10 Day-Trips from Olympiada

Looking for something to spice up your long holidays? These 10 day-trips from Olympiada guarantee to quench your road-trip thirst!

1. Petralona Cave

Known as the house of the Archanthropus, the earliest person to have ever inhabited European land, this 700.000-year-old cave is not only a place of unique natural beauty and heritage, but also of immense anthropological interest. The skull of Archanthropus, also known as the Petralona skull, was found in this cave, along with a very wide variety of animal fossils from species that no longer inhabit the area, such as lions, elephants, panthers, hyenas, and many more. The age of the skull is estimated to be between 250.000-620.000 years old, rendering its owner the most ancient European inhabitant. Petralona cave is a truly fascinating place of secrets and discoveries, that is sure to intrigue visitors of all ages. Do not miss out on the opportunity to visit the Anthropological Museum of Petralona as well, located right next to the cave, 2 km outside the village of Petralona.

Distance from Olympiada: 1h. 40min.

2. Vergina’s Museum and the Royal Tombs of Aegae

Located in what is thought to be the Ancient City of Aegae, Vergina is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. The remains of the Palace of Aegae, the palace that was once home to the great Macedonian kings, are definitely worth visiting, but the absolute must-visit is the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aegae. Visit the tomb of King Philip II of Macedonia and of Alexander the IV (son of Alexander the Great), and step 2.400 years back in time, to an era of glory, plotting, and blood. Marvel from up close at the exquisite murals decorating the tombs, especially the Tomb of Persephone, and wonder at the delicate gold burial findings, such as the golden myrtle wreath or the golden larnax of Philip II. Rest assured, this is not another boring museum; even if you are not history savvy, it is impossible to leave this place feeling unimpressed.

Distance from Olympiada: 1h. 50min.

3. Ouranoupoli

The frontier between profane and monastic life, Ouranoupoli is the last small town before the entrance to Mount Athos. Here you can visit the Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolis, dating back to the 14^th century, as well as the remains of Zygos Monastery, which is the only monastery in the Athos peninsula that is accessible to women. If you want to see more, you can even embark on one of the cruises around the peninsula and catch majestic views of the monasteries, as the boat sails really close to shore. Besides its strong religious undertones, however, Ouranoupoli makes for a great day trip even for those who are not on a spiritual quest, as it also offers a wide variety of watersports.

Distance from Olympiada: 40min.

4. Ammouliani

Treat yourself to an island escape without having to bear with long boat rides. Only 7km before Ouranoupoli is the port of Tripiti. From Tripiti you can catch a 5-minute boat ride to the only inhabited island of Halkidiki, Ammouliani. A place of sublime natural beauty, Ammouliani has some of the best beaches you will ever see, both organized and wild. What’s even better, the island is very small, so, if you arrive relatively early in the morning, you can go beach hopping and explore almost all its beaches within a day!

Distance from Olympiada (to Tripiti): 35 min.

5. Mount Olympus

Or else “the Mountain of the Gods”! Let’s be honest, to experience the magic of this mountain to the fullest, to explore its gorges and peaks, you need days, and a relatively good physical condition, to say the least. However, that doesn’t mean that you cannot catch a glimpse of its unique beauty if you have less time to spend here, or if “active” is not exactly your middle name. A visit to the picturesque village of Litochoro, which is built right at the foothills of the mountain, will offer you majestic views of the mountain and of the entrance to one of its most famous trekking routes, Enipea’s Gorge. Enjoy the view along with your meal, in one of the countless traditional restaurants of the village.

Distance from Olympiada: 2 h. 05min.

6. Thessaloniki

Also known among Greeks as “the Queen of the North”, Thessaloniki combines rich history, culture, a very vibrant market, and, last but not least, amazing food. You won’t do the city justice if your day trip to it does not include a bit of all the above. Visit the White Tower, the landmark of the city, and take a scenic walk along the sea to admire the view. On a sunny day, you can even see Mount Olympus in the horizon. Then head to Tsimiski street and its hundreds of shops to do your souvenir shopping, and don’t forget to treat yourself to something nice too. Stop over at Aristotle’s Square, with its unique architecture and the dozens of caffes to rest and take in the beauty of the cityscape, before diving back in time in the area of Ladadika, the ultimate food and nightlife neighborhood of Thessaloniki.

Distance from Olympiada: 1h.

7. Kavala

Merging East and West, Kavala is a remarkably beautiful city with a number of worth-visiting sites and great vibes. The Fortress of Kavala, the Arches, and the house of Muhammad Ali Pasha are the major historical sites you shouldn’t miss. A walk along the promenade will fill your eyes with colors and immerse you in a state of peace and nostalgic happiness, deriving from the extensive coexistence of past and present in the heart of the city. If you wish to further explore the area and its past, the Ancient Theatre of Philippi is located 20 minutes from the center of Kavala.

Distance from Olympiada: 1h. 15min.

8. Kerkini Lake

Being the second most important wetland in Europe, Kerkini is home to more than 320 bird species and 30 fish species, while the area is also famous for the buffalo population it hosts. Attracting nature lovers from all over the world, Kerkini is the ideal place to help you reconnect with your “wild” side, as it offers visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities to choose from, always related to wildlife observation and birdwatching, such as safari tours, bike tours, and boat tours. For an even more exclusive experience, try the wine-tasting boat cruise, and take in the breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains surrounding it, while tasting fine limited-edition local organic wines.

*If you decide to visit Kerkini Lake, then you probably consider yourself to be a nature lover. During your visit, please remember to act as one, and respect the animals inhabiting the area, by refraining from any activity that harms them or their well-being.

Distance from Olympiada: 2h.

9. Amphipolis

A land with a 3.000-year-old history of glory and demise, Amphipolis has not ceased to surprise archaeologists with its mysteries and findings for decades on end. Built by the river Strymon, Amphipolis was a crossroad and a city of major importance, that was governed and inhabited by different forces throughout the years: first the Athenians, then the Spartans, the ancient Macedonians, and, finally, the Romans. The city reached its highest point of splendor and power during the Hellenistic period, especially during the reign of Alexander the Great, who used it as the base of operations for his military campaign. The area’s long history can be traced in its plethora of archaeological sites, such as the Lion of Amphipolis, the recently excavated and awe-inspiring Kasta Tomb, the remains of the ancient gymnasium, the Hellenistic house and its murals and so much more. The Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis stores important findings from every era and is a must-visit, shall you find yourselves in the area.

Distance from Olympiada: 40min.

10. Alistrati Cave

One of the biggest in Europe, Alistrati Cave is considered to be of unique beauty and geological importance. Apart from the usual stalactites and stalagmites typically observed in caves, Alistrati Cave also boasts some rare, irregularly growing formulations, that seem to be defying gravity, known as eccentrics. Alistrati Cave is also home to Alistratia Beroni, an isopod unique to this cave. Only a few meters away, Aggitis Canyon makes for a peaceful walk with spectacular views. The perfect closure for your trip.

Distance from Olympiada: 1h. 15min.

All these destinations are only to name but a few, which comes to prove that Olympiada can really be used as your base to explore most of Northern Greece! That is, once you are done exploring its own infinite beauty.