Trekking to the Lakes Drakolimnes in Flega, swimming in the waters of Portitsa Gorge, exploring the Drakos cave in Kastoria, rafting on the rivers Venetikos and Aliakmon, horseback riding in Nymfeo is just a small taste of the alternative form of tourism people, who do not like crowded vacation destinations, can enjoy in Western Macedonia, northwest Greece.
The Region of Western Macedonia, comprising the prefectures of Kozani, Grevena, Kastoria and Florina, is the only one in Greece that has no access to the sea but visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of eight lakes and the ruggedness of many rivers.
The huge man-made Polifitos Lake created in 1973 dominates in the prefecture of Kozani. However, the region’s magnificent mountains, the archaeological sites, including the Macedonian Tombs in Eordaia and the Paleontology Museum in Ptolemaida with the mammoth bones and fossilized insects, plants and seashells on display, a tangible proof that the region was once covered by the sea, are also a major attraction for tourists.
The exceptional natural beauty of the prefecture of Grevena with the alpine-like landscape captivates trekking enthusiasts who are offered various options from Valia Calda valley, to Mt. Orliakas, Vasilitsa, Spileo and Lakes Drakolimnes. The region also features many monasteries, traditional villages and stone-built bridges, while its unique delicacy, the mushrooms, is celebrated in a special event held each August along the Venetikos River.
The prefecture of Kastoria is located further to the north featuring the Grammos Mountain Range and the Aliakmon River springs. The city of Kastoria with its tens of Byzantine churches is built by the shores of the lake that shares the same name. The River Party event held in Nestorio at the Aliakmon River banks in early August is an attraction for thousands of young people enjoying music events, and alternative forms of tourism.
The Lakes Small and Large Prespes in the prefecture of Florina, in the northwest corner of the country, form a unique ecosystem and constitute natural border between three countries, Greece, FYROM, Albania. The small island of St Achilles “floats” on the waters of Small Prespa and visitors can admire the St Achilles basilica built in the 11th century by Czar Samuel. The traditional village of Nymfeo is a must for tourists who can also visit the “Arcturos” brown bear and wolf sanctuary facilities in Aetos.
20.07.2009
