Aigai, the first ancient capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia, gives Imathia a distinctive historical focus. From the royal necropolis to Byzantine buildings in Veria, there is a wealth of history to explore here; Naoussa adds wine-growing traditions and outdoor activities.
Aigai and Vergina: Palace, necropolis and museums
The archaeological site of Aigai lies between the modern villages of Palatitsia and Vergina in the Imathia region. Aigai was the first ancient capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. The site includes a monumental palace and a royal necropolis with more than 500 tumulus tombs. Together, they link the history of the capital with its royal burial sites.
The central museum building at Aigai is the gateway to both the Polycentric Museum and the archaeological site. The Archaeological Museum of Vergina is integrated into the archaeological park. These two museum references help visitors find their way between the central building, the museum and the archaeological park.
Veria: Byzantine buildings and regional finds
The Old Metropolis of Veria was built in the late 11th or early 12th century and is one of the largest Middle Byzantine basilicas in the Balkans. After restoration in 2016, it opened to visitors. Check current operating details before your visit.
In the traditional Kyriotissa quarter, the Byzantine Museum of Veria is housed in the preserved Markos Mill, dating from 1911. The Archaeological Museum of Veria displays finds from Imathia dating from the Neolithic period to the Roman era, with a focus on the flourishing of the Kingdom of Macedonia. The museums have different focuses: one is housed in a historic mill, while the other displays finds spanning a long period of regional history.
Veria has also preserved the original 1st-century steps at the Step of Apostle Paul. In June, the site attracts many visitors, especially during the Pavleia. The festivities culminate on June 28 and 29, the feast days of the Apostles Peter and Paul. If you want to plan your trip around these events, check the dates for your travel period. The historic stone monastery of Timios Prodromos, also known as the Skete of Veria, has existed since the 14th century.
Naoussa: Nymphaeum and wine-growing region
Near Naoussa, close to the village of Isvoria, lies the Nymphaeum of Mieza. It was designed as a sanctuary for the nymphs in the second half of the 4th century BC. The Naoussa wine-growing region has been recognized as a PDO area since 1971. The Naoussa Wine Trail leads to established wineries; opening-hours information is available for individual wineries. Check their opening hours before your trip.
Vermio, Arapitsa and Seli: Outdoor activities
In the Vermio Mountains near Naoussa, visitors can go trekking, cycling and off-road driving in a 4x4 vehicle. Activities range from exploring on foot or by bike to driving off-road. At the Grove of Agios Nikolaos, sports and walking trails run alongside the springs of the Arapitsa River.
Seli Ski Resort offers numerous runs for recreational and professional skiers at an elevation of 1,530 to 1,890 metres. The National Ski Center of Seli began operating in 1934 as Greece’s first organized ski resort. Snow and operations are seasonal; check current operating details before your visit.
As a rail connection through the region, the suburban train line from Thessaloniki to Florina stops at stations in Imathia and Pella. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: VergĂna, Náousa, Veria, Kastanea, Asomata, Koryfi, Rodochori, Agios Pavlos, Alexandria, Platy, Koumaria, Elafina, Mesi, Makrochori, Kato Vermio.
For the broader travel overview: Central Macedonia.
