Macedonia
Greece's largest geographic region, in the north, with the royal tombs at Vergina, the ancient capital at Pella, Mount Olympus and the Chalkidiki beaches around Thessaloniki.
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Greek Macedonia is the northern part of Greece, in the southern Balkans, and the country's largest geographic region. It is not North Macedonia, the separate country on its northern border. Thessaloniki, the regional capital and Greece's second-largest city, is a major port and a center for commerce, culture and food. Byzantine churches stand alongside Roman, Ottoman and Sephardic Jewish sites in the city.
The best-known sights are ancient. Vergina, the former Aigai, was the first capital of Macedon, and its museum holds finds from the royal burial site, including the tomb of Philip II, found in 1977. Pella, the later capital and birthplace of Alexander the Great, is a separate stop. Mount Olympus, Greece's highest mountain, lies about 80 km southwest of Thessaloniki. Chalkidiki's beaches are busiest in summer, and the mountain ski resorts operate in winter. The sights are spread across a wide region, so plan several days.
Macedonia in five
- Do not confuse it with North MacedoniaThis guide covers Greek Macedonia, the region around Thessaloniki. North Macedonia is a separate country with its own border crossings and entry rules.North Macedonia
- Base in Thessaloniki, then drive outVergina, Pella, Halkidiki and Olympus lie one to two hours from the city by road. A single city base saves repacking, and the airport and rail links make arrival easy.Thessaloniki
- Pair Vergina and Pella in a single dayThe royal tombs at Vergina are displayed underground in a museum, and Pella's mosaics are about 45 minutes away. Check the culture ministry for hours, since many sites close early or one day a week.
- Know the rule for Mount AthosThe monastic peninsula in Halkidiki is self-governing. Entry is by permit and limited to men, while women can only see the coast from a boat that stays offshore. Book through the Pilgrims' Bureau.
- Go in spring or autumn for the mountains and lakesMount Olympus trails and refuges open in a short summer window, so check the mountain huts first. Kastoria and the Prespa lakes suit May, June and September, away from the heat.
Things to do in Macedonia
See all attractions in Macedonia
Need to know
- Airport
- Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG), the main airport; Kavala (KVA) in the east
- Getting there
- Flights to Thessaloniki; Athens by train or road (about 5 hrs)
- Getting around
- Rental car; KTEL buses; trains on the main line
- Best base
- Thessaloniki; Litochoro for Olympus; Kavala for the east
- Time needed
- 4–7 days
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, damp
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchCool, spring
- AprilMild, museums
- MayWarm, green
- JuneHot, beaches
- JulyHot, dry
- AugustHot, dry
- SeptemberWarm, calm
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberRain, cool
- DecemberCold, festive
Right now in Macedonia
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
14
- Feels like
- 12°
- Humidity
- 89%
- Wind
- 11 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 65%
Macedonia
10:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today16°11°65%Monday: Rain. High 16°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 65%.
- Tue16°11°98%Tuesday: Rain. High 16°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Wed15°9°5%Wednesday: Rain. High 15°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Thu11°10°20%Thursday: Rain. High 11°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri13°8°5%Friday: Fog. High 13°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Sat11°6°3%Saturday: Rain. High 11°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sun12°4°16%Sunday: Fog. High 12°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 16%.
Updated 10:41 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Day trips by train
- Vergina and Pellaabout 1–1.5 hours by car from ThessalonikiRoyal tombs and the birthplace of Alexander the Great, in one loop.
- Mount Olympus and Litochoroabout 1.5 hours by car southwestThe mountain's trailhead town, with gorge walks and sea views.
- Halkidikiabout 1–1.5 hours by carThree peninsulas of pine forest and sandy beaches.
Before you go to Macedonia
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Rules for Macedonia, checked
- Greece is in the Schengen Area. Check entry requirements on the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs site (mfa.gr) before you fly.Source
- Mount Athos requires a permit to enter. Women are not allowed on the peninsula, and those who break the rule can be jailed for up to twelve months.
- Greeks use the name Macedonia for their region. For the neighboring country, say North Macedonia; the 2018 Prespa agreement settled the name.
Plan around Macedonia
Greece's second city, the base for the region
Read the guideNorthern GreeceMacedonia, Epirus and the wider north
Read the guideThasosIsland off the Kavala coast
Read the guideMeteoraMonasteries on rock pillars to the south
Read the guideAll of GreeceEntry rules, ferries and regions
Read the guideGetting around GreeceCars, buses and trains compared
Read the guideMacedonia FAQ
Is Macedonia in Greece?
Yes. Macedonia is a historic region of northern Greece, centered on Thessaloniki. The country called North Macedonia lies north of the border and is a separate nation with its own capital, Skopje.
What is there to see in Macedonia, Greece?
Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches and waterfront, the royal tombs at Vergina, Pella, Mount Olympus, the Halkidiki beaches and the lakes of Kastoria and Prespa. Most are road-trip stops.
How many days do you need in Greek Macedonia?
Four days cover Thessaloniki plus Vergina and Pella. A week adds Halkidiki or Olympus without rushing. Allow more if you plan to hike.
Can women visit Mount Athos?
No. Women are not allowed on the peninsula, and men need a permit from the Pilgrims' Bureau. Women can take a cruise along the coast, staying offshore.
When is the best time to visit Macedonia?
April, May, September and October for mild days. July and August are hot in the cities, and winter is cold and wet, with snow possible in the mountains.