MACEDONIA - THASOS

On the northern part of Greece lies Macedonia, the largest region of Greece, with a history and culture going back some 4.000 years. This is where Alexander the Great reigned and organized his army to conquer the Middle East, Egypt and Asia as far as far as India. The area is rich in archaeological sites, such as the Royal Tombs in Vergina, built by King Philippos II, ancient Pella and Dion, the sanctuary devoted to the worship of Zeus. In Macedonia 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. Its capital is Thessaloniki, the second largest Greek city, or the "diamond of the north", as poets have put it. The city has many fine monuments dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, such as the famous White Tower in the city center.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki -or Salonika- is the chief port and commercial center of Macedonia, as well as main gateway to Europe, Turkey and the region of Black Sea through road and train transportation. Yet, the role of the city as a versatile junction will be reinforced further upon the completion of the ?Egnatia? motorway. Key industries in the city include iron foundries, shipyards, and textile and flourmills; major exports are mineral ores and tobacco. The city was first established in 316 BC by Kassandros and named after his wife, Thessaloniki, sister of Alexander the Great. This was where Apostle Paul first brought the message of Christianity (50 AD) and the place where Demetrius, a Roman officer died in martyrdom, thus becoming the city"s patron saint (303 AD). The city was occupied in the 10th  century by the Saracens, and in the 12th century by the Normans. In the 13th century Thessaloniki became part of the Byzantine Empire; many fine examples of Byzantine art survive in the city, particularly the mosaics in some of its historic churches including the basilica of St. Sophia and the church of St. George. Thessaloniki is a busy city with all Kinds of events taking place here. The city had been declared the ?European Capital for 1997?, while the annual ?Thessaloniki International Fair  HELEXPO?, held in autumn, attracts thousands of visitors from abroad, as it has been established as a pioneer show on new technological achievements at an international level. When it comes to hosting events, such as conferences and exhibitions, Thessaloniki  with 25.000 beds in all hotel classes  offers excellent accommodation together with modern conference and exhibition facilities to meet the highest international standards. Thessaloniki is a city of poetry, art and charm. With its old quarters with narrow, tree-lined streets and gardens and quite a few taverns, ouzeris, restaurants, bars and bouzoukia together with little dives and cellars specializing in local treats. Delicious food and wine and local hospitality with ?rembetika? melodies and the scent of exotic flowers wafting through the air make Thessaloniki a city of culture, a city worth visiting and experiencing its life. From a historical viewpoint, one should not miss the findings of the Royal Tombs of Vergina, displayed in the Archaeological Museum, while visitors should also experience getting acquainted with the exhibits of the Byzantine Museum and the Municipal Art Museum. The city"s cultural life is boosted by art-galleries, major events such as the Greek film festival which follows the Thessaloniki International fair, concert-halls and theaters, and reaches its peak during a month-long festival, the Dimitria, held in October.

Pieria

The land of the nine Muses and home to the Gods of Mt. Olympus, Pieria boasts a vast historical and mythological past, and is one of Greece"s most beautiful regions, combining natural unspoiled beauty with modern folklore. Pieria is often mentioned by Homer as the region from which the Gods descended and ?flew? to other places. The name ?Pieria? actually means ?fruitful and fertile land?, a fact easily witnessed by visitors crossing any part of the region. Pieria has always played a major role in Greek history, embellished by Mt. Olympus, Greece?s highest peak, and was selected by the Macedon kings as their first capital, then called ?Aegis?, while it also represented the sacred city of the Macedons. Amidst the lush vegetation and the springs of the Pierian plain, just before the ascent to Mt. Olympus begins, one can see the ruins of the sanctuary buildings comprising the temples, two theaters and a stadium. The remains of the ancient city of Dion are located nearby. Dion was closely associated to Zeus, as its name implies (in Greek, the god is also called Dias). The same long, sandy beaches, high green mountains and dense forests, swarmed in the old days with historic people, where the fresh cold mountain air continues to blow and the sun continues to shine, nowadays comprise ideal climatic conditions throughout the entire year. This is also the setting enjoyed by the area"s tourist infrastructure, which offers visitors a wide range of amenities, sporting facilities, and fully-equipped conference halls, that succeed in placing Pieria amongst the leading contenders for successful combinations of business and leisure.

Kavala

Gorgeous scenery, fascinating historical monuments, superb beaches, plus all the services and excellent tourist facilities, await the visitor to Kavala, one of the gems of eastern Macedonia. A city with a distinguished past, Kavala occupies the site of ancient Neapolis. Its buildings rise like the tiers of an amphitheater up the slopes of Mt. Simvolo, overlooking the picturesque harbor. The area has been settled since Neolithic times (3.000 BC), while Antiwar, covering the present villages of Kalamitsa and Kipoupolis just outside town, was founded in the 5th century BC. Over the course of time, the region of Kavala had a turbulent history of invasions, wars and oppression before evolving into the important commercial center it is today. Besides having a busy port, Kavala is the center of Greece"s tobacco industry. Although a modern business center, Kavala, is amply endowed with charms to attract and captivate any visitor, for it has managed to hold on to many features of its former appearance, resulting in a graceful balance of the old and the new. The spacious squares, the contemporary constructions, the shops and warehouses on the west side of the city blend harmoniously with the old houses with their gardens and enclosed balconies that jut out over the flagstones of the narrow alleyways on the east side. Traditional and modern meet and merge both in Kavala"s architecture and its layout. Furthermore, its up-to-date facilities for tourists, its nightclubs and its taverns provide all the amenities while offering endless possibilities for a most pleasant stay. The town"s harbour is particularly beguiling, filled with dozens of brightly colored fishing cliques bobbing up and down at the quay before they set out at twilight, lamps lit for the night"s adventure. The traditional district of Panayia, named after a 15th century church dedicated to the Virgin that once existed there, has much to interest the sightseer: the Byzantine walls and the 16th century Castle with a good view of the town, the port, and the Cathedral, built on the site of the earlier church. Also worth a closer look is the Kamaras Aqueduct, erected by Suleyman the Magnificent to guarantee the city"s water suply.

Thasos Island

Thasos, famous in antiquity for its gold and marble, lies just off the coast of Eastern Macedonia. The marble ridge of Mt. Ypsari rises out of the surrounding uplands to a height of 1,003 m (3,291 feet).  Ample rainfall in autumn and winter sustains the lush vegetation clothing the entire landscape. There are a lot of beaches around the island, such as Makryammos, Skala Potamia, Kinira, Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, Skala  Sotirou, and many smaller ones. An excursion by caique (fishing boat) to the islet of Thassopoula, is also a charming experience. The island of Thassos makes an ideal holiday destination as the combination of breathtaking natural beauties and excellent tourist infrastructure is every traveler"s wish.