Holiday in Thessaloniki

About Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city and its unofficial cultural capital, combines 2,300 years of history with a vibrant gastronomy scene that has earned it the reputation of the culinary capital of the country. The White Tower on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf is the city's landmark and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the bay up to Mount Olympus. The Byzantine churches of Thessaloniki are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and house some of the best-preserved mosaics and frescoes of early Christian art. The Church of Agios Dimitrios, dedicated to the city's patron saint, impresses with its five-aisled basilica and shimmering gold mosaics from the 7th century. The Rotunda, originally a Roman temple, served as a church and mosque and features magnificent dome mosaics. Ano Poli, the upper town with its Ottoman wooden houses and Byzantine city walls, offers winding alleys and the best view over the entire city. The lively waterfront promenade Nea Paralia stretches for 5 kilometers with sculptures, parks, and cafes — here, all of Thessaloniki meets in the evening for a stroll. What makes Thessaloniki special is the food: Bougatsa (warm pastry with cream), Koulouri (sesame rings), charcoal-grilled Souvlaki, and seafood dishes shape the streets. The Modiano Market was extensively renovated in 2023 and combines historical market atmosphere with modern gastro concepts. The Ladadika Street with its taverns and bars is the heart of the nightlife. Excursions to the Chalkidiki peninsula with Caribbean beaches and Mount Athos, the Holy Mountain, start from Thessaloniki.