Escapes for the 28th October three-day weekend near Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki offers fantastic destinations for short and brief getaways. Most places near Thessaloniki are only a short drive away.

Now is the ideal time to organise our next excursion, which is none other than the three-day weekend of 28^th October!

And if in the rest of Greece there isn't a three-day holiday this year, in Thessaloniki, due to the celebration of Saint Demetrius on 26th October, there’s a lovely long weekend to plan a short excursion!

Below, we present 3 destinations near Thessaloniki with direct road access for you to enjoy an unforgettable weekend!

Palaios Panteleimonas

The village of Palaios Panteleimonas is a unique traditional settlement and one of the best examples of Macedonian architecture. It is a village that will rejuvenate you and fill you with fresh, clean air – ideally recommended for one to two nights.

Palaios Panteleimonas map

Palaios Panteleimonas is located in the Pieria region at the foothills of Mount Olympus at an altitude of 1100 metres, very close to Platamonas.

The distance from Palaios Panteleimonas to Thessaloniki is 107 km, a journey you can cover in about an hour and a half.

On the Athens – Thessaloniki national road, after the Platamonas junction, turn right and follow the signs for Palaios Panteleimonas. It is only 6 km from the beach and the village of Neos Panteleimonas.

Cars are not allowed in the village, so once you arrive, you will leave your vehicle in the car park outside the village and head to your hotel.

The village square

The entire village is paved, and its most distinctive part is the square with the church and the plane trees. Around the square, there are many traditional shops, cafes, and tavernas.

There aren't many shops, but they are enough to meet the needs of all visitors. Besides the cafes (where you can also try wonderful sweets) and tavernas, there are two other shops selling souvenirs and traditional local products.

In these, you will find many types of essential oils and perfumes made from pure ingredients without chemical additives.

The tavernas in Palaios Panteleimonas offer traditional local dishes. Try wonderful lamb and braised dishes cooked with traditional, home-style recipes. The most famous tavernas in Palaios Panteleimonas are Agnanti, Petrino, Platanos, and Chani.

Palaios Panteleimonas accommodation

In the village, there are many accommodations to choose from, suiting your travel needs and requirements.

The traditional guesthouses in Palaios Panteleimonas follow the same traditional style in their architecture and decor.

See all hotels in Palaios Panteleimonas on the Booking website:

https://www.booking.com/city/gr/palaios-panteleimon.el.html

We recommend the Agnanti guesthouse in Palaios Panteleimonas, as we have stayed there and have personal experience.

The entire guesthouse and restaurant are decorated with carved wood, giving it a nostalgic feel, while offering panoramic views of the Pieria beaches.

The guesthouse also has a private room with a spa, which you can book for 1.5 hours during your visit. There, you can use the carved pool with a fireplace, the sauna, and the steam room. There is also a shower, and the hotel will provide you with towels and anything else you may need during your stay.

The hospitality of the locals and their love for their homeland will move you. They are always friendly to tourists and will do everything they can to assist you.

Activities in Palaios Panteleimonas

Hiking: from the beginning of the village and at many points, you will see signs indicating distances if you start your hike from that specific spot.

The routes you will find start from Palaios Panteleimonas and reach Palioi Poroi and Ano Skotina. These two routes take 1.5 and 2 hours respectively. If you desire something more challenging, there are other directions towards the high peaks and refuges of Mount Olympus.

Consult a local about the routes and do not start if you do not have the necessary items such as a charged mobile phone, informing friends about your itinerary, etc. It is also essential to check the weather forecast to know exactly what weather you will encounter at higher hiking altitudes.

Paragliding: you will need to go down to Neos Panteleimonas, but it is an unforgettable experience. You will find the Olympic Wings school there, and accompanied by experienced instructors, you will be able to admire the area from a very different perspective.

Attractions in Palaios Panteleimonas

Platamonas Castle

Platamonas Castle is the best-preserved castle in Northern Greece.

You will be able to see it only from the outside; that is, you will pass through its walls and cross it along its perimeter.

Admission to the castle costs 1 euro and it is open daily.

Your visit will not last more than 30 minutes.

Kastoria

A small city in Western Macedonia that has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty. Kastoria is known not only for its lake but also for the classic mansions that adorn it and are scattered throughout the city, but mainly in the Dolcho and Apozari areas of Kastoria.

Map of Kastoria

The distance from Thessaloniki to Kastoria is 190 km, which you can cover in approximately 2 hours.

By intercity bus (KTEL), the Kastoria-Thessaloniki route takes 2.5 hours, with 8 routes operating daily. The cost of a return journey is 32 euros.

Regarding the distance from Athens to Kastoria, it is significantly longer, approximately 490 km. For such a long journey, you will need about 5.5 hours of driving to reach your final destination, the city of Kastoria.

Kastoria Attractions

Kastoria's Orestiada Lake

The focal point of interest in the city is none other than Orestiada Lake, which belongs to the European "Natura 2000" network. The lake and the surrounding area form a very important ecosystem with more than 200 different bird species living there, as well as many hydrophilic trees.

The Lake of Kastoria is also very popular for the variety of fish it boasts. The fish species found in the lake are carp, pike, roach, wels catfish, tench, perch, crucian carp, goldfish and chub.

To see the lake, you can take a small circuit around it by car, by bike, or even on foot. The route is 7 km around the perimeter of the lake, amidst a wonderful landscape filled with willows and plane trees.

You will notice many locals sitting around the lake fishing or young people simply taking a stroll.

If you want to see the entire lake, you can do the large circuit, which is estimated to be about 30 km. You should start from the southern exit of the city, and driving parallel to it, you will pass through many interesting villages, each with something unique to offer. 

The Dragon's Cave

A spectacular cave full of stalactites, stalagmites, and 7 underground lakes, located just 4 km from the centre of Kastoria. It is a small cave, only 300 metres long, but it is one of the most impressive in Europe.

General admission to the Kastoria cave is 6 euros and the reduced ticket is 4 euros. It operates Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00.

If you visit Kastoria, don't miss exploring the Dragon's Cave!

Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa

Built in 1802, this monastery is located after the Dragon's Cave, which we will see next, and next to the lake.

Its unique feature is the wonderful frescoes that adorn both its interior and exterior.

Kastoria Aquarium

The Kastoria Aquarium is one of the most famous attractions in the city.

It is the largest freshwater aquarium in the Balkans and can be found at the entrance of the city.

It contains many species of fish found in Greece's freshwater lakes and rivers.

This is a visit particularly enjoyed by young children, so don't miss this unique opportunity. The aquarium is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00, except on public holidays.

Lake Cruise

There are two ways to cross the lake from above. The first is with the tourist boat "Orestias", which operates scheduled trips by arrangement from the North Beach pier and the Dragon's Cave.

The second option is the boat "Olympia", which makes a small tour of the lake, passing by all the picturesque districts and the city's famous mansions. It also passes by the Dragon's Cave and the Holy Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa. Boarding is available from North and South Beach, Mavriotissa, and Mavrochori.

Hotels in Kastoria

There are many hotels to choose from for your stay in Kastoria.

If available, choose a hotel with a lake-view room – you will enjoy the most beautiful autumn mornings!

Discover all offers on the Booking page ->

https://www.booking.com/city/gr/kastoria.el.html

Aridaia - Pozar Baths

Aridaia is one of the most popular destinations for Thessalonians, naturally due to the tourist resort of Loutraki, which is located 10 km away and is home to the Pozar Baths.

Another very popular attraction in the wider area is the Kaimaktsalan ski resort, one of the country's most popular winter destinations.

Map of Aridaia

Aridaia is located 103 km from Thessaloniki in the Pella region. This distance can be covered in approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.

 

 

 

The Pozar Baths

The water of the baths comes from rainwater that is absorbed by the soil and, reaching great depths in the earth's interior, is enriched with all the medicinal elements present in the area.

The water in these baths reaches a temperature of up to 37 degrees Celsius, which is not considered particularly hot for thermal baths. However, it has many beneficial properties and helps in treating various ailments such as skin conditions, circulatory issues, respiratory system problems, and others.

As you enter the spa town, there is a large outdoor, heated swimming pool where you can bathe, with an entrance fee of 4 euros.

There is also an entrance fee of 2 euros for the outdoor waterfall. These are the two most affordable activities you can participate in at the Pozar Baths, and the only ones without a time limit.

Pozar Baths pools

The outdoor pool and waterfall are available to the public from 08:00 to 21:00. However, the indoor facilities of the hydrotherapy centre operate 24 hours a day.

The hydrotherapy centre features organised facilities including 6 different private pools at the Pozar Baths – the so-called old ones – while there are also new mosaic pools that constitute the most modern and luxurious baths.

The jacuzzis and SPA at the therapy centre are in separate rooms. In these too, the water used is therapeutic.

For all these rooms, it is essential to make your reservation in advance if you want to ensure an available time slot. The reservation you make is for half an hour – if you want more, you will need to inform them and pay the extra difference.

On the website here you can book online for the day and time you wish to visit the indoor cabins of the Baths.

Massage – Pozar Baths

The best thing you can do if you want to complete your relaxation experience at the therapy centre is to book a relaxing and rejuvenating massage at one of the two massage centres in the area.

Book a session in advance and enjoy a relaxing massage!

Pozar Baths hotels

There are plenty of accommodations in the area to suit all needs. If you wish to stay within Loutraki village to be close to the baths, it is advisable to book as early as possible.

On weekends and public holidays, the area experiences high occupancy. You can find everything from affordable rooms at 40 euros per night to suites with a fireplace and jacuzzi at 120 euros per night.

Search on Booking for the best hotels in Pozar, suitable for all occasions – from a family outing to a romantic weekend!

https://www.booking.com/city/gr/kato-loutrakion.el.html

Conclusion

The proposed areas are ideal for a beautiful and peaceful three-day getaway, perfectly suited for the 28^th October long weekend. Kastoria is ideal for families with children due to the many interesting activities you can enjoy.

Palaios Panteleimonas will captivate you and offer relaxation like no other destination. It is ideal if you want to spend 3 days away from the bustling city. In Palaios Panteleimonas, almost nothing operates after eight in the evening, so if you are looking for nightlife, it is better to head towards Katerini.

Finally, Aridaia and the Pozar Baths are a place where you can combine almost everything. One day you can visit the baths for total relaxation of body and mind. The next day can be spent in the tourist village of Palaios Agios Athanasios.

Have a great time!