NAOUSSA
With dozens of hidden surprises, beautiful, quiet, with stunning nature and unique wine, Naoussa is a city with a rich cultural past, distinctive neighborhoods, and delightful local products. Images, flavors, experiences, events, and memories intertwine along its paths. Grand mansions, old industries, watermills, churches with their bell towers, the river, and the greenery create a unique atmosphere.
A journey to Naoussa is a continuous dialogue between the traveler and nature. Even within the city, nature is everywhere. Arapitsa, one of the few rivers in Greece with a feminine name, defines the city's boundaries, creates waterfalls, and fills it with energy. The Municipality of the Heroic City of Naoussa has the most forests in the country. The grove of Agios Nikolaos, the city's park, and the surrounding area are of unique beauty. A prominent feature of the city's cultural identity is the event “Genitsari and Boules,” which has deep historical roots and embodies elements of local tradition and heroic struggles. It is revived every year during the Carnival season and is believed to be linked to ancient Dionysian fertility rituals. Historical sources mentioning the wines of Naoussa testify that the city has been renowned for viticulture and wine production since the 16th century. With twenty-seven wineries, most of them open to visitors, one can explore the vineyards, taste old and rare wine vintages, and, of course, experience the unique Xinomavro, which only improves with aging. Highlighting the significance of wine in Naoussa, the city was declared an International City of Vine and Wine in 1987. The Gastronomic Wealth of Naoussa Naoussa is a blessed land, producing a variety of high-quality products thanks to its unique climate and soil. Visitors can enjoy exceptional traditional products, many of which are recognized as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), such as Naoussa peaches and Rodohori cherries. Xinomavro wine is classified as OPAP (Appellation of Superior Quality). Other key local products include vine derivatives such as tsipouro, petimezi (grape molasses), must, and vine leaves. In addition to these fruits, the region produces apples, plums, and kiwis, as well as products from the mountainous Vermio region, including honey, walnuts, chestnuts, mushrooms, and various herbs. These products have been traditionally used by local households to create jams, preserves, pickles, cured and sun-dried goods, ensuring their enjoyment throughout the year. This practice shaped the traditional Naoussa cuisine, which has evolved over time through the expertise of local businesses. With a deep respect for tradition and a willingness to experiment, they combine local ingredients with modern creative approaches.
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Contact Information
Tourism Office Address: 1 Megalou Alexandrou St., Postal Code 59200, Naoussa
Phone: +30 23320 52186
Email: tourismos@naoussa.gr
