Different possibilities for a memorable stay.

Nymfaio is more than just a mountainous village – it's also considered one of the most beautiful villages in Europe and is home to many sightseeing and historical spots. It offers a wide variety of activities and opportunities for excursions as well. We handpicked these activities for you, absolute musts if you aim for a memorable vacation.

Arcturos

the bear sanctuary

Villa Arcturia -which owes its name to the organization- has a direct line of sight to the famous ARCTUROS Environmental Center and is situated 500 m, less than 10 minutes of walking distance from its premises.

ARCTUROS is an ecological organization which focuses its efforts on saving the brown bear. The organization cares for bears and wolves that were believed too weak to survive in the wild and also undertakes the rescue of bears previously kept captive in inhumane conditions. Animals are nursed back to health and, until they are healthy and capable of returning to the wild, are kept under care in a mountain sanctuary, an enclosed section of forest land, just 1,5 km from the Nymfaio village.

The sanctuary is open to the public several months a year and offers visitors a unique chance to closely watch brown bears in their natural habitat.

Sightseeing

A HISTORICAL settlement

Nymfaio has a multitude of spots ideal for sightseeing all of which come with important historical backgrounds:

Stroll around in the courtyard of Nikeios School, one of the most important buildings, which was built in 1927 and functioned as a model school until the late 1970s. Today it operates as a conference center.

Visit the magnificent Agios Nikolaos Church. Rebuilt twice, in 1867 and in 1947 and restored in 2000 by local benefactor Nikolaos I. Sossidis, this Orthodox temple is a memorial to post-Byzantine pieces of architectural art.

Take a look at the Museum of Gold and Silver-smithery, Folklore and History, an iniative by local writer Nikolaos G. Fistas, located in a traditional building in the centre of the village. It displays furniture, artisan jewellery, old frescoes from Nymphaean mansions and religious silverware. There are also showcases displaying authentic costumes as well as photographs and other memorabilia of the Greek Macedonian Struggle, including letters written by its leaders.

Trips

THE CENTER OF POSSIBILITIES

On your way to Nymfaio you can pass by the small town of Vergina and visit its famous tombs, areas of great archaeological interest. They are the burial sites of many Greek Macedonian kings, including the tomb of Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great, which was found intact. The archaeological museum of Vergina was built to house all the artifacts found at the site and is one of the most important museums in Greece.

Nymfaio’s amphitheatrical structure gives visitors the opportunity to gaze at every corner of the village as well as its beautiful landscapes like the Vegoritida lake, while the Linouria spot at the entrance of the settlement offers a fantastic view of the entire plains of Ptolemaida and its lignite factories. Villa Arcturia sits at a convenient spot, next to a designated parking area, a starting point for many different destinations.

Starting from the road near the tap overseeing the house and following a picturesque pathway through the forest, you can reach the nearby town of Florina. It is a town with rich history going back to the Hellenistic period. It is also a market town and has notable industrial activity with the large Ptolemaida-Florina lignite mine.

Additionally, the town is the gateway to the Prespa Lakes, two freshwater lakes which are among the most ancient in the world. With an abundance of rare fauna and flora, the area around them was declared a Transnational Park in 2000 and it is now considered an important touristic destination.

Winemakers

SELECTION, FERMENTATION, BOTTLING

The region around Nymfaio is known for its various winemaking facilities in which you can plan a visit.

Alpha Estate was founded in 1997 and is situated in the "AMPELIA" (=vines) location, in the heart of the Amyntaio region, only a 25-minute drive from Nymfaio. A privately owned 75ha vineyard dedicated to the production of wine, a professional know-how and experience combined with eco-friendly growing practices of international standards, make Alpha Estate one of the most profound wineries in Greece.

At the same region you will find the Vegoritis winery which also offers tours of its facilities. Their philosophy is based in the production of quality wines at different price ranges aiming to the best value for money for the customer. They place special emphasis on cultivation of vineyards using traditional methods in combination with new techniques and applications.

Gastronomy

taste the trip

Entering Nymfaio, you may stop at Diporto, a hospitable café-bar, perfect for a warm meal next to the wood stove. You can also find many other acclaimed restaurants around the area.

Situated in a magical landscape, right next to the Vegoritida lake, the Naoumidis traditional restaurant prepares food using only locally cultivated ingredients. You can taste vegetables from their own farms, wine from their vineyard and many other local recipes!

Showing respect to the architecture, love for cuisine, good wine and a cosy mood, the Kontosoros restaurant located at the Ksino Nero village is a warm and inviting place where you can enjoy amazing new tasty experiences.

Finally, the Thomas - Agonari tavern at Sklithro village counts nearly 40 years of culinary experience. Awarded a Golden Scoop for Greek cuisine in 2009, their great selection of wines from the region's best producers are what makes them stand out.

YMCA Mountain Center

teenager training

Since 1995, YMCA plans excursions in the mountains around Nymfaio and has permanent facilities in the village. An original training program for teenagers in the unique natural environment, sets the perfect conditions for unforgettable experiences.

The program is designed to give participants the opportunity to operate both as individuals and as a team and teach them to better know others as well as themselves. It is well suited to teenagers and capable of covering a wide range of their interests. With a multitude of fascinating activities children gain confidence and learn how to cooperate effectively, socialize, and both love and respect nature.

The facilities are created with respect to the natural environment and the traditional architecture of the area. The inside of the stone buildings is abundant with wood and each residence can host up to 12 campers. The main building of the camp is home to modern galleries, a closed dining room with a total capacity of 200 people, an entertainment room, warehouses and other auxiliary areas.