Edessa – Lake Vegoritida – Lake Agra

From Edessa follow the national road west towards Florina and, after 27 km. at the junction to Arnissa, overlooking Lake Vegoritida on the left, leave the highway (follow the signs) and descend to Arnissa, the picturesque lakeside village built in front of Lake Vegoritida. There you will see the prehistoric necropolis, enjoy your holidays at the ski resort of Kaimaktsalan (Voras) and participate in the Festival of Milos in early September.

Begoritida, with its crystal clear waters, is the deepest lake in Greece and the second largest. North of the lake rises Piperitsa (1,998 m), with its beautiful amphitheatrical villages, pine and beech trees, and next to it the southernmost mountain peak of Vora, Kaimaktsalan (2,524 m), which marks the line of the Greek-Scopian border.

From Arnissa follow the lakeside road on the north side of the lake and at the junction turn right (north), to reach after 14 km. at Old Agios Athanasios. The Village was built on the top of Piperitsa, in the 16th century, with stone houses, tiled roofs, facing the lake and an important landmark is the church of Ascension (late 16th century). In 1980 the inhabitants were moved 5 km south, to the beautiful village of Neos Agios Athanasios.

Today, the preserved Village of Old Agios Athanasios, with its restored stone houses, hotels and accommodation near the Ski Centre of Kaimaktsalan (Voras), is a magnet for thousands of visitors. From there, climb north to Zervi and continue east to reach Panagitsa after 3 km.

The beautiful and clean Village of the Pontians is built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 700 m. and has lush vegetation, running waters and a wonderful view of Lake Vegoritida. It is worth visiting the church of Theotokos, with icons and rich relics from Pontus.

Panagitsa is a starting point for many climbers who wish to climb Kaimaktsalan, Osmanakos and the Black Forest. If you follow the asphalt road north of Panagitsa, after about 2.5 km you will find yourself at the Hydroelectric Station, which is surrounded by a wonderful landscape. Traditional products such as spoon sweets and dried fruits can be enjoyed next to the on-site refreshment room.

From Panagitsa, if you follow the asphalt road to the northwest, you will reach Zervi, a beautiful mountain village surrounded by the vegetation of Vora, at a distance of about 3 km. Flight enthusiasts and those looking for new thrills can visit the Aero Sports Centre of Macedonia – Thrace (also known as “Zervi – Panagitsa Airfield”).

West of Zervi, after 4.7 km, you will meet a crossroads. Turning left (south), the road will lead you in about 1.5 km to the traditional Village of Paleos Agios Athanasios, a destination worth visiting. Alternatively, by turning right (north), the road will lead you to the Vora Ski Centre at Kaimaktsalan, 16.3 km away. The ski resort is located at an altitude of 2,050 to 2,480 metres.

The route from the junction to the ski resort is excellent, as you pass through forests, many springs and beautiful views. If you do not wish to return via the same road to Edessa (i.e. via Panagitsa), you can descend from the ski centre and continue straight on to the junction you will find after 2.6 km. Following this road, after 17.6 km you will reach the Village of Kerasia, passing by the northern edge of the amazing Black Forest with its spectacular beech trees.

To see the Monument of the Macedonian Gladiators Tellos Agra and Migas, continue from the Village of Kerasia towards Edessa to the intersection of Karydia. Turn left towards Karydia, where the monument is on your right. Return to the junction and continue on the road to Agra – Edessa.

If you wish to return to Edessa via Panagitsa, follow the southeastern direction towards Nisi, via a passable dirt road. Along the way, you will see on the left (east) endless plantations of cherry, peach and apple trees, while on the right (south), almost at your feet, you will see the artificial but beautiful lake of Agra.

The lake is located in the valley that separates the mountain range of Vermio from Vora (or Kaimaktsalan). It was formed by the waters of the Vegoritida and the Edessa River, before they ended up in the waterfalls of the homonymous city. It is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Greece, which hosts an excellent wetland with swans and wild ducks.

From Nissi, turn right to the southwest, and descend crosswise following a lovely riverside path, which leads to the village of Agras. If you visit the village of Agra in the summer, don’t miss to taste its excellent quality cherries and attend the Cherry Festival, which is organized every year.

From Agra, follow the highway, and after 5 km you will reach Edessa.