Everyone who lives in Thessaloniki knows very well that they are in a blessed place. Throughout Macedonia, there are travel destinations just a few hours from Thessaloniki.
Hello Thessaloniki traveled, stood out and presents you the top ten nearby destinations from Thessaloniki.
We traveled to the beautiful lake Kerkini. We were enchanted by her beauty and we were fascinated by her nobility. A unique place which is ideal for nature lovers and not only.
In the north-west part of Serres Prefecture, just 40 Km from the town of Serres and about 100 Km from Thessaloniki, we can meet one of the most beautiful places in Greece, Lake Kerkini. Its unique wetland has been declared as National Park according to Ramsar Convention and it is one out of ten wetlands of International Importance of Greece.
The man’s intervention caused the formation of this heaven. In 1932 the first dam was constructed in the waters of river Strymonas and gradually lake Kerkini took shape. You can read here about Lake Kerkini’s History.
The riparian plantations consisting of riparian forests of wild willows, the suspended water-lilies expanded in a surface of thousands hectares, the fish high diversity, the buffalos swimming in lake’s calm water and the great mountainous areas of Belles and Krousia give a unique grace to this land.
The lake offers the ideal conditions for bird watching. It is one of the best places in Europe for natural watching of about 300 rare and protected bird species that live and breed here. It is no coincidence that many scientists and amateurs from around the world visit us every year for their research.
Another nature-loving place is the Pozar Baths and the surroundings. It is 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Thessaloniki. The area may be famous for its excellent baths, but it has other beauties to show off.
Pozar or Loutraki Loutraki or Pozar foothills Kaimamtsalan is is a destination in Macedonia nomoPellas and known to everyone as Pozar hot springs or thermal baths Pozar. In Pozar visitor finds the hotels, guesthouses, taverns and restaurants. Make your selection and Pozar will enjoy a stay will be unforgettable.
Pozar is one of the most therapeutic Spas in Greece, with many amenities and services.
The waterfalls in Pozar, large swimming pool with thermal water gushing from the bowels of the earth, ancient baths pose with the specific sites is indeed a miracle of nature. You’ll also find a number of new private baths Pozar where you can isolate yourself for an hour or more and enjoy them with your friends.
The area to Pozar has natural beauty and many options to do tourism activities ennallaktikou to see many sights to see the beautiful areas around Loutraki and of course enjoy the local cuisine, which includes dishes Macedonian holding for centuries.
The jewel of Central Macedonia is a pole of attraction for tourists and not unjustly so. It is only 90 km from Thessaloniki and is located in the plain of Imathia. The park of Naoussa, the grove of Agios Nikolaos, the ski center at 3-5 wells are places that will surely pique your interest. Inside the city do not miss the Clock Tower and the Obelisk.
A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER
Naoussa is a beautiful and peaceful town, with much to surprise you, from its breathtaking surroundings to its world renowned wines. Naoussa is a place of rich cultural history, unique neighborhoods and mouthwatering local dishes. Wander on the cobblestone roads or in the luscious mountains and you’ll be in awe at the breathtaking views and unique experiences. Naoussa is the place to seduce you with its large mansions, old industries, watermills, river and unspoiled nature. But… sorry, there are no beaches!
It is almost two hours away from Thessaloniki and is a natural paradise. We visited it and realized why it is a favorite city of so many travelers.
Kastoria, A City With A Rich History Through The Centuries
According to tradition, it was founded by Orestes, in honor of Electra’s sister.
In Kastoria, important monuments of Byzantine culture are preserved to this day, such as the walls and the almost 80 Byzantine churches that it has, which together with the truly magnificent lake of Kastoria create an unsurpassed setting, which is difficult to resist even the most demanding traveler.
It flourished mainly during the 17th century, since then the old mansions can be seen, then the amazing mansions were built, which have combined the local character with the Byzantine architecture.
When you are in Kastoria, you should not miss to visit the Eco-Museum, the first in Greece, where the visitor has the opportunity to “see” digitally the Kastoria of the 6th century and get to know its diverse ecosystem.
You can also see the Folklore Museum, the Byzantine Museum as well as the Museum of Costume Design.
Also do not forget to visit the fossil forest, twenty million years old with tropical and subtropical plants, palm trunks and marine fossils. Be sure to visit the museum that houses many of the fossils.
You must also see Lake Orestiada, Agios Stefanos and the Byzantine castle, which is characterized by travelers of the time as inaccessible and fortified.
Necessary sights to see include the dragon cave, an impressive cave to visit with 7 underground lakes, 10 rooms and 5 corridors – tunnels, located on the north side of the city, near the chapel of Agios Nikolaos in the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa, 15 m. From the lakeside road. Its name is due to the tradition that says that inside there was a gold mine, which was guarded by a watchful dragon.
The place that has it all, Halkidiki, is considered one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the country. At its three “feet”, Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, it hosts wide, almost tropical sandy beaches with turquoise waters, busy states, traditional villages, archeological treasures, the monastic state of Mount Athos, the world-famous cave caves and high standards.
For accommodation on the Kassandra peninsula choose the areas: Nea Potidea, Nea Fokea, Sani, Afitos, Pefkochori, Paliouri, Kalandra and Nea Skioni. In the peninsula of Sithonia the areas: Nikiti, Vourvourou, Neo Marmara, Toroni, Sykia, Nea Kallikratia, Ierissos and Ouranoupolis.
All areas host award-winning beaches, most of them well organized.
The main reason to visit the Athos peninsula is Mount Athos, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the “orchard of the Virgin” there are 20 convent monasteries, where live about 1,700 monks, faithful guardians of a huge cultural heritage of eleven centuries!
Get a deeper insight into the rich history of the area through your visit to the Folk Art Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Municipal Gallery and Avdera Archaeological site. Colourful cultural events organized throughout the year provide another strong reason for visiting Xanthi; experience the party atmosphere of the renowned Carnival of Xanthi, standing out for its focus on the traditions and folklore of the region through a modern approach; the Old Town Festival in September, during which all events take place in the narrow paved streets of Xanthi’s Old Town; the Youth Festival and River Nestos (Music) Festival in summer, particularly popular among young people.
Nature lovers will discover that Xanthi is an unspoiled paradise: the serpentine river Nestos, its Delta (the unique aquatic forest of Europe) and its passes, the Drymos Forest (or Haidou), Lake Vistonida, the forest village of Erimanthos and Rodopi mountain range with its virgin forests and traditional villages are only some of this destination’s gems. Among the mountain villages stand out the “Pomakohoria”, a cluster of approximately 40 villages north of Xanthi, renowned for their cultural and architectural uniqueness.
Action fans and nature lovers will feel excited by the variety of possibilities offered: canoe-kayak in Nestos passes, hiking, cycling, bird watching, archery, off-road driving and horseback riding are only a few of the activities that someone can pursue in Nestos, Livaditis or Vistonida area.
Whether you are a history or tradition fan, a lover of nature, a gastronomy specialist wanting to indulge in delicious local specialties and eastern type sweets, or even an entertainment addict seeking to experience the city’s vibrant night life, the region of Xanthi will definitely satisfy even the most demanding ones amongst you. Take the chance to discover this unspoiled destination and let your spirit free to enjoy sounds and colours that will uplift your senses.
What is an hour and a half by car? Nothing in front of you to reach the beautiful Kavala. A jewel city that fascinates everyone. We have visited Kavala many times and enjoyed the old town but also the modern one, Eleftherias Square and the characteristic arches.
East meets West in a city in Northern Greece with Ottoman treasures, Byzantine walls and a lively harbour
Known as the Blue City and as the ‘Mecca of tobacco’, Kavala’s past and present sparkle with the first rays of dawn. You are in a city where for centuries Byzantines, Ottomans, Jews, merchants, tobacco workers, refugees and intellectuals mingled and prospered. Here in Macedonia, the sea-routes encountered the East-West axis, cross-fertilising both.
Kavala’s huge but decorative tobacco warehouses and elegant neoclassical buildings recall the city’s glorious past. See them and then enjoy the present with a meal and a drink in its lively centre under the eye of the city’s castle or around the port. Take the open bus up the hill to the Old Town and the Imaret, and step back in time. Welcome to Kavala, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece!
Highlights
A city just 45 minutes from Thessaloniki and can offer an ideal base to easily see the surrounding area. In fact, as a city it is ideal as it has many things to see and do. The barbuta, the famous square of Elia, the town hall and the picturesque center of the city, are enough to make you fall in love with it!
VERIA, A TRIP ALONG THE CENTURIES
Endowed with incomparable natural beauty, long history and cultural achievements, this destination constitutes an inexhaustible well of experiences.
On the slopes of Mt Vermion, covered in fir, chestnut, beech and linden trees, and bordered to the northeast by the Pieria mountains and the river Aliakmonas, lies Veria. Through the centuries, the greater Veria region, the green and pleasant land of the ancient Macedonians, has handed down the treasures of a glorious history to the next generations.
Over the course of 2500 years, each era and its associated culture has left its imprint in every corner of the land. They survive and thrive through the habits and customs of different neighbourhoods, in works of art and the local cuisine. Wander around the alleyways of history; harken to the spirit of past times in a city that makes a worthy contemporary heir to its priceless heritage. All year round, the visitor is offered numerous opportunities for religious, archaeological and nature loving tourism.
In this Macedonian city, with its welcoming locals, waterfalls and beguiling neighbourhoods, you will live your very own fairytale.
Waterfalls within a town? Travel to Macedonia and experience the magic of water. You’ll be charmed by these little miracles sculpted by the Edesseos River. As you wander around, you’ll come to the open-air Water Museum, the only one of its kind in Greece. Here you’ll be introduced to the force that once powered looms and mills of Edessa’s industrial heritage.
A glorious past of Byzantine churches and Macedonian houses unfolds around you as you stroll through Varosi. Back in the present, the city will entertain you in the evening at Katarraktakia (Little Waterfalls) and serve you local delicacies in Flamouria. The town’s gifts flow as freely as its water; enjoy them as you would a cool, refreshing drink.
First of all, it is very close. It will take you about an hour to reach Litochoro. And ok, the climb to Olympus may be only for the “few”, but there are other things to do near this wonderful Greek mountain. Unique villages in the area that you can visit such as Kokkinopilos, Pythio and Olympiada. Incredible activities and of course a connection with nature.
Mount Olympus And The Archaeological Site Of Dion
THE MOUNTAIN OF THE GODS!
The highest mountain in the country has been declared a National Park since 1938.
The mountain of the gods! Olympus. It is not an easy task to conquer, but it is an easy task to charm you. With intensely rich flora and very interesting fauna, visiting or even staying on Mount Olympus is a magic.
The highest mountain in the country has been declared a National Park since 1938. As a result, the area has some rules that those who visit it should follow. For example, traffic is allowed from sunrise to sunset only on landscaped paths.
Olympus is the most popular mountain in Greece and reaches 2,918 meters with its peak, Mytikas. It is located on the borders of Macedonia and Thessaly and is known worldwide due to ancient Greek mythology and the fact that it was the residence of the twelve gods.
For the etymology of the word “Olympus” there are various versions as sky, bright, tall, rock etc. According to mythology, Mytikas is the meeting point of the twelve gods. The current location Stefani is the throne of Zeus and from there he unleashed his lightning.
Beautiful landscapes, Nice people, Hospitality, Experiences that are completed with the smiles of the locals, Crystal clear blue water, Countless islands, Green mountains! And these are just a few of the many things you can enjoy in Greece!
We love this Greece, we support this Greece, We love to introduce you Greece, We love to help you explore Greece!
The top 10 nearby destinations from Thessaloniki
Everyone who lives in Thessaloniki knows very well that they are in a blessed place. Throughout Macedonia, there are travel destinations just a few hours from Thessaloniki.
Hello Thessaloniki traveled, stood out and presents you the top ten nearby destinations from Thessaloniki.
The top 10 nearby destinations from Thessaloniki
7. Edessa Waterfalls
Edessa may be the city with the most daily – and not only – excursions from Thessaloniki. The reason; But of course its unique waterfalls. And the fact that it is only 1.5 hours away from the co-capital. If you want more information or to book a Private Day Trip from Thessaloniki to Edessa Waterfalls, click here
The top 10 nearby destinations from Thessaloniki
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