Macedonia

Thessaloniki

City of Experiences

The metropolis of Thessaloniki has a population of over a million and is the biggest city in the northern part of Greece. It is built by Thermaïkos and Strymonikos Gulf, on fertile grounds resting beside the Rivers of Axios, Gallikos and Loudias, as well as the lakes Koroneia and Volvi.

Findings prove that Thessaloniki has been inhabited since prehistoric times, marked by multiculturalism, yet its present day modernised state is charmingly intertwined with archaeological sites, byzantine churches and other significant monuments from the past.

Thessaloniki is a busy, bustling city at all times of the day but especially at night when it becomes brighter and colourful.

Halkidiki

A breathtaking combination of blue and green

Shaped like Poseidon’s trident, Halkidiki’s prongs jut out into the Aegean Sea. Lush green forests extend all the way to the beachfront where reflections of golden sunlight add sparkling hues to turquoise waters. Long stretches of beautiful ever-changing shoreline, unique archaeological sites, world-renowned Christian monuments, lesser-known natural wonders and man-made masterpieces have all helped shape the region’s diverse identity, made even more interesting by the rich local culinary and cultural heritage.

Drama

Built at the foot of the imposing Falakro Mt, in a verdant area with abundant water sources, Drama is beautiful and hospitable, featuring picturesque neighbourhoods, spacious squares, green areas and well preserved neoclassical mansions.

A very few archaeological finds show that in the area of the modern city there used to be a settlement named Dyrama or Hydrama. This was the place of worship for many Gods of the Greco-Roman Pantheon (Apollo, Artemis, Isis, Hercules, and Dionysus). During the Byzantine years, there was a city possibly named "Draviskos" in the same area. In the middle Byzantine Period (9th-13th centuries) Drama was a fortified city with a castle and it used to be a commercial and military junction. In the late 19th century, tobacco production and trade, the operation of the railway (1895) and improvement of the road network towards the Port of Kavala, led to an increase in the population of the city and to the enhancement of the commercial activity. In the early 20th century Drama was occupied by the Bulgarians and participated in the Macedonian Struggle, but was liberated by the Greek Army on July 1st 1913. It is located at a distance of 650km NE of Athens and 150km NE of Thessaloniki.

Kavala

The city of Kavala is built on a hillside along the coast of the Aegean sea, a cultural crossroad between the East and West, which has everything you could wish for in a destination and more; mountains, beaches, picture perfect cityscapes, breathtaking views, significant monuments and sites, delicious local cuisine and amazing places to discover at a short distance.

Explore Kavala’s shores; beautiful secluded beaches - or not - with crystal-clear waters will please even the most selective among us. Have fun water sports activities and then savour local dishes in a picturesque seaside taverna. The city’s significance throughout the years is mainly due to its location next to Egnatia Way and its port.

Florina

An outstanding natural landscape dotted with six magnificent lakes (Vegoritida, Petron Lake, Zazari, Ximaritida, Mikri and Megali Prespa), picture-perfect lakeside villages, stone-built villages and a beautiful capital traversed by a river: this was the prominent director’s Theo Angelopoulos favourite filmmaking spot, the place that inspired him deeply to praise beauty and life…

Grevena

Grevena is a beautiful Macedonian town where man coexists harmoniously with nature. The village is surrounded by high mountains, verdant forests, streams, rivers and creeks, impressive stone bridges and old churches. The National Park of Valia Calda, the Vasilitsa Ski Center and mushroom picking make Grevena a pole of attraction for nature and mountain lovers.

Begin your excursion around the city starting from its two main squares. At Eleftherias Square the stone clock tower dominates, this is known as Plateia Rologiou meaning Clock Square and Aimilianou Square is where the city’s heart pulsates.Visit the modern building of the Municipal Central Library located by the river where you will find the region’s historical documents; the old and restored Bousiou’s Mill; the Municipal Museum, which houses elephant bones and wild ox fossils as well as folklore exhibits; the Cathedral, where the Ecclesiastical Museum is housed. At Milia Village, only a short distance from Grevena, you will find the Natural History Museum containing a Gallery of Paleontology where you can see the worldwide largest mastodon tusks found in the area, which are officially entered in the Guinness book of records.

Kastoria

The Lakeside Jewel of Northern Greece

This charming town, whose beauty will most certainly seduce you, is built amphitheatrically on a narrow peninsula, mirrored in Orestiada Lake and nestled in between the mountains of Grammos and Vitsi. The best way to explore the city is taking a little tour around the lake starting from the southernmost side up to the northernmost.

Take a stroll on the narrow pathway along the lake’s coast; you will be overwhelmed by its idyllic beauty and tranquility. The promenade shaded by beech and plane trees as well as the neighbouring forests exude a mystical atmosphere and make an excellent shelter for all kinds of bird species.

Litochoro

At the Foot of Mount Olympus

It stretches up the mountainside of Olympus’ highest peak (Mytikas, 2,918 m.), yet Litochoro is only a few kilometres away from the sea and that makes it the perfect tourist destination any time of the year! This picturesque town was built following the traditional architecture of Macedonia and the variations of lush vegetation surrounding it enhance the area’s aesthetic harmony. It is a well-structured tourist resort with quality hotel facilities and services and the favourite point of departure for mountaineering trips up the abode of the Olympian gods. The settlement dates back to the 14th century. Following descriptions by foreign and Greek travellers at that time, the majority of residents were mariners and there were also a good many textile workshops in town.

Nymfaio

The land of the Nymphs

Nymfaio is a traditional settlement of Mount Vernon (Vitsi ) at an altitude of 1.350 m. It has been singled out as one of the ten most picturesque villages of Europe, according to UNESCO. This fascinating village with stone built houses and cobblestone paths, surrounded by a breathtaking beech forest, looks like it just came out of a fairytale book. Nymfaio is a year round charming destination as it combines remarkable beauty of nature, a distinctive glorious past, unique traditional guesthouses and numerous cafes and restaurants.

Palaios Agios Athanasios

A Unique Macedonian Settlement

Palaios Agios Athanasios is a top winter destination in Northern Greece, located at the foot of Voras Mountain. At an altitude of 1,200 metres, you’ll come across this captivating traditional settlement formerly known as Tsegani. The Kaimaktsalan ski resort is one of the reasons the village has gained fame and has become a tourist attraction.

During winter holidays the village becomes an attraction to outdoor activity lovers. Embark on your own journey and create memories for a lifetime by skiing, horseback riding, climbing or even (weather permitting) taking a boat ride on lake Vegoritida. Go for a walk on the stone-paved alleys which lead to restored houses bearing local architecture, beautiful hostels, beautiful shops as well as some exhilarating nightlife spots. Also visit the church of Analipseos (17th century) decorated with Byzantine style icons. Finally, pass by the impressive chapel of St. George, where five trees seem to come together forming a human body.

Serres

Serres is a large city in northern Greece with a historical past. It was founded in the 12th century BC and there is a reference of Herodotus to the city called Siris or Peonian.

The city of Serres experienced intellectual and economic growth during the 18th and 19th centuries. It's a beautiful town with loads of nearby destinations that will intrigue you. It is located 587 km NE of Athens and 80 km NE of Thessaloniki.

Veria

Veria was the second most significant town, after Aigai, during the blooming ancient Macedonian years. The city is built on the foothills of Mt. Vermion and crossed by the River Tripotamo.

From the 11th to the 14th century it was the third most important city of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople (Istanbul) and Thessaloniki. The impressively large number of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches gave the city the nickname “Little Jerusalem”. Today, 48 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches are preserved in the city centre.
Follow our footsteps and discover this magnificent historic, yet modern city.

Kozani

The beauty of mountainous Greece

Visitors to the Kozani area are lured by its impressive variety of landscapes, including alpine valleys, steep slopes and ravines, high mountains with dense vegetation, rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Though mostly unknown to travellers, Kozani is an ideal place for road tours leading to beautiful discoveries and aesthetic thrills.

There may be no sea in the area, but this does not mean that more active travellers will be left with little to do. For instance, Kozani has the largest network of marked trails in Greece, extending for 185 kilometres. The trails, varying in degree of difficulty, connect villages and end at mountain peaks or valleys. Moreover, Kozani also offers mushroom picking excursions, wildlife watching at the Deer Park and motocross tracks.