Northern Greece So Far, the Four Nal Properties Worldwide
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
a picture map is included Gastronomy Routes and the culture of Flavours... “The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one… it surpasses the language barrier, creates new friendships among civilized people and warms the heart”. Samuel Chamberlain What is “Food Travel” or “Culinary Tourism”? Who can be described as a “Food Traveler” or “Gastro-Tourist”? Nowadays, new tourism products are launched regularly: some are new venues for already existing interests while others are new products that address the demands of new niche-markets. For others, as observed in culinary tourism, it is not so much a new product but rather a focus on recognizing something that already exists, refining and improving the pursuit and enjoyment of unique food and drink experi- ences, both far and near to us! Many governments and local administration authorities throughout the world are turning to tourism initiatives not only to breathe new life into stagnating economies but also to address the grave problem of rural depopulation. Culinary tourism in rural settings holds promise as a potential springboard for rural economies to blossom…! The transaction cooperation network “Gastronomy Routes and the Culture of Flavors” involves 18 Local Action Groups which originate from four Medi- terranean countries, namely Italy, Greece, Portugal and Cyprus. The core and most crucial objective of the “Medeat” cooperation is to suc- ceed in maintaining and promoting the historical, cultural and qualitative dimensions of local cuisine, in a way that also connects it to local indus- tries, cultural events and supplementary tourist activities. This gastronomic guide presents the most interesting gastronomic itinerar- ies of the territory of Kilkis – Imathia – Kozani – Florina, in Greece, as well as practical information concerning the relative places to visit with local produce, food processing units, alternative accommodation premises and similar issues. After all, as Charles Pierre Monselet once stated: “Gastronomy has been the joy of all peoples through the ages. It produces beauty and wit and goes hand in hand with goodness of heart and consideration of others.” Enjoy this journey with all your senses…! DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF KILKIS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF Development Agency of Kilkis is multi-share WEST MACEDONIA company in which several local self-gov- (ANKO) was established in 1985 thanks to erned, co-operative and other productive the initiative of the Local Self-Governed bodies participate. It was established in Bodies, the Greek state, and the agricultural 1991 and is still being considered a contem- and productive co-operatives of the area. porary, efficient and reliable local structure It is meant to be a cutting-edge scientific to date. By giving succinct suggestions, tak- body which will contribute both to local and ing innovative actions and offering quality the peripheral development. services, it plays a main role both in local and peripheral level, transforming the pre- Its initiatives target mainly at the support fecture of Kilkis into a center of sustainable of the Local Self-Governed Bodies on the growth and development. one hand, through the realization of devel- By investing in local potentials, promoting opmental – financial programs, case studies outward trading policies, giving value to the about design strategy and significant con- well-being of the developmental organiza- struction projects, and on the other hand, tions and reinforcing their role, aiming at the at the support of entrepreneurship and em- same time to a balanced growth which pro- ployment by managing international and vides high standards of living to its citizens. European funds, providing technical support and information to the local small-scale ANIMA S.A. businesses. ANIMA (ANIMA S.A) was established in July DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF FLORINA S.A. 1995 with the initiative of the Local Self- Development Agency of Florina S.A. (AN- Governed Bodies and the Agricultural Co- FLO) was established on December 1995. operatives of Imathia. Today, partners are the Regional Unit of Imathia, the Munici- ANFLO in co-operation with the local bod- palities of Veria, Naoussa and Alexandria, ies and citizens of the area plays an active the three (3) Agricultural Co-operatives of role in growth issues of the Peripheral Unit Imathias’ County Veria, Naoussa and Alex- of Florina functioning as a motive for the andria and also the Chamber of Commerce. realization of the potentials of the local workforce. The main purpose of ANIMA is the multiside and integrated development of the County of Imathia. Since its establishment the agency sup- ported many activities in developmental initiatives, supported enterprise planning and funded with various means local pro- grammes. *Some of the photos that were used in the section about Imathia are part of the intellectual property of Valan- tis Lamprianidis – studio Katoptro VERIA – and of I. & G. Zarzonis Bros. Thesaloniki. NORTH GREECE….. Wandering around Flavours, Colours & Aromas, Tradition, Culture, Nature, Adventure The part of the region of Macedo- Apart from its rich natural and cultural her- nia covering the prefectures of Ko- itage, essentially, this part of Macedonia is zani, Florina, Imathia and Kilkis is worth visiting for its wealth of gastronomic well-known for its diverse and high- delights. Here, visitors will indulge them- value natural and cultural - tourism selves in tasting recipes from the refugees resources. of Pontus, trying various local recipes and enjoying the local wine which is produced These include ecosystems of lakes in abundance throughout the area. and rivers, mountains and mountain ranges of incomparable beauty, na- The unique quality branded products such tional parks of exceptional biodiver- as ‘Florina peppers’, ‘krokos Kozanis’1, sity, archaeological sites, historical ‘Kilkis wines’, peaches from the land of Im- monuments and settlements. athia and cheese products, have pioneered not only the domestic but the global mar- ket too. 1The krokos plant produces saffron which is widely used as a spice. Routes at a glance: Kilkis of the creek gurgle, the images of the cal- loused hand of a local housewife offering a 1. Dream-like flavours handmade sweet, will awaken and entice, Kilkis - Metalliko - M.Vrisi - Baptistis - in a unique way, our original senses, now Paleo Gynaikokastro - Chorygi - Polikastro altered and tainted by the modern world. - Axioupoli - Gorgopi - Goumenissa - Griva - Goumenissa - Evropos - Axioupoli - Kilkis Imathia Beginning our journey from Kilkis, the 4. A paradise on earth... northern gateway of Greece with its unique Veria - Seli-Arkochori - Naousa - Strantza multicultural patterns to the picturesque - Yiannakohori - Marina - Lefkadia - Kopa- mountain Paiko, a place of mental and spir- nos - Trilofo - Patrida - Veria itual uplifting, the route is truly spectacular. The itinerary starts from the city of Veria, The famous wineries, the feast of flavors follows a cyclic course and lasts 1 hour and emerging from the traditional products 30 minutes (by car) without stops, covering and dishes, the pious atmosphere of the approximately 105 km. It will answer to the monasteries and the churches, the touch call of guests with cultural interests, that of history in museums, caves and archaeo- is, gastro tourists, wine tourists and fans logical sites, all act as an invisible response of winter sports. It is worth visiting twelve to the question of every restless visitor: months a year. Worth visiting: the city of “Might this be the taste of dreams?”. Veria, the ski resort of Seli and the city of 2. Enticed in the pleasures of life Naousa. Kilkis - Kristoni - Mavroneri – Pikrolimni- 5. In the land of the King Xilokeratia - Lake Pikrolimni - Xilokeratia- Alexandria - N. Nikomidia - Makrochori - Gallikos River - Pedino - Kilkis Veria - Asomata - St. Barbara - Ammos - Here the misery of daily routine can be Aliakmon River Dam - Metochi - Vergina transformed into enjoyment of life in front - Palatitsia - Neokastro-Meliki-N. Prodro- of the eyes of the visitor. The starting point mos - Agia Triada - Agathia - Kipseli - Al- is Kilkis, a vibrant fascinating city where exandria someone can feel the intimacy of the local The 83 km distance itinerary starts from people and is met with countless options the city of Alexandria accessed by the of entertainment and leisure, close encoun- Egnatia Motorway, and follows a cyclic ters with the history and the tradition, and course. By car, you will need 1 hour and tastes of the local cuisine. At the end of 50 minutes (non-stop). The route applies the route, we encounter Pikrolimni where to visitors with cultural, gastronomical and someone can enjoy the medicinal and cos- ecological interests, who can go hiking, bik- metic properties of the lake in mud baths, ing and bird-watching. Worth visiting: the experiencing moments of wellness and city of Veria and Vergina. great relaxation. 3. Awakening the senses 6. Dream-like places Kilkis - Argiroupoli - Dipotamos - Terpillos Veria - Asomata - St. Barbara - Ammos- - Kokkinia - Melissourgio - Porochthio - Aliakmon River Dam - Sfikia - Rizomata Pontokerasia - Terpillos - Efkarpia - Cherso The 70 km distance itinerary starts from - Kilkis the city of Veria and comes to an end after From Kilkis all the way to the mountain 1 hour and 40 minutes (non-stop). This is Krousia, the breathtaking scenery and a round-the-year tour and covers the in- countryside life will astound the visitor. terests of ecotourists, gastro tourists and The flower