Thessaloniki holidays and city breaks

History:

Immerse yourself in a city where cultures combine and the remnants of thousands of years of various settlements and civilisations are still on display. Thessaloniki holidays are a must for any history buff with monuments and churches dating back to 315 BC when it was founded as the capital city of the Kingdom of Macedonia.

Food:

Savour the tastes of the first ever Greek city of gastronomy, as awarded in 2021 by the United Nations. A highlight of city breaks in Thessaloniki, the local cuisine is widely considered the best in Greece and combines the best of Greek, Turkish, Jewish and Balkan influences.

The Beaches:

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a Thessaloniki city holiday, where you get to explore a city packed with history, shopping and entertainment and then find yourself lying on golden sand or swimming in the azure Aegean Sea in less than 30 minutes. Visit the nearby beaches of Perea and Agia Triada and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine.

The Districts:

Stroll around the old town of Ano Poli and admire the Agia Aikaterini, a five domed Byzantine church, traditional houses and atmospheric cafes down stone paved alleys. The upper town boasts stunning views of the city and Mount Olympus across the bay. Then at night head for Ladadika, the vibrant nightlife district.

Day Trips:

Make the most of your Thessaloniki package holiday by exploring a little further afield. Walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great with a tour of the former Macedonian Kingdom sites of Vergina and Pella. Or if you fancy yourself as a bit of a Greek God, see where the originals hung out with a trip to Mount Olympus National Park.

The White Tower:

Standing proudly on the city’s waterfront, this museum has survived many lives since it was built in 1430. The scene of mass executions during Ottoman rule, the tower was regained by Greece in 1912 and became a symbol of the city.

Arch of Galerius:

Built to honour Roman Emperor Galerius after his victory against the Persians in 306 AD, this intricately carved stone monument is a big tourist hot spot. Take the time to study the artwork or grab a quick selfie with the ancient artifact.

Rotonda Monument:

This cylindrical structure has served as a temple, a church, a mosque and is now a sculpture museum. Marvel at the remaining mosaics which once covered the entire ceiling.

Museums:

If you fancy some more cultural exploration, check out the Archaeological Museum, The Museum of Byzantine Culture and the Jewish Museum. And for a little humour amongst the history, indulge your social media addiction at The Selfie Museum.

The Waterfront:

Stretching from the White Tower to the city’s port, this 3.5km long promenade hosts an array of gardens including a skatepark, tennis and basketball courts and artwork including a statue of Alexander the Great and the stunning Umbrellas art installation.

Soutzoukakia:

Tuck into these meatballs in a cumin and cinnamon spiced tomato sauce brought to the city in the 1930s by the Asia Minor Greeks from what is now modern-day Turkey. Usually served with pita bread and Greek yogurt, they are a favourite amongst locals and tourists.

Bougasta:

Start your day with these filo pastries stuffed with feta or sweet semolina custard and dusted with icing sugar.

Bougiourdi:

Dig in to some comfort food with feta baked with tomatoes, hot peppers, chili flakes and oregano. Make sure to order a side dip called htipiti, made of cheese and spicy red pepper.

Mussels:

The city is famed for their plump and plentiful mussels with the Thermaic Gulf being the country’s main source of production. A local serving style is Mussels Pilaf, packed with bold flavours of peppers, onions, dill and lemon.

Koulouria Roll:

Pick up one of these traditional flat bagel style bread rolls topped with sesame seeds. The city is famed for the inception of the snack as far back as the Byzantine era. Wash down with a cool coffee frappe, which was also invented here in 1957.

On Foot:

The most effective way to pack in all the sights is on your own steam, so don your comfy shoes and make the most of the conveniently located monuments, churches and museums.

Bus:

The city has a cheap and reliable bus network of 224 buses covering 75 routes and tickets can be purchased on board, from a kiosk or selected grocery shops. The Cultural Bus No.50 is a tourist favourite with 15 stops covering 46 monuments and places of interest.

Taxi:

With over 2000 official taxi operating in the city, you’re never waiting too long at a rank. Identifiable by their blue bodies and white roofs, Thessaloniki taxis are prone to ride sharing so don’t be alarmed if your driver picks up another fare.