Agios Athanasios is a mountain village in northern Greece near the border and is the closest settlement to the ski resort of Kaimaktsalan. Characterized as a traditional settlement, it is built at an altitude of 1,200 meters in the prefecture of Pella. It is mainly a winter destination because of the ski centre. But also in spring summer visiting the village will be a nice escape. It has nice routes in the surrounding areas and is only 35 minutes from the city of Edessa, 120km from Thessaloniki and 600km from Athens! The road is relatively good, uphill with bends!
One of the most beautiful villages ever visited! Although it has no permanent residents it is purely tourist and more of a winter destination as mentioned above! In the non-tourist months there are a few shops open with great snacks and local grease, it is quiet and especially in the winter months the village is full!
The mountain nature is galloping and you have all this at your feet!
A welcoming village with nice restaurants and taverns. The roads are cleaned during the winter season and you can walk comfortably. Very good infrastructure with stone guesthouses, cafe bars , restaurants taverns, traditional shops and more. Generally 2-3 nights are enough to explore the surrounding area.
What to see
The central square of the village with the traditional fountain as well as the old school. At the edge of the village is the three-aisled wooden-roofed basilica of Ascension, dating back to the 17th century. Also the chapel of Aghios Athanasios is built on the hill above the village. Explore the traditional stone houses with tiles, examples of the traditional local Macedonian architecture, built of chipped stone.
Where to stay
You’ll find plenty of traditional hotels and cozy guesthouses for your stay in the village. All are located within the village. See prices and offers below.
What to do
Of course ski and snowboard at the ski resort of Kaimaktsalan which is 17 km from the village. The ski resort is located at an altitude of 2,040 meters with 13 slopes and is the highest in the country. Also try hiking on numerous routes on stone-built beautiful paths in the wild nature with unique views of the mountain and Lake Vegoritida.
