Kozani

Travel guide of Kozani regional unit

The city of Kozani is the capital of the Regional Unit but also the largest city in Western Macedonia. It may be famous together with Ptolemaida as the “energy heart” of Greece (due to the power plants), but at the same time it can present beautiful destinations and attractions that are less known to most of he visitors.

Main Square of Kozani

In the region there are interesting sights and destinations such as the lake of Polyphytos, the archeological sites and the traditional stone-built villages of Voio. The manor houses of Kozani and Siatista, dated back between 17th and 19th century, will make you a special impression. This regional unit has a rich cultural and religious heritage, while offers many alternatives such as activities or being a start point for day trips to neighbour destinations.

Historical – Folklore museum of Kozani

general information

The Regional Unit of Kozani is the largest among the all four of the Region. It is located in the eastern part of Western Macedonia with mountainous and semi-mountainous areas covering the 74% of its area. The area also gathers important water element, with Aliakmonas river and the artificial lake of Polyphytos and its impressive ecosystem. Finally, it is the largest Regional Unit of Western Macedonia with a total population of 150,000

Boucharia Geopark © Dallis Grigoris

WORTH VISITING

• The Boucharia in Mikrovalto
• The waterfalls of Velvento
• The stone bridges of Voio
• The castle of Servia
• The village of Neraida with the view of the lake of Polyphytos
• The archeological site and the museum of Aiani [eani]
• The mansions and churches of Siatista
• The Coventry Library and the Folklore Museum of Kozani
• The village of Vlasti
• The Paleontological Museum of Ptolemaida

GASTRONOMY

Cheese, meat and cured meat products, pasta, wine and tsipouro, fruits, traditional confectionery, as well as lake fish, wild mushrooms, chestnuts, hazelnuts and walnuts appeal to lovers of excellent flavours and make the area an ideal gastronomy destination. Of course, Krokos (the Greek saffron), one of the most expensive spices in the world, cultivated in the area since the 17th century, is one of the best quality saffrons of the world.

Krokos – Greek Saffron

TRANSPORTATION

Access to Kozani by road is mostly made via the new Egnatia Motorway, and it takes only one hour to drive to Thessaloniki. It is also connected to Central and Southern Greece via the National Road Larissa – Kozani or through provincial roads.

Daily bus routes from Thessaloniki start from the Macedonia Intercity Bus Station.

In addition, Kozani is connected by air with Athens and Kastoria through the National Airport “Filippos” located at the 4th km of the National Road Kozani-Larissa.

Sunset at Lake Polifitos

ACTIVITIES / EXPERIENCES

• Hiking
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Rowing

NEARBY EXCURSIONS

1 Kastoria

The journey from the city of Kozani to Kastoria takes around 45 minutes. We suggest for a short excursion to visit the manor houses of the city, the Dragon cave, as well as the Dispilio Lakeside Neolithic Settlement.

2 Nymphaio [nimfeo]

After a 45 minutes drive you can reach the stone-built traditional settlement of Nymfaio. There you can visit the Bear Shelter of Arctouros, as well as the Wolf Shelter in Agrapidies.