The Salonica View alternative tourism office organises a one-day excursion and hike on the Pagopoion path and a climb to the top of Kolourti.
A few words about our trip:
The meeting point of our group will be in the village of Hortiati. Our hike will start from the village square. At first we will move uphill and walk through the dense forest of beech trees until we meet the signs that inform us about the path to the Hortiatis shelter. We will pass the shelter and take the route for our ascent to the top of Kolourti. After about 1.5 kilometres we will reach the top. At the top we will face the panoramic view of the city of Thessaloniki, the Thermaikos Gulf and the lake of Agios Vasilios. After resting and admiring the view, we will begin our descent towards the Hortiatis shelter. There we will have time to eat, so that we can get the necessary strength to return back to our cars. For the final stage of our descent we will follow the (Pagopoion) Ice Maker path. Our path turns to the village and along it we will meet many chestnut trees and enjoy the wonderful autumn colours and aromas of the forest.
Track features:
a) Degree of difficulty: Level 2 - Moderate
b) Hiking duration: 4 hours
c) Distance: 10 km.
d) Total duration of activity: 6 hours (2 ascent, 2 descent, 2 stop at the refuge)
Points of interest:
Hortiatis: It is a mountain of Thessaloniki. It has an altitude of 1,201 metres and is located North-East of Thessaloniki. In ancient times it was called Kissos and at its foot was built the homonymous town which is a martyr settlement, as it was burned by the Germans on September 2, 1944 and the entire male population was executed.
Path of the Ice Makers (Pagopoion): This path, also known as the Path of the Ice Makers, is the most popular route in Hortiatis. It got its name from the ancient Hortiatians, where on very cold winter nights, they would climb the mountain, create ice and then sell it to the wealthy families of Thessaloniki.
Flora and Fauna: The mountain at its lowest points is covered with holly and dogwood. The next vegetation zone is chestnut and mainly broadleaf oak forests. The upper vegetation zone is the beech tree zone. Also, the flora of Hortiatis includes the species: Christmas rose, Galanthus elwesii, Crocus pulchellus and Odontorchis tridentata.
Participation fee:
€10/person
The price includes:
Escort and organisation
Experienced mountain guides
First aid box
VHF radio
CAUTION!!! Payment of the full amount is made to the bank accounts below within 4 days of your booking. Otherwise, the booking is cancelled.
Piraeus Bank IVAN GR41 0172 2220 0052 2209 3179 693 (Payee: ANDREAS TSAGARIS)
IBAN of National Bank GR2701102230000022300527524 (Payee: TSAGARIS ANDREAS)
You must have with you:
Mountaineering boots
Hiking pants or leggings
Second top, socks, trousers, shoes and a small towel (change)
Snack
Water
Backpack
Waterproof (required)
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Tissues
Trekking Pole (optional)
Camera (optional)
Note 1. In case of cancellation of the event due to bad weather conditions, the excursion is moved to another date. Participants unable to participate on that date will be refunded. However, if again the weather conditions do not allow the event to take place, the event is permanently cancelled and everyone is refunded. In case of cancellation by the participants, 7 days or less before the date of the event, the money is not returned.
Note 2. Photo material is shared on our page and social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you also accept the sharing of photos. Otherwise, please let us know.
Note 3. For the best functioning of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the attendants.
