Thessaloniki

As Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki, or Salonica, is cultured and hip offering great nightlife, terrific shopping, fine dining and a glorious history. It’s friendlier and less hectic than Athens and, as northern Greece’s central transport hub, it offers convenient connections to the fabulous resorts of Halkidiki and the Olympus Riviera.


Similar to Athens, Thessaloniki boasts enduring symbols of a glorious history including the White Tower soaring over the café-lined waterfront, Ottoman hammams now eclectic art galleries, and Byzantine walls stretching to Upper Town (Ano Poli), itself an enchanting mix of colourful old houses, winding alleyways and ancient churches. Grand buildings include the 5th century Church of Agios Dimitrios, an enormous Roman Rotunda, and the ruins of Roman Emperor, Galerius’ 3rd century palace. Situated next to the sea at the Thermaïkos Gulf, Thessaloniki is a major university town ensuring a vibrancy in the bars and cafés outside normal tourist months and this, together with its compactness, makes for a delightful visit at any time of the year.