Discover Imathia: Aigai, Veria and Naoussa

Explore Imathia through a range of travel interests: Aigai is focused on the ancient history of the Kingdom of Macedonia, while Veria offers important Byzantine architectural heritage and museums. Naoussa combines wine culture with activities in the Vermio Mountains; Seli adds seasonal skiing to the mix. When planning your accommodation, it helps to decide first what your trip will focus on.

Aigai and Vergina: the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia

The archaeological site of Aigai in Imathia lies between the modern villages of Palatitsia and Vergina. Aigai was the first ancient capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. The site includes a monumental palace and a royal necropolis with more than 500 tumulus tombs. Aigai therefore brings into focus both the history of an early centre of power and an exceptionally large number of royal tombs.

The central museum building of Aigai is the gateway to both the Polycentric Museum and the archaeological site. The Archaeological Museum of Vergina is integrated into the archaeological park. For orientation, it is worth keeping these connections in mind: the museum building provides access to the museum and site, while the Museum of Vergina is part of the archaeological park.

Veria: Byzantine architecture and museums

The Old Metropolis of Veria was built in the late 11th or early 12th century and is one of the largest Middle Byzantine basilicas in the Balkans. Following its restoration, it opened to visitors in 2016. The Byzantine Museum of Veria is housed in the surviving Markos Mill, dating from 1911, in the traditional Kyriotissa quarter. The architecture and museum visit offer distinct points of interest: the large Middle Byzantine basilica on the one hand, and a museum in a historic mill on the other.

The Archaeological Museum of Veria displays finds from the Imathia region dating from the Neolithic to the Roman period. One focus is the flourishing of the Kingdom of Macedonia. The Step of Apostle Paul is also one of Veria’s historic sites: the original steps from the 1st century have been preserved there.

The Step of Apostle Paul attracts many visitors, particularly in June, during the festival events known as Pavleia. The events culminate on June 28 and 29, the feast days of the Apostles Peter and Paul. If you would like to plan your trip around these dates, check the event schedule in advance. The historic stone monastery of Timios Prodromos, also known as the Skete of Veria, has existed since the 14th century.

Naoussa: wine and activities in the Vermio Mountains

The Naoussa Wine Trail leads to established wineries. Information on opening hours is available for individual wineries; check again before your trip. The Naoussa wine-growing region has been recognised as a PDO area since 1971. The wine trail therefore offers specific winery visits alongside the wine region’s long-standing recognition.

The Vermio Mountains near Naoussa offer opportunities for trekking, cycling and off-road driving in a 4x4 vehicle. This range includes activities on foot, by bicycle and in a 4x4. If you are choosing the region based on the purpose of your trip, you can consider winery visits and mountain experiences as distinct focuses.

Skiing and outdoor trails

The Seli Ski Resort offers numerous runs for recreational and professional skiers at an elevation of 1,530 to 1,890 metres. Snow and operations are seasonal. The National Ski Center of Seli also has a long history: it opened in 1934 as Greece’s first organised ski resort. Two aspects are therefore important when planning your trip: the centre’s historical significance and the seasonal conditions for skiing. Check operating conditions before your visit.

Those who prefer walking or using sports trails can find paths for exercise and walks at the Grove of Agios Nikolaos, by the sources of the Arapitsa River. Imathia therefore offers a range of outdoor activities: trails by the river’s sources, activities in the Vermio Mountains and seasonal ski runs in Seli.

Planning your trip

For travel to the region, the suburban railway line from Thessaloniki to Florina is a regional transport connection, with stops at railway stations in Imathia and Pella. Check the current timetable before travelling. When choosing accommodation, use your main reason for travelling as a starting point: Aigai and Vergina for archaeological heritage, Veria for Byzantine architecture and museum history, Naoussa for wineries and mountain activities, or Seli for seasonal skiing.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vergína, Náousa, Veria, Kastanea, Asomata, Koryfi, Rodochori, Agios Pavlos, Alexandria, Platy, Koumaria, Elafina, Mesi, Makrochori, Kato Vermio.

For the regional travel overview: Central Macedonia.