Kaimaktsalan

May 16-17

Mount Voras or Kaimaktsalan is the third highest mountain in Greece and is located along the Greek-Yugoslav border, with the majority of the mountain belonging to the Pella region up to the borders of the Florina region.

The highest peak of Voras is Kaimaktsalan, with a height of 2,524 meters. According to one version, its name means “white peak,” where the chapel of Prophet Elias is located, serving as a monument to the Serbian Fallen of World War I. Other high peaks of Voras include Tzena (2,182 meters) and Pinovo (2,156 meters).

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

A characteristic of Mount Voras is the presence of water bodies at very high altitudes, such as the Skopia-Kremasi springs at an altitude of 2,400 meters. At the foothills of Mount Voras lies Lake Vegoritida, one of the largest lakes in Greece. Lake Vegoritida is located at the geographical borders of the Pella, Florina, and Kozani regions.

At the highest peak of the mountain, at 2,524 meters, is the Voras-Kaimaktsalan Ski Center. It began operating in 1995, and its state-of-the-art facilities start at 2,050 meters. It is one of the few ski centers in Greece with such a long duration of snow suitable for skiing. Thousands of skiers visit it, and every year the National team and most schools prepare there.

In close proximity to the ski center, on the eastern slopes of Mount Voras, lies the famous Black Forest, exceptionally rich in flora and fauna. The Black Forest is ideal for hiking or mountain biking; with the help of local guides, it’s worth exploring among the firs and beeches on a tour of incomparable beauty.

Near the spa town of Loutraki Aridaias is the enchanting Ramno Bor Gorge (“Straight Pine”), through which the stream of Agios Nikolaos or Thermopotamos flows. It is an idyllic, lush location ideal for excursions and mountain sports (rafting, mountain biking, canyoning).

Don’t miss crossing the gorge with its unique beauty, as well as exploring the complex of 15 caves recently discovered in the area, a rare speleological park for Greek standards. Highlights of the route include the small waterfalls that form, adding unparalleled beauty to the landscape.

A small natural treasure is hidden near the city of Edessa (6 km W), the Agra-Vryttas-Nisi Wetland. An area of exceptional ecological interest, it is a protected wetland with the Lake of Agra as its core, covering an area of 5,972 acres, named in honor of the Macedonian fighter Tellos Agra. An organized boat tour offers visitors the opportunity to discover the secrets of the lake, observe up close the rich birdlife it hosts, and the aquatic vegetation that creates ideal conditions for the nesting and reproduction of the area’s birds.

Kaimaktsalan is a magnet for both the ski center and nature lovers and mountaineers. Beautiful routes through a landscape of unique natural beauty are organized by the nature and mountaineering clubs of the area. One of the most beautiful routes ends at the “Flora’s Stream.”

In the areas near the Kaimaktsalan Ski Center, such as Old Agios Athanasios, Arnissa, Panagitsa, Loutra Pozar, New Agios Athanasios, there are elegant guesthouses, luxury hotels, and rental rooms for your stay.

The view from Mount Voras is stunning, where you can admire the Thermaic Gulf, the peak of Olympus, the opposite ski center of the 3-5 Wells of Naoussa, as well as the panoramic impressive view towards Lake Vegoritida.

Day 1

Our meeting will take place at 09:00 at the parking lot at the entrance of the village of Old Agios Athanasios at the foothills of Mount Voras or Kaimaktsalan near the Piperitsa peak at an altitude of 1,200 meters.

We arrive, settle into our rooms, and prepare for our first hike that will take us to the Piperitsa Peak at an altitude of 2,005 meters.

The path, uphill at first, reminds us that to enjoy something, we must exert ourselves a bit. Much of the route moves through a forest of beeches, oaks, and firs, which, combined with the area’s streams, create a symphony of colors and images.

Access to the peak has no technical difficulty, so crossing the plateau before the peak, we reach the smooth ridge that leads us to the highest point of our route.

Rest, photos, and return to the village for rest and planning for the next day.

3-4 hours of hiking

Day 2.

Early in the morning, after our hearty breakfast, we start for the Kaimaktsalan-Voras ski center at 2,050 meters.

At first, we will move parallel to the lifts and then follow the poles until we reach the chapel of Prophet Elias and the historical monument of World War I at 2,524 meters.

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

Return, and it’s time for relaxation at Loutra Pozar for those who wish.

3-4 hours of hiking

Essential equipment: