- Left Trikala and drove east towards the Gulf of Thessaloniki. Passed through a narrow gorge called the Vale of Tempe, between Mt Olympus and Mt Ossa. Historically it was of great strategic importance and is quite spectacular.
- Visited the crusader castle of Platamonas finished in 1222. It sits in a commanding position above Panteleimon beach, which beckoned us for a swim and served up a very decent seafood lunch.
- Next stop Ancient Dion. Lying in the shadow of Mt Olympus it was a sacred place of the ancient Macedonians. It’s a sprawling archaeological park that’s easy to walk around, though much of it is given over to swamp. Reached Veria late afternoon.
- We stayed in the old jewish quarter of Veria, called the Barbouta. Our hotel sat above the Tripitamos river that runs through the city. It was a delightful spot.
- A main reason for coming here was to visit the World Heritage royal tombs at Vergina, including the 336 BC tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.
- It’s a truly magnificent site. The burial mound (tumulus) has been excavated out to create a museum in situ. Several original tombs can be seen in chambers leading off a central area that has all of the treasures from the tombs on display in illuminated cases. The whole thing is brilliantly executed and we found it very affecting. If you’re ever in this part of the world, do make the effort to visit.
- Drove back to Veria and spent some time in the Byzantine Museum. It’s housed in a nicely restored mill and has a great collection of religous paintings.
- The museum had an exhibition on the Greek/ Egyptian poet Constantine Peter Cavafy. For music buffs, Cavafy’s poems have been used in songs by Leonard Cohen, Donovan (Leitch), and the Australian band Weddings Parties Anything (fronted by Mick Thomas).
- Another main reason for coming to this area was to visit the site of Pella, capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedon.
- Pella is one of those sites where the physical ruins aren’t particularly spectacular, but there’s an atmosphere that seems to spark the imagination.
- The excellent museum attached to the site helps to explain the vibe, with expanses of wonderful mosaics and displays of glittering burial treasures.
- We drove back to Veria via the town of Edessa. It’s a place of water, full of waterfalls, rivers, streams, bridges and fountains.
- Before leaving Veria we checked out the old cathedral, deconsecrated and under restoration as a museum, and the archaeological museum.
- Then drove to Thessaloniki via Potamos beach on the Halkidiki peninnsula.
- Dropped off the hire car at the airport and headed into the city to check in to our hotel.
