An Introduction to Thessaloniki
Greece's second largest city, doubling up as the capital of the Macedonian area in the north. Sitting in a bowl of land, framed by low hills, adjacent to a beautiful bay on the Gulf of Thermaikos. Despite being one of the oldest cities in Europe, today Thessaloniki is lively and modern, often classed by the locals as more attractive than Athens, high praise, surely? With it's wide avenues, parks and squares, it is a stunning and slightly more relaxing place to spend your Grecian holiday. In 1917 most of the city was destroyed in a massive fire, and rebuilt later, creating an unusual but appealing mix of old and new. Because of building regulations prohibiting the creation of skyscrapers, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the seaside situation of Thessaloniki, with views aplenty from the city streets. Thessaloniki is the perfect setting for a Greek holiday with a balanced mixture of beach relaxation and time to soak up the culture.
Holidays in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is rich in things to keep even the most energetic tourist busy, it is home to several important European festivals, such as the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Bringing the streets that can sometimes be a little sleepy in the winter to life during the summer months. There are a wide range of stunning hotels, some aimed at familes and other high end hotels aimed at discerning, chic travellers that want to experience the region in style. There are three main ares in Thessaloniki. There is Downtown Thessaloniki, for those that want to stay in the thick of it all. Evosmos and Kalamaria are mainly residential with a few hotels dotted amongst them for those that want to experience the more natural atmosphere of the region. Boasting a beautiful sunny climate, reaching highs of around 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months with very little rain, This diverse region is an optimum destination for a sunny getaway.
Flights to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki International Airport is the easiest airport to use for this region and the area is well connected by public transport, making transfers smooth and easy. Flights are usually direct and last around three and a half hours or around five if you have a connecting flight.
History and Culture of Thessaloniki
This region was under the rule of Alexander the Great and named after his sister, Thessaloniki, when it was founded her husband in 316 BC. In recent years the region has made positive efforts to modernise and keep in line with other large cities and tourist destinations, it was made European City of Culture in 1997 and has planned a bid for the 2017 World EXPO and will be regenerating parts of the region for this event. The main squares are Platia Elefterias and Platia Aristotelous, both on the waterfront and alive with cafes, restaurants and people. Thessaloniki, having been under Ottoman rule for long periods in its history, has been left a legacy of numerous Byzantine churches, and museums housing Byzantine art and artefacts. The city also has a heritage of early Christian communities, particularly the renowned monasteries of nearby Mount Athos. It is a large city which is very much inhabited by Thessalonians not just tourists, which makes it a very pleasant and natural place to visit
