Private Naoussa Wine Tasting Day Trip from Thessaloniki

Summary

Naoussa Wine Tour: Waterfalls, Villages & Local Flavors

You’ll explore waterfalls, walk through lush parks, visit historic villages, and taste wines right where they’re made—all in one relaxed day from Thessaloniki. It’s a chance to meet locals, hear real stories, and try flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

What’s the experience like?

We left Thessaloniki just after sunrise, coffee in hand, and the city still half asleep. The drive out to the Waterfalls of Metamorfosis was quiet—just the hum of the road and the first hints of mountain air coming through the window. When we got there, the sound of water was the first thing I noticed. It’s not a huge waterfall, but the way the water tumbles over the rocks, half-hidden by trees, is pretty special. Our guide showed us the little stone chapel nearby—there’s actually fresh drinking water there, cold enough to make your teeth ache. Some folks braved the icy pool below the falls (definitely not me, not in April), but it looked tempting. There are picnic spots if you want to linger, and the air smells like wet leaves and moss.

Next up was Agios Nikolaos Park, just outside Naoussa. It’s one of those places locals really love—big old plane trees, wooden bridges over clear streams, and families out for a stroll. There’s even a tiny train that loops around, which made me laugh at first but honestly, it’s kind of fun. The park’s got this peaceful vibe; you hear birds, running water, and sometimes kids chasing each other near the playground. Our guide mentioned it won a European award for its renovation, which makes sense—it’s well-kept without feeling too polished. We grabbed a snack at a kiosk (the cheese pie was still warm) and watched some ducks paddling around the pond.

Naoussa itself has this quiet pride about its history. We stopped at Stoumbani, where our guide told us about the women who chose freedom over surrender back in 1822. There’s a simple memorial by the river Arapitsa—nothing flashy, just a spot that makes you pause. The water rushes by fast here, and you can almost imagine what it must’ve felt like that day. It’s heavy, but important to see.

Afterwards, we wound our way up to Arkochori. The road gets narrow, with chestnut and oak trees crowding in. The village is tiny—stone houses with bright flowers in the yards, narrow lanes where you have to squeeze past parked scooters. We filled our bottles at a spring (the water is freezing), then ducked into a little taverna for lunch. The owner brought out plates of local cheese and sausage without us even asking. Everything tasted homemade—simple, but really good.

The highlight was definitely the Kir-Yianni winery. Our host, Maria, walked us through rows of vines—she explained how Xinomavro grapes are grown here, some vines older than her grandfather. The tasting room overlooks the hills; you can see why they call this “the land of Xinomavro.” We tried three reds and a white, each with its own story. I liked how they paired the wine with local bread and olives—nothing fancy, just honest flavors. Maria shared stories about Yiannis Boutaris and how winemaking runs deep here, going back centuries. It felt personal, not like some big commercial thing.

By late afternoon we were heading back to Thessaloniki, tired but happy. The van was quiet—most of us dozed off for a bit. When we got home, our phones buzzed with photos from the day (nice touch). If you want to see another side of Macedonia—real villages, local food, and some truly good wine—this trip is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Thessaloniki to Naoussa Tour

• Travel to Waterfalls of Metamorfosis
• Walk and explore waterfalls area
• Visit Agios Nikolaos Park
• Learn about Naoussa's heroic history
• Explore Arkochori village
• Tour Kir-Yianni winery
• Return to pick-up point

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! The walking routes are easy, there are playgrounds at Agios Nikolaos Park, and infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need to be a wine expert to enjoy the tastings?

No experience needed—the hosts explain everything in simple terms and you can taste as much or as little as you like.

What should I bring for the waterfalls?

If you want to swim (in summer), bring a towel and swimsuit—the water’s cold! Otherwise, just comfortable shoes are fine.

Is lunch included?

Lunch isn’t included but there are great local tavernas in Arkochori where you can buy traditional dishes.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pick-up and drop-off in Thessaloniki, transport by comfy car or minivan, an English-speaking driver/escort, bottled water and coffee on the road, WiFi onboard for sharing photos as you go—and after your trip, you’ll get photos and videos by email as a keepsake.