On the western shoreline of the Thermaikos Gulf, only 5 kms from the city of Thessaloniki – the second biggest city and port in Greece – lies one of the most important wetlands in Europe. It is a Natura 2000 and Ramsar Convention protected area, consisting of the deltas of the Axios and Aliakmonas rivers, the estuaries of the Gallikos and Loudias rivers, the Kalohori lagoon, the Nea Agathoupoli marsh and the Aliki Kitrous lagoon, all areas situated in the prefecture of Thessaloniki.

More than 270 bird species find shelter in the wetlands, many of them rare and threatened. It serves as a valuable habitat for wild horses and water buffalos, as well as species threatened by extinction, such as the European ground squirrel, the European otter and the Hermann’s tortoise.

In total, there are more than 500 species and subspecies of plants – among them the rare sea daffodil – some of which change colors throughout the year, producing a diverse scenery.

Visitors can take a tour by car, or hike along selected routes. The infrastructure consists of a bird watching tower and a hide, walking trails and resting kiosks. The area is also ideal for biking and nature photography. Gallikos Environmental Park also offers guided eco tours. Friends of gastronomy will find their own paradise in this area. The river and the sea offer the “raw material” for the local cuisine, which comprises exceptional dishes such as lemon sole with green onions, cuttlefish casserole, mussels with rice and many more sea delicacies.

Change of scenery is easy in Thessaloniki this season. With nature showing off in the outskirts of the city and sales running downtown until February 28, this is the time to profit from this season’s mild temperatures and the airline companies’ mild fares! The city in northern Greece on an inlet of the Aegean Sea, founded in 315 B.C., flourished as the capital of the Roman province of Macedon after 146, was a co-capital city during Byzantine times,  and today is a major port of south-eastern Europe. Thessaloniki is serviced with direct flights from 23 European cities.

Staying at Greece’s precious and history-laden city for a long weekend break is more than affordable at the moment. For more information on Thessaloniki’s hotels, please see www.tha.gr. For further information on the city’s hotel prices, please contact info@tha.gr.