After the Thessaloniki Marathon: Edessa

The Route: Thessaloniki → Edessa → Thessaloniki Airport Logistics: KTEL coach or road transfer, about 1.5 to 2 hours each way. The town is compact and the waterfall park is a short walk from the centre. Marathon Month: April Duration: 1 night

Thessaloniki ──(1.5-2 hrs by KTEL coach or road)──> Edessa
      ▲                                                 │
Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) ◄──(1.5-2 hrs, coach/taxi)──┘

The Alexander the Great Marathon finishes on the Thessaloniki waterfront on a Sunday in April. Edessa lies to the west, on the edge of the plain the race crosses, and it is a town built on a rock above a drop of water. It makes a quiet overnight with a small bag.

April in Edessa. The town is higher and cooler than the coast, and rain and mist are possible in April, so pack a layer. The waterfalls tend to run well in spring in most years, though the flow depends on the season. Daytime temperatures are usually mild, with cold mornings and evenings.

The official tourism pages identify intercity KTEL coaches between Thessaloniki and Edessa. Check the current timetable and fare on the KTEL website before you go, as services vary by day. A road transfer or a taxi is faster but costs more. Take only a small overnight bag, because the town is walkable and the coach will not offer much storage.

Night one: Edessa

Edessa is known as the city of waters, because the River Vodas drops off the edge of the town in a series of cascades, and the old quarter and the park stand beside them. The waterfall park is a short walk from the centre and mostly level, with paved paths, bridges and benches. The upper viewing area is easy to reach. The lower paths go down steps beside the falls and back up again, so decide at the top whether to go down. A short walk round the upper level takes 30 to 40 minutes at a slow pace and gives the full view of the largest drop.

The old town sits on the cliff edge above the river and has a few old houses and lanes with views over the plain. The lanes are cobbled and slightly uphill, so wear shoes with good grip. Check the opening hours of any museum or historic site before you go, as small-town schedules change.

Where to stay

Choose a hotel in or near the centre so the walk to the park is short, and ask about lifts or ground-floor rooms. Confirm that the hotel is open in April.

Where to eat

Look for local Macedonian dishes in the town's tavernas, such as grilled meats, pies and seasonal vegetables. Ask what is local that week.

Getting to the airport

Return by KTEL coach or road to Thessaloniki, then continue to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG). The airport has city bus connections, and a taxi is the quicker option with luggage. Allow a margin for the coach timetable and the transfer.