Berea peach blossom tours for small groups from Thessaloniki. Stretching between the vibrant cities of Thessaloniki and Veria lies a vast, fertile plain. Encircled by towering, verdant mountains, this rich land is caressed by the azure waters of the northern Aegean on its eastern side. Four spirited rivers descend from these peaks, carving their way through the plain before emptying into the Thermaic Gulf. The local farmers make the most of this bountiful land, cultivating premium rice, cotton, and grains. As we journey closer to Veria, the landscape transforms into a sea of fruit orchards, testifying to the region’s agricultural abundance.

The Veria region is defined by its rich Macedonian history as a center for fruit cultivation, especially peaches, highlighting their cultural and economic significance in Greece. Every year, for only 2 weeks during March, around 7 million peach trees blossom, creating an unparalleled spectacle. Billions of tiny pink flowers convert the Veria valley into a pink ocean, stretching for thousands of hectares. Throughout Veria, peach trees representing a diverse array of species, paint an amazing landscape. The blossoming of peach trees heralds a nationwide celebration across the country, featuring joyous gatherings with food, music, dance and a strong sense of community.

This tradition of celebrating these ephemeral flowers has endured for decades, attracting visitors from around the world, each March. While your travels may lead you elsewhere, the enchanting spectacle of peach blossom season in Veria is definitely worth visiting.

In Northern Greece, peach blossoms serve as a poignant symbol of spring’s arrival, a time of renewed optimism, rejuvenation, and the flourishing of new life. When Saint Paul visited Veria, this fertile plain was completely different. At sea level, the plain was a vast and dangerous swamp. Filled with wild animals and serving as a hideout for bandits and outlaws, the swamp was an inhospitable and perilous place to travel.

Saint Paul and his companions traveled partially on the Via Egnatia and used local dirt roads to reach Veria. They had to cross four rivers, countless streams, and muddy fields. The journey between Thessalonica and Veria was a difficult and dangerous ordeal for Saint Paul, a fact that is hard to comprehend today as it takes only an hour and a half to reach Veria from Thessalonica by car.

Berea peach blossom: Biblical tours

Visiting Veria, the biblical Berea, during March is a truly enriching experience. Here are the key sites we visit:

1. The Bema of Apostle Paul: This is a significant spot for Christian pilgrims. It is where Saint Paul preached to the Bereans both Greeks and Jews. Located it in the city center, it is a great place for reflection and contemplation.

2. The Jewish Quarter: Veria had a significant Jewish community in Saint Paul’s time. He lived in the Jewish neighborhood and preached in their synagogue. The Jewish Quarter is a reminder of this story and you can still see the old synagogue, though it is not always open to the public.

3. Byzantine Churches: Veria is known for its numerous Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, some of which have beautiful frescoes and icons. These old churches are a testament to the long Christian history and Saint Paul’s legacy of the city.

Berea peach blossom tours: Your chauffeur and local guide

Michael E. Nalbantis is your private driver and local guide for all your Thessaloniki day trips. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google maps local guide level seven. Also available, licensed tour guide upon request at an extra cost.

Limited availability

As of limited availability, my tours are not available in any booking platform, worldwide. For more info (availability – rates) on our Berea peach blossom tours, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp available

We are dedicated in providing exclusively private and guided day trips from Thessaloniki to a series of worth visiting locations in Northern Greece. Our private tours provide a personalized, intimate exploration of your chosen destination, catering precisely to your interests and pace.