 Grevena town
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Grevena is the capital of the eponymous regional unit. It is located 420 km from Athens and 193 km from Thessaloniki, and is the only urban center in the wider area.
The city is built on the left bank of the Greveniotic River, a tributary of the Aliakmonas River, in the area of the ancient city of Elimaia or Elimiotis.
Interestingly, the exact date of Grevena¢s foundation remains unknown, even though the wider region has been inhabited since ancient times. Its position as a passageway for both friendly and invading forces from Lower Macedonia and Orestiada to Epirus and Thessaly led to repeated destruction, leaving no historical references to the city for centuries.
Neolithic settlements in the area are characterized by population movements that distinguish them from other regions, with settlements typically small and found in the Eastern Pindus. Archaeological remains and fortifications from prehistoric and historic periods, as well as more recent times, have been discovered. Notable examples include the walls of Spilaio, Polinério, and Filippaioi.
Excavations have uncovered Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine tombs in the area of Ai-Lia. At the highest point of the village, on the Koulia peak (1,150 m), stands the ancient acropolis with its extensive walls. In the Megali Petra area, intact tombs with clay and bronze grave goods from the Hellenistic and Roman periods were found. In Trikokio village, remains of Byzantine buildings and bases of columns made from local stone can still be seen.
In more recent history, Grevena was burned by the Germans during the occupation, which is why the city does not feature the typical traditional Macedonian architecture seen in other towns of Western Macedonia.
In recent years, Grevena has been developing rapidly, with infrastructure projects and tourism initiatives highlighting the region¢s natural beauty. Its almost alpine landscapes provide countless opportunities for outdoor activities, while the Vasilitsa ski resort attracts skiing enthusiasts.
Grevena offers entertainment for all tastes. At Emilianou Square, there are many traditional eateries, including grills, taverns, and ouzeri, perfect for starting your evening stroll around the city. On the pedestrian street of M. Alexandrou, some of the city¢s most popular cafés are concentrated.
As the night progresses, music venues raise the energy to new heights. Nightclubs with live music (bouzoukia, rembetika) and bars provide visitors with unforgettable evenings.
The Grevena market is equally impressive, rivaling that of larger cities. Among the local products, cheeses stand out, including feta, anevato, “batzios,” myzithra, manouri, kasseri, kefalotyri, and smoked Metsovo-style cheese. These can be purchased directly from local dairies. Traditional tsipouro, a strong distilled spirit, is also highly recommended.
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