Edessa is about 90 km from Thessaloniki and is home to Greece’s largest waterfalls, which is what this beautiful city is famous for.
Here you can also enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Edessa is a city defined by water, and the city's name means "Tower in the Water."
The Eddessaios river comes into the city from the foothills of the Pindus Mountains to the west and is channelled via concrete banks, finally spilling over the cliff's edge in one large and two small waterfalls.
The waterfalls of Edessa are among the world's natural heritage sites, with one particular feature that makes them unique. In time they shifted forward, gradually creating new caves, while most waterfalls worldwide, because of the erosion to a specific degree, shift backward.
They are a little more than 70m in height at the rock's edge. The continuous water motion has “sculptured” the stone creating a unique Geologically formed water system. Visitors can visit the waterfall cave and see how the power of water eventually creates a compact rock.
Back in the city, the main water stream that passes through the centre has been divided into many smaller channels, thus creating beautiful impressions for most of the visitors. The waterfall area is accessible by stairs that eventually lead to different points of view while allowing us to go directly below the Waterfall. All around the waterfall area, you will easily spot some lovely coffee shops and traditional restaurants.
Edessa is a historical city with archaeological evidence of over 3,000 years of human habitation. The extensive ruins of Ancient Edessa can be found on the plain about 450 metres south of the foot of the falls. The ancient agora has been uncovered, including an inscribed column from Roman times.
This gorgeous spot also features the Folklore Museum, with collections and items of the Edessa-area folk culture. There is also a water museum, whose exhibits feature water industry tools, and an aquarium with amphibians, turtles, snakes, and a crocodile. Edessa also has an Older Quarter with timber and plaster buildings from centuries ago and a Byzantine-era bridge.
Edessa is well worth a day trip from Thessaloniki, or you may want to stay the night to experience the taverns, cafes, and bars of this small city and enjoy the floodlit falls.
