Traditional Settlement of Arkochori

A hidden corner of Imathia stands out on the slopes of Mount Vermio, offering a journey into tradition and the magic of nature.

Arkochori, with its narrow alleys, well-kept courtyards, and welcoming residents, offers an idyllic stroll through the mountainous landscape of Vermio and across the plain of Naoussa. Nestled between two lush hills on the eastern foothills of Mount Vermio, lies an authentic mountain destination.

As you ascend the provincial paved road, the tiled rooftops and stone facades of the houses emerge among the oak-covered slopes. The exact date of the village’s settlement remains unknown, as locals say, but “Arkoudohori” (its old name) was already inhabited in the 1600s. At that time, a conflict existed between two beys over ownership of the area.

Remarkably, the residents of Arkochori lived in harmony with the Turks for many years, and in 1910, they managed to purchase the village and the surrounding mountains. The land was divided into “ikraría” (shares), distributed among the 16 families who lived in the area.

Agriculture has always been the primary occupation of the villagers, thanks to the expansive and smooth plateaus of Vermio. The region is renowned for its high-quality sour cherries, apples, pears, peaches, figs, grapes, as well as for the production of dairy products and high-quality meat.

In the central square, visitors can admire the beautiful building of the old school, before wandering through the alleys of the village. Traditional buildings are still found among them, made from irregular stones that harmonize with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal wooden beams. These houses, with their verandas and sachnisi (projected upper floors), represent the once-dominant architectural style of the area.

Don’t miss the chance to hike up to the highest point of the village, where the church of Saint Demetrios stands surrounded by dozens of oaks, pines, and firs. From this vantage point, a unique panorama of Arkochori and the peaks of Mount Vermio unfolds beneath the cloud-covered sky.