Thessaloniki:Edessa & Pozar Thermal Springs Private Day Trip

Traveling through Greece often means exploring ancient ruins or bustling city streets, but sometimes the best moments come from nature’s quieter side. This particular day trip from Thessaloniki offers a chance to escape urban life and reconnect with the outdoors, visiting Edessa’s famous waterfalls and the thermal springs of Pozar. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on detailed reviews and the itinerary, it seems like a solid option for anyone craving a mix of scenic beauty and relaxation without the fuss of big-group tours.

What really appeals is the chance to see Edessa’s stunning waterfall, a highlight that many travelers consider a must-see, and to unwind in the Pozar thermal springs, known for their soothing, warm waters. The fact that it’s a private group tour—fitting up to 8 people—means you’re likely to get a more personalized experience and some flexibility. One thing to keep in mind is the cost of $346, which seems a fair deal for the length of the day, especially considering the inclusive features like hotel pickup and private transportation.

However, this tour isn’t perfect for everyone. It doesn’t include meal options or entry fees for the thermal pools, so budgeting for those extras is key. Also, the schedule involves quite a bit of travel—about 100 minutes each way—so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full day of exploring without expecting a leisurely pace. This is ideal if you’re after a convenient, guided escape—more about taking in the sights and relaxing than about adventurous activities or in-depth cultural tours.

If you’re someone who values professional guidance, scenic beauty, and a comfortable, hassle-free day out, this trip might be just right. It’s especially suited if you’re traveling with a small group and want an experience that balances natural wonders with comfort. Now, let’s break down everything you need to know before booking.

Key Points

• Comfortable private group setting with up to 8 people, offering a more personalized experience.
• Highlights include Edessa’s waterfalls and Pozar’s thermal springs, two top natural attractions.
• Transport is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics.
• Travel time is around 100 minutes each way, so expect a full day of sightseeing and some travel fatigue.
• Entry fees and meals are not included, so budget accordingly.
• Reviews praise guides and driver, making the journey more enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour is straightforward in what it offers. For $346 per group, you get hotel pickup, a private driver, and the use of free Wi-Fi and bottled water during the trip. All tolls and taxes are covered, which is a bonus because it simplifies costs upfront.

What you won’t get are entry fees for the pools or food and drinks. If you’re planning to swim at Pozar and want to access private pools, that cost is extra. The tour is designed for flexibility—so you can choose to stay longer at certain stops or skip meals if you prefer.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The day begins with a pickup from your Thessaloniki accommodation—this is pretty convenient, especially if you’re staying centrally. From there, the transportation is around 100 minutes to Edessa, giving you a good chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Edessa’s Waterfalls and the City

Once you arrive in Edessa, the highlight is undeniably the Karanos waterfall. This natural spectacle cascades beautifully and is often described as a symbol of the city’s artistic and natural charm. Reviewers mention the waterfalls as “impressive,” and they’re a great spot for photos or just taking a moment to enjoy the tranquility.

While in Edessa, you’ll have roughly 80 minutes—ample time for a quick stroll, some photos, and perhaps a coffee or brunch. Many travelers appreciate the chance to wander in a relaxed way and enjoy the serene environment.

Journey to Pozar

After Edessa, it’s about an hour of travel to Pozar, near Mount Kaimaktsalan. The thermal springs here are the main attraction—warm waters reaching around 37°C, perfect for soaking and unwinding. The natural setting is lush and green, adding to the sense of escape.

In reviews, people rave about the baths being “a dream” and “impressive,” with some opting to stay longer in the pools. The experience of dipping into soothing thermal waters surrounded by nature is often cited as a highlight, and many find it remarkably rejuvenating, especially if they’re tired or sore from travel.

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Additional Time and Relaxation

You’ll have about 1.5 hours at Pozar, which is enough to enjoy the baths, walk around, or have a coffee. Some travelers, like the reviewer who enjoyed the option to stay longer or skip meals, find this a flexible and worthwhile part of the day.

Return Journey

The trip back is just about 10 minutes to get to the van, then another 1.5 hours to Thessaloniki. This part of the day allows for some rest and reflection on the day’s adventures, with many drivers providing friendly commentary along the way.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a pretty positive picture. One traveler called the guide “friendly and very knowledgeable,” emphasizing how the guide enhanced the experience. Another mentioned how impressed they were with the waterfalls and baths and appreciated the choice to stay longer at the thermal springs.

A couple of reviews highlight the value for money—despite the cost, many feel the private group setting and the convenience of transportation made it worthwhile. The flexibility to skip meals or stay longer at the baths appealed to some, showing that this tour caters to different preferences.

One review was very straightforward, simply stating it was “basically transportation,” implying that if you’re after just a hassle-free way to get to Edessa and Pozar without much guidance, this might be a good fit.

The Experience: What to Expect

You can expect a well-organized day that balances sightseeing with relaxation. The scenery along the drive is likely to be lovely, with lush landscapes and vibrant flowers, making the journey itself enjoyable. Once at Edessa, the waterfalls are a visual treat—an awe-inspiring display of nature’s power and grace.

The thermal springs at Pozar provide a restorative experience. The warm waters are relaxing, especially if you’re visiting in cooler months or after a long day of travel or sightseeing. The environment around Pozar is peaceful, with plenty of space to wander and enjoy nature, or find a quiet corner to relax.

The pace of the trip is meant to be comfortable—there’s enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed. The private setup adds an extra layer of intimacy, allowing for conversations or spontaneous decisions like extending your stay.

Who’s This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who value comfort and simplicity. If you prefer having a driver handle logistics and want a small, private group rather than a crowded tour bus, this will suit you well. It’s good for those who want to see Edessa’s waterfalls and enjoy Pozar’s thermal springs without the hassle of organizing transport or entry tickets themselves.

It’s not ideal for someone looking for a full day of cultural or historical exploration—this trip is more about natural beauty and relaxation. If you’re on a tight budget and want to include meals or specific activities, you might want to consider extra planning.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this private day trip from Thessaloniki provides a balanced mix of scenic beauty, relaxation, and convenience. The guides and driver seem to be highly praised, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable. The experience offers a genuine opportunity to unwind amid Greece’s stunning landscapes, especially if you’re craving a break from city life.

If you’re looking for a stress-free escape featuring waterfalls and thermal waters, this tour hits the mark. It’s best for travelers who prioritize comfort, flexibility, and a small-group atmosphere. And if visiting Edessa and Pozar sounds appealing, it’s definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Mostly yes, especially if you enjoy natural scenery and relaxing in thermal springs. It’s designed for small groups, so it’s quite personal, but not necessarily tailored to families or children specifically.

How long is the travel between Thessaloniki and the stops?
The trip involves about 100 minutes each way, so expect a fair amount of time on the road. That’s part of the experience, giving you scenic views and a chance to unwind before and after the stops.

What’s included in the price?
You get hotel pickup, private driver, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, and all tolls and taxes. Entry fees for pools and food are extra.

Can I stay longer at the thermal springs?
Yes, you have about 1.5 hours at Pozar, which many travelers find sufficient. If you want more time, you might need to skip other parts of the itinerary or pay for extra entry.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport or ID, and comfortable clothes for walking and swimming. It’s also good to have some cash for extra expenses like pools or snacks.

Is this tour flexible?
It appears so—reviews mention the option to stay longer or skip meals, and the private setting allows for some customization.

How is the guide?
Reviews highlight knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance the overall experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving some flexibility if your plans change.

Considering all this, if you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and hassle-free day in Northern Greece, this tour offers a solid way to experience Edessa’s waterfalls and Pozar’s thermal springs without much fuss. Just plan to budget for extras and enjoy the peaceful beauty along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: