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Kilkis...a place to surprise you pleasantly
The prefecture of Kilkis, the northernmost point in Greece, is one of the least explored in the country. The truth is that its mountainous masses (Mt. Paiko, Belles and Kroussia) as well as its water areas (Lakes Doirani, Pikrolimni, Limni Metalliou, Rivers Axios and Gallikos) are ideal destinations for exploration, relaxation and an unprecedented contact with nature. Accommodation throughout the prefecture can satisfy the most discerning visitors.
The following are well worth a visit:
· The quaint villages on Mt. Paiko -- Grivas, Karpi, Kastarneri – and the fascinating mountain forests traversed by marked E-6 path, the “Vale Orvo” (blind valley) part of the NATURA 2000 network, all of them retaining unique colours in each season of the year; ideal place for mountaineers, trekkers and cyclists.
· Mt. Dysoros (Kroussia) that also includes significant NATURA 2000 areas, located at merely 12 km from Lake Kerkini, constitutes an ideal shelter for the local fauna (wild boar, deer, wild birds). This is also the location of the Balkan Botanical garden, covering an area of 310 stremmas and hosting a multitude of migratory birds of the Balkans. Both places are frequently visited by international scientists as well as by lovers of flowers and nature in general.
· Frontier Lake Doirani, Greece’s natural border with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) -- a cove for many aquatic birds – and the area called Thousand Trees which has been declared as a protected Natural Monument for its age-long oak trees.
· Historic Skra with its magnificent waterfalls and uniquely beautiful emerald lake; quaint Koupa, literally hidden inside the woods.
· Lake Pikrolimni with its mud-baths, renown since Homer’s time for its therapeutic properties.
· Kilkis Cave, one of the most significant caves in Greece; it is a two-storey cave, decorated with unique stone corals.
· The Archaeological Museum in Kilkis which hosts the Kouros of Evropos and the statues of Palatiano.
· The Natural History Museum in Axioupolis, the War Museums in Kilkis and Skra, the Folklore Museum in Goumenissa.
· Quaint Goumenissa, renown for its exquisite wines Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC -- "term of controlled origin" – and great wineries.
· The monasteries of St. Rafael, Osios Nikodemos, the historic churchs of Panagia Goumenissa and St. George in Kilkis.