Area guide

Palaios Agios Athanasios: the village below Kaimaktsalan

Palaios Agios Athanasios is a traditional stone village at 1,100 metres in Pella, northern Greece, at the foot of Mount Voras. It is the closest settlement to the Kaimaktsalan ski centre, 17 km away, and 33 km from Edessa.

Where is Palaios Agios Athanasios?

In the Pella region of Macedonia, northern Greece, at 1,100 metres on the slopes of Mount Voras (Kaimaktsalan). Edessa is 33 km away, Lake Vegoritida 24 km and Arnissa railway station 11 km.

It is a protected traditional settlement: stone houses with wooden balconies, flagstone lanes and tavernas with open fires, all within walking distance.

How far is the Kaimaktsalan ski centre?

17 km by car. Palaios Agios Athanasios is the closest settlement to the Voras – Kaimaktsalan ski centre, the highest in Greece. The road climbs from the village at 1,100 metres to the base of the runs at 2,018 metres.

There are runs for beginners and experts, and a ski school. In winter, carry snow chains in the car.

What is there to do in winter?

Skiing and snowboarding at Kaimaktsalan, 17 km from the village. Then the Pozar thermal baths, 44 km away: water at 37 degrees inside the gorge, even when it is snowing.

In the evening, dinner at one of the village tavernas, a short walk from the properties.

What is there to do without skiing, or in other seasons?

The Edessa waterfalls, 33 km away, where the Karanos drops 70 metres with a cave behind it you can walk into. Lake Vegoritida, 24 km, and the Panagitsa reservoir, just 9.2 km.

The Pozar baths are open all year, and the altitude keeps the village cool in summer.