Central & West Macedonia – Greek Diaspora Travel
Macedonia Region In Northern Greece
Discover The Macedonia Region In Northern Greece
The Macedonia region in Northern Greece is characterised by diversity, natural beauty, delicious food, and history. Thessaloniki is the capital of Macedonia and is Greece’s second largest city. When most people travel to Greece, they typically only consider Athens and the Greek Islands. To leave the region of Macedonia off your itinerary would not only be a tragedy for your taste buds, but also a missed opportunity to immerse yourself in a cosmopolitan region.
Experience the cultural diversity in the region of Macedonia
Today, the region of Macedonia in Northern Greece is a melting pot of diverse cultures. Influences from ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Slavic, and Turkish culture can be found throughout the food and architecture.
To experience some of the cultural diversity, visit Thessaloniki’s Archaeological Museum, Museum of Byzantine Culture, Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, or simply walk through the streets of the city to find Roman ruins such as the Rotunda and Arch of Galerius.
Explore the natural beauty of Macedonia
The region of Macedonia is surrounded by beautiful beaches, mountains, forests, canyons, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
With 84 blue flag awarded beaches, the most popular resorts and beaches are located in Halkidiki – a collection of three peninsulas. Some of the most spectacular beaches here include Kavourotripes Beach, Vourvourou Beach, Karidi Beach, Sarti Beach, Paliouri Beach, Akti Elias Beach, Glarokavos Beach, Ai Giannis Beach, Spathies Beach, Tristinika Beach, and Toroni Beach. The most famous accommodation in Halkidiki is the Sani resort.
Located on the third, most northern peninsula of Halkidiki is Mount Athos – an autonomous polity within Greece. Mount Athos is home to 20 monasteries and is one of the few unspoiled natural landscapes on the planet. If you are planning to visit Mount Athos, one of Christianity’s greatest pilgrimages, you must plan well in advance. Only 100 Orthodox Christians and 15 people of other faiths are granted entry per year.
If you’re a passionate skier or hiker, Macedonia’s mountains won’t disappoint. The most famous off course is Mount Olympus, the home of the Greek Gods in ancient Greek mythology and the highest mountain in all of Greece. You can drive up certain parts of Mount Olympus, but many choose to hike up and experience the 1700 different plant species, more than 100 bird species, many other natural wildlife, and off course the breath-taking views.
Skiers can test the slopes of the Pindos mountain range. In particular, you should try the ski resorts of Vasilitsa in Grevena, Falakro in Drama, Vigla Pisoderi near Florina, and Seli in Veria, Kaimaktsalan (Vora) in Pella, and Elatochori in Katerini.
Other areas of natural beauty to trek or simply witness include the Prespa lakes, Lake Kerkini, Lake Florina, Pozar natural hot springs, the waterfalls in the virgin forest of Fraktos, the Enippeas River at Litochoro, and the pristine forest of Kotza Orman in Drama.
Taste the best Greek food in the region of Macedonia
Northern Greece, in particular Macedonia, is famous for its pastries and exquisite cuisine. Although many dishes are very similar to what is served in Southern Greece, they may have a twist or be referred to by another name in northern Greece. An example of this is the traditional Greek skewered meat, which is referred to in Athens as “kalamakia” meaning straws. However, if you ask for a “kalamaki” in Thessaloniki, you’re more likely to literally get a straw rather than a skewer.
Northern Greece is renowned for its pastries, in particular its bougatsa – a custard filled pastry dish. However, unlike in southern Greece, bougatsa in Macedonia is also served as a savoury dish, often filled with fetta or other savoury ingredients.
Many towns in the Macedonian region of Northern Greece are known for specific dishes. Serres is known for its “akanethes” round turkish delights that are like drops from heaven, Drama is known for its “koulaki manti” which are often served open in a little boat shaped pastry with minced meat and salsa, Kozani is known for its “kichi” which is a spiral shaped tiropita (cheese pie), the area around Lake Kirkini near Serres is known for its wild boar and buffalo, and Florina is known for its red peppers.
Must try eateries in Thessaloniki include Extravaganza, Taverna to Igglis, Sempriko, Mourga, Nea Follia, Chatzis, Ble, and Estrella World Street Food.
Fun Fact: The famous Greek cold coffee called frappé was actually invented in Thessaloniki in 1957.
Discover the rich history of ancient Macedonia
Home of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and Alexander the Great, Macedonia is entrenched in history. Visit the Royal Tombs of Vergina (ancient Aigai) – one of which belongs to King Philip II (Alexander the Great’s father), the archaeological site of Pella – ancient capital of Macedonia, the archaeological site of Dion, and the ancient city of Stagira in Halkidiki – birthplace of Aristotle.
Explore the other historic towns and cities of Kavala, Drama, Florina, Veria, Kozani, Edessa, Serres, Kastoria, Grevena, Kilkis, and Katerini.
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