Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is a true cultural treasure offering a vibrant mix of history and modern life. Situated on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf, it boasts stunning views of the Aegean Sea. With its rich past, lively nightlife, and fantastic gastronomy, it’s an ideal destination for every traveler.
Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary experience!
In 2021, Thessaloniki was awarded the prestigious UNESCO title of “City of Gastronomy,” recognizing its rich and diverse food culture shaped by Ottoman, Balkan, and Mediterranean traditions. This cultural melting pot has given birth to iconic dishes such as bougatsa – a delicious, cream-filled pastry introduced by Asia Minor refugees in the 1920s.
Discover local flavors over a cup of traditional Greek coffee, and sample street food like koulouri – a sesame-coated bread ring that became popular throughout Greece thanks to Thessaloniki’s refugee communities. Try artisan specialties like pumpkin and leek pies, cheeses made from sheep and goat milk, cured meats, olives, and premium extra virgin olive oil. Don’t miss out on traditional seafood dishes, such as freshly caught small fish that perfectly showcase the region’s culinary diversity.
In the heart of the city lies the Kapani Market – Thessaloniki’s oldest market – a true paradise for food lovers. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh fish and meats to juicy fruits and vegetables, sweet treats, crunchy nuts, aromatic spices, and much more.
History
Thessaloniki’s history spans more than 2,300 years. It was founded in 315 BC and named after Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. The city played a significant role in the Roman Empire and later became a key center of the Byzantine Empire. It also held importance during the Ottoman era before becoming part of Greece in 1912. These events have left their mark on the city’s landscape, filled with historical sites and monuments.
Explore the city’s charming streets on foot
Thanks to its compact size, Thessaloniki is perfect for walking. The seafront is just a 15-minute stroll from downtown, making it easy to discover the city’s history and architectural wonders. The imposing 34-meter-high White Tower, once used as a prison and execution site during Ottoman times, is now an iconic symbol of the modern New Waterfront promenade. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the gulf and Mount Olympus.
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History enthusiasts can admire several ancient marvels. The 7th-century Church of Agios Dimitrios, built in honor of Thessaloniki’s patron saint, preserves his relics in a crypt beneath the church. The even older Church of Agia Sofia, dating back to the 6th century, blends Roman and Byzantine architecture and features a golden-leaf interior that glistens beautifully in the light. It was modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
Relax with a coffee at Aristotle Square, where a statue of the ancient philosopher stands tall. From here, take a walk up to the historic Ano Poli district, with its narrow cobblestone streets and surviving walls from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Though the steep climb can be challenging, the view over the city and sea is well worth the effort. On hot days, consider taking a taxi up and enjoying a leisurely walk back down to the city center.
The modern part of the city also offers plenty of opportunities to explore Thessaloniki’s rich past. The Archaeological Museum showcases Macedonia’s prehistoric era, as well as the Hellenistic and Roman periods, while the Museum of Byzantine Culture displays over 3,000 Byzantine artifacts. For guided tours, Guru Walk offers free walking tours with local guides.
If you’re looking for a special culinary experience, join a wine tasting tour at one of the area’s family-owned wineries. Just a few kilometers from Thessaloniki lies Ktima Gerovassiliou, a 48-hectare estate that has been producing wine since 1981. Here, you can taste excellent white, red, and rosé wines and visit the small on-site museum showcasing the traditions of viticulture and winemaking.
If you’re interested in handcrafted spirits made from organic ingredients, visit the Abelon Distillery, just a 30-minute drive away. Both family businesses honor the region’s winemaking heritage while offering breathtaking views of the sea and snow-capped Mount Olympus.
Delve into the royal history of the region
For lovers of ancient Greek history and archaeology, Vergina is a must-see destination about an hour from Thessaloniki. This small village is home to the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs Museum, one of Northern Greece’s most significant historical sites. The museum’s main attraction is the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.
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Enter through a tunnel beneath the burial mound and marvel at the tomb entrance. The surrounding museum features stunning artifacts, including silver goblets, an ivory-and-gold shield, a gilded quiver, fully gold-plated armor, and other royal treasures recovered from the tomb.
Nearby is the Polycentric Museum of Aigai, showcasing objects from Alexander the Great’s reign. A highlight of the museum is the partially reconstructed Macedonian royal palace, which in its heyday was three times the size of the Parthenon in Athens.
To fully explore Vergina and the nearby wineries, renting a car is recommended so you can travel at your own pace. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour for a deeper insight into the region’s history and cultural heritage. Whether you go on a solo adventure or opt for expert guidance, the fascinating past and culinary traditions of Greece promise an unforgettable experience.
Thessaloniki is the perfect choice for travelers eager to immerse themselves in history, explore a vibrant Mediterranean city, and enjoy warm Greek hospitality.