HIKE project completed its activities in Greece

The Path of Greece team wrapped up the final activities of the HIKE project in Greece on the weekend of 18 – 20 October with three hikes: the first was in the area of Pozar Thermal Baths, the second was an exploration along the scenic paths from Edessa to Profitis Ilias, and the third was urban trekking in Edessa.

On 18 October the hike led the hikers through the waters of Kounoupitsa stream, toward its famous waterfall,  concluding in the thermal springs of Loutraki. At the end of the day, the participants visited a local farm by Makis Chrysafis, where they tried horseback riding and had a chance to groom the horses. In the end, they had a chance to sample local delicacies and a sip of grappa, extending a memorable taste of local hospitality.

The next day the hiking team headed eastward along Via Egnatia, descending a cobblestone, which connects the modern city through the ancient walls with the archaeological site of Loggos. From there the route led the hikers into the fields in the direction of Ancient Pella, stopping at Profitis Ilias by Moglenitsas River. Participants enjoyed the serene landscape of orchards and vineyards along the foothills bordering the vast plains, sampling ripe, local produce. The day concluded with a visit to the Natural History Museum of Plagiari, offering insights into worldwide artifacts.

The urban guided tour led by Yannis Dalkaranis on 20 October took hikers around Edessa and circled around the waterfalls. The tour traversed the cobblestone path through the Ancient Walls to the Archaeological Site of Loggos and the waterfalls of Karanos. From below the hikers team had a unique view of the waterfalls. The route then passed through the old cloth factory of Tsitsis, retracing the paths once used by workers commuting on foot from Edessa to the factory, to arrive back to the starting point. The day concluded with a hiking safety workshop addressing key considerations for a safe outdoor experience. The session included presentations by the HIKE project team and Paths of Greece, engaging participants in discussions on hiking practices and safety protocols.

Over two weekends in October, participants collectively hiked over 70 kilometers in the area of Edessa, visiting museums, wineries, archaeological sites, and cultural landmarks while addressing safety and hiking matters with field professionals. The engagement of residents and international visitors with the community’s meaningful contributions highlighted the project’s broad impact and reach.

The next round of the HIKE events will take place in Türkiye along the Tolerance Way during the first two weekends of November.

Special thanks should be addressed to the Municipal Authority of Edessa and Eva Nedelkou for their organizational efforts, to Charalambos Theodoridis and Vangelis Tarpanis for leading the hikes and conducting the workshops; to the Women’s Cooperative of Arnissa for their insightful tour; to Vinta Nikou for the yoga session; to Mr. Makis Chrysafis and his team for a memorable afternoon with the horses; and Mr. Yiannis Dalkaranis for the guided tour of the Loggos antiquities. Finally, appreciation is expressed to the Mountaineering Association of Edessa for their active participation and invaluable local knowledge shared throughout the activities.

[Photo Credits:  Maria Kofou – www.instagram.com/travelstoriesfromyworld]