Elena Mavridis – First Immersion in Greece in 2009 My journey to Greece began with an unexpected gift of fate. As a philology student, I won a grant for a summer language program in Athens. What was planned as a three-month academic adventure completely transformed my life. Stepping onto the land of Hellas, I felt an inexplicable thrill – as if my soul recognized the place where it was destined to flourish. After completing the program, I made an impulsive decision to stay for another six months, working as a translator for a small tourism company. Every weekend, I dedicated to exploring new corners of the country – from the majestic ruins of Peloponnese to the secluded beaches of the Cyclades. For over 16 years now, I've been working as a Greece expert, creating unique journeys that reveal the authentic soul of this ancient land. I live between Athens and the island of Naxos, constantly expanding the map of my Greek discoveries. Greece is an amazing world where myths come alive in every stone, and history breathes in modernity. Greeks are incredibly open people for whom philoxenia (love for guests) is not just a tradition but a way of life. Over these years, I have developed more than a thousand personalized itineraries for travelers from around the world, created a popular podcast about Greece's hidden treasures, published an illustrated guide to Greek regional cuisines, and collaborate with leading travel magazines as an expert on authentic Greek destinations.
Northern Greece
Northern Greece is a captivating region filled with ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. This guide will walk you through the must-see sites, culinary delights, parks for children, the best times to visit, a 7-day travel itinerary, and essential tips for tourists. Whether you’re an adventurer, history buff, or simply looking for a picturesque getaway, Northern Greece has something for everyone.
What to See
- Thessaloniki: Often referred to as the cultural capital of Greece, Thessaloniki boasts 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other city worldwide. From ancient Roman ruins to Byzantine churches, the city’s historical richness is unmatched. Don’t miss the vibrant markets, where you can enjoy fresh fish and meat.
- Meteora: Renowned for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, Meteora is a sight to behold. Six monasteries remain from the original twenty-four, each offering breathtaking views and a sense of serenity. Great Meteoron, Holy Trinity, and Varlaam are particularly notable.
- Edessa: Known as the “City of Water,” Edessa features the stunning Karanos waterfall, the largest in Greece. The waterfall’s travertine water adds a unique beauty, creating a growing waterfall lip rather than eroding it.
- Stagira: The birthplace of Aristotle, Stagira is a beautifully restored town on the Halkidiki Peninsula. It offers a mix of historical significance and natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Where to Go
- Halkidiki Peninsula: The Halkidiki Peninsula, with its three protruding “fingers,” is a gem. Kassandra offers a lively atmosphere with bustling beaches and nightlife, while Sithonia provides a more tranquil setting. The third finger, Athos, is home to monasteries accessible only by boat tours.
- Zagori: Famous for its stone bridges and the Vikos Gorge, the deepest canyon in the world relative to its width, Zagori offers a unique experience. Explore the ancient Petsioni Bridge and hike through Vikos–Aoös National Park for an unforgettable adventure.
- Ioannina: Located on Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina is a vibrant college town. Visit the Fethiye Mosque, Silversmithing Museum, and take a boat ride to the lake’s nameless island for a day full of exploration and discovery.
What to Eat
Northern Greece offers a rich culinary tradition. In Thessaloniki, savor fresh fish and meat from the local markets. Ioannina is known for its fresh lake fish. Throughout the region, enjoy traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and baklava. Don’t forget to try local wines and tsipouro, a strong Greek spirit.
When to Go
The best time to visit Northern Greece is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring both historical sites and natural attractions. However, be prepared for occasional rain, particularly in the mountainous areas.
7-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1-2: Thessaloniki
- Explore UNESCO sites
- Explore local markets
- Indulge in the seafront
Day 3-4: Halkidiki Peninsula
- Unwind on Kassandra and Sithonia beaches
- Take a boat tour around Mount Athos
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Day 5: Edessa
- Visit Karanos waterfall
- Discover the city’s parks
Day 6: Meteora
- Embark on a tour of the monasteries
- Hike to viewpoints like Psaropetra
Day 7: Ioannina and Dodoni
- Check out Fethiye Mosque and Silversmithing Museum
- Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pamvotis
- Explore Dodoni’s ancient theater
Tips for Tourists
- Greece operates at a leisurely pace, so allow extra time for travel and exploration.
- Make sure your rental car has a full tank and is in good condition before departing.
- Carry enough cash since ATMs may not be available in all areas.
- Bring water shoes to protect against sea urchins when swimming.
- Be cautious of stray dogs and livestock on the roads.
- Carry water, especially during hikes and in remote areas.
Northern Greece is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. With its rich historical sites and natural wonders, there’s no end to the adventures you can have in this enchanting region.
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
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