Greece Guide
Northern Greece
The two northern regions of Macedonia and Thrace have been part of the Greek state for less than a century. Macedonia (Makedhonía) was surrendered by the Turks after the Balkan wars in 1913; Greek sovereignty over western Thrace (Thráki) was not confirmed until 1923 and there is still a sizeable ethnic minority population. Consequently, they stand slightly apart from the rest of Greece, an impression reinforced for visitors by architecture and scenery, customs and climate that seem more Balkan than typically Mediterranean. In physical terms, they are characterized by densely forested mountains and a clutch of picturesque lakes to the west, and in the east by heavily cultivated flood plains and bird-rich river deltas.
Only Halkidhikí, a beach-fringed sub-region trailing to the southeast of Thessaloníki, and lofty Mount Olympus, to the southwest, draw large numbers of visitors. If you are male, over 18 and interested enough in monasticism – or Byzantine art, music and architecture – to obtain a pilgrimage permit, Mount Athos may prove to be a highlight of a visit to Greece, although women remain firmly barred.
A complete contrast to the serene Mount Athos, the sybaritic capital of Macedonia, Thessaloníki (Salonica), and the region's other main city, Kavála, just seem to get on with their vigorous day-to-day lives. The region also has some outstandingly beautiful spots, especially the Préspa National Park in rugged western Macedonia. The lakeside city of Kastoriá and the clifftop town of Édhessa are among Greece's most beguiling urban centres, thanks to a belated but determined attempt to restore some fine old buildings. The awe-inspiring Macedonian tombs discovered at Vergina in the 1970s, near the pleasant city of Véria, are the region's only major archeological site. Few travellers on their way to Bulgaria or Turkey stray from the dull trunk road through eastern Thrace, but the well-preserved town of Xánthi deserves more than just a meal stop.
Highlights
1 Thessaloníki Balkan in atmosphere, Greece's second city offers historic monuments and a vibrant nightlife.
2 Mount Olympus The mythical home of the gods; a three-day hike to the summit offers pristine scenery and riots of wild flowers.
3 Vergina Beguiling treasures unearthed in the poignant burial chambers of Macedonia's royal dynasty.
4 Édhessa Clifftop wooden houses and impeccably restored water mills make this one of Greece's most inviting towns.
5 The Préspa lakes Forming the leading ornithological reserve in the region, the reed-fringed shores are a haven for nature lovers.
6 Kastoriá Situated on a wooded headland jutting into the pewter-coloured Lake Orestiádha, this unusual resort is the country's fur capital.
7 Mount Athos Timeless Orthodox monasteries set among unspoilt landscapes in a semi-independent republic run by monks.
8 Dhadhiá Oak and pine forests draped over volcanic ridges, home to black vultures and other rare raptors.