Your 3-day itinerary; Northern Greece (part 1)

Continuing my “3-day itinerary” series, I am now back with this page to suggest a new route during which you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most beautiful cities of the northern Greece.

Let’s now suppose that you’re landing for one more time in Thessaloniki and you’re looking for an alternative kind of holiday where you can explore amazing locations out of the beaten track. Where would you go and what cities would you visit?

In the itinerary that follows, I’ve prepared a few locations that would definitely steal your heart, whether you’re traveling to Greece during winter or summer! Let’s start!

Starting point; Thessaloniki

As mentioned above, your starting point for one more time would be the beautiful city of Thessaloniki, known in Greece as the Nymph of the North . More information regarding the activities and the recommended sightseeing while in Thessaloniki can be found here.

Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece

Thessalonique, Grèce

Day 1. From Thessaloniki to Kozani

Kozani is the capital of the regional unit of Kozani and it’s only an hour and a half driving from Thessaloniki. The Lake Polyphytos Bridge (Gefyra tis limnis tou Polyfytou) or the Servia - Neraida High Bridge is one of the longest bridges in Greece, with a length of 1,372 m and it is definitely a worth visiting spot! Ideal for water rafting and extreme activities, Kozani is an destination for all seasons! Water rafting in Aliakmonas, brings all the fun of the water together with the sense of adventure; being at the mercy of the waves and wondering what’s around the next bend is more than an exhilarating feeling! Whether as a family outing or an extreme sport excursion, water rafting offers everyone an opportunity to get out, get wet and most importantly have fun. Ready to experience it?

Kozani, the city center!!

El. Venizelou 9, Kozani 501 00, Greece

Aliakmonas river and the lake of Polyfytos

8499+3C Polyfyto, Greece

Velvento Village & Gorge

Aristotelis 9, Velventos 504 00, Greece

Day 2. From Kozani to Kastoria

After having spent an exhilarating day of rafting and extreme activities in Kozani, it is now time to visit one of the most picturesque cities of the north western Greece. The lake of Kastoria is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Balkans, and it is directly linked to the character, history and development of the city. It has been classified as “Monument of Natural Beauty” by the Ministry of Culture and it has been integrated in the European Network “Nature 2000”! Ideal for a day stroll where you’ll have the chance to admire its natural beauty and its breathtaking landscapes!

Visit the lake of Kastoria

G7GR+H5 Kastoria, Greece

Day 3. From Kastoria to Florina and the Arcturos environmental centre

Florina is mountainous city situated in the Northern part of Greece. It is said to be one of the coldest towns in Greece, because of its elevation and geographic position. Heavy snowfalls, thick fog and below-freezing temperatures are common during the winter months, facts that definitely attract the winter lovers’ attention. Lively, interesting and graphic, Florina is offered as a great getaway experience for the nature admirers. At the same time, if you feel like exploring Greece’s flora and fauna while visiting one of the biggest environmental centres where you could actually walk and see the animals in their natural habitats, living right next to you, then the “Arcturos Environmental Centre” is only a few kilometres far from Florina and awaiting to be discovered! ARCTUROS is a non profit, non governmental, environmental organization (NGO) founded in 1992, focusing on the protection of wildlife fauna and natural habitat, in Greece and abroad. In the shelter you may encounter with bears, wolves, otters, deers, sheperd dogs and chamois! Ideal if you’re traveling with family and kids!

Florina

PH9C+Q7 Perasma, Greece

ARCTUROS Bear/Environmental Sanctuary

MG23+W7 Nimfeo, Greece

Extra suggestion; Stroll through Nymfaio

Nymfaio is built in an altitude of 1.350 m and according to Unesco,it has been singled out as one of the ten most picturesque villages of Europe! This fascinating village with stone built houses and cobblestone paths, surrounded by a breathtaking beech forest, looks like it just came out of a fairytale book. Nymfaio is a year round charming destination as it combines remarkable beauty of nature, a distinctive glorious past, unique traditional guesthouses and numerous cafes and restaurants. In the area you can pursue exhilarating activities such as mountain climbing, off road routes, bird watching at the lakes, hiking and mountain biking!

A fairytale escape to Nymfaio in Florina

Νίκειος Σχολή Νυμφαίου, Nimfeo 530 75, Greece

Ready to explore them all? More tips and similar itineraries are about to be revealed soon! All you have to do is just stay tuned on our page! Cheers!