Northern Greece Travel Guide

Explore the best of Northern Greece with our comprehensive travel guide, including places to visit, activities to do, and local culture and customs to experience.


Northern Greece is a region filled with natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance. From the stunning beaches of Halkidiki to the majestic monasteries of Meteora, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this part of Greece. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, activities to do, and local culture and customs to experience in Northern Greece.

Introduction to Northern Greece

Northern Greece, also known as Macedonia and Thrace, is located in the northern part of Greece and is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. It is a region that is steeped in history, with ancient ruins and landmarks that offer a glimpse into Greece’s glorious past. The region is also known for its natural beauty, with pristine beaches, soaring mountains, and picturesque villages scattered throughout the countryside.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Greece

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Greece, here are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Palace of King Philip II of Macedon
  • The Museum of Byzantine Culture
  • The Ancient Theatre of Philippi
  • The Roman Forum and Palace
  • The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
  • The Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Patmos
  • The Monastery of the Great Meteoron

Natural Attractions of Northern Greece: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Olympus
  • Lake Kerkini
  • The Vikos Gorge
  • The Nestos River Delta
  • The Samaria Gorge
  • The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)
  • The Olympus National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Greece

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then you’ll love the hiking and biking routes in Northern Greece. Here are some of the top routes to explore:

  • The E4 European Long Distance Path
  • The Samaria Gorge
  • The Mount Olympus trek
  • The Vikos Gorge
  • The Zagoria Mountain range
  • The Diaporos Island Circuit

Best Things to Do in Northern Greece: Activities and Tours

From adventure activities to cultural tours, Northern Greece has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

  • Take a boat tour of the Mount Athos Monasteries
  • Explore the ancient city of Philippi
  • Hike through the Vikos Gorge
  • Ski at one of the many ski resorts in Northern Greece
  • Take a cultural tour of Thessaloniki
  • Visit the wine region of Drama
  • Take a dip in the Thermaic Gulf
  • Explore the city of Kavala

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Greece

If you’re short on time and want to see the best of Northern Greece, here’s a week-long itinerary to follow:

  • Day 1: Visit the city of Thessaloniki
  • Day 2: Explore the ancient city of Philippi
  • Day 3: Hike through the Vikos Gorge
  • Day 4: Take a boat tour of the Mount Athos monasteries
  • Day 5: Visit the wine region of Drama
  • Day 6: Ski at one of the ski resorts in Northern Greece
  • Day 7: Relax on the beaches of Halkidiki

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Greece

One of the highlights of any trip to Northern Greece is the delicious food and drink. From fresh seafood to local wines, here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages in the region:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moussaka
  • Souvlaki
  • Kleftiko
  • Gemista
  • Tzatziki
  • Greek salads

Local Beverages

  • Ouzo
  • Tsipouro
  • Metaxa
  • Macedonian wine
  • Raki

Where to Stay in Northern Greece: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Northern Greece, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in the region:

  • Daios Luxury Living in Thessaloniki
  • The Met Hotel in Thessaloniki
  • Athoniki Villas in Halkidiki
  • Alexandros Palace in Halkidiki
  • Hotel Philippion in Thessaloniki

What to Buy in Northern Greece: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to bring home a piece of Northern Greece, here are some of the souvenirs and local products to consider:

  • Macedonian wine
  • Olive oil
  • Honey from Halkidiki
  • Handmade pottery
  • Traditional woven textiles

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Greece

Northern Greece has a rich and diverse culture, with influences from the Balkans, the Ottoman Empire, and Ancient Greece. Here are some of the local customs and traditions to experience:

  • Kefi dancing
  • Bouzouki music
  • Traditional handcrafted costumes
  • Traditional festivals, such as Carnival in Patras and the Macedonian Festival of Floralia.

Best Time to Visit Northern Greece

The best time to visit Northern Greece depends on what you want to do and see. If you’re looking for outdoor activities and adventure, the best time to visit is in the spring and summer months (April to September). If you want to explore the cultural attractions and festivals in the region, the best time to visit is during the winter months (October to March).

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Greece

Here are some of the things to do and avoid when visiting Northern Greece:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Learn a few words of Greek
  • Explore the lesser-known villages and towns
  • Take part in the local festivals and celebrations

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in religious sites
  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions
  • Be loud and boisterous in public places
  • Engage in excessive drinking and partying
  • Leave your litter on the beaches or in the national parks

Safety and Health

Northern Greece is a safe region for tourists, but it’s always important to take precautions when travelling. Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy in Northern Greece:

Safety in Northern Greece

  • Keep your valuables in a safe place
  • Avoid travelling alone at night
  • Monitor local news for any safety concerns

Health in Northern Greece

  • Make sure your vaccinations are up to date
  • Drink bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach
  • Wear sunscreen to protect against the strong Greek sun

Getting to Northern Greece: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Northern Greece is easy, with several transportation options available. Here’s what you need to know:

Airports Near Northern Greece

  • Thessaloniki International Airport “Macedonia”
  • Kavala International Airport “Megas Alexandros”
  • Alexandroupoli “Democritus” Airport

Bus Stations Near Northern Greece

  • KTEL Thessaloniki
  • KTEL Kavala

Other Options

  • Trains
  • Taxis
  • Car rentals

How to Get Around in Northern Greece

Getting around Northern Greece is easy, with several transportation options available. Here are some of the best ways to explore the region:

  • Rent a car
  • Take a bus
  • Take a taxi
  • Hire a private driver

Where to Go Next from Northern Greece: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Greece, here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Athens
  • The Peloponnese peninsula
  • The Greek islands, such as Crete and Santorini
  • Bulgaria
  • Turkey

Conclusion

Northern Greece is a beautiful region filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient ruins of Philippi to the stunning beaches of Halkidiki, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this part of the country. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Greece.

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


    Epirus
    Macedonia
    Western Thrace