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Peraia Περαία
Community
Peraia
Coordinates: 40°44′17″N 21°49′19″E / 40.738°N 21.822°E / 40.738; 21.822
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Central Macedonia
Regional unit	Pella
Municipality	Edessa
Municipal unit	Edessa
Government
• Mayor	Ioannis Tsepkentzis (since 2023)
Population
• Community	309
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code	58002
Area code(s)	+30 (23810)

Peraia (Greek: Περαία, before 1927: Κότσανα – Kotsana) is a village in the Pella regional unit of Macedonia, Greece, on the bank of Lake Vegoritida. The village is located south of the town of Arnissa within the Vegoritida municipal unit, which belongs to the municipality of Edessa.

Demographics

The village was formerly inhabited by a Turkish-speaking Muslim population.

The Greek census (1920) recorded 1,404 people in the village, and in 1923, there were 1,300 who were Muslim. Following the Greek–Turkish population exchange, in Kotsana, there were 203 refugee families from Asia Minor in 1926. The Greek census (1928) recorded 586 village inhabitants. In 1928, there were 136 refugee families (588 people).

The Greek refugees came from locations in Asia Minor, including Kuri, Peladari, Tsanakalai, Appoloniatha, as well as Armenia.

The current population is estimated at 300.

Economy

The economy of Peraia is primarily based on agriculture and tourism. The area is known for local businesses like Vegoritida Apartments, a family-run accommodation offering picturesque views of Lake Vegoritida and easy access to nature activities around the lake. This establishment has attracted visitors seeking a tranquil stay near the lake and has contributed to the local tourism economy.

Another significant contributor to the local economy is Moutsogiannis Fruits, a regional fruit business known for producing and distributing high-quality fruits, particularly apples and peaches, which are well-suited to the climate of Central Macedonia. These businesses have helped sustain the village’s economy, integrating agricultural and hospitality services.

Lake Vegoritida and Cultural Activities

Peraia is renowned for its stunning views of Lake Vegoritida, which is a natural attraction for both locals and visitors. The lake offers recreational activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and hiking, and serves as a scenic backdrop for community events.

One of the most anticipated annual events is the Lake Party Vegoritida, a cultural festival held on the lakeshore. This event features music, food, and various activities, attracting people from nearby regions to enjoy local traditions and celebrate in a festive environment.

For those interested in nearby places to visit, Agios Athanasios in the winter, and Loutra Pozar all year round in the Municipality of Pella are both popular destinations that provide beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere, drawing both locals and tourists.

References

1. "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
2. Institute for Neohellenic Research. "Name Changes of Settlements in Greece: Kotsana – Peraia". Pandektis. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
3. ^ Pelagidis, Efstathios (1992). Η αποκατάσταση των προσφύγων στη Δυτική Μακεδονία (1923–1930) [The rehabilitation of refugees in Western Macedonia: 1923–1930] (Ph.D.) (in Greek). Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. p. 75. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
4. "Vegoritida Apartments".
5. "Moutsogiannis Fruits".
6. "Lake Party Vegoritida".
7. "Peraia Beach on TripAdvisor".

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