofed buildings and the primary use of stone and wood dominate everywhere and explain why Palaios Agios Athanasios is known as the «stone village». From the chapel of Agios Athanasios on the namesake hill you can admire the superb view toward Lake Vegoritida, Greece’s third-largest lake by area. At the mountain’s highest peak lies the Voras-Kaimaktsalan Ski Center, with excellent facilities and runs for every taste. It’s the highest ski resort 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 mountain’s summit, which is dedicated to the memory of the Serbian fallen of World War I.
Litochoro
Intertwined with explorations of Olympus, picturesque Litochoro is an ideal all-season destination. Litochoro is built on the eastern foothills of the mythical mountain, 25 km. from Katerini and 90 km. from Thessaloniki. The picturesque small town of Pieria is the main gateway to Olympus, since from the locations «Prionia» and «Gortsia» the ascents begin to its refuges and to the summit, Mytikas (2,918 m.). From Litochoro’s central square begins a labyrinth of narrow lanes, while at the top of the settlement lies the old village. Houses of Macedonian architecture, neoclassical captains’ houses, small neighborhood squares, stone fountains, and churches compose the picture of the settlements. Don’t miss the Nautical Museum, with exhibits that reveal the rich maritime heritage of this Macedonian town. Also, Litochoro is an ideal base for exploring the traditional settlements of Palaios Panteleimonas and Skotina.
Palaios Panteleimonas
A beautiful settlement on the slopes of Lower Olympus, «blanketed» in chestnut, beech, and plane trees and with unique views over the Thermaic Gulf and the shores of southern Pieria, Palaios Panteleimonas is one of those villages that win you over at first sight. It’s one of the finest examples of traditional Macedonian architecture in northern Greece. The settlement managed to preserve its local character, as it had been almost abandoned since the 1950s. In the 1980s, however, it was restored and the village began to come back to life. You’ll need to cover about 100 km. from Thessaloniki to stroll its cobbled lanes, among the lovely stone houses. In the central square stands the Church of Agios Panteleimon, which gave the village its name, and the restored old school. At a distance of 20 km. lie Litochoro and the Enipeas Gorge with its famous waterfalls, while the impressive Platamon Castle is just 4 km. away.
Arnaia
A visit to mountainous Arnaia, about 70 km. from Thessaloniki and 38 km. from Polygyros, is an experience you shouldn’t miss if you want to discover the other side of Halkidiki. Built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 600 m., on the northern foothills of Mount Holomontas, amid a lush landscape with rich forests and abundant running waters, Arnaia is full of beautiful houses and buildings that are outstanding examples of Macedonian traditional architecture. It’s no coincidence that CNN included it in its list of the most beautiful villages in Greece. Restored mansions with covered verandas and traditional houses painted in vivid colors or ochres adorn Arnaia, which has been designated a «Historic site» and «Traditional Settlement» since 1987 by the Ministry of Culture. What’s more, the Municipality has designed six distinct walking routes to serve visitors and make it easier to get to know the settlement. Don’t forget to try Arnaia’s famed local products, such as honey, wine, and the unique Moundovina, a distinctive honey-based tsipouro (PDO product).
