Trekking
On the hill of Agios Georgios, in Kilkis
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Kilkis
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english (341)
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Agrotourism (25)
The rural life and its activities, the variety of local products, the traditional cuisine, the observation of the rich ecosystem of the region and even the adventure sports or the rejuvenating walks in nature await the friends of agrotourism. In the region of Kilkis, the visitor has the opportunity to explore the rural areas, the local products, the cultural elements and the original characteristics of this area, in respect to the environment and the tradition.
One can experience the customs through the multitude of cultural and folk events that are held throughout the year in the entire region of Kilkis, such as the celebrations in various towns on St. John’s Day. On January 8 the custom of "Mpampo" revives in Aspros, in Kalindria, in Terpyllos etc, when women impose absolute power for this one day. Honored person is the midwife ("mpampo”) of the village, and the finale of the celebration is a feast accompanied with traditional dances and songs.
The visitors can also enjoy the traditional cuisine and wines of exceptional quality, such as the wonderful wines with Designation of Origin of Superior Quality "Goumenissa". One can also taste the famous grappa and tsipouro, fine cheeses, delicious local meat, sausages with leek, huntings, pies, traditional sweets, pure honey, pontian cheeses and pasta in Ragian in Kilkis and Vathi, and a plethora of delicious products and traditional dishes of Pontians, Stenimachites and Anatolikoromyliotes.
To enjoy the taste of carp in the fish restaurants of Doirani, while in the local cooperatives the women put all their creativity into their products. In the homes, every season, traditional flavors and aromas beautify the atmosphere. The prefecture of Kilkis is justly proud of its rich culinary activity. Here, each family prepares pickles throughout the year, while local and delicious original recipes give their taste to every festive day of the year.
At Kilkis, one can find amazing farm houses where there is the opportunity to get acquainted with agricultural activities, enjoy homemade traditional cuisine and the everyday life of the residents in a beautiful natural environment. This way, one can come in contact with the nature and outdoor activities, in which one may be involved, be entertained and feel the joy of touring, learning and discovering.
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Gastronomy (71)
The local cuisine, as well as the entire prefecture, is intensely multicultural. The Greek diaspora is concentrated on the table with all its features! In the homes, every season, traditional flavors and aromas beautify the atmosphere. The prefecture of Kilkis is justly proud of its rich culinary activity. Here, each family prepares pickles throughout the year, while local and delicious original recipes give their taste to every festive day of the year.
King of all ... the Pontian cuisine! Here, the famous pontian cheeses and pasta "Ragian" are produced in the village of Vathi, in an amazing, visitable production facility. Fine dairies, such as the cheese Doirani, dairies from Koukakis, Lykas and Kolios are also produced in this region. Parparas produces homemade pickles. Goumenissa is the center of the wine production with OPAP wines from the varieties Ksinomavro and Negoska. Wineries made with care, like Boutari and Aidarini, small wine museums, real gems, such as the Eftichides and Tatsis, traditional cauldrons like Archontakia, exceptional units with organically grown vines like Akrothea winery, but also new, modern and well-equipped ones like Hatzivaritis, are all waiting to guide you and accompany you to the wine roads, with aromas of grappa and tsipouro.
In this region you will try traditional dishes and sweet preserves in Filiria, in the home of Mr. Alekos, in Gerakona, in the corner of Mr. Vassilis with the genuine honey and in Fanos, in the traditional oven of Costas you will taste homemade bread and pasta made from traditional organic cultivation and stone-crushed cereals. From the taverns in Kroussia to the restaurants in Kilkis and from Livadia in Paiko to the scenic Kastaneri and the lush Kotza Ntere, exquisite meats from local free-range animals promise you unforgettable culinary delights. Fresh fish at Doirani, cooked in every way, supplements the list for the lovers of "Well Living".
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Nature (25)
Blessed with a particularly rich and diverse natural environment, the prefecture of Kilkis is ideal for excursions and naturalistic trips from the nearby Thessaloniki for those who seek a beautiful and peaceful destination for their vacation.
It features beautiful landscapes with rivers and lakes and idyllic mountain paths, which can delight the simple hikers and the demanding mountaineers equally.
From the only cave in the hill of St. George, which is one of the most remarkable caves of Greece (and ideal for cave-therapy) to the monument of Nature "Hilia Dentra" in Lake Doirani or the Lake Pikrolimni which has medicinal properties, as well as many other natural sites, the visitor will be impressed and calmed.
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Culture (68)
At Kilkis, trails of culture lead the visitor to significant archaeological sites, folklore museums with wonderful exhibits of folk tradition and refugee chests filled with memories, uniquely preserved buildings and traditional houses, countless churches and chapels, many of which date back centuries, along with historical monuments that remind us of the important role that Kilkis and its surrounding villages have played in Greek history. The past and its long history are etched across this region and are spurting from every place like water.
View items...Weekend in the city of Kilkis and nearby areas
Ideal for visitors from the region of northern Greece.
Arrival in the city of Kilkis on Saturday morning and arranging our accommodation in one of the hotels of the city (hyperlink).
If possible, we propose to come to Kilkis through the route of Mikrokampos and Ksilokeratia, visiting Pikrolimni (located between Mikrokampos and Ksilokeratia) and visit the baths of Pikrolimni, or even stay overnight.
If the selected accommodation is in Kilkis, after settling in the hotel, we can take a trip to the north of the city, to eat in Efkarpia, visit to the archaeological site of Terpyllos and Palatiano, where there are also copies of ancient statues. For this visit, we should contact the Archaeological Service first.
We return to the city of Kilkis, where there is always an opportunity for entertainment in one of the many cafes and restaurants of the city.
On the next day, Sunday, we can visit the archaeological museum (here you will find four wonderful statues of Palatiano, the Kouros of Europos, along with unique and interesting archaeological findings of the everyday life of our ancestors), the War museum which is located just outside the city Kilkis on the Heroon Hill, and also the Church of St. George and the Cave of Kilkis.Then we can go to Gynaikokastro, to visit the Byzantine castle and then to Chorygi, where an imposing megalithic monument of prehistoric times is located. On our way back, we can stop for lunch in the picturesque village of Metalliko.
Returning to our base, after the completion of our trip, we propose to take the regional road through Colchida, Ksiilokeratia and Mikrokampos if you did not take this route upon arrival.
Weekend in the area of Doirani
Ideal for visitors from the region of northern Greece.
Arrival on Saturday morning on Lake Doirani and its settlement, which is located 75 km away from Thessaloniki on the northern border of our country.
While passing through the city of Kilkis we suggest to stop and visit the cave of Kilkis that is located at the foot of the hill of St. George, featuring rare decoration of coral material, stalactites and stalagmites that confer unique beauty. The cave has been deemed suitable for cavetherapy, in order to help treat diseases such aschildhood bronchial asthma.Then, we can visit the Archaeological Museum of the city that features interesting exhibits.
After arrival at Doirani, we settle in the hotel and we can either tour the lake area with its abundant natural beauty or visit the location “Hilia Dentra” in the forest of Mouries that is located approximately four kilometers to the north. There is a beautiful recreation area in the center of a cluster of old oak trees, aged over 400 years, there and we can drink a coffee and enjoy the beautiful nature of the forest of Mouries, a beautiful natural forest with mixed vegetation of oak and ash that has been declared a "Natural Monument".
The coastal route that we will follow from the settlement Doirani to the northern end of the lake and the location "Hilia Dentra" is magnificent.
In the area of the lake, we can enjoy the great peace of the place and be enchanted by the amazing sunset where the waters of the Lake redden as the sun sets.The crystal clear waters are ideal for fishing throughout the year.
On the next day, Sunday, we can engage in some of the activities in the lake like boating, fishing, biking or even work out in the facilities provided and of course taste the fresh fish of Doirani in one of the fish restaurants that offer local delicacies and carp. Doirani is famous for its unique fishing practices and in the village there are fishing facilities that operate throughout the year.
To conclude our trip and while taking the road back, we can follow the road to Drosato and maybe visit a few other settlements, before we leave the area.
Four-day tour in the area of Axioupoli-Goumenissa
Arrival in the city of Kilkis and accommodation in one of the hotels of the city (hyperlink).
We can come to the city of Kilkis following the route through the villages Mikrokampos, Ksilokeratia and Gallikos, with a visit to the archaeological site of Colchida and then to the road leading to Kilkis.
It is also worth devoting one day to visit Pikrolimni (located between Mikrokampos and Ksilokeratia) and the baths of Pikrolimni or even stay overnight before arriving in Kilkis.Here, we can explore the region’s rich flora and fauna.
During our stay in Kilkis, after a one day stay in Pikrolimni (if you choose to do so) we can, once settled in the hotel, take a trip to the north of the city to eat in Efkarpia.Then we can visit the Archaeological site of Terpyllos and Palatiano, where there are also ancient statues (alternatively, we can stay in Kilkis and visit its museums - Archaeological, War Museum, etc. - the Church of St. George and the Cave of Kilkis).
Returning to the city of Kilkis we have the opportunity for some entertainment in one of the many cafes and restaurants of the city.
On the following day, it is proposed to visit the towns of Polycastro and Goumenissa.On the road to Polykastro, we can stop at "Palaio Gynaikokastro" where there is the Byzantine Castle and the archaeological site of Gynaikokastro and Chorygi, where the megalithic monument of Chorygi is located.
The town of Axioupoli presents a special interest, with the Museum of Natural History and at a distance of 8 km from Axioupoli we can arrive at Goumenissa, which is famous for its traditional architecture, abundant water springs, delicious wines and the unique "Halkina" bands of self-taught musicians, where we can stay overnight and have dinner.
The folklore museum with its wonderful exhibits is also worth a visit and it is located in the neighboring village Griva, just 4 km away.
This four-day tour is open to further changes / alternative options.
Our first alternative is to settle in one town for all of the days and to visit the listed locations on daily trips. The second alternative is to engage the visitor with alternative tourism activities, for example, accommodation and activities in Goumenissa such as climbing or hiking or mountain biking in Paiko, etc.
Six-day tour in the area of Lake Doirani
Arrival in the city of Kilkis and accommodation in one of the hotels of the city (hyperlink).
During our stay in Kilkis, once settled in the hotel, we can take a trip to the north of the city to eat in Efkarpia.Then we can visit the Archaeological site of Terpyllos and Palatiano, where there are also ancient statues (alternatively, we can stay in Kilkis and visit its museums - Archaeological, War Museum, etc. - the Church of St. George and the Cave of Kilkis).
Returning to the city of Kilkis we have the opportunity for some entertainment in one of the many cafes and restaurants of the city.
On the following day, it is proposed to visit the towns of Polycastro and Goumenissa.On the road to Polykastro, we can stop at "Palaio Gynaikokastro" where there is the Byzantine Castle and the archaeological site of Gynaikokastro and Chorygi, where the megalithic monument of Chorygi is located.
The town of Axioupoli presents a special interest, with the Museum of Natural History and at a distance of 8 km from Axioupoli we can arrive at Goumenissa, where we can stay overnight and have dinner.
On the next day we can visit Doirani for our two-day stay in the Lake. During this two-day stay at Doirani, we can engage with alternative activities on the lake and visit the forest of Hilia Dentra and the settlement of Mouries that present unique natural beauty. Moreover, Mount Belles is ideal for activities such as hiking, climbing, etc.
On the fifth day we leave the area of the lake behind and head back to Kilkis through Drosato and Cherso. Following an output path from the area, we can devote an one-day visit to Pikrolimni, on the south of the prefecture (located between Mikrokampos and Xilokeratia), and visit the baths of Pikrolimni or even stay overnight. Here, we can explore the region’s rich flora and fauna.
Completing the six-day tour we depart from the area and return to our base.
Regardless of the season you decide to visit the area, you should take a look at the cultural calendar, as each season and month of the year there are various cultural activities taking place here, such as the custom Kolinte on the Christmas Eve in Goumenissa, the Kourmpani on the 1st of February in Kilkis, the custom of Momogeria on the days of Christmas in Agios Markos, the International Puppet Festival in Kilkis during the first ten days of October, etc.
A Dive in the Emerald Lake (Goumenissa - Skra)
Perfect for visitors from the surrounding prefectures
Arrive to the scenic and beautiful Goumenissa, famous for its traditional architecture, abundant water springs, delicious wines and the unique "Halkina" bands of self-taught musicians, which is an attractive destination for every season.
Rest in one of the charming cafes of this traditional town, take a stroll through the narrow streets with old houses and visit the folk museum with the wonderful folklore exhibits, that is located on the road to the nearby village of Griva.
Then, continuing on the same road with final destination the village of Skra and after we have travelled a distance of 8 km from Griva, we arrive at Kastaneri; a nice mountain village surrounded by beautiful forests of chestnut and beech trees, full of trails and view posts.
Livadia, a settlement that was established in the mid 18th century by Vlach-speaking Greeks, which is almost deserted during the winter while in the summer its residents return, lies at another 12km ahead on the road.
Then, travelling on to the northern outskirts of Paiko and bypassing the village Archangelos in Pella, we arrive in Skra, after 26 km of beautiful mountain nature.
We propose a visit to the "Museum of the First World War" of Skra, with exhibits from the historical battle of the adjacent mountain top Skra di Legken on 17/30 May of 1918. Heirlooms from the war front, documents, photographs, uniforms and many other objects revive the victorious Battle of the Greek soldiers against the Bulgarian army.
Next stop is the final destination of our trip, the excellent Emerald Lake and the waterfalls, located between Skra and the settlement Koupa.
During the winter, you can simply admire the natural beauty of the landscape and perhaps see some of the waterfalls frozen, while during the summer we have the opportunity to dive in the blue waters of the lake.
To get to the Emerald Lake we leave Skra and follow the signs to the village Koupa and then the signs for the Waterfalls, until we arrive at the parking lot, where we can park our vehicle.
Following a forest path with rich vegetation, we arrive at the first waterfall.Just ahead, passing across a wooden bridge we can see the "Emerald" or "Blue Lake", a name derived from the blue-green color of its water, which is due to the calcified and fossilized organisms at its bottom.
A rope tied to a tree, hovering over the small lake, is there to help guests enjoy the emerald waters by diving in amidst a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty. A little further along the bed of the stream, we can admire the next waterfall which falls with a loud splash onto the rocks, creating a beautiful natural setting.
After visiting the Emerald Lake, we get back to Skra to dine.Select one of the traditional taverns that offer a wide variety of traditional dishes, meat dishes, salads and desserts and then enjoy your coffee in a traditional cafe.
Our escape in the beauty of Paiko and the blue lake of Skra is concluded by travelling back to Kilkis, following the road through Axioupoli we return to our base.
Alternatively we suggest, depending on the available time, to stop in Kilkis, in the hill of St. George and take the half an hour tour into the cave that is located at the foot of the hill, which holds the 17th position among 10,000 similar caves around the world.
The cave has a rare decoration of coral material, stalactites and stalagmites that confer unique beauty and it has been judged suitable for cavetherapy to help treat diseases such aschildhood bronchial asthma.
Our stop in the town of Kilkis can end with coffee on the hill of St. George, an ideal location to enjoy a refreshment, just before we leave this city.
INFORMATION:
Folklore museum of Goumenissa:Dimitriou Kakavou 18. Tel .: 2343041362, 2343041525. Free Admission.
War Museum of Skra:Former Community Library.Tel .: 2343031656, Hours, Daily 9: 00-14: 00 17: 00-20: 00.Visit after a telephone consultation. Free Admission.
Cave of St. George:Hours Tuesday - Friday: 09: 00-14: 00 Weekends: 09: 00-14: 00 & 16: 00-18: 00.Phone: 23410 20054 & 6977561800
Fresh fish in Doirani (Mouries & Hilia Dentra)
Perfect for visitors from the surrounding prefectures
Arrive at Mouries that are located at the foothills of Mount Belles near the lake Doirani, about 80 km away from Thessaloniki.
We head to the location Hilia Dentra (a Thousand Trees), in the forest of Mouries, abeautiful natural forest with mixed vegetation of oak and ash trees that has been declared a "Natural Monument".
Here, there is a beautiful recreation area, in the center of the cluster of old oak trees, aged up to 400 years, where we can drink a coffee while enjoying the beautiful nature.A walk in the surrounding villages, Mouries, Platanies, A. Sourmena, can lead us through a unique path, in an area with rich vegetation.
We, then, head to the village Doirani, in the south of the lake, following a wonderful lakeside path.
Doirani features a wonderful ecotourism system that hosts 19 species of fish that live in the lake, such as carps, scheiders, gobies, crusian carps, eels, painted combers, and a significant number of birds such coots, snipes, various species of ducks, grebes and grey herons.
The monument in commemoration of the Battle of Doirani dominates the visitors, but there are many other attractions such as the Museum of Lake Doirani. The beach of the lake is planted with trees and there are playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, soccer courts and other facilities for visitors, as well as bars and fish taverns offering delicious appetizers and carp.
Here, we can select our favorite tavern to enjoy fresh fish. Doirani is famous for its unique fishing practices.Local fishermen use the reeds that grow in the lake in many ways, maintaining the traditional fishing techniques from the ancient times. On the bank of the lake, in the village, there are fishing facilities throughout the year.
On our way back, following the road to Drosato, we can visit some other settlements as well, before returning to our base.
Tour in the Botanical Garden and Kroussia
Perfect for visitors from the surrounding prefectures
Arriving in the city of Kilkis, take the road to Terpyllos and continue towards Kokkinia, Melissourgeio, Parohthio and Pontokerasia; a trip of about 30 km.
The Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia is located about 2 km before you reach Pontokerasia.It is one of the youngest gardens of Europe, in a wooded area of deciduous oak forests of the mountain range of Kroussia and rich flora that includes at least 1,072 endemic and native species of the Balkan flora.
Here, you will find plants that bloom all year round (with a peak in late spring) through different routes that include rock gardens, aromatic gardens, artificial waterfalls, ponds, streams, formed paths, meadows and woodlands.In an area where the natural ecosystems of the Balkan Peninsula are protected and promoted, you can explore the extent of the biodiversity of the Greek flora, and even rare and endemic plants threatened with extinction.
There areinformation boardsthat offer knowledge and reveal the secrets of plants and benches, fountains, gazebos, the observatory and the fireplace of the meeting area, offering an opportunity to rest, relax and meditate.
Upon completion of the visit at the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia, you can continue on the road, bypassing Pontokerasia, and arrive at Kroussia in about 3 km.
Here, at an altitude of 810 m, among thick forests of oak, you will find the hotel Kroussia; an ideal place to enjoy coffee or lunch.
Alternatively, you can stay in the hotel, turning a one-day getaway into a two-day trip, if there is enough free time, since both the location and the hotel are ideal for that.
Kroussia is an ideal place for trekking and nature walks and the hotel offers all needed supplies; from mountain bikes, telescopes and an amusement park to a massage room, sauna and a steam room, while the kitchen is rich with local delicacies: from wild boar with mushrooms and carrots to deer with wine sauce, traditional noodles, ‘hounkiarmpegenti’, ‘kontosouvli’ and Pontian ‘tanomeno Sourva’.
Our escape at the Balkan Botanic Garden and Kroussia is completed by going to the city of Kilkis and return to our base from there.
INFORMATION:
Balkan Botanic Garden Kroussia:Tel.2310471613 & 2341070688, Kroussia. Website: www.bbgk.gr, e-mail: info@bbgk.gr.Free admission.
Hotel Kroussia:Tel.2341200412 & 6976672767, email: info@kroussia-hotel.gr, Website: http://kroussiahotel.blogspot.gr
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