Thessaloniki, named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great is the second-largest city in Greece. Nestled in the heart of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is easy to fall in love with. It has beauty, chaos, history and culture, remarkable cuisine and wonderful, vast sea views. Ever since the 4th c. BC when it was founded, Thessaloniki has kept its urban character and has remained a civic centre and the hub of that region. The city’s multicultural history has been associated with great empires, as it has known the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Rule. But sightseeing is not the only thing to do in Thessaloniki. It is perfect for endless strolls and city exploration. Walk along Thessaloniki beach promenade, have a coffee at Aristotle Square, taste the local delicacies at Ladadika, and time travel to the past at Thessaloniki Old Town.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
The White Tower: The hallmark of the city.
Kamara: Kamara is an arch constructed by the Roman general Galerius in the 3rd century AD.
Church of Saint Dimitrios – protector of Thessaloniki: Agios Dimitrios and the impressive underground Crypt is considered by many the most important Paleo-Christian monument of Thessaloniki. In 1988, it was included in the World Cultural Heritage as part of the early Christian and Byzantine ancient buildings in Thessaloniki.
The traditional markets: the Modiano, which is housed in a rectangular building of 1922, with pediment facade and glass roof; the Kapani or Vlalis market; Athonos Square and the ‘Louloudadika’ (literally flower market).
Ano Poli: Ano Poli is one of the oldest districts in Thessaloniki, and one of the most unique and charming to boot. The neighbourhood sits high in the hills above the city. It is characterised by narrow cobbled passageways, pastel-coloured Ottoman houses, and grand Byzantine structures.
3 Comments
4.6
We were pleasantly surprised by the rich tapestry of culture and history that greeted us during our time in Thessaloniki in Greece. Highlights like the White Tower and the Rotunda captivated our family, while each meal we enjoyed, especially the local moussaka, was a delightful journey through traditional flavors. A minor downside was that some of the historical sites felt a bit rushed, but overall, the experience was a memorable blend of exploration and learning that we cherished together.
4.2
We had an amazing time soaking in the rich history and vibrant culture over our three-day adventure, with highlights like the local markets and stunning architecture truly standing out. While the itinerary was packed with delights, we did wish for a bit more downtime to relax and soak in the atmosphere after our busy days.
4.4
Exploring Thessaloniki over three days was a delight, especially when we stumbled upon a cozy taverna where the grilled octopus stole the show. While the historic sites were breathtaking, we did find ourselves wishing for a bit more free time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.