A Visitor’s Guide to Macedonia, Greece

Macedonia is the largest region in Greece, a region which is steeped in history and natural beauty, both of which are often intertwined. This is the home of the stylish city Thessaloniki, and the incredible Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, as well as a great place for hiking.
Macedonia draws huge crowds throughout the summer for its wonderful beaches on Halkidiki’s fingers, especially the first two. You can still find those isolated and secluded beaches to soak in the rays if you search hard enough.

Travel to the northwest of Macedonia, you will find brown bears making their homes in the forested mountains down to the peaceful Prespes, the home of brightly coloured pelicans and ancient churches.

Macedonia is famous for being the birthplace of Alexander the Great, the general who ruled the world at the age of 32 (so the saying goes). Along with his father, Phillip II, and his army, he spread Greek culture from the Adriatic Sea to India and modern day Pakistan. The empire he created, however, soon fell apart after his death when it was divided into different states before being absorbed into the Roman Empire.

Thassaloniki is the place to be in Macedonia. This is a very stylish city, a place to indulge in fine cuisine, visit smart boutiques and take pleasure in the nightlife. If this is not enough, you can visit the art galleries and take in a performance or party. There are constant parties and events in Thassaloniki.

What draws visitors to Thassaloniki, however, is the ancient history of the region. With a past stretching back thousands of years, Thassaloniki is a testament to the glory of Thassaloniki. The name of the city is named after a woman to commemorate the victory of her father, Phillip II, over a tribe. She married the general Kassandros who named the city after her in 316 BCE.

The most famous attraction in Thassaloniki is the White Tower which really should be called the Red Tower now due to its bloody history. In 1826, the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II ordered the slaughter of the janissaries here. In 1913, the Greeks white-washed it to wash away the memories and although the white-wash has long gone, the name has remained.

Halkidiki is an extremely popular destination in Macedonia with its three ‘fingers’ stretching into the Mediterranean Sea. The first finger is called Kassandra and is full of holiday villas. The second finger is called Sithonia and has managed to escape the holiday touches. Instead she holds some of the best beaches in Macedonis. The easternmost promontory mostly belongs to the monastic Mt Athos which is only open to male pilgrims.

Another great place to visit in Macedonia is Kavala, with its palm trees swaying in the soft breeze and a castle on the hilltop looking down upon its people. This is the easternmost town in Macedonia and like the rest of the region, is soaked in history and culture. You will find Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman features here. Mehmet Ali, the Pasha of Egypt, was born here and his former residence still survives.

Pella is the birthplace of Alexander the Great. The town is full of brightly coloured ancient mosaics. They show mythological scenes, created for the residences of the elite and public buildings which are now sadly destroyed.

Mount Olympus is the home of the Olympian gods, a place that stirs the imagination of even the most unimaginative person. Shrouded in mist, the mountain is covered in forests and home to over 1700 types of plant. The mountain offers the chance to experience some fantastic hiking routes; your base is the wonderful village of Litohoro.

Macedonia is a beautiful region of a wonderful country. Whether you are looking for a peaceful holiday, a family-oriented destination, or a chance to explore its legendary history, you will not be disappointed with Macedonia