Most Romantic Places in Northern Greece: Love in the North

Discover the most romantic places in Northern Greece. Get to know an unexplored part of the country in the most idyllic way possible.

Create the perfect itinerary for a winter honeymoon in Greece or use them as stops on a romantic Greek road trip.

All you have to do is keep on reading!

Nymfaio 

The region of Nymfaio is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters on Mount Vernon. It is a traditional stone settlement with hostels and excellent tourist infrastructure. The area is surrounded by a magnificent beech forest that amazes every visitor!

It is about 2 hours away from Thessaloniki and is an all-time classic destination for Northern Greeks.

Read on: Greece Transporation on Your Honeymoon 

The history of the village is impressive and fascinating. From the end of the 17th century and for about 300 years, the area was one of the most extensive silver and gold centers in the Balkans!

The heritage is evident even today in the settlement. The impressive stone mansions, the Historical Folklore Museum, and the impressive alleys of the village are undeniable proof.

In the area is the refuge of Arcturus – just 2 km away from Nymphaeum. There you can study rare bears that are kept there for their safety. In winter, the bears hibernate, while the scenery in most months is reminiscent of an alpine landscape with snow and fog! It’s a festive atmosphere if you’re looking for a romantic Greek Chritstmas.

As for the local cuisine, you will enjoy local dishes from the traditional taverns of the area. Our favorites include chopped pork, carp -a river fish caught from neighboring lakes- as well as traditional melted cheeses.

Finally, in Nymfaio and throughout the region in general, you will find more than 40 wineries. You can visit them and taste local wine and appetizers.

Grevena

Southwest of Nymfaio, you will stumble upon Grevena – known as “the city of mushrooms.”

More than 1,300 species of fungi grow in the area. But, unfortunately, some of them are so rare that you can find them only there!

But beyond the mushrooms, Grevena is famous for its impressive landscapes. It is also popular for its mountains, forests, streams, great stone bridges, and traditional churches.

All in all, it is a favorite destination for its romantic setting that charms its visitors.

In Milia, a nearby village that is also another of the most romantic places in Northern Greece, you will visit the Museum of Natural History where the most enormous tusks ever discovered are kept. They are even included in the Guinness Book of World Records!

Extreme sports fans have many dirt roads to enter with the 4× 4 or with an ATV.

Ski and snowboard enthusiasts can head to the neighboring Greek ski resort of Vasilitsa. It is located about 38 km away from the town of Grevena, in the heart of the Pindos mountain range.

If you are in the area, do not neglect to visit Valia Calda, also known as the “Pindos National Park” – a virgin forest just outside Grevena on the border with Ioannina!

Kerkini Lake

Lake Kerkini is located northeast of Serres, 40 km from the city center and about 90 from Thessaloniki. The lake is ideal for bird photographers and enthusiasts as many rare bird species live there.

The best seasons to visit Lake Kerkini are Autumn and Spring. That’s because there are more than 300 species of birds in the lake. Some of them include the Dalmatian Pelican and the Pygmy Cormorant.

In addition to birds, the area is home to about 700 water buffalo. What’s more, one can find ten species of amphibians, five species of snails, and 19 species of reptiles.

There is also a wide variety of fish in the lake. Many of them, you can enjoy in the local taverns, fresh and well cooked!
You will reach Kerkini by road from Egnatia highway in the direction of Serres and revel in the beauty of this romantic place in Northern Greece.

Tzoumerka

The region of Tzoumerka is one of the best-hidden mountain secrets in Greece. It is full of acquired chalets and houses with jacuzzis. It is perfect for a couple in love who are lovers of nature and beauty.

The area has kept its traditional beauty intact and its tranquility. As a result, it remains one of the most beautiful places in the country, perfect for a wedding proposal in Greece.

You will find this out yourselves on the first walk in the wonderful Syrrako and the twins of Kalarrytes. There, you will grab a table for a steaming Greek feast.

You’re going to need to add your hiking shoes to your Greece honeymoon packing list. In the traditional and well-photographed cafe of Napoleon Zaglis, don’t forget to sip on a hot beverage before you start for the spectacular hike that unites the two villages, or the other, that will bring you to the imposing waterfall in the homonymous village.

Mastorochoria

North of the north, and more authentic than the authentic ones, the Mastorochoria of Epirus, very close to the Albanian border, looks like a time capsule as it has remained untouched by time and tourism.

Hidden among beech and birch forests, you will come across stunning stone villages. They have strange names like Pyrsogianni, Vourbiani, Kastaniani, Turnovo, and Blizdgiani, adorned with cobbled streets.

There, you will find traditional taverns, stone arches wild boar stew. Once you eat them, you will remember them for a lifetime.

Came to Greece for an adventure honeymoon? You are only half an hour away from Konitsa, which is a good idea to choose for your base if you have days at your disposal. You want to play it on many boards – a little Mastorochoria, a little Zagoria, dives in Voidomatis, hiking in Vikos, rafting in Aoos, and early morning over Drakolimni, at the top of Tymfi.

Stavroupoli and the villages of Nestos

Half an orchard outside Xanthi, Stavroupoli is a charming village with an unbeatable hostel, the Mansion. For young couples in Greece, it is an ideal base for exploring magical places. Some of them include the Straits of Nestos, the Virgin Forest of Haidou, the giant Livaditis waterfall, and the Pomakochoria village.

Once there, don’t forget to admire the Nestos dam in Paranesti. It ensures the constant flow of water all year round, making it one of the most beautiful rivers in Greece, ideal for sports. 

Alexandroupoli

It is built on the shores of the Thracian Sea, in a central position. Alexandroupolis is a privileged center of a genuinely charismatic region.

Over the years, the initially fishing settlement evolved into a modern center and today is the largest port in Thrace. The lighthouse, a trademark and naval symbol of the city, stands majestically in the harbor.

A real experience is the fish auction at the local fish market. The fishing boats arrive one after the other with their barns full.

Start your acquaintance with the city by taking a leisurely walk in the coastal zone and the Municipal Park.
Visit its many fascinating museums and the archeological sites of Mesimvria – Zoni, and Makri.

Many people forget that mainland Greece is home to beautiful beaches. Most organized beaches in Alexandroupoli start from the E.O.T. coast, next to the city, to the Red Rocks in Nea Chili. Agia Paraskevi in ​​Makri and the Cote d’Azur are among the most famous.

Samothrace

The “island of the Great Gods” emerges through the Thracian Sea, crowned by the highest mountain of the Aegean, the imposing Mount Saos. Samothrace is famous for its archeological treasures.

Its great fame comes from antiquity with the flourishing of the Kaverian Mysteries. The Kaverian Mysteries was one of the most important religious events with special rituals – equal to the Eleusinian Mysteries.

In Paleopolis and a vast archeological site of 50 acres, the greatness of the history of Samothrace becomes obvious.
The island’s north side, literally “drowned” in green, is adorned with hundreds of streams and springs, impressive waterfalls and ravines, and over 100 natural ponds carved into the rocks, the famous pedestals.

You will enjoy cool dives on the endless beach of Kipi. It is famous for its characteristic gray-black cobbles. Another great choice is the cosmopolitan sandy Pachia Ammos. From here, a tourist boat starts for a sea tour in the “avata” parts of the island: Katarti, Spilies, Vato, Kremasto, Grias ta Pania, and Giali.

Kavala

The so-called “Mecca of tobacco” is considered one of the most charming cities in Macedonia. Discover its historical past in a tour of the traditional district of Panagia, in “Kamares,” the most recognizable point of Kavala, declared a protected monument, and in the Archaeological and Tobacco museums.

Stroll to the picturesque main port, the lighthouse, the traditional carnagio, and the port of the Old Slaughterhouses. Swim at the beaches of Perigiali, Rapsani, Kalamitsa, Batis, Toska, Palio and Aspri Ammos.

It would be best if you also visited Nea Peramo, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Karvali, and the famous archeological site of Philippi. The latter was recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Thassos

The perfect combination of mountain and sea, the scattered archeological sites, and an impressive coastline compose the incomparable charm of the northern Aegean island. The capital and main port of the island is Limenas.

The place that presents the most unchanged image in time is, without a doubt, Panagia, the old capital of the island. Inland, beautiful villages with rich cultural activity invite you to discover them.

The archeological site of Aliki, near the settlement of Poto, the ancient theater, and the Archaeological Museum in Limenas, innumerable sacred pilgrimages, and the unique architecture of the traditional settlements are the most important sights of Thassos.

Golden sandy beaches with shallow or deep waters, aromatic pines that “caress” beaches with crystal clear bottoms, beaches more or less organized for easy swimming or camping. Thassos rightfully deserves a place in your Greek island vacations. It is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places in Northern Greece!

Halkidiki

The place that has it all, Halkidiki, is considered one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the country. At its three “feet,” Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos, it hosts wide, almost tropical sandy beaches with turquoise waters, lively states, traditional villages, archeological treasures, the monastic state of Mount Athos, the world-famous cave caves, and the cave hotel of high standards.

For accommodation on the Kassandra peninsula, choose the areas of Nea Potidea, Nea Fokea, Sani, Afitos, Pefkochori, Paliouri, Kalandra, and Nea Skioni. On the Sithonia peninsula the areas: Nikiti, Vourvourou, Neo Marmara, Toroni, Sykia, Nea Kallikratia, Ierissos and Ouranoupolis.

All areas host award-winning beaches, most of them well organized, and the most romantic places in Northern Greece.
The main reason to visit the Athos peninsula is Mount Athos, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the “orchard of the Virgin,” there are 20 monasteries.

Kastoria

The lake of Kastoria is known to all of us. But how many of us have seen it snowy? A walk on the frozen lake during Greece’s winter months will give you what you wanted from your vacation.

Visit the mistress of Macedonia during Christmas in Greece and revive her customs. Alternatively, you can dedicate any weekend to this beautiful place. Residents feel blessed and not unjust.

The city of Kastoria is two hours away from Thessaloniki. It is famous for its furs and not only! In addition, you can indulge in many activities in nature, such as the small lake tour. You get a complete feel of the city and its beauty through those fun activities.

Also, visit the Dragon Cave, with its underground lakes, and tour its neighborhoods and picturesque corners. Everyone will agree that it is one of the most romantic places in Northern Greece!

Paleos Panteleimon

Perched at the northeastern foot of Kato Olympus, at an altitude of 450 meters, lies Paleos Panteleimon. It is surrounded by dense forest and boasts beautiful views that reach the castle of Platamonas, the shores of Pieria, and the bay of Thermaikos. Paleos Panteleimon is a lovely traditional settlement, ideal for any season.

The village “disappeared” in the ’50s and was “resurrected” 30 years later. Stone cobbled streets, stone-built tiled houses -first built by Epirote craftsmen-, traditional taverns, and old mansions that were turned into hostels and shops with folk art items, all “mixed” with age-old plane trees, chestnut trees, chestnuts, beeches, and visitors.

In the center of the village dominates the restored church of Agios Panteleimon and the old plane tree that covers the square.

There are no cars on the cobbled streets. There is parking at the entrance of the settlement. The distance from the National Road is 6 km “drowned” in the green.

If the night catches you, then the image you see low, looking at the highway, the illuminated villages, and the sea gives you the feeling that you are on a plane and that from up there … “the earth looks like a painting.”

Nestorio

To continue the proposed escapes, we change the geographical side and move further west of Thessaloniki. We are transported to Western Macedonia and, more specifically, to Nestorio in the Prefecture of Kastoria.

The beautiful nature that surrounds it, the warm hospitality of the people, the traditional villages with the stone houses and the cobbled streets, and the river Aliakmonas reward those who seek authentic experiences in the winter nature.

Agia Anna, built in a beautiful forest, at an altitude of 1500 meters, is suitable for a short walk and is the passage to the Byzantine monastery of Tsouka, a remarkable monument built in a place of exceptional natural beauty, next to the waterfalls of a tributary of Aliakmonas.

The village of Pefkos, the best-preserved traditional settlement of the area, together with Kypseli, is a beautiful example of local architecture. At six kilometers is the monastery of Zoodochou Pigi, built in a landscape of stunning beauty.

And for those who give weight to the gastronomic temptations of each region, those who know emphasize that Western Macedonia and excellent food are identical concepts.

Dishes that stand out and you should not deprive yourself of are goat in the hull, sour trachanas, pork with leeks, sauerkraut, stuffed peppers and eggplant, and saganaki with “Baggio,” a unique, savory, local cheese that accompanies the exquisite tsipouro ideally. 

Alexandroupoli

A modern city, hospitable, with infrastructure and in a very convenient location to become a base for other surrounding destinations. Among them is the city of silk, Soufli, at a distance of 50 km.

There, one can visit the silk museums. This way, they will get to know firsthand the cocoons’ process with the silk fabrics!

One can also visit the Dadia Forest and get information for a tour of the observatory. From there, if you are lucky, you will see -with binoculars meant- birds of prey, like eagles, while some are feeding them.

Exciting is a boat ride in the Delta of the river Evros where there are currently thousands of flamingos and herons.
It will be an omission for anyone who chooses Alexandroupolis not to visit Feres and the church of Panagia Kosmosoteira, created by the Byzantine prince Isaac Komnenos.

Komotini

It is a remarkable city where the visitor can “experience” the harmonious coexistence of Christians and Muslims and rest in its large ornate square. Moreover, with Komotini as a base, one can visit Agios Nikolaos, a fascinating church on Mount Athos.

You can also get to know the coastal Maronia and visit the Nymphaea Fortress and the military museum on the Greek-Bulgarian border, 17 km from Komotini.

A top choice is a walk in the tourist area of ​​Fanari and the protected lake Vistonida, one of the most beautiful wetlands in Greece with countless species of birds and one of the most romantic places in Northern Greece.

Xanthi

Another beautiful destination for this season is the city of Xanthi and especially the old city with its ornate alleys and the festive atmosphere “overflowing” from everywhere.

The musts of an escape in Xanthi include the acquaintance with some attractions outside the city. Among them is the church of Agios Nikolaos, which is built in the lagoon (Porto Lagos), the river Nestos or “river of life” as it is otherwise called, with the majestic meanders in it the section Stavroupolis – Toxoton and the ancient Abdera.

Thessaloniki

The city of Thessaloniki is synonymous with the sea, with the magnificent view from the edge of Michaniona to the glittering peaks of Olympus. It’s a beautiful option for a Valentine’s Day break in Greece.

The Greek winter honeymoon spot offers endless walks on the seafront at sunset. There, you will find spacious sidewalks with gourds, red plums, and tidy apartment buildings.

Kalamaria could be the Riviera of Thessaloniki. In any case, it is an area full of life, moving forward with force and constantly looking for the best.

Walkers or jogging fanatics, animal lovers who accompany their pets, and romantics who want to fill their eyes with sea views all find their corners on the coastal front of Kalamaria.

In the Nautical Club of Thessaloniki, in Palataki, in the Marina of Aretsos, and the part of the Fountain, between boats and fishing boats, walking comes and goes in the arms of Thermaikos.

Close to the sea and this, the Kodra camp, is gaining points and is becoming a critical green lung of the area.

And there you have it. Here are the most romantic places in Northern Greece, which are ideal for rekindling the flame of your love with your other half.

Romance is a top reason for visiting Greece and Italy, and we can’t understand why the beautiful North of Greece is often overlooked for a couple’s vacation in Greece.

For more idyllic villages and dreamy scenery, you could also cross over to Italy and honeymoon in Cinque Terre or a honeymoon in Lake Como.

Use our luxury travel planners to help you visit one of the destinations mentioned above and marvel at a side of Greece that is not as advertised but is just as gorgeous.