Thessaloniki

Considered the second largest city on the Greek mainland, it has a population of 354,290 and is the capital of Central Macedonia, situated on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. It is a modern metropolitan seaside city, offering everything you could want in a holiday, including a rich history, abundant natural beauty, and the sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea.

Thessaloniki has a temperate, warm climate for the majority of the year. The hottest months are June, July and August, when the average temperature is normally well above 25 degrees and reaches highs of more than 30 degrees. Temperatures in autumn and spring are warm without being oppressive with September having highs of 29 degrees, which falls down to around 14 degrees in November, with the process going in reverse during the Spring. This makes Thessaloniki the ideal tourist destination for sun-seekers.

Its history reveals that it was discovered during the Macedonian height, in 315 BC, just thirty years after Alexander the Great had conquered the world. It is named after the Thessalian horsemen who helped Alexander’s father Philip defeat the Phocians, with the name literally meaning “victory of the Thessalians” in Greek. By Roman times, its crucial strategic location made it a vital and thriving city, which was visited by the Apostle Paul. Once the Roman Empire split, it became the second most important city in the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople. This meant it became an attractive target for the Ottomans, who conquered it in 1430, building many mosques and castles. It became part of mainland Greece in 1912 and was a hotbed of anti-Nazi sentiment, opposing the pro-German king.

Linking east and west, this city beautifully blends exotic Eastern spices with hearty Mediterranean flavours. It is also a harbour town, which means there is a wide selection of fresh fish available, including red mullet, small sardines, and squid. The city is particularly famous for its souvlaki, sliced pork served in circular pita bread, accompanied by potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki. Additionally, the region is renowned for its sweets, especially bougatsa, a cream-filled pie delicately spiced with cinnamon. Due to the city’s size, you will also find a diverse range of international restaurants.

There are many tours and attractions in Thessaloniki that visitors will enjoy. Agios Dimitrios and the attached catacombs are a fascinating and educational site, perfect for families and history enthusiasts. The famous White Tower, a symbol of the city, also makes for a great day out. The city offers a range of interesting museums, including the archaeological museum, the Byzantine museum, and NOEIS, which cover aspects of Eastern history, Western history, and science.

The Thessaloniki International Trade Fair takes place every September and lasts for 10 days. The Greek Prime Minister usually attends it, and it is vital for fostering connections between Greece and its Balkan neighbours. The International Film Festival takes place in autumn and features a mix of international and local films, making it a delightful event for cinema enthusiasts. The city also hosts an international photography festival showcasing the finest Greek photography.

As the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki, has a vibrant and buzzing nightlife, which offers something for every taste. Foremost of these are the many cool nightclubs, featuring a selection of music, including modern pop, electro, rock and Greek. There is also an exciting local music scene, which takes place in the many cafes and bars of the city. Thessaloniki also caters for those who want something quieter, with many tavernas that stay open late into the evening combining delicious food, with great wine for the perfect experience.