Would you like to explore a more continental Greece, away from the crowded beaches? Visit Macedonia in Northern Greece! You’ll discover a land of contrasts, traditions and history on the borders of Albania, the Republic of Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria. The southern part of historic Macedonia, this region at the crossroads of many influences offers a unique face of Greece. Administratively, Greek Macedonia comprises Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Central Macedonia and Western Macedonia, as well as Mount Athos. So get ready, we’re taking you on a tour of our 10 favourite destinations in Macedonia, Greece!
- 1. Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city
- 2. Mount Athos, the sacred mountain of Northern Greece
- 3. Kavala, the thousand-year-old city and its fortress
- 4. Edessa and its splendid waterfalls
- 5. Nymphaio, a charming village
- 6. Prespes, a bird’s paradise
- 7. Kastoria and its countless Byzantine churches
- 8. Vergina, the ancient capital of Macedonia
- 9. Florina, the flowery mountain town
- 10. Mount Olympus, realm of the gods of Greek mythology
1. Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city
Greece’s second-largest city after Athens, Thessaloniki is a lively, dynamic and student city in central Macedonia in northern Greece. Its streets are teeming with lively stores, bars and restaurants. It’s the ideal place for a few days’ getaway!
Thessaloniki‘s waterfront offers some very pleasant walks. Here you can admire the city’s landmark, the White Tower. Climbing to the top is well worth the detour: you’ll gain a 360° view of the city and the bay.
Thessaloniki is also home to many historical and cultural attractions:
- Some remarkable churches : Agios Dimitrios, Agia Sofia and Agia Ekaterini, for example.
- Archaeological remains of great value: the Agora and Rotunda, among others.
- Several very interesting museums, including the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Byzantine Culture and the Jewish Museum.
Lose yourself in the Modiano market or in the Ano Poli and Ladadika districts: you’ll be won over! Take a look at our practical tips and information to help you plan your visit to Thessaloniki.
2. Mount Athos, the sacred mountain of Northern Greece
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Athos is a sacred mountain located on the Athos peninsula in Halkidiki. This unique site is home to the monastic community of Mount Athos, an autonomous religious group in Northern Greece. It brings together a group of sacred monasteries and monuments of inestimable cultural value in a natural landscape of great beauty.
Mount Athos is one of the most important centers of Orthodox Christianity. A visit will give you a rare insight into the monks’ way of life and the treasures they preserve in their museums and libraries.
But this unique opportunity has to be earned: the site is difficult to access and totally off-limits to women. You’ll need to apply for a pass several weeks before your arrival to have the chance to visit and stay there. A simpler way to admire the beauty of this site is to take a cruise along the peninsula’s west coast.
3. Kavala, the thousand-year-old city and its fortress
Kavala is a thousand-year-old coastal city in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, in northeastern Greece. The old town takes you on a journey through 2500 years of history, where East meets West. Cultures meet in the architecture of the old houses in the Panagia district, with their colorful facades, wooden balconies and pretty flower-filled courtyards.
At the top of the hill stands a fortress that belonged in turn to the Lombards, Franks, Byzantines and Ottomans. A visit offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Below, a remarkable imaret awaits you. Built in the early 19ᵉ century, it was donated to the city by Mehmet Ali, founder of the last Egyptian dynasty. Today, the building has become a beautiful hotel where you can stay, eat or have a drink. Guided tours are organized on site, such as this English-language tour of Kavala’s heritage.
4. Edessa and its splendid waterfalls
The small town of Edessa stands on the edge of a cliff, on the former site of the ancient city of Emathia in central Macedonia in northern Greece. Occupied since Antiquity, it is famous for its impressive waterfalls of almost 25 metres.
Edessa retains traces of its rich and tumultuous history. The old quarter of Varosi bears witness to the Ottoman occupation through its cobbled streets, old houses and ancient churches. In particular, you can admire the Church of Koimisis, which dates back to the 14ᵉ century. The town also boasts a small ethnological museum well worth a visit. For a meal break, we recommend a restaurant 10 minutes outside town. This is FOE, and the panorama from the terrace is exceptional!
30 kms from Edessa, enjoy the benefits of thermal baths in the hot springs of Pozar.
If you’re staying in Thessaloniki, Edessa is easily accessible with this full-day excursion in English
which takes in the archaeological site of Pella, the town of Edessa and a visit to a winery in Naoussa.
5. Nymphaio, a charming village
An off-the-beaten-track destination awaits you in Western Macedonia, on the slopes of Mount Vitisi: Nymphaio (or Nymfaio). At an altitude of 1350 m, this traditional village is one of the most picturesque in Greece. Beautifully restored mansions and stone houses, charming cobbled streets lined with tavernas and cafés give the area a calm, authentic atmosphere. If you have the opportunity to visit it in winter, covered in snow, Nymphaio becomes a magical destination.
With its focus on ecotourism, Nymfaio lies at the heart of a unique natural environment. You can choose from walks through beech forests, strolls around lakes Zazari and Himaditis protected by Natura 2000, and of course discover delicious local produce!
Don’t leave without visiting the bears living in Greece’s only bear sanctuary: the Arcturos Foundation!
6. Prespes, a bird’s paradise
On the edge of Northern Greece, close to the Albanian border, the exceptional Prespa site awaits you at an altitude of 850 metres. Here, rivers, lakes and forests offer a whole new face of Greece.
In the heart of this land of fishing and tradition, the majestic Prespes lakes dominate in size and beauty. If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll be in heaven! More than 250 species of birds find refuge in these wild landscapes: curled pelicans, herons, cormorants, great egrets and many migratory birds. Don’t forget to sample the local culinary specialities.
7. Kastoria and its countless Byzantine churches
In Western Macedonia, the beautiful town of Kastoria stands on a hilly peninsula at the crossroads of Greek, Albanian and Turkish influences. It’s the ideal starting point for discovering the dozens of Byzantine churches that dot this magnificent territory. The city’s beautiful Museum of Byzantine Art will introduce you to the wonders of this unique cultural heritage.
The Kastoria peninsula borders the splendid Lake Orestiada. Take an hour and a half around the lake to admire its calm waters and the countless species of birds that call it home. Fancy a little crossing? You can rent a canoe to sail on the lake!
8. Vergina, the ancient capital of Macedonia
The city of Vergina was the capital of Macedonia in ancient times, when it was still called Aigai. This exceptional site contains the monumental tombs of the Macedonian royal family, including Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. After 16 years of renovation, the ancient palace of Philip II will once again open its doors to the public in 2024. It was here that Alexander the Great was proclaimed king.
Don’t miss a visit to the impressive royal necropolis, the agora, the Eukleia temple, the ancient palace and the theater. The Philip II tomb is by far the most impressive. Never looted, it has become an underground museum displaying the magnificent archaeological finds made on the site.
9. Florina, the flowery mountain town
Not far from Nymphaio, close to the Albanian border, the small traditional town of Florina is another winter destination. very popular in Greece. It is unique for its atmosphere and superb natural surroundings. Crossed by the Sakoulevas River, Florina is surrounded by majestic mountains. Its inhabitants are particularly renowned for their hospitality.
Florina’s opulent architecture preserves traces of a rich past where Roman and Byzantine influences dominate. The town has preserved many fine old houses and houses an interesting archaeological museum. Take the time to stroll along the Palia Volta (old promenade) along the banks of the Sakoulevas river and admire the beauty of its flower-filled mansions.
10. Mount Olympus, realm of the gods of Greek mythology
In Northern Greece, the country’s highest mountain rises to a mythical 2918 meters: Mount Olympus. It forms a natural border between Thessaly and Macedonia, and is also the first National Park in Greece. Mount Olympus boasts breathtaking natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity.
Trail enthusiasts are in for a treat! Numerous hiking trails of all levels of difficulty await you. The result: breathtaking scenery and the unique feeling of being on a par with the gods. Choose your itinerary from one of the following two websites: Kommot and Alltrails. Or let yourself be guided by one of our experienced guides!
If you prefer to indulge in sporting activities in the great outdoors, Mount Olympus also offers plenty of opportunities to try your hand at canyoning, river trekking and paragliding.
Find out more about hiking and mountain sports on Mount Olympus in our article.
So you see: Macedonia in Northern Greece is a vast and fascinating region of varied natural landscapes. This is another face of Greece that we hope you’ll discover for an unforgettable trip!
Sandra B.
Find even more information and tips for visiting Northern Greece.
And to discover Greece in a different way…
If you’d like to discover this region of Macedonia in Northern Greece with a guide, we recommend the road-trip The Real Northern Greece developed by local agency Alternative Athens, which we know well and really appreciate. Put your trust in them and let them guide you! Included in the package: a tailor-made itinerary, car rental, hotel nights, breakfasts and a super app. Designed to be your personal guide, you’ll find maps of essential and optional stops, audio stories to listen to along the way, recommendations at each stop, the best restaurants and activities in the area… A perfect combination of the comfort of organized travel and the freedom of independent travel.
