A guide to day trips in Naoussa.

Day Trips in Naoussa

Vergina, the royal tombs of Aigai ★ 4.8

Ancient Aigai, first capital of Macedon, UNESCO-listed since 1996. The Museum of the Royal Tombs sits over the 1977 excavation that found the tomb of Philip II, and the Palace of Aigai reopened in 2024.

Pours: Naoussa PDO Xinomavro

Tip: Pair the museum with the newly reopened palace next door, the largest classical-era building in Greece, rather than the tombs alone.

Veria, Barbouta and the Byzantine churches ★ 4.6

Imathia's capital, 16 kilometres south of Naoussa. Barbouta preserves an 1850 synagogue, the oldest in northern Greece, and the town keeps dozens of Byzantine churches with surviving frescoes.

Pours: Naoussa PDO Xinomavro

Tip: Vergina is only a further 12 kilometres south of Veria, so the two combine easily into one day from Naoussa.

Edessa and its waterfalls ★ 4.5

Edessa's waterfalls drop at the edge of the town centre, giving the town its nickname, the city of waters, for the streams that cross it. Byzantine churches and the old hemp factory round out a half-day stop.

Pours: Naoussa PDO Xinomavro

Tip: The main falls are a short walk from the car parks above town, no hike required, so this works even on a tight schedule.

Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great ★ 4.6

Capital of ancient Macedon from the 4th century BC, and the birthplace of both Philip II and Alexander the Great. The site's pebble mosaics and the neighbouring Archaeological Museum of Pella hold the finds.

Pours: Naoussa PDO Xinomavro

Tip: The palace excavation, on 75,000 square metres of hilltop, only opened to visitors in December 2025, so it is a genuinely new addition to the site.

Seli and Tria Pente Pigadia on Mount Vermio ★ 4.2

The Vermio range that shelters Naoussa's vineyards rises to 2,065 metres at Chamitis, west of the town, and carries the Seli and Tria Pente Pigadia ski areas in winter and walking trails the rest of the year.

Pours: Naoussa PDO Xinomavro

Tip: Come for the pine forest and the view back down over the Xinomavro slopes even outside the ski season.

Lake Vegoritida ★ 4.0

A 54 square kilometre natural lake in northern Greece at 540 metres elevation, backed by the Voras range and reached by continuing past Edessa. Formerly known as Lake Ostrovo.

Pours: Naoussa PDO Xinomavro

Tip: This is a full-day trip from Naoussa rather than a half-day, best combined with Edessa on the way out.

Day Trips in Naoussa, FAQ

When is the best time to visit Naoussa for wine?

Peak wine-travel season in Naoussa is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.

Do I need an appointment to taste at Naoussa estates?

classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.

What hours do Naoussa cellars and tasting rooms keep?

most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.

How does tipping work at Naoussa tastings?

tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.

What is the one wine to try in Naoussa?

Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Naoussa rewards trust.

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