Central Macedonia Region

Region ·🇬🇷 Greece

Population 1,795,669

Area 32,969 km²

Time zone Europe/Athens

Official website www.pkm.gov.gr

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Explore Central Macedonia Region

Macedonia-Thrace Essentials

Northern Greece’s Macedonia and Thrace regions preserve the legacy of the Kingdom of Macedon and the Byzantine Empire. This selection features the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs of Aigai and the ancient city of Philippi. Natural landmarks include Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest peak, and the Giola natural pool on Thasos. Historic architecture is represented by the 15th-century Castle of Kavala and the 19th-century lighthouse of Alexandroupolis, while the archaeological park at Dion showcases ruins dedicated to Zeus at the foot of the mythical mountain.

14 places

Best Beaches

This selection spans the diverse coastlines of Thasos and the Halkidiki peninsula in Northern Greece. It includes the unique marble-pebble shore of Saliara, the archaeological site of Aliki with its ancient marble quarry, and the sculpted white rock coves of Kabourotrypes in Sithonia. Many locations, such as Armenistis and Sarti, provide direct views of Mount Athos, while others like Chrousou and Psili Ammos are characterized by fine sand and shallow Aegean waters.

15 places

Ancient Sites of Northern Greece

Northern Greece preserves the core of the ancient Macedonian Kingdom and significant Roman outposts. This collection spans from the UNESCO-listed royal tombs of Philip II at Aigai to the sprawling urban ruins of Philippi. It includes the religious sanctuary of Dion at the foot of Mount Olympus, Aristotle’s school at Mieza, and the Classical grid-plan city of Olynthos. Further east in Thrace, the list highlights the Roman burial mounds of Mikri Doxipara-Zoni and the coastal remains of Abdera and Maronia.

15 places

Castles & Fortifications

Northern Greece’s strategic position between Europe and Asia is marked by a diverse array of defensive structures spanning over two millennia. This collection features 14th-century Byzantine towers in Halkidiki, massive Ottoman fortifications in Kavala, and the ancient Macedonian palace at Aigai. These sites showcase evolving military architecture, from Hellenistic acropolises to Crusader strongholds and late Byzantine citadels, each designed to guard vital trade routes, coastal borders, and regional capitals across Macedonia and Thrace.

15 places

Historic Religious Sites

This collection spans the diverse spiritual landscape of Northern Greece, featuring significant Byzantine and post-Byzantine landmarks. It includes the historic monasteries of Mount Olympus, the cliffside Archangel Michael Monastery on Thasos, and the ancient Eikosiphoinissa Monastery. Beyond Orthodox Christianity, the list highlights the architectural heritage of the Jewish Quarter in Veria and Ottoman-era structures like the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque. These sites showcase centuries of religious history through unique frescoes, wood-carved iconostases, and varied architectural styles.

12 places

Natural Wonders

This collection highlights the diverse geological features of Northern Greece, from the 2,917-meter summit of Mytikas on Mount Olympus to the subterranean formations of the Cave of Alistrati. The list includes the high-altitude peaks of the Voras range and the unique natural granite pools, known as vathres, found on Samothrace island. Notable water features include the Leibadite waterfall, the tallest in the region, and the turquoise travertine pools of Skra. These sites represent the significant ecological and mythological landscapes of Macedonia and Thrace.

10 places