Edessa Waterfalls

The famed Edessa waterfalls are probably the best known in Greece and definitely the major attraction in the city of Edessa. Edessa is the capital of Pella, located in the Prefecture of Central Macedonia in Northern Greece and is home to the largest waterfalls in the Balkans. It is a city defined by water, therefore is known as the “City of Waters”.

The waterfalls are said to have been formed in the 14th century, after a major geological phenomenon. Till then, the main volume of water coming from Edessaios River, was collected in a small basin in the west side of the city, but due to that geological phenomenon the water changed course and crossed the city forming these spectacular waterfalls. There is a double waterfall, the so-called Twin Waterfall, and a single, 70-meter waterfall known as Karanos. Both waterfalls are located in a park, in the center of the city and are surrounded by lots of trees and nature. The park spreads over an area of over 100,000 sq m and apart from the waterfall, has some interesting buildings to see, such as the Open-Air Water Museum and the Aquarium.

The waterfalls are easily accessible with plenty of overlooks and stairs for getting decent views of its main drop as well as getting behind the falls. At a lower part of the Edessa waterfalls, you will find a cave with a small entrance fee, which is of great geological value. At the very top of the Edessa Waterfalls, part of the stream has been diverted and an attractive garden has been formed, filled with mini waterfalls, footbridges and lots of flowers. Since 2003, the waterfalls are flood lit at night and look spectacular.

The area of the falls wasn’t accessible till 1942 because of the steep slopes and the dense vegetation. After World War II, the municipality of Edessa recruited collaborators and gardeners to redevelop and highlight the area. There is a free parking in front of the Edessa waterfall park and the entrance to the park is free. If you want to see the full power of the waterfall wintertime or early spring should be a perfect period.