Hiking 2 days in Kaimaktsalan on Jun. 8-9

Mount Vorras or Kaimaktsalan is the third highest mountain in Greece and is located along the Greek-Yugoslav border, while the largest part of the mountain belongs to the prefecture of Pella up to the borders of the prefecture of Florina.

The highest peak of Vorra is Kaimaktsalan with a height of 2,524 meters while according to one version its name means "white peak" where there is the chapel of Prophet Ilias and it is a monument to Serbian Fallen of the First World War. Other high peaks of the North are Jena (2,182 meters) and Pinovo (2,156 meters).

The mountain is covered by densely forested valleys and forests of oak, beech and pine. The rich and rare vegetation of the North includes many rare species of flora and fauna worldwide. It is a very important area for endemic predators, forest species and species of open mountain habitats. Most of it has been proposed for inclusion in Natura 2000 areas.

A characteristic of Mount Vorra is the existence of bodies of water at a very high altitude, such as the springs of Skopia - Kremasis at a height of 2,400 m. At the foot of Mount Vorra lies Lake Vegoritida, one of the largest lakes in Greece. Lake Vegoritida is located on the geographical boundaries of the Prefectures of Pella - Florina - Kozani.

At the highest peak of the mountain at 2,524 meters, is the Vorra-Kaimaktsalan Ski Center. It started its operation in 1995 and its state-of-the-art facilities start from 2,050m. It is one of the few ski resorts in Greece with such a long duration of snow suitable for skiing. Thousands of skiers visit it and every year the preparation of the National team and most schools takes place there.

Not far from the ski resort, on the eastern slopes of Mount Voras, grows the famous Black Forest, extremely rich in flora and fauna. The Black Forest is ideal for hiking or mountain biking• with the help of local guides it is worth wandering through the firs and beeches on a tour of incomparable beauty.

Near the spa town of Loutraki Aridaia is the enchanting gorge Rhamno Bor ("Straight Pine"), through which flows the stream of Ag. Nikolaou or Thermopotamos. It is an idyllic green location suitable for excursions and mountain sports (rafting, mountain biking, canyoning).

Be sure to cross the gorge of unique beauty, as well as explore the complex of 15 caves recently discovered in the area, a rare cave park by Greek standards. Among the highlights of the route are the small waterfalls that form and lend unparalleled beauty to the landscape.

A small treasure of nature is hidden near the city of Edessa (6 km W), the Agra-Vryton-Nisiou wetland. An area of exceptional ecological interest, it is a protected wetland and has as its core the lake of Agra, with an area of 5,972 acres, which was named in honor of the Macedonian warrior Tellus Agra. An organized boat tour gives the visitor the opportunity to learn the secrets of the lake, to observe up close the rich birdlife that it hosts and the aquatic vegetation that creates ideal conditions for the nesting and breeding of the birds of the area.

Kaimaktsalan is an attraction both for the ski resort and for nature lovers and climbers. Beautiful routes in a landscape of unique natural beauty are organized by the naturalist and mountaineering clubs of the region. One of the most beautiful routes is the one that ends at "Pema tou Floros".

In the areas near the Kaimaktsalan Ski Center, such as Paleos Agios Athanasios, Arnissa, Panagitsa, Loutra Pozar, Neos Agios Athanasios, there are stylish guesthouses, luxury hotels and rooms for rent for your stay.

The view from Mount Vorras is amazing, where you can admire the Gulf of Thermaikos, the peak of Olympus, the ski resort of 3-5 Wells of Naoussa opposite, as well as the impressive panoramic view towards Lake Vegoritida.

1st day

Our meeting will take place at 09:00 at the parking lot at the entrance of the village of Palios Agios Athanasios at the foot of Mount Voras or Kaimaktsalan near the peak of Piperitsa at an altitude of 1200 meters.

We arrive, get settled in our rooms and get ready for our first hike that will bring us to the Piperitsa Peak with an altitude of 2005 meters.

Our uphill path at the beginning reminds us that in order to enjoy something we have to exert ourselves a little. Much of the route moves through a forest with beeches, oaks and firs where, in combination with the streams of the area, they form a feast of colors and images.

The access to the top has no technical difficulty so crossing the plateau before the top we reach the smooth ridge that leads us to the highest point of our route.

Rest photos and return to village for rest and organization of the next day.

3-4 hours of hiking

2nd day

Early morning with the dew after our rich breakfast we start for the ski center of Kaimaktsalan - Voras at 2050 m.

At first we will move parallel to the lifts and then we will follow the stakes until we reach the small church of Prophet Ilias and the historical monument of the 1st World War at 2524m.

On the way back and without the demanding difficulty of the ascent, we will enjoy the view and the green slopes that, combined with the streams, transport you to a world full of fairies.

Back and it's time for rest at Loutra Pozar for those who wish.

3-4 hours of hiking

Cost 165 euros / person