Thessaloniki

Holidays to Thessaloniki, Greece

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Holidays to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki (Thessalonica or Salonica or Salonika) is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the nation's largest region - Macedonia. The name is taken from Alexander the Great’s sister and is still one of the most important cities of the Balkans. There is the International airport called "Makedonia", connected to almost all European capitals. Thessaloniki is by far the liveliest city in Northern Greece - probably even the whole country.

Thessaloniki is home to many museums, mostly archaeological and ethnographic. Thessaloniki is a city with rich history, amazing markets and cosmopolitan night life. Furthermore you can visit the very well known market of the city for some shopping (for cheaper clothing check out Egnatia street). Also do not forgot visit the various archaeological places and museums of Thessaloniki.
One of the most famous archaeological places of Thessaloniki is the White Tower. The symbol of Thessaloniki, the White Tower, was build in the 15th Century as an off shore defensive tower. Initially, it was connecting the East with the South wall of Thessaloniki, which was torn down in 1866. The White Tower was being used as a guardhouse as well as a prison for centuries. Today, it operates as a museum with various selections of icons, wall paintings and other works of art, most of which date back to the Byzantium times.

Another well known archaeological place in Thessaloniki is Rotonda situated in Dimitriou Gounari Street. The circular building has been built in 306 AD as a Pantheon or as a Mausoleum for Galerius. During the reign of Theodosius the Great, with a few changes and a few additions, Rotonda was turned into a Christian church. Its mosaics are unique for the time 4th Century.

If you have even a slight interest in history, you should visit the Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki, one of the best in Greece. Its somewhat old fashioned exhibitions include a magnificent collection of Royal Macedonian Treasures, 100s golden articles! Open weekdays 9-15.00.

And finally do not miss the beautiful Byzantine churches in the city, now on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Evenings the life just begins here! Thessaloniki is known that never sleeps. Choose from lively bars and upscale restaurants, to traditional tavernas, ouzeries and authentic bouzoukia clubs. The city also boasts many cinemas and theatres and hosts the Thessaloniki Film Festival every year, one of the best in Europe.

Any Greek will expect you to take back sweets from Thessaloniki, so try tsoureki, plaited sweetened breads for which Terkenlis is famous for, and desserts (baklava and galaktoboureko) e.g. or Nikiforou on Venizelou street. The most famous of the baklava joints is Hatzis, but fame has not made it any better - it's become unfortunately a bit overpriced.

It has some of the most beautiful beaches and some of the finest hotels and best restaurants in northern Greece. The white sandy beaches of Halkidiki are a major attraction in Thessaloniki.

Best time to go to Thessaloniki