If you are looking for a winter getaway in Greece that combines skiing, a picturesque mountain village, amazing food, thermal baths and beautiful day trips, Kaimaktsalan is one of my favorite choices in Northern Greece.
When I visited the area, I stayed in Palaios Agios Athanasios, a beautiful traditional village at the foot of Mount Voras, and drove up to Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort every day for skiing. In my opinion, this is the ideal way to experience the area: spend your days on the mountain and your evenings walking around the village, enjoying great food and the cozy winter atmosphere.
And there is much more to do around Kaimaktsalan than just skiing! Continue reading…
Where is Kaimaktsalan?
Kaimaktsalan is the popular name of Mount Voras, in the Pella region of Northern Greece, close to the border with North Macedonia.
Palaios Agios Athanasios village sits at around 1,200 meters above sea level, at the foot of the mountain (25 minutes drive from the ski resort) and is one of the most popular winter villages in Greece.
From Thessaloniki: around 2-2.5 hours by car
From Athens: around 5-6 hours by car
Closest major airport: Thessaloniki International Airport
A car is definitely the easiest way to explore the area, especially if you want to combine skiing with Pozar, Edessa and the surrounding villages.
Angel’s tip: Always check the weather and road conditions before driving up to the ski resort. During periods of heavy snowfall, snow chains or other approved winter equipment may be necessary.
Where to Stay
My recommendation is to use Palaios Agios Athanasios village as your base.
Also known historically as Tsegani, the village is built at approximately 1,200 meters and is characterised by stone houses, traditional architecture and cobbled streets. Today it is one of Greece’s best-known mountain destinations, with plenty of guesthouses, restaurants, cafés and bars. It is especially atmospheric during winter and Christmas, when the village becomes a popular escape for visitors from Thessaloniki and the rest of Northern Greece.
The ski resort is approximately 20-30 minutes away by car, depending on weather and road conditions. Staying here means you can ski during the day but still have plenty of choices for dinner, drinks and a walk in the evening.
Explore the village
Don’t treat the village simply as somewhere to sleep. Leave some time to explore it!
Walk through its cobbled streets, admire the traditional stone houses, stop for a drink or hot chocolate and enjoy a long dinner by the fireplace. The combination of the traditional village and the nearby ski slopes is what makes this area such a great winter destination.
Where to Eat
One thing I particularly loved about this trip was the food! There are plenty of tavernas serving hearty Greek mountain cuisine, grilled meats and traditional dishes.
Some places I recommend in Palaios Agios Athanasios :
⭐ Petros
⭐ Kalyva
⭐ Katafygio
⭐ Tsegani
In Orma, my recommendations:
⭐ Dionysos
⭐ To Tavernaki tis Mpoumpous
Angel’s tip: If you visit Pozar Baths, combine your trip with lunch or dinner in Orma, a lovely village nearby.
T H I N G S T O D O
1. Ski at Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort
Of course, the main reason many people come here in winter is skiing! Kaimaktsalan is one of the highest ski areas in Greece and is home to the country’s highest ski lift, reaching approximately 2,480 meters.
The ski centre has: 13 pistes/ 6 lifts / Around 15 km of pistes / A snowboard fun park / A large chalet and options suitable for different skiing levels
The wide slopes and incredible mountain scenery make Kaimaktsalan one of my favorite ski resorts in Greece.
Opening hours & ski pass
When I visited, the lifts generally operated around 09:00-16:00 and ski passes were approximately €15-20. However, prices, operating hours, open lifts and snow conditions change from season to season and even from day to day.
Always check the latest information from the ski centre before driving up.
Visit Profitis Ilias at the Summit
One of the most unique things you can do at Kaimaktsalan is reach the small Profitis Ilias chapel, high on the mountain near the border with North Macedonia. The chapel is also connected with the history of the First World War and the battles that took place on the mountain. The views from up here are spectacular!Depending on snow conditions and which lifts are operating, there are several ways to reach the area.
When I visited, the options included:
- Around 1.5 hours hiking from the ski resort chalet
- Around 45 minutes hiking from the top of the Sarantovrisi lift
- Around 10 minutes hiking from the top of the Kremasi lift – accessible by the lift with ski/snowboard equipment
- Around 15–20 minutes by snowmobile
Conditions on the mountain can change significantly, so always confirm the safest current access before setting out.
2. Relax at Pozar Thermal Baths
One of the best day trips from Kaimaktsalan is Pozar Thermal Baths, located near Loutraki in the foothills of the mountains.(1 hour drive from Palios Agios Athanasios village)
The thermal waters flow through a beautiful natural landscape surrounded by trees, rocks and waterfalls. You can swim in the thermal pools or simply walk around and enjoy the scenery. It is particularly special during winter – imagine relaxing in warm thermal water while the surrounding mountains are covered in snow!
Angel’s tip: Combine Pozar with a meal in nearby Orma.
Extra stop: If you have some extra time while exploring the Almopia area, you can also visit the historic Monastery of Archangel Michael, near the village of Archangelos – quite far though.
3. Visit Edessa & its Waterfalls
Around 35-40 minutes by car from Palaios Agios Athanasios, Edessa is an easy and worthwhile addition to your Kaimaktsalan trip. The city is best known for its spectacular waterfalls, especially Karanos Waterfall, the largest and most iconic. Walk around the Waterfalls Park and follow the path that takes you behind the waterfall for a unique view.
While you’re there, explore Varosi, Edessa’s traditional old quarter, with historic houses, cobbled streets and beautiful views over the surrounding landscape.
Angel’s tip: Edessa is perfect for a half-day trip and can easily be combined with other stops in the area.
4. Lake Vegoritida
Lake Vegoritida is a beautiful stop if you are exploring the area around Palaios Agios Athanasios. Rather than visiting the lake for a specific attraction, come here for the scenery, a relaxing drive and views of the lake surrounded by mountains.
Stop at Arnissa, one of the main villages on the shores of the lake, for a short walk or a drink with lake views.
The wider area is also important for birdlife, making it an interesting stop for nature lovers and photographers. You can easily combine the lake with other stops around Kaimaktsalan and Amyntaion.
5. Explore the Wineries
Wine lovers should definitely consider adding a winery visit to the trip. The wider Amyntaion wine region is one of Greece’s most interesting wine-producing areas and is particularly known for Xinomavro. – 40 minutes drive from Palios Agios Athanasios.
One of the best-known wineries you can visit is:
- Alpha Estate
- You can also extend your wine route to other important wineries in Western Macedonia, including Kir-Yianni, depending on your itinerary.
- Closer to Pozar, you can also look for smaller local wineries, such as Zin Ideos.
Angel’s tip: Winery visits and tastings often require reservations, so contact the winery before going.
6. Nymfaio & ARCTUROS
If you have an additional day, Nymfaio is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Northern Greece and makes a great excursion. Apart from exploring the village itself, you can visit ARCTUROS, an environmental organisation dedicated to the protection of wildlife. It is 1 hour drive from Palios Agios Athanasios village.
There are different facilities in the area:
- Bear Conservation Area – Nymfaio
- Wolf & Lynx Conservation Area – Agrapidies
Angel’s tip: The bears normally enter winter dormancy, so if seeing them is an important part of your visit, always check the current operation of the Bear Conservation Area before travelling there.
7. Ancient Pella
History lovers can also add Ancient Pella to the trip – 1 to 1.30 hour drive from Palios Agios Athanasios.
Pella became the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia and is closely associated with Philip II and Alexander the Great. Today you can visit the Archaeological Site of Pella and the Archaeological Museum of Pella
This is an especially convenient stop if your road trip takes you through the wider Pella region.
More Things to Do Around Kaimaktsalan
If you have more time – or visit outside the main ski season – the area offers plenty of outdoor activities.
Depending on the season, look into:
- Hiking around Mount Voras
- Exploring the forests surrounding Kaimaktsalan
- Mountain biking
- Birdwatching and nature experiences
- Outdoor activities around the wider Pella region
This means Kaimaktsalan isn’t exclusively a ski destination. The mountain and surrounding countryside are worth exploring during other seasons too.
Orma village
How Many Days Do You Need?
If skiing is your main priority, I recommend at least 3 nights.
- 2 nights: Perfect for a quick winter weekend with Palaios Agios Athanasios + one day of skiing.
- 3 nights: A much better option if you want two ski days plus either Pozar or Edessa.
- 4 nights: My favorite option for a more complete trip: skiing + Palaios Agios Athanasios + Pozar + Edessa/Lake Vegoritida or Nymfaio and Amyntaio for wines.
- 5+ nights: A proper Northern Greece winter road trip with all the above.
Suggested 4-Day Kaimaktsalan Itinerary
DAY 1 – Palaios Agios Athanasios
Arrive and check in (5 to 6 hours driving from Athens) → explore the village → enjoy dinner in one of the traditional tavernas.
DAY 2 – Kaimaktsalan
Full ski day → Profitis Ilias if weather and conditions allow → return to Palaios Agios Athanasios → dinner & drinks.
DAY 3 – Ski + Pozar
Morning skiing → drive to Pozar Thermal Baths → relax in the thermal waters → dinner in Orma village.
DAY 4 – Vegoritida lake + Amyntaio for wines + Nymfaio or Edessa + Ancient Pella
Profitis ilias church at the top of the ski resort
Final Tips for Kaimaktsalan
- Stay in Palaios Agios Athanasios if you want to combine skiing with restaurants and village life.
- Have/Rent a car – it gives you much more freedom to explore the surrounding area.
- Check ski conditions every morning. Wind, snowfall and visibility can affect which lifts operate.
- Carry the appropriate winter equipment in your car. Conditions can change quickly as you climb the mountain.
- Book early for weekends and holidays. Palaios Agios Athanasios is particularly popular during the winter season.
- Don’t come only for the ski resort! Pozar, Edessa, Vegoritida, wineries and the surrounding villages can turn a simple ski weekend into a complete Northern Greece road trip.
For me, the perfect Kaimaktsalan trip is exactly that: skiing during the day, cozy evenings in Palaios Agios Athanasios village that I loved and a couple of extra days exploring this beautiful part of Northern Greece.
*For more pictures check my highlights & posts on my Instagram account*
IG: explorewith.angel
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