Peraia is the first community of the Municipality of Thermaikos that one encounters coming from Thessaloniki from the provincial road of Thessaloniki Nea Michanionas. It is the seat of the Municipality of Thermaikos.
BRIEF HISTORY
The first inhabitants of Perea settled in 1923. Refugees coming from Asia Minor and Thrace, found in the area the place for a new beginning. The origin of the refugees from two different areas resulted in disagreements over the name that would be given to the refugee settlement. Finally the name Perea prevailed. Officially for the first time the Community of Peria is mentioned in the Official Gazette of 1926.
Although the settlement of Peraia is considered to have been created after the exchange of populations, however, archaeological finds in the area show that there was a settlement in the area from the 6th century BC. More specifically, Aristotle mentions that Peisistratos during his campaign in N.Greece in 556 BC. in order to gather financial resources (Pangaeo and Echedoro) in order to regain power in Athens, he settled around the Thermaikos gulf in a village called RAIKILOS. RAIKILOS is sought on the eastern side of the gulf near Aeneia (Michaniona).
In 1926 an inscription was found written on a column in a field of Perea at the beginning of the village, dating from 185 AD. which reads: Artemis Richelia…..from those skins….. On Ierne Elianis Mantos Epileletos III(century)…… This Find shows the Position of Raikilos. Other antiquities that were found in 1929 in the stream of Livadikios (Tsair Tsiflik) come from this area. Livadikio is a pre-existing settlement of 1923 located between Peraia and the MACEDONIA airport.
Since 1974, the School of Tourism Professions of Macedonia has been based in Perea, with a notable presence in the tourism development of the region.
The major reconstruction of the area that began in the 1990s, combined with the short distance from the city of Thessaloniki and the beauty of the area, resulted in it becoming a permanent residence choice for a large number of citizens, skyrocketing its permanent population.
INTEREST TO THE VISITOR
From 1923 when the first residents settled until today, Perea has changed a lot and from a small refugee village it transformed into a beautiful city with the characteristics of a tourist destination that has nothing to envy from other more prominent regions of Greece. It is amphitheatrically built and stretches from the hills to the coast.
At a distance of only 10 km from the “MACEDONIA” International Airport and 23 km from the center of the city of Thessaloniki, it is an easily accessible destination for visitors who want to enjoy beaches with clear blue waters. The coasts of Perea have been consistently awarded in recent years with two Blue Flags, one in the Historical Memorial Square area and one in the Kochyli area.
A unique experience is offered by the traditional walk along the beach, where one meets a multitude of restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. and can enjoy fresh fish, seafood and traditional dishes, ouzo appetizers with local tsipouro and wine or coffee and drinks. literally on the sea with a view of Thermaikos gulf and the city of Thessaloniki. Some taverns and bars organize live music nights offering their guests beautiful experiences of relaxation and entertainment.
Numerous cultural and sporting events are a point of attraction especially in the summer months, offering entertainment and leisure opportunities in the area. Having a rich tradition regarding the sea, the residents of the area founded two nautical groups, N.O.P.Th. and TORONAIO, whose members star in both Greek and world competitions.
Hotels of all categories as well as dozens of rooms for rent cover the accommodation of tourists with all comforts.
During the summer, the beach of Perea can also be reached by the KAARAVACIA ferries that run frequent routes from the port of Thessaloniki to the beaches of the area.
