VERIA, Greece — Each spring, the vast plains of Greece’s premier peach-growing region become a stunning tapestry of pink. The peach trees burst into bloom, drawing crowds annually, primarily from within Greece but increasingly from across Europe.
“It’s an experience that everyone should witness at least once, as the area is vast,” explained Gianna Pilitsidou, the head of the Veria Tourism Club, situated in the northern city of Veria.
Covering an expanse of 170 square kilometers (approximately 65 square miles), the landscape transforms into a sea of pink blossoms, she noted.
In recent years, the Veria Tourism Club has hosted a variety of events to celebrate the blossoming season, including photography sessions, cycling tours, and showcasing products from local farmers.
“Every spring, we celebrate in the fields, inviting people to join us and take in the beauty,” Pilitsidou remarked.
Over two weekends, thousands of visitors meandered through the flowering peach orchards surrounding Veria, situated 72 kilometers (45 miles) west of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.
âI want the people in Holland and Belgium to know what amazing spots there still are besides all the places that people already know,â said Wesley van Eijk, a blogger from the Netherlands who travels around Greece.
âFor example Veria. I mean more and more people get to know it, but you have to feel it and be here.â
The events aim to promote the region and support farmers involved in peach production.
âFor all of this to happen, it takes a lot of hard work â a lot of effort from us farmers,â said Anastasios Chalkidis, president of the local farmers union.
âWeâre happy that this beautiful event takes place, this great promotion for the wonderful product we have.â
The events have been a boon to the region, with hotel workers saying they have visibly increased the number of visitors.
âI came all the way from Germany to this fabulous event to have a look at the peach blossom, which I absolutely adore,â said traveler Andrea Lachnit.
âYou have to come because itâs stunning and beautiful and heavenly. I have never seen anything like this before.â
The peach trees in the Veria region blossom roughly between mid-March and mid-April.
