The alternative tourism agency Salonica View organizes a one-day hike and climb to the peak of Gola Tsouka at an altitude of 1650M in Paiko!
A few words about the excursion:
Our route will start just outside the picturesque village of Kastaneri, at an altitude of 1100 m. Initially, we will follow the forest road for about 1 km, until we come across a small paved path that we will follow for about 300 meters. We will continue through the verdant landscape, until we turn right, to now enter the dense forest! There we will follow the beautiful uphill route for 2 km to the plateau, where it spreads out below the peak! At this point, the final climb will begin with a destination of Gola Tsouka peak at 1650 m., which hosts the characteristic solitary metal climber, who looks out towards Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf! For our return, we will follow the same route back, enjoying the fairy-tale beauty of the mountain! After completing the hike, we will take the bus to Goumenissa for coffee and food.
The route we will follow requires good physical condition.
Points of interest:
Gola Tsouka
The highest peak of the mountain at an altitude of 1650 m. It takes its name from the Slavic "gola" which means naked, since there are no trees at the top. The view from the top towards Kaimaktsalan, Pinovo and Jena is excellent!
Paiko
Mount Paiko is formed in the heart of Macedonia on the border of the prefectures of Pella and Kilkis. Its name comes from the Slavic "pajak" which means spider and suits it perfectly, because it spreads with its low hills over a large area and resembles a spider's web!
Hiking characteristics:
• Total route length: 11 km (out / back)
• Total hiking time (with stops): 4.00 – 4.30 hours
• Total elevation gain: 550 m
• Route difficulty level: 2 (scale 1 – 5, good physical condition)
• Suitable for children: 12+ (accompanied by a parent/guardian is required)
Participation cost:
25 euros / person with the bus
The price includes:
- Escort and organization
- Experienced mountain guides
- Transportation by bus
- First aid kit
- VHF radio
- Hiking
- VAT
You must have with you:
- Mountaineering boots or good sports shoes
- Trousers mountaineering or leggings
- Second shirt, socks, a small towel (change)
- Snacks
- Water
- Backpack
- Waterproof jacket (necessary)
- Tissues
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Camera (optional)
Note 1. When you click to make a reservation, state where you will pick up the bus from. The options are Voulgari (Everest), Aristotelous (Venizelos Statue) or One Salonica.
Note 2. In case of cancellation of the event due to bad weather conditions, the excursion will be transferred to another date. Participants who cannot participate on the specific date will be refunded. However, if the weather conditions still do not allow the event to take place, the event will be permanently canceled and a refund will be made to everyone.
Note 3. Photographic material is shared on our website and social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you agree to the sharing of photos. Otherwise, please let us know.
Note 4. For the best operation of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the guides.
Note 5. Cancellation policy: in case of cancellation less than 72 hours before the event or your failure to appear at the activity/excursion, you will be required to cover the full cost of your participation. This policy applies to the coverage of operating expenses and reservations that have already been made.
Note 6. The guides have the right to adjust the stops of the excursion and the program depending on the time available, without omitting important points of interest.
To ensure your participation, please fill in your details in the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i3Wnw3EbeT803mZPowrlrylVX_Pn...
We will then contact you.
Detailed schedule of the excursion:
07:30 - Departure by coach from Eastern Thessaloniki (Voulgari - Everest)
07:45 - Departure from Thessaloniki (Venizelos Statue - Aristotelous Square)
08:00 - Departure from Western Thessaloniki (One Salonica, Outdoor Parking, Old Station with I. Koletti)
09:45 - Start of Hiking
14:15 - End of Hiking
14:30 - Visit to Goumenisa, free time
16:30 - Departure to return to Thessaloniki
18:30 - Possible time of return to Thessaloniki
*** ATTENTION: the return time may vary depending on the group.

