Sports & nature

With beaches, lakes, rivers, canyons, dense forests and snowy mountains, Macedonia caters to everyone’s needs. Whether your passion is skiing, hiking or rafting you’ll find it here. Begin in Vasilitsa (Grevena) at the top of the Pindos mountain range where you’ll ski, snowboard or sled through the fir trees. The next ski centre, Seli, was the first such centre in Greece. Go to Kaimaktsalan (Pella) and visit the highest snow bar in Greece at an altitude of more than 2,000m. In 3-5 Pigadia, the ski season grows longer each year. There is also a resort on Falakro (Volakas, St Athanasios, in Drama), the Lailias Ski Centre, Vigla Pisoderi and Elatohori, by the sea.

For trekking, head to the Prespa lakes, in the region of Valia Kalda - Arkoudorema - Flega, and waterfalls in the virgin forest of Fraktos, the Enippeas River at Litochoro. Walk or bike through the magical forest of Kotza Orman (Drama). End up at the top of the mythical Mount Olympus. The highest peak is Mytikas, at an altitude of 2,917m. Observe rare birds such as flamingos in Prespa and Lake Kerkini. For rafting-kayaking go to the Nestos and Aliakmonas. For canoeing test your resilience in the lakes of Florina and Prespa. And for a spa experience, head to Pozar – hot springs in the middle of the lush, snowy landscape.