Macedonia (Greece)

Macedonia (Greek: Μακεδονία) is a region in northern Greece.

For other places with the same name, see Macedonia (disambiguation).

Understand
The White Tower of Thessaloniki; the city's landmark.

Macedonia is the largest and second-most-populous Greek region, with a population of about 2.4 million of which alone 1 million live in Thessaloniki. The region is highly mountainous, with most major urban centres such as Thessaloniki and Kavala being concentrated on its southern coastline. Macedonia incorporates most of the territories of ancient Macedon, a kingdom ruled by the Argeads and whose most celebrated members were Alexander the Great and his father Philip II. Although it has very scenic areas and many very interesting cultural sites, it is visited by relatively few tourists, except the Chalkidiki and Olympos region.

When speaking with Greeks about Macedonia it is better not to participate in any discussion or to agree that the name Macedonia is only Greek if you want to maintain a friendly atmosphere. Greeks are patriots and do not want any historical teachings on this sensitive topic. Although the name issue with the neighboring state of North Macedonia is now politically resolved, most Greeks still find it a betrayal of their history. This was reinforced by the creation of statues of Alexander the Great in Skopje and the use of symbols from Greek excavations by the neighboring state. Many Greeks wonder why the majority Slavic population of the neighboring state uses purely Greek symbols and national heroes for their nationality awareness.

Regions

Cities
Kavala, fortress, port and old town

West Macedonia

Central Macedonia
  • 🌍 Veria — The city boasts a considerable number of Byzantine monuments
  • 🌍 Edessa — Known for its impressive waterfall and close by spa area
  • 🌍 Thessaloniki — The second largest city in Greece with a history of over 3000 years
  • 🌍 Serres
  • 🌍 Naousa — The modern city is situated few km west of the ancient town of Mieza, the seat of the ancient School of Aristotle. of Macedonia and the place where Alexander the Great was proclaimed king, short after Philip's assassination in 336 BC.
  • 🌍 Platamonas — a sea-side resort town with an impressive 12th century Byzantine castle.
  • 🌍 Katerini — The regional capital of Pieria and location of Paralia beach
  • 🌍 Litochoro — Τhe base for climbing Mt Olympus
  • 🌍 Leptokarya — Beach resort town. Located near ancient Livithra, allegedly the home of Orpheus, a legendary musician in Greek mythology.
  • 🌍 Giannitsa — near Ancient Pella
  • 🌍 Asprovalta
  • 🌍 Panorama
  • 🌍 Nea Zichni
  • 🌍 Amphipolis — municipality in the Serres

East Macedonia
  • 🌍 Drama - starting point for sightseeing of the Rhodope Mountains
  • 🌍 Kavala - the most beautiful town in Greece
  • 🌍 Thassos - very nice green island with wonderful beaches

Other destinations

West Macedonia
  • 🌍 Prespa - the Prespa Lakes region is a natural park of great significance due to its biodiversity and endemic species

Central Macedonia
  • 🌍 Olympos National Park - with Litochoro — Τhe base for climbing Mt Olympus
  • 🌍 Dion (Pieria) — An ancient city and sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. Philip II and Alexander the Great celebrated victories in Dion.
  • 🌍 Vergina — The ancient Aigai, the first capital of Macedonia and the place where Alexander the Great was proclaimed king, short after Philip's assassination in 336 BC.
  • 🌍 Megaplatanos — A rural village between the Pozar thermal baths (5 km) and the Voras ski resort (40 km).

East Macedonia
  • 🌍 Philippi Archaelogical site - most significant archaeological site in northern Greece because of its importance for the spread of Christianity in Europe
  • 🌍 Nestos Natural reserve area - unique bird life and scenic landscapes
  • 🌍 Pangaion Hills - Mountain area of 2000m height with many monasteries and famous archaeolological sites like Amphipolis

Talk

Greek is the official language of Greece and thus, the vast majority of the inhabitants of Macedonia speak it as their native language. English is spoken by many people, usually under the age of 40, and mostly in big cities like Thessaloniki or in tourist resorts, like Chalkidiki.

Get in

Get around

See
The entrance to one of the tombs of Vergina
  • The Archaeological Site of Aigai in Vergina, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • The Archaeological Site of Philippi near Kavala, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Do

Most visitors come to Greece to spend beach holidays. If you want to travel out of season, be aware that many resorts outside the season are in a kind of hibernation and only a few restaurants and shops have opened. Who wants to travel at this time should choose larger towns as destination, since here at least a basic tourist service is guaranteed.

Eat

Drink

Stay safe

Go next
  • Rhodope Mountains National Park - very interesting scenic lonely wooded mountain landscape with many ancient Thracian cult places

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