Largest region of Greece, bounded by Albania, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria in the north, and covering an area of 34 177 km2 (13 192 sq miles). It is a geographically varied region of forested mountains including PINDHOS, OLYMPUS and Vermion; many lakes; broad fertile plains; and three long rivers, the Aliakmon, Axios and Strimon.
The main cities are SALONIKI, KAVALLA, Serrai and Drama. Wildlife is abundant and includes brown bears, boars, jackals, wildcats, wild pigs, roe deer, wild goats, wolves, storks, vultures, hawks, golden eagles, herons, pelicans and flamingos. Macedonia is also rich in minerals, producing copper, gold, iron, lead, magnesite, silver and chrome, and is the country's major power-producing and oil-refining region. Agriculture in Macedonia is the most varied and productive in Greece. Maize, beans, vegetables, rice, fruit, tobacco, timber and livestock are raised.
Until the 4th century BC, Macedonia was on the fringe of Hellenic culture, but under Philip II it became the dominant and unifying power of Greece, and then the springboard from which his son, Alexander the Great (336-323 BC), built his world empire. It was later held by Romans. Goths, Huns, Slays and Crusaders, and was under Turkish rule from 1371 until the Balkan Wars (1912-13). It was then split between Greece and Serbia (now in Yugoslavia), a small area going to Bulgaria. The Greek region is now a southern bastion of NATO.
Take a trip to Macedonia and experience the mythical charm of Greece in ways that you can't imagine. Macedonia covers the greatest region in the northern part of Greece and has a land area of 34, 177 square kilometers. The country got its name from one of its known founders, Macedon, who was kin to Deucalion. It is comprised of thirteen prefectures that all have contributed to the historical and legendary past of the said country. It is however landlocked with Bulgaria in the east, Greece in the south and Albania in the west so sadly, there are no beaches in Macedonia. But because of its richness in cultural and natural attractions, people from all over the globe find the country a remarkable tourist destination.
One of the most awe-inspiring activities that you can engage in is taking pictures in the Botanical Garden that's established in Skop Je. It is very special for it is the only one in Macedonia and is home to a wide variety of flora species. If you choose to visit Krushevo, the highest town in the country and towers an altitude of 4,000 feet, there are more than enough recreational and sports activities that will give you the excitement of your life. You can hike, tread the paths of the mountains on your bike, ride a hot air balloon or feel the adrenalin rush of paragliding. Hunting is also one of the favorite activities in Macedonia. You can join the "big games" and hunt for wild boars, red deer or stone partridges in the hunting sites Chestovo in Valandovo, Milisin in Gevgelija and Kadina Reka in Skopje.
In terms of breathtaking sceneries and wonders of nature, let your feet take you to see the Megalithic Observatory that's found in Kokino. It's only recently discovered and is believed to have been created during the second millennium B.C. to observe the goings-on in the heavenly sky. The Smolare Waterfalls is also panoramic with a beauty that will leave you mesmerized. Kuklica meanwhile boasts of a stone town where 120 stone pillars have naturally formed. Marko's Towers or Markovi Kuli in Greek language can be found in Varos, a village just northwest of Prilep. It's a high hill where the towers of Prince Marko were built and this doesn't only bring a lot of history to the place but also myths and legends.
Macedonia is also very popular for its food and wine. You can join tours to visit wineries, dine and of course have a glass of the finest wines in the country. Surely after a tiring day of exploration, a traveler is most likely to starve. That being said, we're sure that you'll enjoy the local delicacies like tavce gravce, sarma, stuffed peppers, pastrmajlija and turli tava among many others.
Locals hypothesize that the legacy of Italian blood and culture in Cologne, colonized by the Romans more than 1500 years ago, makes the people more jovial and lighthearted. Cologne is the largest city on the Rhine.
Kolsch is not only the dialect spoken here but, also the name of their own top-fermented beer. There are more than 4,000 pubs, restaurant's and brewery taverns in Cologne.
Unlike many of the world's large cities, Cologne, with a population of over a million, gets better every day, there are more things to do and see, more new and innovative buildings... more
Travel is an opportunity to learn, whether geography, languages, history or other subjects.
Cologne is situated on the beautiful Rhine River.