Following the events of the HIKE project in Puglia, Italy, the adventure moves to Greece in October 2024. The town of Edessa will be the focal point for a series of outdoor events, combining hiking, cultural activities, and workshops organised by the Paths of Greece on 11 – 20 October 2024. The programme, divided into two weekends, is focused on outdoor sports and hiking:
- 11-13 October 2024 from Edessa to Arnissa
- 18-20 October 2024 Prophitis Ilias & Edessa
The full programme is available on this page together with the registration form (in Greek only). International participants are requested to contact v.deligiannis@pathsofgreece.gr to join the events, specifying the dates and activities. Limited places available.
The first weekend of the Greek HIKE kicks on Friday, 11 October with a City Card Tour of Edessa, followed by a workshop on Physical Preparation for hiking, addressing practical issues of getting ready for a trek. In the afternoon, the participants will enjoy a scenic Circular Hike from Edessa to Kleisochori and back with an optional stretching session at the Waterfalls Park. On Saturday, 12 October participants will meet early at the Waterfalls Park for a walk to Agras and Nisi, stopping at the Agras Train Station for a snack. Upon arrival at Nisi in the afternoon, optional stretching will be offered, followed by a Wine Tour at Ktima Alpha, where participants can relax and enjoy local flavors before returning to Edessa. Sunday, 13 October features a bus transfer to Nisi and a hike to Arnissa. The day also offers a unique cultural activity, with craft workshops led by the women’s cooperative of Arnissa. The evening will conclude with a yoga class by the lake, providing a peaceful end to the weekend.
The second weekend begins on Friday, 18 October with a bus transfer to Fylakio Loutrakiou, where a relatively short hike will lead hikers to Kounoupitsa Waterfalls and further on to the Thermal Baths of Pozar. On Saturday, 19 October the hike continues toward Profitis Ilias, with stops at Mavrovouni and the Plagiari Museum. The day concludes with a workshop on “Safety and Organisation for a Hiking Trip”. The final day on Sunday, 20 October will feature the hike along the Cultural Route of Edessa. The event will close with a celebration at the Waterfalls Park.
How to reach HIKE events in Greece:
The nearest airport is Thessaloniki (SKG), then you can take a local bus to the KTEL Intercity Bus Station (Giannitson 244, Thessaloniki 546 28, Greece, https://maps.app.goo.gl/s9wpQH4su7HjxUy46)
From the KTEL Intercity Bus Station take a bus to the city of Edessa, considering that the last bus departs at 20:00 (and at 21:00 on Fridays) – consult the timetable HERE.
For accommodation, the organizers recommend the following structures: :
- Hotel Elena: Link to map
- Hotel Alfa: Link to map
Contact the travel agency taxidevo.gr in case you need professional help in organizing your trip.
Following the events in Italy and Greece, the HIKE journey will continue in November with a series of hikes in Türkiye along the Tolerance Way. The events are free upon the registration.
[Pictures via Paths of Greece]