The Prefecture of Thessaloniki is located in the centre of the
Macedonia region covering an area of 3,683 km2 and is bordered by
the sea to the east and west. The land is only in part mountainous with the
highest peak of Mount Hortiatis at 1,201 m. The region has two rivers, the
Gallikos and the Axios, the rest of the land is plain and very fertile,
particularly in the west. There are therapeutic springs at Thermi, 25 km from
Thessaloniki, Langada 19 km, Nea Apollonia 50 km and for drinking at Souroti 28
km.
The capital is the city of Thessaloniki, the second main industrial and
commercial centre in Greece, after Athens. Thessaloniki hosts a number of major
international events; every September the International Trade Fair, the
International Festival of Cinema, as well as many other commercial exhibitions
during the year. The City Museum has displays of interesting finds of the area
and the unique treasures found in the tomb of the Macedonian King Philip II that
was brought to light in nearby Vergina. The White Tower, the recognised landmark
of the city, can found overlooking the sea.
The climate is mild on its coast, but inland it is cold in the winter and
warm in the summer.