In the region of Imathia in northern Greece every Spring turns into a spectacular quilt of hot pink and vivid green due to the blossoms of its famed peach trees that line the entire plain.
Everyone on Earth has seen the splendor of the flowering cherry trees of Japan, which give such delicate beauty to the landscape every spring there.
But the huge carpets of pink blossoms from peach orchards, which transform the Imathia region of Greece into a pink wonderland, are equally as stunning and are among the world’s best-kept secrets.
The sight, seen especially well from the foothills of Mount Vermio, equals or surpasses any other springtime floral display anywhere in the world.
Balloon captures the peach blossoms in Imathia
This year, the city of Veria hosts a two-week festival that will allow locals and visitors to marvel at the blossoms. A heart-shaped balloon will be flying over the plains.
There will also be a photo contest “High in the Blooms! Peach Trees & Hot Air Balloons Photo Contest” organized by the tourist agency of Veria. Hundreds of people from all over Greece, including both amateur and professional photographers, take part in the competition every year. For more details please click here. (Link in Greek.)
Veria is located on the eastern foothills of the Vermio Mountains, one of Greece’s largest mountain ranges and it’s now the country’s largest forest-owning municipality with orchards producing peaches, apples, cherries, and other fruits.
The city is situated in ancient Imathia west of the ancient Macedonian town of Mieza and the site of the ancient School of Aristotle. The area, according to Herodotus, was where the fertile Gardens of King Midas were situated.
Imathia promotes tourism
Inspired by Japan’s way of promoting tourism featuring its emblematic famous cherry blossoms, Imathia residents have begun to promote the annual blooming of their treasured peach trees.
The region is already known as a popular winter destination, as it is home to two of Greece’s best ski resorts, Seli and 3-5 Pigadia.
The region also holds a yearly 17-kilometer ”Bicycle Ride Through the Flowering Peach Trees,” which offers participants an opportunity to discover and admire the spectacular display in an entirely new way.
The peach flowers are in bloom for approximately twenty days in northern Greece, and the beautiful event occurs between late February and mid-March.
Imathia’s peaches are well-known all across Europe. They are one of Greece’s most successful export products, and thousands of people work in the agricultural sector in the region.