Hot springs and waterfalls in one day. I love the warm mineral pools at Pozar and the Edessa Waterfalls with that water-curtain viewpoint. The only real drawback to plan for is that Pozar is a hands-on site: you buy separate pool tickets on arrival, and it can feel a bit confusing if you expect everything to be automatic.

I also like that the day trip is built to keep you from doing logistics at the end of the fun. You get an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking escort, and a central start point at the Eleftherios Venizelos Statue, with the group back again at the same place when you’re done soaking and snapping photos.

At Pozar you’ll have time to relax in natural hot springs, then you roll on to Edessa for sightseeing and a choice of optional extras in the Varosi area. Then you’re back to Thessaloniki around mid-afternoon, so it works even if you want your last city day to stay low-stress.

Key things I’d bet on before you go

• Pozar hot springs are warm year-round, so you won’t need perfect weather for a good soak
• Edessa Waterfalls include a path that goes behind the cascade, great for photos and a cooling break
• English-speaking escort plus small-group size (max 49) keeps the day from feeling chaotic
• Pozar pool time is controlled by ticket type (shorter small pools vs longer large pool)
• Varosi optional stops can add culture without turning the day into a history lecture

Central Thessaloniki pickup and a 10-hour reset in the north

This is a full-day outing, about 10 hours total, starting at 8:00 am. You meet at Eleftherios Venizelos Statue, Egnatia 78, which is about as central as it gets in Thessaloniki, and the tour ends back at that same meeting point.

Once you’re in the vehicle, it’s a steady country drive to Loutra Pozar. The route is long enough that you’ll feel the day as a true break from the city, but the day is planned so you still get meaningful time in both places.

One small comfort detail: the bus won’t just “hang out” at designated stops except for boarding, so be on time. I’d aim to arrive about 10 minutes early so you’re not stressed when the group starts moving.

Pozar Thermal Baths: choosing your pool and budgeting €3–€5

Pozar is the main event, and it pays to understand the pricing before you step in. Admission to the pools is not included in the tour price, and it’s split by which type of pool you want:

• Small natural pools: €3 per person for 30 minutes
• Large thermal pool: €5 per person for 2 hours (and it includes chairs and sunbeds, which makes it easier to relax)

If you want to fully enjoy the grounds, plan to budget for more than just the entry fee. A towel rental is €4 (with a €10 cash deposit required), and that deposit is one of those details that’s easy to forget until you’re at the counter.

You’ll also get lockers and changing rooms in the springs area. The lockers have keys, and there are lots of changing rooms with hairdresser services for personal care. Just keep in mind that some visitors find parts of the site hard to navigate at first, so give yourself a little breathing room when you arrive.

What I love about Pozar is the way it mixes comfort with nature. The hot springs come up naturally and pass through the ground deep enough to be warmed and enriched with minerals and trace elements. Plus, the gorge scenery around the river gives the soak a feeling of being in a real outdoor setting, not just a swimming pool.

Pozar’s gorge and the Toplitsa river views

The river is called Toplitsa, and it runs through the gorge, creating small cascades and shallow shores. One detail that helps you appreciate the setting: “Toplitsa” is also explained as a Slavic reference to a hot river, which fits the whole idea of warm water where it shouldn’t be.

Pozar itself is described as a spa into nature, and that’s exactly the point. You spend enough time soaking to feel the day shift from sightseeing mode into relaxation mode.

Also worth knowing: Pozar’s pool rules are part of the experience. You’re not booking a single “unlimited soak” ticket; you’re choosing how long you’ll stay in the small pools versus the large thermal pool. If you’re the type who hates time limits, lean toward the large pool option because you get the longer, chair-and-sunbed style break.

Edessa Waterfalls: viewing decks, stairs, and time for Varosi

After Pozar, you head to Edessa for the waterfalls. The name Edessa is explained as meaning a tower into the water, which makes sense once you see how central the water is to the area.

You’ll get free time to admire the cascading falls and take photos from the viewing decks. There’s also a path that lets you walk behind a curtain of water, so you can cool off and get that dramatic shot without leaving the main viewpoint area.

Two practical notes to help you plan your movement:

First, Edessa’s waterfall area involves stairs, so if mobility is limited you’ll want to decide how much climbing you’re comfortable with.

Second, the falls are set in a park-like area where you can slow down and wander a bit, but you do want to stay aware of timing because you’re not there for a full day.

If there’s time, you can add a walking tour in the traditional district of Varosi. Optional options in that area include a stop at the Water Museum or the Sesame Mill of Flavors. If you’d rather skip the museum-style stops, you can also eat in one of the traditional restaurants on your own.

Varosi options and lunch stops that feel local

Lunch isn’t included, but the structure gives you a simple choice: eat around the waterfall area, or follow the guide’s suggestion once you’re in the Varosi zone.

This part is why the day feels “human,” not rushed. You’re not forced into a set menu; you can pick what fits your appetite and budget.

If you want to keep things easy, pick a meal that you can finish without dragging your feet. Then use the remaining Edessa time for the best viewpoints and the behind-the-water path.

The pace on this trip tends to land in a sweet spot: enough time to enjoy the falls, and enough time to still wander a bit in the Varosi area without feeling like you’re chasing the clock.

How the English-speaking escort keeps you on track

This tour runs with an English-speaking tour escort, and the group is kept to a maximum of 49 travelers. In real life, that size is big enough to find your rhythm quickly, but small enough that you’re not constantly lost in the shuffle.

You also get guidance on the ground. The escort is meant to be easily recognizable, wearing clothing marked with Ammon Express. When you’re in the chaos of changing rooms, lockers, and pool ticket lines, that small detail matters more than it sounds.

I’d also watch for how the escort manages timing around each stop. This is the kind of day trip where the difference between a relaxed soak and a rushed soak can come down to minutes. When your escort tells you the best times to move, it’s worth listening.

Guides on different departures are often praised by name in this trip’s feedback. People mention leaders like Evangelia and Lazarus, and others like Eleni, Elleni, George, and Stellos show up in accounts as well. The common thread is clear instructions and good recommendations for what to do next.

Packing list: swimwear, towels, lockers, and summer sun

Pack for water and changing rooms, not ruins.

Bring swimwear, and plan to get a towel either by bringing your own or renting at €4. If you rent, expect the cash deposit for the towel situation. Also, changing rooms are available and there’s hairdresser access for personal care, so you’re not forced to improvise.

Lockers are available at the thermal springs area with a key, which is great for keeping your phone and cash secure while you soak.

For summer, bring the basics: sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Pozar is an outdoor setting and Edessa has open deck viewpoints, so you’ll likely be in the sun longer than you think.

One safety reminder you should not skip: pregnant women are not allowed to enter the hot springs. If that applies, you’ll want to plan a different day activity.

Value check: is $59.65 worth it after admissions?

The tour price is $59.65 per person, and it includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking escort, and basic travel insurance. What you’re paying for is not just the ride; you’re paying for the whole “someone else handles the timing” structure that lets you enjoy Pozar and Edessa in one day.

Then there’s the add-on reality: pool entry at Pozar is extra.

If you choose the small pool route, admission starts at €3 for 30 minutes. If you want the longer, more comfortable option, the large thermal pool is €5 for 2 hours and includes chairs and sunbeds. You might also rent a towel at €4, plus the €10 cash deposit.

That means your all-in cost will depend on how many pool experiences you want. But even with one paid pool admission and a rented towel, this can still feel like good value because it combines two major water-based experiences—warm springs plus big waterfalls—without you driving the long distance yourself.

Also, small-group size helps. With max 49, the day feels organized enough that you don’t have to work harder than necessary just to reach the pools and viewpoints.

Who this day trip is for—and who should think twice

This trip is ideal if you want a break from Thessaloniki that still feels nature-centered and not “sit-on-a-bus all day.” You’ll enjoy it if you like soaking at warm mineral pools and then walking around water features at Edessa with photo opportunities and time to wander.

It’s also a strong fit for couples and small groups who want a guided day but still want free time at Edessa and optional cultural stops in Varosi.

Think twice if:

• You have mobility limitations. The Edessa waterfall area involves stairs.
• You expect pool entry and towel services to be included in the tour price.
• You dislike sites that feel like they require a bit of on-the-spot decision-making. Pozar’s ticketing and pool choice system means you’ll manage a few small steps before you’re relaxing.

Should you book this day trip from Thessaloniki?

I’d book this if you want one guided day that mixes warmth, water, and scenery without asking you to navigate transport on your own. The 8:00 am central pickup and return to the same spot make it easy to plan your other Thessaloniki activities.

I’d also book it if you value a day that isn’t purely ruins and museums. Pozar’s natural hot springs are warm year-round, and Edessa’s waterfalls give you the contrast.

If you only want one of the two experiences, it’s worth comparing priorities. If your top goal is soaking, Pozar is the star. If your top goal is walking and views with a crowd-free feel, Edessa is the payoff. For most people, though, the pairing is the whole point.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 8:00 am. You meet at Eleftherios Venizelos Statue, Egnatia 78, Thessaloniki.

How long is the day trip to Pozar and Edessa?

It’s about 10 hours total. You’re back around 4:30 pm (16:30).

Are the thermal bath tickets included in the price?

No. Pozar pool entry is separate. Small pools are €3 per person for 30 minutes, and the large thermal pool is €5 per person for 2 hours.

Do I need to bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Swimwear is required. You can bring your own towel or rent one on site for €4 (with a €10 cash deposit).

Can pregnant women enter the hot springs?

No. Pregnant women are not allowed to enter the hot springs.

Are lockers and changing rooms available at Pozar?

Yes. There are lockers with keys at the thermal springs area, and there are changing rooms as well, with hairdresser facilities for personal care.

What’s included in the $59.65 price besides transport?

The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking tour escort, and basic travel insurance. You also receive a mobile ticket.

Is there free time at Edessa, and are cultural add-ons available?

Yes. You’ll have free time to admire the waterfalls. If there’s time, you can join a walking tour in Varosi and visit the Water Museum or the Sesame Mill of Flavors, or grab a meal in traditional restaurants (at your own expense).