Where is the Western Macedonia Region of Greece?
The Western Macedonia Region of Greece is located in north-western Greece. It is the only Greek region without a sea coast.
Bordering this region is Central Macedonia region to the east, Thessaly region to the south, and Epirus region to the west. To the north is Albania.
The capital city is Kozani, with approximately 54,000 inhabitants.
The Western Macedonia Region is separated into four areas:
– Florina
– Grevena
– Kastoria
– Kozani
Other major towns are:
– Amyntaeo
– Argos Orestiko
– Deskati
– Ptolemaida
– Siatista
– Velvendos
– Nymfaion
What does the Western Macedonia Region have to offer?
There are two airports (only serving small passenger planes)
– Kozani
– Kastoria
Production
– Marble
– Coal
– Electrical Power (70% of Greece’s total power comes from this region)
– Peppers (from Florina, a deep red color and shaped like a cow’s horn)
– Fruits (cherries, kiwi, apples, peaches)
– Fur (Kastoria is a major global producer of fur)
– Wine (see below for wineries)
– Saffron (Kozani produces six to nine tonnes of organic saffron each year)
Tourism
The Western Macedonia Region of Greece is blessed with many beautiful natural environments, such as caves, lakes, and mountains. In fact 82% of this region is covered with mountainous and semi-mountainous areas. Popular sites are Kastoria Lake, Prespa Lakes, Cave of Dragon, Arcturos Brown Bear Sanctuary, Vasilitsa ski resort, and Vigla-Pisodiri ski resort.
Restaurants
There are many excellent restaurants in the Western Macedonia region.
Wineries
Alpha Estate Winery
The Alpha Estate is located in the Amyndeon, Florina area. Founded by Makis Mavridis and chemist-oenologist Angelos Iatridis in 1997. Wines are divided into ultra premium, super premium, and premium. Reservations are needed for a tour and tasting.
Dimopoulos Estate Winery
The Dimopoulos Estate was founded in 2015. It is located on a hill named Konti Karydia in Xino Nero Amyntaio. The beautiful stone building is surrounded by 54 ha of privately owned vineyards. Tours and tastings are available.
Diamantis Winery
The Diamantis winery is in Siatista, in the Gerania area. One hundred percent of the grapes come from the Siatista area. Visitors are welcome to take a walk up the steep slopes and visit the family vineyards, as well as take a tour of the winery and taste some of the wines.
Domaine Karanika
Domaine Karanika produces fine quality sparkling and still wines. Their organic vineyards are located at the Amyntaeo plateau in far north-west Greece. Wines range from sparkling Karanika Cuvee Speciale and Prestige, aged red Xinomavro/Limniona blends, and white Assyrtiko.
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See some of our Western Region recipes here.
Do you have a recipe from this region that you love? Share it with us!