Imathia
In the city itself, the Byzantine museum and the folklore Vlach museum (Vlahogianneio Museum) will lend insight into this complex region of Greece and its subcultures. The old quarter of Veroia, known as Kyriotissa, is captivating and looks like something out of a time machine with its Balkan-meets-Ottoman style of architecture characterized by overhanging balconies, with lots of stone and wood. Many Byzantine churches are tucked away in the neighborhood. On the religious front, it’s worth noting that Veroia also the Medresse Mosque from Ottoman times and the Jewish synagogue, considered the oldest in Northern Greece. The old Jewish district actually dates back to Roman years.
Yet the region is also great for wine tourism with the area of Naousa being renowned for its great wines and boasts as many as 17 wineries to explore. Make a stop at the Wine and Vine museum too. Expect to eat well there, as Imathia is known for its good Macedonian cuisine, which is on the meaty side. The area is also known for its desserts such as ravani, a delicious syrupy cake that might be served with cream or mastic ice cream.
In terms of activities, the nearby Mount Vermion is full of signposted trails, including one that goes from Xerolivado forest (ironically meaning dry field) all the way up to Xerovouni (dry mountain). Before the snow season, you can also hike the route from Kastania forest from the Seli ski resort to the peak of Asourbasi, passing by the Alkiakmoas dam and lake. Also noteworthy are the trails of the Agios Nikolaos national park where the Europe’s E4 path takes you through forests with fir and oak trees. Mountain biking is also popular with those who know their way around these paths.
In winter Imathia transforms itself into a ski paradise with the ski center of Seli on the southwest slopes of Mount Vermio at an altitude of some 1900 meters, as well as the ski center of Tria-Pente Pigadia surrounded by fabulous chalets. Even those who don’t ski can take in the winter vibe in the ski centers by sipping hot chocolate, coffee or Tsipouro.
