People associate Greece with the sea, and that’s absolutely right. But what we forget are the mountains. Greece is a mountainous country. In the very north of Greece, at an altitude of around 2,500m, lies the summit of the Kaimaktsalan ski resort, and some ten kilometers further down, the village of Agios Athanasios. Skiing in Greece, the Kaimaktsalan and Agios Athanasios resorts, is an experience you really must try!
I was pleasantly surprised by the mountain setting and the Voras ski resort. Its magnificent location at the foot of Kaimaktsalan, amidst wooded areas of unrivalled natural beauty, makes “Paleo” Agios Athanasios an ideal choice for those looking for a place to relax. a first-rate base for skiing. But it’s also a great off-winter destination for other activities such as hiking, horse riding, mountaineering, climbing and, of course, rowing on Lake Vegoritida.
So here’s the information we can share with you to make your stay a pleasant one:
Kaimaktsalan ski resort
A favorite winter destination for ski lovers, Kaimaktsalan is the only ski resort in Greece where skiers can reach an altitude of 2,480 meters. What’s more, the snow quality is excellent and the scenery in the eastern foothills of Mount Vora is unique. The resort of Kaimaktsalan has slopes with all the necessary facilities, including chalets, schools and equipment hire.
The Kaimaktsalan peak forms Greece’s natural border with northern Macedonia. This ski resort is equipped with 6 lifts and 13 ski runs with a total length of 15 km. The view is incredible, as you can see all the way to the Gulf of Thermaikos and the summit of Mount Olympos.
Every year, more and more visitors, whether experienced skiers or mountain sports enthusiasts, come to enjoy the fresh snow and all the activities on offer.
Practical information about Kaimaktsalan resort
The parking lot, located at over 2000 m, requires chains for the wheels… Also, the altitude is such that you absolutely must bring ski goggles and maximum protection for your head and face. The ski resort (Voras Ski Center-Kaimaktsalan) is open from late November to April! Kaimaktsalan ski resort website.
Daily rates are around 15 euros per day. For more details, click here.
The ski school is located right at the entrance to the resort, and private lessons in English are available.
For equipment rental (skis, boots, etc.), we recommend Ski Fun Gioras, just outside Agios Athanasios, on the way to the resort on the left. Expect to pay 15 euros a day for the full set.
The station opens from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The village of Agios Athanasios
Perched at an altitude of 1,200 metres on the slopes of the Kaimaktsalan, bend after bend, you catch sight of this village and quickly realize that this is an exceptional place. This stone-built, pedestrian village of Macedonian architecture is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Greece. Completely restored with respect for its heritage, it was built at the end of the 16th century by breeders and builders from Epirus.
Agios Athanasios is a top winter destination. Just ten kilometers from the resort below, it offers a wide range of activities. Skiing is of course the main attraction, but you can also go horse-riding, climbing, parachuting, paragliding…
Take a stroll along the cobbled streets that lead to restored houses, beautiful tavernas and stores … Visit the 17th-century church of Analipseos, decorated with Byzantine icons.
Practical information for Agios Athanasios
Where to eat in Agios Athanasios
There are many possibilities, but we have three addresses to recommend to you with your eyes closed. We’ve been there several times, and each time it was even better than the last!
- Tavern Asagkta Palia Historia located in the center of the village. The dishes are traditionally cooked and typical of the region. Prices are very reasonable and service is impeccable. Tel +30 2381 039995
- Tavern Katafygio We advise you to make a reservation. Like its predecessor, this is a very safe bet!
- Gioras Hotel : This is our favorite, the hotel is very good but it’s Giorgos and his welcome that change everything! He comes from one of the oldest families in the village. He’s a warm-hearted guy who finds every solution and shares his love of the region with you over a glass of wine. That’s the way he is! What’s more, his pizzas are incredible!
Where to stay near Kaimaktsalan ski resort?
- A Gioras Hotel of course, to taste its delicious dishes and pizzas!
- You can also find a wide range of accommodation in Palaios Agios Athanasios on the website Booking rooms, apartments, cottages… The cancellation policy is clear, and some rentals even offer breakfast included in the rate. In winter, this is very practical: as soon as you leave the hotel, equipped with your ski clothes, you’re ready to hit the slopes!
- There are also accommodations on AirBnb but rates in this region are much higher.
Getting there and around
Of course, the easiest way to get around is to rent a car. From Athens, we recommend Rental Cars which allows you to compare different car rental agencies. It will take you 6 hours to reach Palaios Agios Athanasios (570 kms). That’s our preferred solution! However, don’t forget to pack all the equipment you’ll need for snow-covered roads in the boot of your car.
If you want to fly closer to Northern Greece, you can find flights to Thessaloniki. Then, to reach the surrounding area, you can choose between car rental, train, bus or cab…
You can also choose the train option. From Athens, you will need to change at Platy to reach Edessa. From here, you can book a cab to Agios Athanasios. Allow at least 6h30. Hellenic Train website
Finally, from Athens, a KTEL Pellas bus can take you as far as Agios Athanasios, with a necessary change at Edessa. It will take you almost 8.30 hours if the bus timetables coincide (only 2 per day). KTEL Pellas bus site
Excursions around Kaimaktsalan
Around the ski resort of Kaimaktsalan, superb natural wonders await us. Here, if the weather conditions are favorable, adventure addicts can take part in intense outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Experienced trekking guides will share their experience and pleasure with you on mountain routes through dense fir and beech forests.
We’ve also spotted this hike to the Kounoupitsa waterfall and Pozar baths. Offered from April to October, this is a good alternative if the snow is shy in April! A lovely outing in the heart of nature, a forest walk amid hot springs, gorges and waterfalls. In English.
Loutra Pozar spa, famous since antiquity
Indeed, the baths were considered a place of relaxation under Alexander the Great.
The Pozar (hot) thermal baths nestle among the steep slopes of Mount Vóras. The view of the mountainous landscape is impressive: rocks, precipices, natural waterfalls, wild vegetation and the famous Pózar Baths gorge. As a result, the region attracts crowds of visitors all year round, who come to take advantage of the curative and beneficial properties of the springs at over 37 degrees Celsius. The entire complex is organized like a small spa town, with hotels, pools, changing rooms, restaurants and bars.
Beware, this resort is sometimes a victim of its own success, so we advise you to go either very early or very late…. Avoid peak hours between 2pm and 4pm. Loutra Pozar site
Lake Vegoritida
Just half an hour from the ski resort of Kaimaktsalan lies Lake Vegoritida, the second largest lake in Greece. In fact, it’s a haven for rare species of birds and fish. It is also part of the NATURA 2000 network as an important habitat for over 160 bird species and 11 fish species (List of Natura 2000 sites in Greece). If you’re visiting outside winter, take advantage of your stay to take part in environmentally-friendly activities such as rowing, canoeing and kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing, birdwatching, sailing and swimming!
Find out more about skiing in Greece:
Céline P.
