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Macedonia
Macedonia stands slightly apart from the rest of the country; its scenery and climate have more in common with the adjoining Balkans. Though bitterly cold in winter, this is still a particularly beautiful part of Greece, rich in historical monuments and archaeological sites. In the area around Florina, are the lakes including the dramatic Prespa basin. Grevena, in the southern part of Macedonia, is mountainous, with the Pindus range rising to the west and the Hassia range to the north. The unspoilt villages in the area are ideal for those in search of peace and quiet, these include Aridea, Edessa, Nymfeon and Kastoria. In the south, there are more to be found at Perivoli, Ptolemaida, Veria and Naoussa which is near Kato Vermio (seli), one of Greece's largest sports centres. Platomonas, on the west coast, is a popular summer resort, with camping grounds and supervised swimming beaches.
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece. A modern coastal town, it contains much Byzantine art as well as churches and museums including the superb Archaeological Museum. The neighbouring villages and suburbs offer good walks and cafés, but beaches are often unclean. There are many historical sites in Thessaloniki, including the Arch of Galerius built in AD297; ruins of the Roman Agora (which are still being excavated), Roman market, theatre and Roman baths; Exedra close to the Egnatian Way; Nymphaion, the circular building whose cisterns now serve as the chapel of Agios Ioannis Prodromis; the Rotunda and the fine churches including the 8th-century Ayia Sofia. The newly-restored and striking White Tower affords an excellent view.
Northeast of Thessaloniki is the mountainous and wooded peninsula of Chalkidiki, the highlight of eastern Macedonia. Poligiros, the capital, is set in the countryside, with pinewoods, olive groves and is an ideal base for peaceful walks. There are numerous archaeological sites, including the Temple of Zeus Ammon on the shore at Kalithea and the ruins of ancient Olynthos on Kassandra. The countryside, with pinewoods and olive groves, is ideal for peaceful walks. Kassandra and Sithonia shelter the north's best beaches and are both fast-growing holiday destinations. Here also is the religious community of Mount Athos. Women are refused entry, but men can visit with a special permit is issued by the Mount Athos Visitors' Office, Canary Street 21, Thessaloniki (tel: (). Overnight stays are forbidden for those without proven religious or scholarly interests in the area.
In east Macedonia, on the road from Drama to Kavala, lies Philippi, one of Macedonia's most extenside archaeological sites. Named after the father of Alexander the Great, it is where Caesar's murderers, Brutus and Cassius, were defeated by Octavius in 42BC, and is believed to be the site of St Paul's first recorded preaching in Greece.
Thassos lies off the coast of eastern Macedonia. It is thickly wooded with plane, oak, cedar and olive groves. Thassos has good beaches for swimming and fishing at Makriamos, Archangelos, Agios Ioannis, Potos and Pefkari. The islet of Thassopoula just offshore can be reached by caique. On the north shore is the capital, Limenas, which has a museum. There are archaeological sites nearby including the Temple of Pythian Apollo, the agora (market-place), the theatres and the Choregic Monument set inside the sanctuary of Dionysus. Thassos can be reached by ferry from Keramoti or Kavala on the mainland.
Kavala is a modern, commercial seaside port which still retains many traditional features, particularly in the town centre. There are hotels, beaches, museums, restaurants and tavernas as well as an aqueduct and Byzantine citadel. Boats can be hired for fishing, water-skiing and sailing. Popular sandy beaches are at Kalamitsa, Batis and Toska, and secluded ones at Iraklitsa and Peramos. There are also some little-known stalactite and stalagmite caves and many archaeological sites nearby. Mount Pangaion is a good area for hunting and climbing.
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