Aridea
Discover Aridea
Aridea is the third largest settlement in Pella regional unit, after Edessa (2nd, also the capital), and Giannitsa (1st). It is built in a large plateau, called "Almopia" (Αλμωπία). Its name is a portmeau of "Άλμα+όψη" (Jump+view), as its ancient citizens were thought to be a tribe of giants. Generally, its economy largely relies on agriculture (mainly alfalfa, asparagus, clovers, poplar and stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and cherries, as well as pears, quinces and potatoes in the Archangelos village). Tourism is mainly focused on the nearby Pozar Springs. Aridea's nickname is the "Karatzova" (Καρατζόβα), which means "black plateau" in Turkish. It's unknown why it was named so. Its population includes ethnic Macedonians, Vlachs, Moglens, Pontic Greeks, Karamanlides, and people of mixed ethnic heritage. Some citizens are also half-locals and half-refugees from Asia Minor and Pontus. About 1½ hours by car from Thessaloniki. You can get here through the National Road 2 from Thessaloniki to Mavrovouni, then the Pella Provincial Road 2 to Apsalos, and the Pella Provincial Road 1 to Aridea
What to Experience in Aridea
Taste of Aridea...
The villages of Loutraki and Orma, both close to Pozar have some good restaurants. The town has nearly all kind of restaurants.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsAbout 1½ hours by car from Thessaloniki. You can get here through the National Road 2 from Thessaloniki to Mavrovouni, then the Pella Provincial Road 2 to Apsalos, and the Pella Provincial Road 1 to Aridea There are 5 provincial roads to connect you to the nearby settlements and monuments. 2. Aridea - Exaplatanos to Skra and Axioupolis Evropos Notia and Lagadia. (Pella 6) A ride on the town is also a good idea. There is a square called the "Setskou Square", near the Church of St. Nikandros, (You can recognize it from the large clock on the bell tower.), the Natural History museum which operates on the old train station and a pedestrian road called the "Kyprou Street.", surrounded with pubs, bars and restaurants. Notable examples include Placebo and Aeriko. Some villages are officially preserved traditional settlements, and are worth visiting....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are 5 provincial roads to connect you to the nearby settlements and monuments. 2. Aridea - Exaplatanos to Skra and Axioupolis Evropos Notia and Lagadia. (Pella 6) A ride on the town is also a good idea. There is a square called the "Setskou Square", near the Church of St. Nikandros, (You can recognize it from the large clock on the bell tower.), the Natural History museum which operates on the old train station and a pedestrian road called the "Kyprou Street.", surrounded with pubs, bars and restaurants. Notable examples include Placebo and Aeriko. Some villages are officially preserved traditional settlements, and are worth visiting.
Money & Budget
Almoopia's historic trademark product was the Karatzovitiko pepper made from Florina peppers, but also a local variety of sweet or semi-hot peppers, the "Bahovo" variety grown in the villages of Garefi and Promachoi, but now it's almost extinct and most growers in the area grow this variety only on personal gardens for themselves, but it's also likely to find them in a local grocery store.). Local beans are also popular. They are kidney-shaped and perfect for dishes such as fasolada. Bukovo and paprika are also produced. Of course, you can try the local fruits and vegetables, such as asparangus, fruits of the Prunus genus, chestnuts, walnuts and potatoes; the latter grown mainly in a village called Archangelos.