A Family Travel Guide to Central Macedonia, Greece

From breathtaking cultural sights and coastal landscapes to the majestic and revered Mount Olympus, Central Macedonia offers an authentic Greek experience. It’s also an immersive and welcoming destination for families, who will find fun at every turn, whether they're in a city or on a beach along the Aegean Sea.

Already on the radar of local Greek and European travelers, Central Macedonia is also an affordable alternative to more well-trodden destinations. The region spans some 7,200 square miles and is divided into seven units. Of these seven, Halkidiki, Thessaloniki and Pieria boast a particularly unique identity and character. There is so much to do that travelers might spend a week or more experiencing all three locales.

Here’s a guide to the region for families, including what to see and do in Halkidiki, Thessaloniki and Pieria.  

Getting Around Macedonia

Most visitors to the region arrive at Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki. The city is a central transportation hub for daily international and domestic flights, and a central train station connects it with cities across Greece and neighboring countries. Intercity buses also link Thessaloniki to other regions, while the port handles ferry services and is the starting point for multiple cruise line itineraries to the Eastern Mediterranean.

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Families can rent a car or hire a driver to travel between the regions. In Thessaloniki, a taxi is usually sufficient. Tour operators often pick up at hotels; some may provide a shuttle service.

Exploring Halkidiki

Halkidiki’s three peninsulas resemble the trident of Poseidon, a Greek sea god. Its coastline reveals lively beach bars, diverse marine ecosystems and minimally traversed shores. With stunning turquoise waters and distinctive rock formations, two picturesque and popular beaches provide relaxation and exploration opportunities: the Blue Lagoon of Diaporos Island and Robinson Beach, a secluded inlet with shallow waters inaccessible by land. Boat tours such as Athos Cruise sail to the most exclusive spots in the region.

The breathtaking, panoramic views of the Aegean Sea from higher elevations captivate adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Families can access the challenging terrains of forested mountains such as Mount Itamos on the Sithonia Peninsula with tour provider Greek Adventures, which specializes in 4x4 guided experiences.

The charm of villages such as Old Nikiti, with its preserved 14th-century structures and the venerable 19th-century Church of Saint Nikitas, reflects the area's historical heritage. Narrow stone-paved streets and alleyways lead to tavernas, cafes and shops. 

The waterfront of Nikiti Beach is ideal for dining and evening strolls. Have clients stop at Arsanas for the most flavorful ceviche, and nearby gelateria Ksilaki for artisanal desserts and frozen treats.

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For accommodations, the five-star Acrotel Athena Pallas in Nikiti stands out with its elegant, relaxing vibe. It features 175 contemporary rooms and suites, family-friendly amenities, multiple pools and a private beach. Dining includes multiple unique on-site options, including interactive experiences. Clients can prepare their own meal at Cook & Eat 1939, or dress in Hellenic robes and togas for dinner at Dionisos. Kids will enjoy the large, multiroom kids’ club, while parents can have “me time” in the spa, fitness center and sports facilities.

Then, between Halkidiki and Thessaloniki, a must-visit family-friendly attraction is Petralona Cave, which was accidentally discovered in 1959. Excavations have turned up artifacts including a skull about 700,000 years old and fossils of extinct animals. The centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites are equally impressive. 

Exploring Thessaloniki

Founded in 316 B.C., Thessaloniki offers profound cultural wealth. The city thrived from Alexander the Great's rule to the Roman and later Byzantine victories. Conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453 and under their control until Greece's 19th-century independence, the city modified its infrastructure to reflect Islamic and Ottoman design. The diversity is visible in the city's mosques, temples, churches, fortifications and monuments.

Thessaloniki's most iconic symbol is the Ottoman-built, 15th-century fortress known as The White Tower. Around 300 A.D., celebrating his victory over the Persians, Roman Emperor Galerius constructed a mausoleum known as the Rotunda and the triumphant Arch of Galerius. The city's political, administrative and social core from the second century are now the ruins of the ancient Roman forum and baths. Initially a military strategy, the fourth-century construction of the Byzantine walls was pivotal in preserving the city's integrity.

At the epicenter is the fourth-century Byzantine architecture of the Church of Agios Dimitrios; inside this gilded basilica, visitors will find the tomb and relics of the city's patron saint. Travel advisors can arrange a city walking tour with a local guide for a deeper exploration. 

Hungry after all their cultural excursions, clients can enjoy the gastronomic offerings of this cosmopolitan city. Authentic Greek souvlaki at Savvikos is a must, as is a stroll through Aristotelous Square to indulge in trigona, a beloved delicacy of custard cream-filled phyllo cones originating from Thessaloniki. The all-day brunch and street foods are irresistible at the innovative Estrella. Traditional pastries such as bougatsa and cheese-filled breads like khachapuri offer culturally significant and unique tasting experiences. Marrone Restaurant, meanwhile, serves modern Mediterranean cuisine, perfectly blending fine dining with comfort food and featuring more than 200 wine labels.

Traditional Greek market life can be observed at Modiano Market, which reflects the region's rich Jewish heritage and is well-known for feta cheese, honey, olives and award-winning wines. Kapani Market, too, is renowned for its abundance of Greek ingredients and delicacies. 

Wander through the popular Ladadika district's many narrow cobblestone alleyways, then pop into a taverna such as Kioupia for an Ouzo or traditional Greek flavors and lively bouzouki music.

For more city adventures, point clients to the Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum (NOESIS), which offers engaging and interactive experiences for families. Hands-on exhibitions help clients understand the technological achievements of ancient Greek civilization. Clients might also escape from a collapsing moon base inside the NOESIS motion simulator theater, and marvel at displays in the Museum of Illusions.

A stroll along the Nikis promenade is another itinerary must, as this is where travelers will find the famous and vibrant sculpture “The Umbrellas.”

For nearby accommodations, look into Grand Hotel Palace. Set near Thessaloniki's city center, it offers family suites, a daily breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a full-service spa and a shuttle service. 

Exploring Pieria

Pieria is unsurprisingly a favorite beach destination for families. It is known for having the longest single stretch of coastline in Greece (43 miles) and many Blue Flag-awarded pristine beaches. As the gateway to exploring Mount Olympus, its summit and the throne of Zeus, Pieria is steeped in mythological significance.

Paralia Katerini, Nei Pori and Olympiaki Akti are some of the top picks along the “Olympus Riviera,” an endearing comparison to the French Riviera. All provide a wealth of seaside activities. Families can book a scenic coastal cruise to admire the picturesque beaches, landscapes and the distant view of Platamon Castle, a Byzantine fortress from the early 10th century. Clients can visit this Olympian landmark up close for a tour or summer concert.

Exploring Olympus National Park will be a highlight for families, especially a trek to Enipeas Gorge to see the dazzling blue-green waterfalls. Guides here are full of stories that bring mythology to life and provide a deeper connection to the landscape. Nearby, the 16th-century Monastery of Agios Dionysus remains a vibrant spiritual site amidst Byzantine ruins.

Plan a visit to the Archaeological Park of Dion and its museum for immersive, hands-on exploration. In addition to fascinating exhibits, the ruins of this remarkable civilization offer insights into the daily life of ancient Macedonia.

For laid-back, beachfront accommodations, consider Mediterranean Village in Paralia Katerini. Ideal for families, it has more than 150 rooms and suites, multiple large swimming pools, multiple dining options, a minimart, a full-service spa, a fitness center and watersports.

Ktima Bellou Farm Hotel, meanwhile, is a family-run, four-star, eco-friendly boutique property near Mount Olympus. There are only seven rooms and five guesthouses here, which translated to highly personalized service. The organic farm provides farm-to-table Greek cuisine to the on-site restaurant. It's one of the most secluded (and romantic) properties in Pieria; kids will love the outdoor pool and the whole family will love stargazing in the clear night skies.

With endless opportunities to explore and experience Central Macedonia, families will discover countless ways to create unforgettable vacation memories in Greece.