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Macedonia
(Makedonia) is Greece's largest geographical region and it occupies
the northern part of the country.
The
climate is generally continental, though coastal areas benefit from
the moderating influence of the sea and can be said to have a mediterranean
climate.
Macedonia
includes large fertile plains, such as the plain of Thessaloniki,
mineral rich areas such as Halkidiki, and wooded mountains, lakes,
wetlands, enchanting waterfalls, forests of fir, pine and beech
trees. The area is inhabited even today by endangered wild animals
and boasts rushing rivers, caves, verdant plains, fertile valleys,
distant lakes, beautiful coasts and fishing villages.
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The
capital is Thessaloniki, the bride of the Thermaic gulf,
which owes her name to the daughter of King Phillip of Macedon.
Thessaloniki was chosen as the 'Cultural Capital of Europe' in 1997
with many events to mark the occasion.
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The city
is decorated with many Roman and Byzantine monuments, with the White
Tower the best known of all. Today all of Thessaloniki buzzes with
life. The roads, parks and squares are lively and on the commercial
streets the wide range of shops with their bright window displays
lure the keen shopper. Among the old houses, neo-classical and modern
are tavernas, restaurants, bars, expensive night clubs and cosy little
places redolent with the smells of Macedonian delicacies, theatres,
cinemas, pastry shops and cafes. Annually, every September, the wonders
of technology are shown at the International Exhibition. |
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Halkidiki
lies to the south. Mt. Athos, the monastic state, the Holy
Mountain, a separate and special feature. Dozens of fabulous Byzantine
monasteries lurk in the fertile valleys and perch on sheer rocky coasts
hiding unique treasures. |
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The capital
of Halkidiki is Poligiros, a picturesque town. Its unique geography
are its three fingers, Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos, with beautiful
sandy beaches and pine trees that come down to 'meet' the deep blue
water of the sea. |
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of Thessaloniki are the districts of Seres, Drama and
Kavala and their respective capitals of the same name. Beautiful
and charming, Seres has an acropolis as well as Byzantine walls and
churches. Drama is situated among tobacco fields. Kavala is divided
into a new and old town, the scenic harbour full of little fishing
boats, and the medieval castle. Outside the city is the archaeological
site of ancient Phillipi and several wonderful beaches. |
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Across
the sea is Thassos, the island of the Sirens according to mythology.
Beautiful and verdant, with splendid beaches, and important antiquities.
In the summer, ancient plays are re-enacted in the ancient theatre.
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West of
Thessaloniki lies Central Macedonia. Here the outstanding sights are
the archaeological sights of Dion, Vergina and Pella. |
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The district
of Pieria, whose capital is Ketrini with the castle of Platamona gazing
upon the Aegean, has fine wide sandy beaches, the Litohoro on the
foothill of Mt. Olympus, the domicile of the gods and Dion,
the pan-Macedonian sanctuary devoted to the worship of Zeus (Dias).
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Veria,
with its many Byzantine churches is the capital of the district of
Imathia, which is also home to Naoussa and to Vergina which
is associated with ancient Aiges and whose tombs have been attributed
to Philip of Macedon.
Edessa
is capital of the district of Pella, the site of ancient Pella. |
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Next is
Kilkis with the impressively decorated cave, picturesque villages
and town and the Doirani Lake with its rich natural environment. In
Western Macedonia are the districts of Kozani, with its scenic capital
of the same name, Grevena, with tall wooded mountains and untamed
natural environment. |
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The
district of Kastoria with the lake and pretty town, built amphitheatrically
on its shores, and the dozens of fur making workshops, and lastly,
Florina with Mikri and Megali Prespa (large lakes), and beautiful
traditional villages built on the slopes of forested mountains. |
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