Pella - Travel Guide

EXPLORE GREECE

Pella - Explore the birthplace of Alexander the Great

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Pella
Pella

Pella - Explore the birthplace of Alexander the Great

Read More

Pella at a Glance

Area: 2507.00 km²

Population: 139.680

Capital: Edessa

Airport: None

Discover Pella

Map: Pella

Located in Central Macedonia, Greece, Pella is the birthplace of Alexander the Great and his father, Philip II. Dotted with beautiful towns and villages, monuments, ancient ruins, byzantine churches, wetlands and the most famous waterfalls in Greece, Pella is one of the best places to visit in northern Greece. The prefecture was named after ancient Pella, best known as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedon. Being so rich in history, it is probably one of the best places to visit if you are a history buff or fan of ancient Greece. Here, you will find the royal tombs, the ancient city of Edessa, and ancient Pella one of the largest and most prosperous cities of ancient Greece. Edessa, the prefecture’s capital city, is one of the most charming Greek towns and blessed with an atmospheric old district, lots of Byzantine monuments and the Kanaros Waterfalls, the largest in Greece.    

In Pella, you will find the Pozar Thermal Baths with their healing waters, the Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort for outdoor activities in winter, the charming, traditional village of Agios Athanasios at the foot of Mt Voras, lake Vegoritida and lake Agras for birdwatching or a romantic boat trip, the water springs of Aravissos, and lots of museums that reveal the region’s rich historic past. Pella prefecture is full of surprises and is just an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki. Getting there is very easy and definitely worth it. Pella will reward you, whichever season you choose to visit, with its cultural heritage, mountains, lakes, springs, snowy mountaintops, and picturesque villages. This complete travel guide will help you make the most of your trip to Pella and enjoy your holidays.

Best of Pella

Where to Stay

The region offers a wide variety of accommodations, from hotels and traditional guesthouses to apartments and rental rooms. You can choose to stay near the city center, in picturesque villages, or close to landmarks, depending on your preferences.

Accommodation Options

From hotels and traditional guesthouses to apartments and rental rooms, there are options to suit every taste and budget.

Best Areas

Stay in the city center for convenience, or choose small towns and villages for a more peaceful, authentic experience.

Booking Tips

In peak season, check online platforms and reviews to find reliable accommodation options for a pleasant stay.

How to Get There

Getting to Kilkis

You can reach the Pella region by car via the Egnatia (A2) and National Highways from Thessaloniki, by train from Thessaloniki or Edessa, or by intercity KTEL bus services connecting the area with major Greek cities.

  • By Car: Pella lies about 1 hour west of Thessaloniki (approximately 95 km) via the A2/Egnatia Odos or the Thessaloniki–Edessa National Road. From Athens, the journey takes around 5 hours via the A1 Motorway and A2/Egnatia Odos. The region is easily accessible from nearby destinations such as Veria, Kozani, and Florina through a network of well-maintained national and regional roads.
  • By Train: Regular train services operate between Thessaloniki and Edessa, the main town of the Pella regional unit. The train journey offers a scenic route through the Macedonian plains and takes roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes from Thessaloniki.
  • By Air: The nearest airport to the Pella region is Thessaloniki International Airport “Makedonia” (SKG), located about 70 km east of Edessa and roughly a 1-hour drive. It offers frequent domestic and international flights, making Pella easily accessible from major European and Greek cities.
  • By Bus: KTEL Pella provides frequent intercity and local routes connecting Pella’s main towns (Edessa, Giannitsa, Aridaia, and Skydra) with Thessaloniki, Athens, and neighboring towns. Buses run several times daily from Thessaloniki’s Macedonia Intercity Bus Station (KTEL Makedonia).

KTEL Pella SA Bus Service

Always check the official website for the latest routes and schedules.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

April to October – warm weather ideal for villages, archaeological sites, waterfalls, and lakes. Spring and autumn are mild and less crowded; summer is perfect for lakes and mountain scenery.

Language

Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency

The Euro (€) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but carry cash for villages.

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