Thessaloniki, in the beautiful Macedonian region, is the second biggest city in Greece, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. It's a thriving commercial city, a busy port and a gateway to much of the Balkans. It offers a beach holiday with a city twist.
You'll find a wide range of hotels to choose from, many are of high quality thanks to the city's prosperity. With its typically mild Mediterranean climate, expect mild winters and sunny, cool summers. Most visitors flock there from May to June and again from September to October.
You'll find a wide range of hotels to choose from, many are of high quality thanks to the city's prosperity. With its typically mild Mediterranean climate, expect mild winters and sunny, cool summers. Most visitors flock there from May to June and again from September to October.
Thessaloniki beaches
There are any number of gorgeous beaches - including Epanamoi, Agia Triada, Aretsou, Perea, Nei Epivates, Nea Mihaniona, Asprovalta and also the nearby beaches of Halkidki - from developed Kassandra to the slightly less developed Sithonia. There are a range of large, sandy beaches and any number of tiny coves too. Expect watersports, taverns and a busy vibe.
There are any number of gorgeous beaches - including Epanamoi, Agia Triada, Aretsou, Perea, Nei Epivates, Nea Mihaniona, Asprovalta and also the nearby beaches of Halkidki - from developed Kassandra to the slightly less developed Sithonia. There are a range of large, sandy beaches and any number of tiny coves too. Expect watersports, taverns and a busy vibe.
Thessalonoki sightseeing
It's got a wealth of archaeological and historical sights - including the White Tower, which was commissioned in the 15th century by Suleyman the Magnificent and is built on the site of a Byzantine structure. Visit its museum for its collection of sculptures, frescoes and mosaics.
There's also the Haqua Sophia Church, built during the Byzantine era, which has superb mosaics and intricate designs. Also visit the Arch of Galerius from Roman times and Hippodrome Square, a remnant of Ancient Greece. There are Roman Baths and a Roman Market and Theatre.
It's got a wealth of archaeological and historical sights - including the White Tower, which was commissioned in the 15th century by Suleyman the Magnificent and is built on the site of a Byzantine structure. Visit its museum for its collection of sculptures, frescoes and mosaics.
There's also the Haqua Sophia Church, built during the Byzantine era, which has superb mosaics and intricate designs. Also visit the Arch of Galerius from Roman times and Hippodrome Square, a remnant of Ancient Greece. There are Roman Baths and a Roman Market and Theatre.
Family attractions in Thessaloniki
Aside from all the glorious beaches, you can also visit theme park Waterland, with its 150 acres of pools and gardens, wave pools and slides or Thessaloniki Zoo. Many of the hotels will offer children's clubs to keep the little ones entertained.
Aside from all the glorious beaches, you can also visit theme park Waterland, with its 150 acres of pools and gardens, wave pools and slides or Thessaloniki Zoo. Many of the hotels will offer children's clubs to keep the little ones entertained.
Day trips from Thessaloniki
Head to the three peninsulas of Halkidiki, for their glorious beaches or if you want something a bit more remote for smaller coves like Spathies and Elia. You'll love the pine forests and the bee hives.
Or you could head to the vineyards of Central Halkidiki. Join an organised tour of any number of local wineries and try the local Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Ask at a local hotel's reception about how to join a tour.
Head to the three peninsulas of Halkidiki, for their glorious beaches or if you want something a bit more remote for smaller coves like Spathies and Elia. You'll love the pine forests and the bee hives.
Or you could head to the vineyards of Central Halkidiki. Join an organised tour of any number of local wineries and try the local Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Ask at a local hotel's reception about how to join a tour.
Eating out in Thessaloniki
Most of the hotels will serve a buffet style breakfast, and give you the option of a full English as well. Otherwise head to the city centre, Athonos Square and Ladadika for fresh grilled fish and meat. Macedonian specialities include tripe and soutzoukakia (meatballs cooked in garlic and tomato).
One of the biggest pleasures is the local wine - there are at least five wineries in Macedonia and both the whites and reds are a treat.
Most of the hotels will serve a buffet style breakfast, and give you the option of a full English as well. Otherwise head to the city centre, Athonos Square and Ladadika for fresh grilled fish and meat. Macedonian specialities include tripe and soutzoukakia (meatballs cooked in garlic and tomato).
One of the biggest pleasures is the local wine - there are at least five wineries in Macedonia and both the whites and reds are a treat.
Thessaloniki nightlife
The nightlife is vibrant and you have any number of clubs and pubs and bouzoukia's (specialising in Greek music played on bouzoukis) to choose from. They keep going to the early hours too so be prepared to party hard. A lot of people head to Mylos, an old converted windmill, that houses restaurants and clubs.
During the summer many of the venues reopen along the airport road towards the beaches. There are also lots of theatres and cinemas and the Thessaloniki Film Festival between October and November is getting bigger every year.
The nightlife is vibrant and you have any number of clubs and pubs and bouzoukia's (specialising in Greek music played on bouzoukis) to choose from. They keep going to the early hours too so be prepared to party hard. A lot of people head to Mylos, an old converted windmill, that houses restaurants and clubs.
During the summer many of the venues reopen along the airport road towards the beaches. There are also lots of theatres and cinemas and the Thessaloniki Film Festival between October and November is getting bigger every year.
Shopping in Thessaloniki
There are any number of trendy boutiques where you can buy great jewellery and designer gear - and you'll have a choice of classy Italian fashions and leather goods. Most shops open until about 9pm at night and sometimes even later. For keepsakes think about hand-woven textiles, embroidered cloth, jewellery and olive wood goods. Head to Tsimiski Street, with its wide range of shops, as it's central.
Nearby Agias Sofias has more upmarket boutiques. You don't have to go designer and can head to the market between Aristotelous and Ionos Dragoumi for superb fresh goods. If you like malls then Mediterranean Cosmos will be for you. Just outside the airport, it's a vast space where you can shop, catch a movie or have your lunch.
There are any number of trendy boutiques where you can buy great jewellery and designer gear - and you'll have a choice of classy Italian fashions and leather goods. Most shops open until about 9pm at night and sometimes even later. For keepsakes think about hand-woven textiles, embroidered cloth, jewellery and olive wood goods. Head to Tsimiski Street, with its wide range of shops, as it's central.
Nearby Agias Sofias has more upmarket boutiques. You don't have to go designer and can head to the market between Aristotelous and Ionos Dragoumi for superb fresh goods. If you like malls then Mediterranean Cosmos will be for you. Just outside the airport, it's a vast space where you can shop, catch a movie or have your lunch.
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