Pine groves, soft sand on the beaches, clear sea and cozy bays along the entire coast attract more and more tourists to Northern Greece. In addition to beach holidays and attractions, the resorts of this region delight with good opportunities for business tourism and shopping.
The main resorts: Halkidiki, Paralia Katerini, Kastoria (a town where fur factories are concentrated) and Thessaloniki.
According to simplyyellowpages, the climate in Northern Greece is not as hot as in southern Greece, and the beach season there lasts from May to the first week of October.
How to get there
The duration of the flight from Moscow to Thessaloniki is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes.
Interesting Facts
It is impossible to overestimate the historical significance of Northern Greece and its role in the development of culture not only of the region, but of all mankind. The Apostle Paul, who visited the city in 50 AD. e. called it “the golden gate of Christianity to Europe”. First of all, the name of the ancient state of Macedonia is associated with this name, and it comes from the name of the tribe of the Macedonians who settled in these places at the end of the 4th century BC. e.
Resorts of Northern Greece
The pride and treasure of Northern Greece is the resort area of Halkidiki, a world famous resort. It is located on three long narrow peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Agios Oros or Athos. Endless sandy beaches, well-equipped and picturesque, attract many people here during the season. The ecological cleanliness of the region, the clear sea, centuries-old pine forests, alternating with olive groves and vineyards, make this resort not only attractive, but also healing.
Cassandra
The most popular and perhaps the most picturesque of the peninsulas is Kassandra. A rich history dating back centuries, many pretty coastal villages, excellent hotels, white sandy beaches have made it a favorite destination for many tourists.
Sithonia
Sithonia – “middle finger” – is a mountainous area covered with forests. There are sandy beaches, picturesque bays, the opportunity to do water sports and many legends that locals are happy to tell tourists.
Athos
The third “finger” is the mysterious Holy Athos (in Greek, Agios Oros, that is, the Holy Mountain). Holy Athos rises to a height of 2030 meters in the southeastern part of the island. For Orthodox people all over the world, this is one of the most significant holy places, the earthly destiny of the Mother of God. The only monastic republic in the world is located on the peninsula, inhabited only by men. They live according to church canons, unchanged for more than a thousand years. At present, there are 20 monasteries in Athos, where 1,700 monks live.
Hotels
Hotels (most of the high category) are located along the coast and, as a rule, not in the resort towns themselves, but at some distance from them. Therefore, to get to shops, restaurants and discos, you need to go by transport. Only a few hotels are within walking distance of the city.
Entertainment and attractions of Northern Greece
Sightseeing tour of Thessaloniki, a trip to the monasteries of Meteoralocated on giant steep rocks, a cruise to Mount Athos, a trip to Olympus – Dion, Vergina and Pella, Petralona Cave, Kalambaka, a one-day excursion to Athens.
Macedonia
Macedonia is the largest region of Greece. It lies in the north of the country and occupies about 26% of its territory. The geographical position of Macedonia is very successful, thanks to which it plays a more than prominent role in the economic life of the country, the capital of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, has always been a major trading center. And now, in our days, the main street of the city has its historical name – Egnatia. It was through it that the road passed, which was the most important artery connecting Constantinople and Thessaloniki with Italy. The port, built in distant Byzantine times, also played its role in the development of trade relations.
Thessaloniki
Nowadays, Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, perfectly integrated into the European business community. The annual international exhibition, which takes place here in September, highlights the role of the city in the life of Europe, and the status of the European Capital of Culture in 1997 is a recognition of Thessaloniki’s contribution to European and world culture. The city has many museums that cover almost all layers of human history and human activity. The excursion program, which can be carried out from Thessaloniki, is diverse in content and geographical directions.
Ancient monuments
On the territory of Northern Greece there are many historical and architectural monuments, which can give an idea of life in glorious times, and the ancient cities of the region have a rich history. Pela is the birthplace of Alexander the Great, in Vergina is the tomb of King Phillip, in Dion he spent most of his life. Among other things, it is in Northern Greece that the highest peak in Greece is located – Mount Olympus, on which, as you know, the Greek gods lived.
Pieria is a charming corner in the south of Macedonia, at the foot of Mount Olympus. The main city is Katerini, a beautiful modern city that attracts many tourists. There are many different entertainments, a large selection of restaurants with varied cuisine, good shopping. The city is known for its many colorful festivals that follow one after another throughout the holiday season. Together with the nearby villages, Katerini forms a very attractive resort area, popular among Russian tourists as well.
