Every year, Orthodox Easter is celebrated in Greece with a stunning display of tradition and fireworks. As the world’s most populous Orthodox country, Greek Easter is a time for celebration and joy amidst the solemnity of Holy Week.
If you’re looking for an Easter getaway this year, why not look north? Northern Greece offers the perfect mix of quaint villages , natural beauty and historical interest. Here are 4 Easter destinations in Northern Greece to consider on your trip:
Meteora – Kalabaka
Meteora and Kalabaka is a great destination for the Easter in Greece that offers a fascinating look into the history of Christianity. The area, which is known for its Christian orthodox monasteries and history, is also home to natural attractions like hiking trails, caves, and geological features.
Kalabaka is a small town in the western part of Thessaly. It’s famous for being the home of the Meteora rock formations, which are large rocks that balance on top of one another to create a beautiful sight. The town itself isn’t much to look at, but it makes a good stop-off point if you’re just passing through on your way to Meteora.
Kalabaka is known to have some of the most unique and delicious cuisine in Greece. The location is right in the middle of farmland country, which means it has access to really fresh produce, meat, and dairy. In fact, many of the most popular dishes come from this region and were developed by farmers as they were trying to use every part of their livestock.
Meteora is a central Greek rock formation that houses one of the largest and most precipitously erected complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second only to Mount Athos in prominence. The six monasteries (out of a total of twenty-four) are built on massive natural pillars and hill-like rounded rocks that dominate the surrounding landscape. The rock formations have always been a place of prayer for the locals, but twenty-four monasteries were built upon them throughout the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
Edessa – Pozar
Within a city, there are waterfalls? Take a trip to Macedonia and see for yourself. These small miracles carved by the Edesseos River will enchant you. You’ll come upon the open-air Water Museum, which is the only one of its sort in Greece, as you roam around. You’ll learn about the drive that once propelled Edessa’s industrial heritage’s looms and mills.
The Waterfall of Edessa is one of the most famous and picturesque spots in the city. The waterfall is surrounded by trees and greenery, giving it an almost enchanted feeling when you stand nearby. The area surrounding this natural wonder has been converted into an outdoor park with picnic tables and benches so visitors can enjoy lunch while admiring their surroundings.
Pozar is a town in northern Greece, with a population of just over 1000 people. It’s known for its hot springs and mineral baths, which are said to have curative properties. The town is also surrounded by natural beauty, with the Pella Forest to the east and a national park to the west.
The baths of Pozar are fed by natural hot springs that run from deep within the earth and meet at an altitude of about 300 meters. They are surrounded by lush vegetation and wildflowers that make the water smell sweet and fresh. Visitors can enjoy these baths as part of their stay at one of several nearby hotels or rent private rooms for an even more intimate experience.
Thessaloniki
Visit Thessaloniki and you’ll see why it’s called the “Queen of the North.” At the edge of the Thermaic Gulf, this ancient city was once a major port and is now considered by many to be Greece’s cultural capital. It is also known for its nightlife, with a vibrant dining and drinking scene.
If you’re planning on exploring Thessaloniki, it’s best to take in the city’s history first. Start at Ano Poli, the city’s medieval quarter. Here you can visit one of the most popular sites in Thessaloniki—the White Tower. Built in 1430, this tower was once used as a prison, but today it is open to visitors who want to get a good view of the city from its rooftop.
From there, take a stroll around Aristotelous Square to see how the city has changed over time. This pedestrian-only area has become a hub for people-watching and shopping in recent years.
And don’t forget to check out the city’s stunning waterfront! You can have an excellent seaside walk or enjoy your drink, while watching the impressive sight.
Kastoria
It appears to be an Impressionist painting from afar, with houses, churches, and trees visible through a haze, their reflections shimmering in the lake. Macedonia’s scenery is breathtaking. Closer inspection reveals imposing aristocratic lakeside houses encircled by tall tree groupings and interspersed by Byzantine churches. Closer inspection reveals locals sipping coffee or strolling by the lake, with fishermen in flat-bottomed boats offshore and pelicans keeping a hopeful eye on the scene. The historic Mavriotissa Monastery and the Dragon’s Cave are just outside of town, waiting to be discovered. And that’s just the beginning of Kastoria’s attractions.
Kastoria is known not only in Greece but throughout the world for its fur. For ages, the town’s furriers have mastered the knack of smoothly stitching pelts into appealing patterns. Shops and showrooms may be found all across town, some of which are housed in majestic stone structures.
You can walk, cycle, or drive around the lake from the south to the north side, depending on your time and energy. Plan to stop at least twice along the way: once to explore the Dragon’s Cave and marvel at its stalactites and stalagmites, and secondly to see the Panagia Mavriotissa Monastery’s magnificent murals on the exterior and inside. It is the oldest complex of its kind in western Macedonia. The Dark-skinned Virgin is the meaning of the name.
The city’s nightlife is defined by tavernas and ouzeris, restaurants, bars, cafes, and clubs. When you’re ready to retire, there are a variety of wonderful hotels to choose from, ranging from dramatic, restored manor houses to modern facilities with pools and spas – all with views of the lake.
Get ready to meet new fascinating places and contact us to schedule your next trip.
