Edessa – Exaplatanos – Fustani – Archangelos – Theodoraki

From Edessa, follow a northern route through the plain, on the road to Apsalo, Xifiani and Aloro, and turn right (east) to reach, after 4 km, the village of Chrisi. Next to the village, on the top of a hill, is the famous Medieval Castle of Moglenes, which controlled the entire plain of Moglenes, i.e. Almopia.

The plain of Almopia, named after Almopas, son of Elli and Poseidon, changed its name depending on the conqueror. In the Byzantine period, the Bulgarians who settled in the area called it “Meglen” (meaning misty), while the Ottomans called it “Karadzova” (plain with black soil). Visit the castle and enjoy the view from above of the vast and lush plain.

From Chrysi, continue your route northeast, and after 5 km you will reach the village of Exaplatanos, where the writer Menelaos Loudemis lived. Continue in the same direction, and when you reach Constantia, it is worth visiting the archaeological site with the Cemetery of the Tombs, where the ancient Almopes buried their dead between the 14th and 17th centuries BC.

Continue north, passing by the villages of Ida, Neromyli and Prodromos, to reach the valley of Foustani and the cool village next to the stream with plane trees. A stop here is worth it. From Foustani, continue north, and after a 7.5 km route, you will reach Aetochori, with its impressive bell tower and the popular hagiographies of Agios Dimitrios (mid-19th century).

Heading northeast, proceed towards the much-needed village of South. From here begins a spectacular route down the slopes of Mount Jena, the beautiful mountain with beech, oak, pine and wildflowers, which in spring embrace the plain of South.

On the way to Pericles, stop to admire the beautiful mountain peaks of Voras and Pinos behind you. Then, pass by the path of Archangel Michael, next to the village of Archangelos, and descend the passable dirt road to Livadia, immersed in the magic of Piko. From there, turn right on the beautiful dirt road that will lead you to Theodoraki (or Theodorakeio).

Go downhill among beech and oak trees, overlooking the plain of Almopia, which reaches up to the mountain peaks of Vora. Going down, you will see the tiled roofs of the houses from above, and once you reach the village, you will meet the asphalt road. Continue on your way, and at the first junction turn left (south) to return to Edessa.