Neo Petritsi lies on the southeastern foothills of the Kerkini Mountains, also known as the Belles Mountains. You can explore the landscape, hiking and local commemorative heritage at specific sites: in the Lonza Valley, on trails in the Belles Mountains and at the Belles World War II Memorial Centre. Highlights range from a route to a waterfall and local cuisine to a long-distance trail and historical exhibitions.

Lonza Valley, Waterfall and Recreation

The Lonza Valley is shaped by the flowing waters of the Soultanitsa and its centuries-old plane trees. The nearest and easiest route, as described, is 3.5 kilometres long and leads to the Soultanitsa Waterfall through a green gorge with lush vegetation and centuries-old plane trees. At the start of the Lonza Valley, tavernas and grill restaurants serve local dishes in a natural setting. Visitors can combine the valley’s natural attractions with local cuisine; check in advance which places are open.

In the green surroundings of Lonza Park are wooden structures built by volunteer architects from Scandinavian countries. They provide a place for residents and visitors to relax.

Hiking Trails in the Belles Mountains

Hiking trails have been developed in the mountainous area around the village in recent years. The trail network on the southeastern slopes of the Belles Mountains now extends for more than 40 kilometres and is being expanded on an ongoing basis. Signs in the centre of Neo Petritsi and at the entrance to the valley provide information about the hiking routes. This makes it possible to place the route to Soultanitsa Waterfall within a wider local hiking network. Trail conditions can change, so check the latest conditions before setting out.

The European long-distance path E6 also passes through Neo Petritsi. According to the route description, it runs from Scandinavia to Greece and is 5,200 kilometres long. This is on a different scale from the local trails in the Belles Mountains: if you are mainly planning a hike in the surrounding area, you can follow the local signs and routes; the E6 places the village on a long-distance route from Scandinavia to Greece.

History and Local Events

A report dated 3 February 2026 describes photographs, military equipment and objects left behind by the defenders of the fortifications at the Belles World War II Memorial Centre in Neo Petritsi. It also mentions a virtual reality simulation that takes visitors on a journey along the approximately 215-kilometre Greek-Bulgarian border to the main buildings of the fortifications. Fighting took place at these buildings from 6 to 9 April 1941. If you plan to visit the memorial centre, check current visitor arrangements directly with the operator.

Two annual events have a regular place in the local cultural calendar. The Star tsovites and Friends Association “Agios Minas” holds the “Γιορτή Τσίπουρου” festival every year on 13 November in front of the Agios Minas Chapel. A festival is also held every year on 6 May in the forecourt of the Church of Agios Georgios. If you would like to plan your visit around one of the festivals, note the dates given and check this year’s arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Serres, Draviskos, Eptamyloi, Ammoudia, Amfipoli, Chrisochorafa, Megalochori, Ano Poroia

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