Named after the church of Agios Nikolaos that is located on its grounds, this grove is one of Naoussa and Imathia’s key attractions thanks to careful ecological management by the municipal authorities, who also made use of a European Union fund (LIFE programme) to maintain it in the best way possible. The park has been designed so that it can welcome over a million visitors annually, mainly from Greece and its Balkan neighbours. The combination of the surrounding area’s natural beauty and the park’s open walkways, streams, lake and wooden bridges, make it an especially pretty spot to explore.
Walking in the Agios Nikolaos Grove
Upon entering the park, at the foot of Vermios, you will be impressed by the lush landscape that sprawls across approximately 14 acres from where you can take in some striking views of the Imathia plain. The natural lawn, together with the ash trees, ancient plane trees, oaks and wild boxwood (native to the area), makes the greenery appear endless.
It is no coincidence, in fact, that as early as in antiquity Herodotus placed the Gardens of Midas in the area, writing about their loveliness and the famous roses with sixty leaves that grew within them. In our times, the grove has been included in the European Route of Historic Gardens of the Council of Europe (ERHG)(https://www.coe.int/en/web/cultural-routes/european-route-of-historic-gardens2). Certainly, its beauty is partly owed to the Arapitsa River – one of the few in Greece with a female name – which not only runs through the grove, but also has its sources in it.
The river enhances the grove’s natural beauty, as picturesque streams and fountains, as well as an artificial lake (where ducks and trout live), a favourite spot for visitors, all connect with it. Here, visitors enjoy crossing the quaint wooden bridges and taking walks or cycling along the scenic paved paths and trails. The lake is also ideal for boating.
Parents will be happy to learn that there is a nice playground in the grove, while there are also several quality sports facilities such as football, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, as well as a swimming pool. All operate under the auspices of Naoussa Municipality. It is also well worth planning a visit to the game farm situated in the grove, where you will be able to see pheasants and guinea fowls, deer and wild boars.
In addition to all its natural attractions, the grove has a small refreshment centre, beautifully located next to the waters of the Arapitsa River. Note, however, that eating outside of the dining areas is prohibited, as is littering or lighting fires. Finally, one more thing worth doing on your way here is to visit the church of Agios Nikolaos. Due to its location in the natural beauty of the grove, it is a favourite place for Naoussa’s residents for weddings and baptisms.
How to get there
The Agios Nikolaos grove is beautiful during all seasons, so there is no right or wrong time to visit, but most people prefer to come in spring and autumn when nature’s colours are at their boldest and brightest. It’s also very popular during hot summer days when people come to enjoy the refreshing shade and water.
Agios Nikolaos is about 3 km (to the northwest) from Naoussa, which makes it very easy to access by road – via the main, paved road, and there is a parking lot at the entrance of the site. If you don’t have your own car, you can also get there by taking the city bus, as routes to and from it run daily, or by taxi.
Finally, if you are visiting for the first time, be aware that this place is a grove, while Naoussa Municipal Park is located within the city.
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