 Second largest city in Greece and the capital
of the north, Thessaloniki is an unusual combination of commerce, history and seaside
resorts. It is the site of the annual International Trade Fair and host city to the Greek
Film Festival.
Thessalonki, is also unigue in that it is the meeting place of three cultures, the
ancient, the Byzantine and today's Greek world. History's remmants including the Triumphal
Arch of Galerius, the Venetian White Tower and the Castle of the Seven Towers (the
Eptapirgion). International Airport. Marina in Aretsu.
HALKIDKI. Looking at a map of Greece, the tri-pincer peninsula in the
northeast is the region known as Halkidiki. When you penetrate the area you feel you are
quitting the familar world, finding yourself suddenly in what appears to be unexplored
ground. Mountains succeed one another in varying shades of purple. The sea laps some of
the most golden beaches in Greece. Valleys are bedecked with clusters of flowers of
amazing colors that no human hand ever planted.
Arecent discovery of an ancient skull in a cave outside the tiny village of Petrolana has
pushed back the habitation of Halkidiki right into the midsts of prehistory, having been
scientifically established as belonging to a "paleoanthropos." |
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The Byzantine aura of holy Mount Athos, (Agio Oros in Greek) stands like a bridge linking
the past with the present. Though a veritable museum, it is not lifeless, rather, it
pulses today with living monastic traditions. Only men are allowed to visit Mount Athos
and must have a permit. However, sailing past the majestic Mount Athos peninsula, you may
catch glimpses of the coastal monasteries.
KAVALA. A modern town
east of Thessaloniki flanked by a wide commercial port, Kavala maintains an island flavor
even though it is a mainland port. Byzantine fortifications, a medeival aquaduct and the
ruins of Filipi are main archaeological attractions. Airport. Yacht provisioning
facilities.
THASOS. A green, wooded island, Porto Thassos is an ancient harbor that
still provides good shelter. Quayside tavernas make a stopover memorable. Yacht
provisioning facilities. |
