Pella
Pella is a region that combines a rich history, breathtaking nature, and a variety of activities to suit all seasons and tastes.
Mountains and lakes, rivers and waterfalls, medieval settlements and ancient cities, castles and Byzantine churches, ancient Greek villas and Macedonian architecture, thermal springs, paths and valleys for hikers and cyclists. Alpine skiing, horseback riding and archery meadows, trekking and tours, glider or paragliding, rowing, rafting, canoeing and everything else that can satisfy the dynamic forms of modern tourism, taking with you the valuable experience of wandering and staying. Traditional settlements and Byzantine monasteries. And all this is to be confused with the presence of one of the largest forest volumes in the Balkans.
Hike or cycle on Mount Paiko, a green oasis with forests, waterfalls and wildlife, or relax on a boat trip or birdwatch on Lake Vegoritida, a picturesque lake surrounded by verdant hills and traditional villages. If you go during the colder seasons, you can ski or snowboard on Kaimaktsalan, Greece's third-highest mountain, with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus. For calmer pursuits, relax and recharge your batteries at Pozar, the thermal springs that have healing properties and form natural pools and waterfalls.
Pella is also a region rich in culture and gastronomy. You can visit Edessa, the town of waterfalls, and stroll through its picturesque old town. Visit or stay in old Agios Athanasios, a traditional hamlet with stone houses and welcoming guesthouses. Immerse yourself in the local gastronomy and sample local specialties such as savory pies, cheeses, honey, wine and tsipouro, a strong alcohol made from grapes.
Pella, the land of Alexander the Great, is the heart of Macedonia and its historical womb since for years ancient Pella was the capital of the Macedonian kingdom.
Traditional Settlement of Old Agios Athanasios, Pella
The old village Ag. Athanasios is built at an altitude of 1200 m at the foot of the mountain Boras (or Kaimaktsalan) on top Piperitsa.
The village was built in the late 16th century and inhabited until the late 1980s. The residents were moved to the new settlement located 6 km beneath the old St. Athanasios.
The visitors that will come in Ag. Athanasios, will admire the tiled buildings of the village, examples of traditional local architecture built of stone.
An important landmark of the village is the church of Analipseos which was built in late 1700.
Today the traditional village of Agios Athanasios is a pole of attraction for tourists and skiers in Bora.
In both villages (Old & New) there are restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, hotels and rooms where guests can enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by nature and tradition.
Distances
- 603 km from Athens
- 123 km from Thessaloniki
Voras - Kaimaktsalan Ski Center
Mount Voras or Kaimaktsalan is the third tallest mountain in Greece and it is located at the length of the Hellenic – Fyrom borders while the biggest part of the mountain belongs to the Pella area.
Kaimaktsalan (Voras) carries the name of its summit (Kaimaktsalan = White Mountain) which is located at 2.524m above sea level. It is a gracious mountain volume that offers its visitors an exciting journey with massive beech woods, that alternate with pines and firs. In some places the horizon is open with a wonderful view, offering us a view of the panoramic basin with a background of Vegoritida Lake. The prestige of the high altitude, the spectacular singularity of the scenery, and the long-term snow coverage, all attract more and more visitors.