Egnatia Aviation - Out and About the area

Remote from the organised mass tourism of Athens and the more famous Greek islands, the island of Thassos remains relatively unknown, although it is easily accessible from the mainland. With thousands of years of Greek history on its shoulders and its unique natural landscape, Thassos is still known as the “Emerald of the Aegean”. There are traditional mountain villages and sparkling beaches, the remains of prehistoric settlements, relicts of the ancient and classical eras, early Christian basilicas built on the ruins of ancient temples, old churches and dozens of tiny sanctuaries dotted about the landscape, making Thassos one of the most important travel destinations in the Greek part of Macedonia.

There is a frequent ferry service from Keramoti to Thassos. The trip time is 35 minutes.

The City of Kavala, situated 32km/20m west of the airport, is a modern city offering a variety of services and entertainment options. The traditional harbour is situated in the centre of the city within a short walking distance from the central bus station and the shopping streets. A mixture of traditional and modern café and tavernas along with the pubs and the clubs makes it a “must” in night entertainment. The long history of Kavala is easily recognised by the castle which is situated on top of the hill in the city centre and the stone built arches which are the trademarks of the city. There are frequent bus services from Keramoti and Chrysoupolis and the trip takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively you can travel by taxi. It takes approximately 20-25 minutes and it costs €16.00 from Keramoti.

The Nestos: river of life

Nestos river A setting overflowed with life, ideal for those looking for adventure. Rich in flora and fauna, it has been recognised as one of the five most important wetlands in Europe. The Nestos Narrows stretching for 22km are of exquisite beauty and ecological interest. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking on the European path E6 while marvelling at glorious scenery and finding rare wild flowers or go down the river by canoe or kayak. Farther into the forest, you may see the wild Liverian horses. The Great aquatic Forest or Kotza Orman which boasts luxuriant vegetation, abundant creepers, rare bird and animal species is a real paradise.

The six Lagoons spreading out from Nea Karvali as far as the Nestos, is a complex of lakes and marshes providing shelter for migratory birds. The dreamlike Nestos Delta stretches for 27km. At the bed of the river there is a recreation ground where hikers can rest. It is the habitat of herons, cormorants and flamingos. Chrysoupolis. Lay down near to the river is an finance and cultural centre of the Nestos eparchy. Visit the villages which are set within the green mountains of Lekani and breathe in the fresh air. Do not miss walking through the virgin oak forest. Enjoy the peace and quiet there and experience the amazing scents and images around you. The picturesque seaside resort of Keramoti is an ideal holiday destination. You can enjoy swimming at Ammoglossa and eating fresh fish at the tavernas alongside the waterfront.

Charming nearby seaside resort with a long sandy beach. There are hotels, a wide range of tourist facilities and the appropriate infrastructure for climbing and diving lovers. Restaurants and cafes found along the seafront lend Iraklitsa a cosmopolitan look. You can explore several caves on the islets of Kokkina, Fidonisi and Panagia by boat.

Land of the Hedones, initiated into Orphic mysteries later οn, the whole mountainous area around Mt Paggaio was famed for gold mines and the city of Skapti Yli in particular. It is there that Alexander the Great had the greatest amount of gold used in his expedition to Asia extracted from. Interspersed with sanctuaries, the area used to be a place of worship. At the villages οf Kipia and Akropotamos, there are remains of early Christian churches dating back to the 6th century AD; at Eleftheroupoli, the historic church of Agios Nikolaos was built on the remains of an early Christian basilica; arched Byzantine bridges and churches still exist at Mesoropi and Nikisiani. Mt Paggaio, 1956 metres above sea level, is covered with chestnuts, beeches and oaks; an asphalt road goes υρ to the mountain top. At the top there is a spacious ski run and a refuge for climbers. Midway yου can stop at the chalet 'Dasiko Chorio', where you can haνe a meal as well as find lodging. Besides, οn the way towards the top there are grillrooms and springs with running fresh water. The mountainsides are ideal for climbing. Besides being the administrative centre in the area, the historic town of Eleftheroupoli is vibrant with life and people go out to elegant restaurants in the old district as well as οn the surrounding hillsides. The towering tobacco warehouses are reminiscent of a bright past. A trip to Nikisiani, Palaiochori, Moustheni, Platanotopos, Kipia, Podochori, Avli,and Mesoropi and a meal at quaint tavernas in the shade of perennial plane trees having the murmur of spring water in your ears can convince you of Mt. Paggaio's perfect beauty.

Thessaloniki or Salonica (Greek: Θεσσαλονίκη) is the second-largest city of Greece and is the principal, the largest city, and the capital of the Greek region of Macedonia. It is also the capital of the Thessaloniki prefecture. Thessaloniki is a 2300+ year old city, named after the sister of Alexander the Great. Today it's a city of 1 million people, over 100.000 of which are students of the 2 big universities. There's lots of nightlife.

Situated on the shores of the Thermaikos Gulf, Thessaloniki is divided in a modern area and the old town. The old town is where most of the sights are. In the old town it will be mostly Byzantine churches and buildings that you are looking for. They are what Thessaloniki is famous for. You can get glimpses of “Old Salonica” in the walled Kastra quarter of the city, on the hillside beyond the modern grid of streets. In the modern areas you will find examples of recent architecture, that are interesting enough if you are into that kind of thing.