The village of Paleo Agios Athanasios is beautiful and picturesque at any time of the year. However, it is at its best in winter. So, if you're looking to take a trip up north, put the village high on your bucket list, as there's a good chance you'll findit covered in snow.
Paleo Agios Athanasios is a traditional village, classified as a preserved settlement, on the slopes of Kaimaktsalan at about 1,200 metres altitude. Built at the end of the 16th century, probably by Epirote craftsmen, it was abandoned due to the difficult weather conditions and an earthquake in the 1980s.
The inhabitants descended a little lower and rebuilt the village, which they named Neo Agios Athanasios.
However, after the operation of the Voras ski centre in the 1990s, it started to come alive again, mainly due to skiers looking for accommodation in the area.
Thus, the old stone houses were turned into guesthouses and taverns, while new hotels with luxurious suites and spas began to be built in the area.
The village is all stone, houses, and streets; it is one of the most ideal villages to walk around. In fact, cars are not allowed inside the settlement, making shopping even easier.
So think of taking your walks in a setting full of well-kept stone houses with tiled roofs, two-story stone guesthouses, cobbled streets, Christmas lights illuminating your path with their sweet light and the cold in the atmosphere that refreshes you and of course, pushes you in the cafes and taverns for some heat, meze or coffee.
Among the most interesting points of the village is the Church of the Ascension, a three-aisled 17th-century basilica with wonderful Byzantine icons. You can also look for the small church of Agios Athanasios just outside the village to enjoy a wonderful view of the area.
If the ski resort is open, ski enthusiasts and would-be skiers will be treated to great descents in one of the most organised ski areas in the country. This frosty frosty is the ultimate winter addiction; skiers know exactly what I mean.
Now, if snow is not your forte but you want to take walks in the area, then fly to the village of Arnissa, which is built on Lake Vegoritida, the third largest lake in the country. It is about 10 kilometres from the village, and you can admire the beauty of the lake, relax by walking along its side and get to know Arnissa.
If you want a longer walk, once you are in the wider area, you will have an opportunity to visit Loutra Pozar, which is about 53 kilometres from the village, and you will need about an hour to get there by car.
Here, in a green environment, you can enjoy a natural spa with waterfalls and pools where the temperature reaches 37°C. That's why throwing a swimsuit in the suitcase is a good idea before you leave!
You can also follow, if conditions permit, one of the paved paths, after the pool, that enter the gorge and lead to the large waterfall, 22 metres high, at an altitude of 400 metres.
You can also take a short walk to the capital of Pella, Edessa, to walk in the unique Varosi district, which is full of Macedonian mansions, and admire the city's famous waterfalls with the wonderful green park.
Very close to Edessa is Lake Agra, a beautiful wetland that hosts, among other things, otters, beavers, storks, mallard ducks and swans. There, you will also find a cafe to relax.
Food
Kalyva: a traditional tavern with a well-kept hall serving seasonal meats, spits and some stews (Tel: 2381032060).
Katafigio: stylish tavern with an impressive, double-sided fireplace. On the menu, you will find stews, soups, spits and roasts of the hour (Tel: 2381031883).
Traditional Taverna tou Petros: a well-kept tavern with Greek cuisine, hearty stews, and roasts of the hour (Tel: 2381031795).
Asaga Old History: an atmospheric room decorated with old objects and a menu focusing mainly on roasts of the hour, without missing some stews (Tel: 2381039995).
Accommodation
Domotel Neveis is a stone complex with comfortable, neat rooms, most of which have a fireplace. It also has a spa (Tel: 2381039800).
Miramonte Chalet Hotel Spa: comfortable common areas and rooms, some with a fireplace, with a minimal aesthetic. Large indoor pool at the spa (Tel: 2381039904).
Sapin Chaletis is an atmospheric hotel in a modern baroque style with a very cozy central living room (Tel: 2381031548).
Voula Akrivaki is a columnist for Travel.
READ MORE: Nymfaio – A Charming Village in Northern Greece That Resembles a Fairy Tale.
