Kilkis

Living tradition in northern Greece
Monastery of St
Today
13°
TUE
10°
WED
10°
THU
10°
FRI
10°
Thrace region-id="pin-13"; Macedonia Macedonia Epirus Thessaly Sporades Ionian Islands Western Greece Central Greece Attica Peloponnese Crete Cyclades North Aegean Islands Dodecanese Dodecanese Karpathos Astypalea Tilos Sitia Faistos - Matala Patmos Kastelorizo Kasos Kos Leros Halki Rhodes Symi Sfakia - Loutro Rethymno Elounda - Agios Nikolaos Agia Galini Plakias Hersonissos - Malia Ierapetra Heraklion Chania Nisyros Ikaria Lipsi Tzia - Kea Thasos Samos Lesvos Samothrace Limnos Chios Kalymnos Paros Naxos Zante - Zakynthos Lefkada Corfu Santorini Milos Kythnos Kimolos Serifos Syros Sifnos Koufonisia Ios Kefalonia Mykonos Paxi Ithaca Arta Ioannina Tinos Parga - Sivota Metsovo Anafi Sikinos Folegandros Donousa - Iraklia - Schinoussa Antiparos Zagori Mountainous Arkadia Porto Heli - Ermioni Preveza Amorgos Andros Delos Messolongi Ancient Olympia Aegina Kythira Archea Epidavros Patra Nafplio Kardamyli Kalamata Ilia Corinth Western Messinia Kalavryta Elafonissos Nafpaktos Spetses Poros Hydra Alexandroupolis Pylos Mycenae Monemvasia Loutraki Piraeus Athens Arahova Xanthi Galaxidi Mystra - Sparta Mani Edipsos Delphi Chalkida Karystos Evia Skyros Vergina Alonissos Volos Karditsa Skopelos Skiathos Kastoria Thessaloniki Prespes Agios Athanasios Edessa Serres Veria Larissa - Tempi Elati - Pertouli Trikala Pelion Meteora Drama Ammouliani Mount Athos - Ouranopolis Nymfeo Mount Olympos Katerini Halkidiki Grevena Lake Kerkini Naoussa Kozani Kilkis Kavala Pella Lake Plastira
Nature and tradition live in perfect harmony in and around northern Greece’s Kilkis

Kilkis, in Central Macedonia, is a place where people don’t just honour tradition, they live it in their everyday lives. It’s in the music that accompanies their every joy or sorrow; in the customs of the various cultures that found refuge there through the centuries; in people’s relationship with nature which manifests itself in the celebrations organised at the arrival of each new harvest.

What to do in Kilkis

Goumenissa, the quintessence of living tradition

Goumenissa is a picturesque town at the foot of Paiko, about 40km from the city of Kilkis. It is famed for its wines, so it’s a good opportunity for you to have a glass or two … unless you prefer good ‘tsipouro’, the local white spirit for which it is also famed.

The locals are rightfully proud of their musical traditions, passed from father to son. The brass bands of Goumenissa have taken part in music festivals representing their particular kind of Balkan music all over the world. Since these bands accompany every social event in town, you will likely hear their moving tones during your stay.

And to get to know the area even better, visit the monastery of Panagia Goumenissa which is not only a religious centre but also a historical symbol.

Lake Doirani

There’s much to do in Lake Doirani, in northern Kilkis. Row, fish, swim or just observe the birds and rich flora. Don’t miss out on visiting the Doirani Museum. There are lakeside fish taverna and a forest (Hilia Dentra) to explore, with oaks and plane trees that have stood for centuries. Cycling enthusiast will enjoy the picturesque twists and turns through the woodland.

Skra Waterfalls

Wear comfortable shoes, pack some food and, after you’ve parked the car, walk downhill to see the first waterfalls through the plane trees and feel the nature’s revitalising power. A bit further along you will find Smaragdenia, the emerald lake which took its name from the wonderful colour of its water. There you can enjoy your picnic within enthralling scenery and, if you like a challenge, dare to take a dip in the water which remains cold even in the height of summer. And then carry on hiking through the lush vegetation and discover the 5-6m high waterfalls. There is nothing more invigorating for the body and soul than water falling with the freedom that nature intends. Live it!

Lake Pikrolimni

Around 22km from the city of Kilkis, you will enjoy a relaxing therapy with clay from the bottom of the lake, rich in therapeutic and cosmetic ingredients. 

Hidden gems of Kilkis

Nature gives lessons in life

Paiko is a small mountain range northwest of Thessaloniki which you simply must explore. Walk on its paths, shaded by oak and chestnut trees and look out for rabbits, foxes and deer emerging through the trees. The chestnut grove is open to visitors and, when the season is right, you can pick wild strawberries and cool down in the crystal clear water of the springs, streams and lakes you will come across. 

The Balkan Botanical Garden of Kroussia, near Pontokerasia, extends to 310,000 sq m and is home to 1,200 kinds of Greek and hundreds of Balkan plants, so it would be best if you allow enough time in your programme to enjoy its colours and aromas unhurried.

Agios Georgios Cave is amongst the most remarkable caves in Greece, not only for the historic findings discovered there (you can see them in the Paleontological Museum) but also because it is recommended by doctors for the treatment of respiratory diseases. History and speleotherapy in a single visit! 

Indelible memories

Although this fertile land now offers peace and calm, it was the theatre of historic battles during World War I and there are several Allied Forces monuments that bear witness to the fact. They are well worth a visit so you can find out more about a less-well-known period of Greek and European history.

Read More Read Less

Travel ideas

Shining the light on stories
Boat tour which give the visitor the opportunity to admire the incomparable beauty of Lake Kerkini

7 magical getaways just 60mins from Thessaloniki

One of Europe’s rising stars, Thessaloniki holds yet another ace up its sleeve. Around an hour’s drive away are experiences that are unique for European city breakers… exotic beaches, royal tombs, an ancient palace, the mountain of the gods and wetlands a