With a long tradition in winemaking, traditional neighborhoods with distinctive charm, lovely countryside around the city, historic landmarks and two ski resorts within easy reach, Naousa offers unique experiences for those who love getaways with an emphasis on nature and flavors.
One of the most beautiful cities of Macedonia, built at the foot of eastern Vermio. Traditional neighborhoods with distinctive character, historic sights, abundant greenery, waterfalls and plenty of water, ski resorts and, of course, lots of very good wine. This is Naousa, the second largest city of Imathia and gives many reasons for the traveler to visit.
The Arapitsa river that crosses the city creates wonderful lush landscapes for endless strolls, while the splendid countryside around the city enchants anyone who finds themselves there. The Agios Nikolaos Park welcomes walkers, glasses fill with the famous Xinomavro wine produced in the area, while skiers load their equipment, bound for the ski resorts at Tria Pente Pigadia and Seli.
The city of wine
Naousa has a long tradition in wine. From very old times it was known for its wines from the renowned local variety Xinomavro (dry red wine), which since 1971 has belonged to the category of wines Appellation of Superior Quality (OPAP). The wines of Naousa stood out for their aromatic, complex character and their longevity. It is no accident that Naousa was declared an International City of Wine and Vine in 1987 by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine.
You will get a good taste of Xinomavro at the citys restaurants, but it is also worth visiting one of Naousas renowned wineries to learn the story behind the famous wine, taste old or rare vintages and pick up the most... intoxicating souvenirs. Dalamara Winery in Naousa, Boutari Winery in Stenimachos, Kyr-Yianni Estate in Yianakohori, Chrysochoou Estate and Foundi Estate in Nea Strantza are some of them.
What to see in Naousa
Old neighborhoods: Starting your tour of the city, take a stroll through the neighborhoods of Alonia, Pouliana and Batania. The opulent mansions, the imposing public buildings and the simple traditional Macedonian houses will transport you to the citys past, to the time when it prospered.
Municipal Park: One of the most beautiful walks is in the Municipal Park near Karatasos Square, with ample views of the fertile plain of Imathia. In spring and summer it is lush green, but in the other seasons it is beautiful too. Here there is an artificial lake with wooden bridges, paths, a fountain and paving, while its permanent residents are ducks, pigeons and peacocks as well as squirrels.
Place of Sacrifice: Did you know that the city of Naousa, according to a royal decree of 1955, has the title «heroic»? In 1822, during the holocaust of Naousa, several women of the city chose to throw themselves with their children into the Arapitsa river rather than be taken captive by the Turks. At the site of the womens sacrifice, in the Stoumpanoi area by the river, there is the distinctive monument, with the statue of the woman of Naousa holding her children in her arms.
Agios Nikolaos Grove: At a distance of only three kilometers from the city, stretches the Grove of Agios Nikolaos, which has been declared a landscape of special natural beauty. It is a lush green area with large plane trees, crossed by Naousas river, the Arapitsa. A small artificial lake, with trout and ducks, sports facilities (basketball, volleyball and tennis courts), a playground, restaurants, tavernas and cafes compose a unique setting for escape and relaxation for the whole family.
School of Aristotle: The School of Aristotle (known as Nymphaion) is located at the site Isvoria, in an idyllic landscape very close to the city. It is the location that housed, shortly after the mid-4th century BC, the School where the philosopher Aristotle taught the young Alexander.
Ski paradise
For lovers of winter sports, two large ski resorts are located a short distance from the city of Naousa. If you dream of white slopes and slalom, visit the 3-5 Pigadia ski resort (17 km from Naousa). It is located at an altitude of 1,430-2,005 m., has an artificial snowmaking system and has been established since the early 80s as a training center for sports teams. The Seli Ski Center (19 km from Naousa) is at an altitude of 1,530-1,890 m. and is the countrys first organized ski resort. It has been operating since 1934, the year the first Panhellenic Ski Championships were organized.
A unique custom
The Genitsaroi and Boules custom is a unique traditional ritual in Naousa during the Carnival period. This distinctive custom dates to the 18th century, while its roots can be traced to festivals in ancient Greece, related to the god Dionysus. The custom begins on the first Sunday of Carnival, continues on Monday, when the troupes visit the homes of their members and celebrate, is repeated on Carnival Sunday (Tyrini), in Alonia Square, where there is revelry with traditional meze and the famous wine of Naousa, continues on Clean Monday and on the Sunday of Orthodoxy when all the troupes meet in the Spilaio area to feast with traditional pies, tray-baked sweets and plenty of wine.
Nearby escapes
At a short distance from the city lie beautiful villages worth a visit: Arkochori, Yianakohori (with the notable sight of the Holy Monastery of Timios Prodromos) and Rodochori, the Pontic village of Imathia. If you have time also take a trip to Vergina (about 40 minutes by car) to see one of the most important archaeological finds in Greece and the most significant in the wider region of Macedonia. With Naousa as a starting point, you can visit two other beautiful cities of northern Greece. Veria, the capital of the prefecture of Imathia, is 22 km from Naousa, while Edessa with its famous waterfalls is 32 km away.
Accommodation
- At the atmospheric hotel Palea Poli housed in a restored 1900 silk mill.
- At the modern Dellagio Hotel in the heart of the city.
- The Macedonian-style Esperides Hotel offers comfortable spaces with views of verdant Vermio, the fertile plain and the School of Aristotle.
- Nestled on the slopes of Vermio, just 3 km from the «3-5 Pigadia» ski resort, Sfendamos Wood Village will host you in wooden cabins in the forest.
Food
- Spondi in the city center places great emphasis on the local cuisine and the wine list.
- Oinomageiremata is a small restaurant that will win you over with its traditional specialties.
- The taverna-ouzeri Stou Thoma is a reliable favorite for good food in the city.
- In a lovely location just before the Agios Nikolaos grove, you will find Tesseris Epoches.
- The trip to Arkochori is worth it to eat at the very good restaurant Harama.
- Noteworthy isthe taverna of the Agkonari Guesthousein the village of Metamorfosi (6 km from 3-5 Pigadia).
