Central Macedonia is a region in northern Greece that offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty and diverse gastronomy. It is also a great destination for budget travelers who want to explore the Balkans without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and advice for making the most of your trip to Central Macedonia on a budget.
Choose your transportation wisely
One of the best ways to save money on your travel to Central Macedonia is to choose your transportation wisely. Depending on where you are coming from, you have several options to get there:
- By bus: Bus travel is very affordable and convenient in the Balkans, and you can find many connections to Central Macedonia from neighboring countries like Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia and North Macedonia. You can also travel by bus within Greece, from Athens or other cities, to Thessaloniki, the capital of Central Macedonia. You can check the bus schedules and prices on GetByBus, a reliable online platform for booking bus tickets in the region.
- By train: Train travel is another option for getting to Central Macedonia, especially if you have a Eurail or Interrail pass. You can take a train from Athens or other Greek cities to Thessaloniki, or from Sofia, Belgrade or Skopje to Thessaloniki. The train journey may take longer than the bus, but it can be more comfortable and scenic. You can check the train schedules and prices on Trainose, the Greek national railway company.
- By plane: If you are flying to Central Macedonia, you will most likely land at Thessaloniki International Airport, which is the second largest airport in Greece. You can find cheap flights from many European cities to Thessaloniki, especially with low-cost airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air or EasyJet. You can compare flight prices on Skyscanner, a popular online tool for finding the best flight deals.
Once you are in Central Macedonia, you can use public transportation to get around the cities and towns. Thessaloniki has a good network of buses and taxis, and you can also rent a bike or a scooter for a day. You can also take intercity buses or trains to visit other places in Central Macedonia, such as Bitola, Prilep or Lake Ohrid. You can check the local transportation options on Visit Greece, the official tourism website of Greece.
Pick your accommodation carefully
Another way to save money on your trip to Central Macedonia is to pick your accommodation carefully. Depending on your preferences and budget, you have several options to choose from:
- Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with locals who offer free accommodation in their homes. It is a great way to meet new people, learn about the local culture and save money on accommodation. However, it also requires some trust, flexibility and respect from both sides. You can sign up for Couchsurfing on Couchsurfing, where you can create your profile, search for hosts and request a couch.
- Hostels: Hostels are another option for budget travelers who want to stay in a social and friendly environment. You can find many hostels in Thessaloniki and other places in Central Macedonia, offering dorm beds or private rooms at reasonable prices. You can also enjoy facilities like free Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry and common areas. You can check the hostel ratings, reviews and prices on Hostelworld, a leading online platform for booking hostels worldwide.
- Hotels: Hotels are more expensive than hostels or Couchsurfing, but they can also offer more comfort, privacy and security. You can find many hotels in Central Macedonia, ranging from budget to luxury ones. You can also look for deals and discounts on hotel booking websites like Booking.com, Hotels.com or Agoda.com. Some of the recommended hotels for budget travelers in Central Macedonia are Lirak and Emka in Bitola, with excellent locations and prices of 16-17€ per night.
Explore the attractions and activities
Central Macedonia has a lot to offer to travelers who want to explore its attractions and activities. You can find a mix of historical, cultural, natural and gastronomic experiences, suitable for different tastes and interests. Here are some of the highlights of Central Macedonia that you should not miss:
- Thessaloniki: Thessaloniki is the largest city and the cultural hub of Central Macedonia. It has a rich history that spans over 2,300 years, and a vibrant modern life that reflects its multicultural identity. You can visit the UNESCO-listed monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, such as the White Tower, the Church of Saint Dimitrios, the Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius. You can also explore the lively neighborhoods of Ladadika, Ano Poli and Aristotelous Square, where you can find cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. You can also enjoy the museums, galleries and festivals that showcase the artistic and creative side of Thessaloniki.
- Bitola: Bitola is the second largest city in North Macedonia, and a charming destination for travelers who want to experience a different side of the Balkans. Bitola was once known as the “City of Consuls”, as it hosted many diplomatic missions during the Ottoman Empire. You can admire the 19th century neo-classical architecture along the main street, Shirok Sokak, where you can also find many cafes and restaurants. You can also visit the ancient site of Heraclea Lyncestis, founded by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. You can also enjoy the nature and wildlife at Pelister National Park, which is home to the endemic Molika pine tree.
- Prilep: Prilep is another city in North Macedonia that is worth a visit for its natural and historical attractions. Prilep is famous for its tobacco industry, which you can learn more about at the Tobacco Museum. You can also hike up to the Prilep Fortress, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can also explore the nearby rock formations of Marko’s Towers, where you can find caves, churches and monasteries. You can also visit the Monastery of Treskavec, which dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries in North Macedonia.
- Lake Ohrid: Lake Ohrid is a natural wonder that straddles the border between North Macedonia and Albania. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity and cultural heritage. You can enjoy the turquoise waters and sandy beaches of Lake Ohrid, or take a boat tour to see some of the islands and monasteries on the lake. You can also visit the town of Ohrid, which is known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” for its 365 churches. You can see some of the most impressive ones, such as St. John at Kaneo, St. Sophia and St. Clement. You can also explore the old town, where you can find traditional houses, shops and museums.
Eat and drink like a local
One of the best ways to enjoy your trip to Central Macedonia is to eat and drink like a local. Central Macedonia has a diverse gastronomy that reflects its geographical location and historical influences. You can find a variety of dishes that combine Mediterranean, Balkan and Turkish flavors, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Here are some of the typical foods and drinks that you should try in Central Macedonia:
- Bougatsa: Bougatsa is a pastry that consists of thin layers of filo dough filled with cheese, cream or meat. It is usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack, sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon. You can find bougatsa in many bakeries and cafes in Thessaloniki and other places in Central Macedonia.
- Gyros: Gyros is one of the most popular street foods in Greece, and you can find it everywhere in Central Macedonia. Gyros is made of grilled meat (usually pork or chicken) that is sliced from a vertical spit and wrapped in a pita bread with tomatoes, onions, fries and tzatziki sauce (a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic). Gyros is cheap, filling and delicious.
- Tavče gravče: Tavče gravče is a traditional dish from North
