Who is the founder of the city of Thessaloniki. City of three civilizations

Thessaloniki (Greece) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Thessaloniki with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Thessaloniki (Greece)

Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki) is the second largest city in Greece, located in the north of the country in the historical region of Central Macedonia. It is the administrative center of the decentralized administration of Macedonia - Thrace and a major seaport. Thessaloniki is a beautiful city with a pleasant cosmopolitan atmosphere, where you can find many ancient monuments, admire the ancient Byzantine churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sit in cozy cafes and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine.

Thessaloniki is considered the cultural capital of Greece. The city is famous for its vibrant and rich cultural life. Also here is the largest university in the Balkans, which attracts a lot of young people. Thessaloniki is a city with an ancient and rich history. The appearance of the old city was shaped by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Therefore, here you can see both ancient monuments of the ancient period, and much more modern buildings.

Geography and climate

Thessaloniki is located on the northern edge of the Thermaikos Gulf (Aegean Sea) and is bounded by the Chortiatis Mountains in the southeast. The climate is subtropical. Summers are quite hot and dry with average temperatures of 25 - 27 °C. Winters are cool with rare negative temperatures. The sea temperature from July to September is 24 - 26 °C. You can swim from May to October.

Practical information

1. Population - more than 300 thousand people (agglomeration - more than 1 million people).
2. Area - 19.31 km².
3. Currency - euro.
4. Visa - Schengen.
5. The language is Greek.
6. Time - UTC +2, summer +3.
7. Thessaloniki is famous for its shopping streets. The main ones are Tsimiski and Proxenou Koromila.
8. The cuisine of Thessaloniki has an oriental character and is characterized by a large amount of spices. The Greeks consider the city one of the gastronomic capitals. This is all about local delicacies and inexpensive traditional dishes, not haute cuisine.
9. Thessaloniki is a youth city. Therefore, street food is very common here: souvlaki, gyros, crepes, roasted chestnuts. Young people often prefer the Goody's fast food chain.
10. Popular areas with many cafes and restaurants: Ladadika, Athonos, Ano Poli.

Story

Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC. Macedonian king Cassander. He named the city after his wife Thessalonica, who was the sister of Alexander the Great. In 146 BC. Thessaloniki was captured by the Romans. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city became part of Byzantium. Thessaloniki was at the crossroads of important trade routes from Constantinople to Rome and from Athens to the Black Sea region. This provided the city with rapid growth and wealth.

In the 6th-8th centuries, the Goths and Slavs tried to take Thessaloniki several times. In 904, the city was captured and sacked by Saracen pirates. Most of the inhabitants were sold into slavery. At the end of the 10th century, Thessaloniki was captured by the Bulgarians, and at the end of the 12th century, by the Normans. In 1204 the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Thessaloniki. However, already in 1246 this state was subordinated to the Nicaean Empire. In 1387 the city was captured by the Turks. The Ottomans ruled Thessaloniki until 1402, when, after their defeat in the war with Tamerlane, the city returned to Byzantium.

old byzantine walls

In 1430, the Ottoman Empire regained control of the city. During the period of Ottoman rule, Thessaloniki became one of the largest cities in Greece. At the same time, the ethnic and religious composition has changed greatly. The Greek nobility assimilated with the Turks, learned the Turkish language and converted to Islam. More than half of the population belonged to the Spanish Jews. Ladino became the main language in the city. The Greeks made up only 1/5 of the inhabitants of the city. Most of them died during the military conflicts of the Middle Ages. Many Turks also lived in the city. Here, for example, the famous Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was born.

The Greeks regained control of Thessaloniki in 1912. During World War II, the city was occupied by German troops. As a result of the outflow of the Turkish population and the genocide of Jews organized by the Nazis, Thessaloniki became completely Greek.

How to get there

Thessaloniki Airport is located 15 km southeast of the city center and is connected to the following national and international destinations: Athens, Heraklion, Corfu, Santorini, Rhodes, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Basel, London, Stockholm, Oslo, Paris, Milan, Rome, Bergamo, Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Krasnodar, Minsk, Bucharest, Yerevan From the airport to the city can be reached by round-the-clock buses 01X / 01N.

Trains and buses connect Thessaloniki with Athens, Sofia and Belgrade. It is easy to get there by car from Athens, Istanbul, Belgrade, Tirana, Sofia.

Attractions

The central part of Thessaloniki, located inside the Byzantine walls, forms the oldest part of the city. It is divided into two parts: the main commercial area and, in fact, the historical center. The historical core of Thessaloniki is called Ano Poli or the Upper Town and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area was largely unscathed during the devastating fire of 1917.

Ano Poli is located on top of a hill. This atmospheric quarter is characterized by steep, winding streets, several artifacts from the Roman period, and a scattering of ancient Byzantine churches. Numerous fountains from the Ottoman era are reminiscent of Turkish influence. The Odós Olympíados street connects the Upper Town with the Lower Town, as well as with the old city walls and citadel.

An interesting feature of the historical center of Thessaloniki are sections of the old fortress walls. The first walls were erected around the city immediately after its foundation. They were further strengthened during the reign of Constantine. In the 14th-15th centuries, the Ottomans already built additional defensive structures and towers. By the 19th century, Thessaloniki was completely surrounded by powerful fortifications. Their length was 8 km. Later, the Ottoman government decided to dismantle the ancient walls that held back the growth and development of the city.

It is better to start a tour of the old fortifications from the Evangelistria cemetery to the north of the university campus. Here you can look at the massive 15th century Trigonion tower, Anna's tower with a gate leading to the citadel, on the site of an ancient acropolis.

Heptapirgion is a fortress of "seven towers", located at the highest point of the Upper City. It is believed that the northern towers were built at the end of the 4th century, while the five southern towers were built in the 12th century. Until the end of the 19th century, the fortress was a defensive structure, and then it was used as a prison for 100 years.

The White Tower is the most recognizable landmark of Thessaloniki, located on the picturesque waterfront. The tower was built in 1530 by the Ottomans to protect the city from the sea and was part of the city's fortifications. During the Ottoman period, there was a prison and a place of numerous tortures. Because of this, the building was called the "tower of blood." Later, it was symbolically repainted white and named the "White Tower". Today you can climb the tower and enjoy a magnificent panorama of the harbor and the city. Inside there is a collection of the museum of Byzantine culture: early Christian coins, vases, mosaics, wall paintings.

Aristotle's Square is the main square of Thessaloniki, designed in 1918 by French architect Ernest Hebrard.

Ladadika is a historic area near the port with colorful 19th century buildings and provincial Mediterranean charm.

A few blocks from Aristotle's Square are the ruins of the Roman Forum (most likely an ancient agora). The center of social and political life of ancient Thessaloniki, built in the 1st century AD. and discovered by chance, includes two Roman baths, as well as a small theater that was used for gladiatorial games.

The Arch of Galerius is an ancient Roman monument built at the end of the 3rd century AD. in honor of the victory over the Persians. This building was the main entrance to the city. The arch had four spans and a marble facade decorated with complex reliefs. Two spans and parts of the reliefs have survived to our time, which, by the way, are much better preserved than on the Arch of Constantine in Rome.

Rotunda Galeria (Church of St. George) is the most magnificent ancient monument of Thessaloniki, built at the beginning of the fourth century as a mausoleum for the emperor of the same name. The Byzantine emperor Theodosius at the end of the 4th century turned the mausoleum into a Christian church. During the Ottoman period, the building was converted into a mosque. In 1912 the rotunda became a church again. The rotunda has a cylindrical domed architecture similar to the Roman Pantheon. The dome has a diameter of 24 meters, and the height of the rotunda is 30 meters. Inside the dome is decorated with magnificent mosaics.

Basilica of St. Demetrius

Basilica of St. Demetrius is the main religious building of Thessaloniki, located north of the Roman Forum. This magnificent Byzantine basilica was built in the 5th century on the site of an early Christian church near an ancient Roman bath. Fragments of the bathhouse are still visible on the north side of the building, and the remains of a Roman road can be seen in the crypt. The church was named after the city's patron Demetrius, who was imprisoned and executed here in 306. For centuries, pilgrims came from all over the Byzantine Empire to venerate the relics of the saint, which were kept in a sarcophagus in front of the iconostasis. The church has rich interior decorations. During the Ottoman period, it was converted into a mosque.

The Church of the 12 Apostles is a beautiful 14th century Byzantine brick church located on the edge of the old city, close to the Byzantine walls. During the Turkish period, the building was used as a mosque. The church boasts exquisite frescoes and mosaics from the late Byzantine period, which were discovered during restoration work in 1940. On the north side is a cistern that belonged to the former monastery.

Church of St. Sophia is one of the most important historical churches of the city. The first religious building was built in the 8th century. In the 9th-10th century, the church was decorated with expressive figured mosaics. From 1204 to 1430, the religious building had the status of a cathedral. During the Ottoman period, a mosque was located here. The original building was not preserved after a big fire in 1917.

Church of St. Pavla is a majestic modern church in the style of historical Byzantine architecture, built in 1922 on the site of a small chapel from the second half of the 19th century. According to legend, the church is located near the source where the Apostle Paul drank water.

Church of St. Catherine's is a late Byzantine church located in the northwestern part of the Upper City. During the reign of Sultan Bayezid II, it was converted into a mosque.

Church of St. Panteleimon - a religious building of the late Byzantine period, built in the 13-14th century. It is located in the eastern part of the old city near the arch of Galerius.

The Temple of Osios David is a small Byzantine church that was part of the monastery of Latomu. It was built at the end of the 5th century and is known for its magnificent mosaics and frescoes of the 12th - 14th centuries.

Church of St. Nicholas Orfanos is a small Byzantine church from the early 14th century, famous for its frescoes. Unlike most of the ancient churches of Thessaloniki, it was not converted into a mosque by the Turks.

Vlatadon Monastery is an ancient Byzantine monastery from the 14th century, which is considered one of the oldest and most important monuments of the Byzantine period in Thessaloniki. Known for his collection of Byzantine icons.

The Basilica of Achiropiitos is an early Christian basilica from the 5th century. It is considered one of the most striking examples of early Byzantine architecture and is known for its impressive frescoes and mosaics.

Bei Hamam is the oldest of the Ottoman baths in Thessaloniki with colorful wall paintings and marble pools. It was built in 1444 during the reign of Murad II.

Alaka Imaret Mosque is a 15th century Ottoman mosque with wall paintings and interesting relief elements.

• Museum of Byzantine Culture - covers thousands of artifacts from the early Christian and Byzantine periods: frescoes, mosaics and wall paintings, ceramics and textiles.
• Archaeological Museum - collections from the Hellenistic, Archaic, Classical and Roman periods.

View of Thessaloniki from the sea.

Thessaloniki is one of the largest cities in Greece. There are many cultural and historical monuments here. The city with its surroundings is well developed economically, because thousands of tourists come here every year. This is the best entertainment place in Greece.

How to get to Thessaloniki?

The flight to Greece will not take you much time, because the distance is not too far.

Flight tickets.

• Moscow - Thessaloniki. For a ticket from Moscow, you will have to pay a little more than 8,000 rubles. Non-stop flights take about 3.5 hours.
• St. Petersburg - Thessaloniki. The price from this city is almost 2 times higher and amounts to 13,000 rubles. Flights with 1 change, travel time about 10 hours.

There are three ways to get from the airport to the city center.

1. Rent a Car . An inexpensive FIAT Panda car can be rented for 23–26 euros per day during the holiday season. In the non-tourist season, the price is 1.5–2 times cheaper.
2. Taxi. A taxi costs an average of 14-15 euros, payment by meter, at night the fare is increased. Cars are parked right outside the airport. If you are on an intercity - with prices and travel time for directions.
3. Public transport. The city can be reached by 2 buses. Ticket price 5–7 euros Number 78 goes straight through the center, runs frequently, travel time is 15–20 minutes. Number 79 runs less frequently, it can take you to the bus station, from which trains depart in different directions.

Embassy of the Russian Federation.

If suddenly you have problems in Thessaloniki, do not be upset. Here the interests of our citizens are protected by the Consulate General of Russia. The embassy is located at: Thessaloniki, Dimosthenus str., 5.

Where to stay in Thessaloniki.

5 star hotels.

• The Met Hotel. Stylish modern style hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel has 2 restaurants, a pool bar and a bar in the lobby, a SPA center offering a wide range of body and face care services. On the roof of the hotel there is an outdoor swimming pool with comfortable sun loungers. Wired and wireless internet is available in public areas. Large comfortable rooms, beds with orthopedic mattresses, modern air conditioning, 24-hour room service. The price for a room for one person starts from 9100 rubles.

The Met Hotel.

• Electra Palace Thessaloniki. The hotel is built in a classic style. The territory has an indoor pool, an outdoor swimming pool on the roof, a restaurant where free buffet breakfasts are served in the morning, a SPA center, a fitness center and a business center. Room service is available 24 hours a day, secretarial services and limousine reservations are available. There is a wonderful view from the windows of the rooms. The price for a room for one is a little less than 9000 rubles.

4 star hotels.

• Zaliki Boutique Hotel Thessaloniki. The hotel was built in Provence style. It offers 24-hour room service and a restaurant where breakfast is served. The rooms are decorated in different styles, some include buffet breakfast. The price per room starts from 4300 rubles.
• Minerva Premier. The neoclassical style hotel is located in the city center, close to the most popular attractions. Comfortable and stylish rooms with buffet breakfast. The price per room is about 3000 rubles.

3 star hotels.

• Aegeon Hotel. This modern, street-style hotel is located in the city center, close to the beach and other attractions. The hotel has a spa bath, sauna, wireless internet in public areas. Guests can make use of the ticket booking service, laundry or dry cleaning services. The hotel also has a restaurant-bar where a complimentary breakfast is served. The price per room is about 2700 rubles.
• Telioni. Hotel in the center of Thessaloniki. There is a restaurant-bar on site where buffet breakfast is served. The hotel offers room service during limited hours, and multilingual staff can help book tickets and organize tours. The average room costs 3400 rubles.

Housing for the long term.

If you are going to stay in Thessaloniki for a long time, it will be more economical to rent an apartment. There are several popular and proven sites.

It must be remembered that apartments for a long time are rented unfurnished or with a minimum set. The living room is not considered a room, that is, if it says 1 bedroom, it means a bedroom and a living room.

An apartment in a new house in the city center with 1 bedroom costs an average of 32,000 rubles per month, there is a balcony. The rental price includes utilities, Internet and TV are not included. A little further from the center, not in a new house, an apartment with 1 bedroom, a terrace and a minimum set of furniture costs about 24,000 rubles.

Weather in Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Air and water temperature during the day:

Month	Avg. temp, С°	Pace. water С°	Rain, days
January	+9+10	5	3
February	+10+11	6	2
March	+14+15	9	3
April	+18+20	13	2
May	+24+25	18	3
June	+28+30	23	2
July	+31+32	26	1
August	+31+32	26	1
September	+25+27	21	2
October	+19+21	15	3
November	+12+14	10	3
December	+8+10	5	3

The warmest and driest period is June, July, August. The coldest and rainiest October, November and December.

The best beaches in Thessaloniki.

Ayia Triada beach.

Ayia Triada beach, Thessaloniki.

Picturesque sandy beach near Thessaloniki. Here you can swim in the warm sea, soak up the sun on a comfortable deck chair or have a bite to eat at a local cafe. To get to this beach, you need to take bus number 2 to the IKEA station, from there take buses 72 and 76 to the village itself.

Nea Mihaniona beach.

Nea Mihaniona beach. Thessaloniki.

Fisherman's beach, here you can taste delicious and fresh fish, swim in the warm sea. The beach is clean and well-maintained, the coastline is wide, the sunset is smooth, the sand is of a rich golden hue.

Other popular beaches

• Climataria. Insanely beautiful beach, but you have to drive a long way to get to it. It is located on the Chalkidiki peninsula. White sand beach, beautiful coastline, picturesque trees. To get to it, you need to take a bus from the KTEL Macedonia station to the peninsula.
• Perea beach. The most popular beach in Thessaloniki, one of the closest to the city. Narrow coastline, yellow sand and warm sea. You can get to the beach by bus number 71, 71A, 72, 72A.
• Epanomi beach. beautiful beach south of Thessaloniki. Dark orange sand, the beach is clean and great for families. Nearby there are traditional taverns and cafes. Bus 69 runs from the IKEA station to the village.

Sights of Thessaloniki.

Arch and tomb of Galerius.

Arch and tomb of Galerius.

Tomb of Emperor Galerius, built in the 2nd-3rd century. Until the 16th century it was used as a Christian church, then until the beginning of the 20th century it was a mosque. Now the tomb is a historical museum. To get to the tomb, you need to take bus 8, 12, 31, 45 from the KTEL Makedonia stop. Entrance to the territory is free.

White Tower.

White Tower, Thessaloniki.

One of the most famous sights in the city. The tower was built by the Turks as a defensive system for the city, later prisoners were kept there. Now it is a historical museum, which stores exhibits of the Byzantine era. Admission is free, the tower is located right on the waterfront.

Aristotle Square.

Aristotle Square.

The square, built at the beginning of the last century in connection with the restoration of the city after a fire. Now there are hundreds of shops and restaurants here, this is a wonderful place for walking and meeting. The square is located at: Platia Aristotelous 2-8 Thessaloniki. You can get there by bus number 68, 69.

Basilica of Saint Demetrius.

Basilica of Saint Demetrius, Thessaloniki.

Cathedral of Saint Demetrius, who is the patron saint of Thessaloniki. According to legend, he died in the 1st century, defending the Christian faith, later in the 4th-5th century a temple was built in his honor. It completely burned down in a fire, at the end of the last century it was completely restored. The basilica is included in the UNESCO list. Entrance for tourists is free, address: Agiou Nikolaou. The bus stop is far away, but you can easily get there even on foot, from Aristotelous Square just 10-15 minutes on foot.

Other sights of the city.

1. City embankment. Picturesque embankment near the water. It was built instead of defensive walls, for tourists there are alleys, bike paths, hotels. The embankment stretches almost along the entire city.
2. Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. One of the best museums in Greece. Here are exhibits of many excavations. Here you can easily plunge into the history of Macedonia. The museum can be reached by bus number 3, 10, 11, 12. The entrance fee is about 300 rubles.
3. Military Museum of Thessaloniki. The museum was opened in 2000. Here are collected historical and military documents and exhibits of some fragments of the history of Greece. Address street Gr. Lampraki 4. You can get there by bus 2, 14, 15. A ticket also costs about 300 rubles.
4. Church of Panagia Chalkeon. The temple was built at the beginning of the 11th century. It is now listed as a cultural heritage site. Address: Dikasterion Square | Intersection with Egnatia. The entrance is free. You can get there by bus number 10, 11, 12.
5. OTE TV tower. The TV tower was opened in the last century. Now there is a panoramic restaurant with a picturesque view. Address: Egnatia 154. You can get there by bus number 10, 11.
6. Waterland Waterpark. The water park was built at the end of the last century and was considered the most modern in southern Europe. Here you can ride the slides, relax in the pool and dine in a cafe. Address: 5th Road - Tagarades. You can get there by park bus from Aristotelous, Syntivani, Ippokrateio Mpotsari, Martiou and Terma Voulgari stops. The ticket price is about 15 euros for adults and 10 euros for children.

Tours to Thessaloniki.

• Baseline Canyoning. A tour to the picturesque canyon, where you can swim in crystal clear water, climb the canyon, get a lot of pleasant impressions. Funny guides will help and prompt. This company offers 4 different routes, it all depends on the level of difficulty. The address where you can book the Amfitrionos 16 tour. The price varies, also depends on the level of difficulty, starting at about 100 euros.
• Thessaloniki Free Walking Tours. Hiking around town. There are two options for walking, in the center and in the upper part of the city. The tour is free, but it is customary to give a tip.
• Eat and Walk Food Day Tours. Gastronomic tour in Thessaloniki. During this tour you will visit local restaurants, shops and markets, feel the culture and learn a bit of history. A friendly guide will tell you a lot of historical information and show you unusual places. The cost is approximately 45 euros.

Restaurants and cafes in Thessaloniki.

Haute cuisine.

• Clochard. Restaurant with gourmet Greek, Mediterranean, European cuisine. The presentation of the food is very beautiful. The price for one dish is on average 10–15 euros. The restaurant is located at: 4 Proxenou Koromila Labrou.

Restaurant Clochard.

• skyline. Panoramic restaurant on the TV tower. In 40 minutes, the rotating platform makes a full circle. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. The restaurant is located at: Egnatia 154.
• Anassa. A small but very beautiful and atmospheric restaurant in the city center. The restaurant is designed in a loft style, with brick walls and interesting details. It serves unusually decorated dishes of Mediterranean, Greek cuisine. The restaurant is located at: 26 Sofouli Themistokli.

Moderate price.

• Pizza Please. Stylish cafe with pizza straight from the oven. Other Italian dishes are also served here. The price of a pizza is on average 5–7 euros. The restaurant is located at: 9 Stavrou Georgiou | Agia Sofias.
• Rouga. Cozy restaurant in the historical center of the city. Here reigns home atmosphere, friendly staff will serve you quickly and efficiently, and professional chefs will serve delicious seafood and Greek dishes. The restaurant is located at: Karipi 28.

Thessaloniki from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Thessaloniki.

• Tours for May to Greece
• Hot tours to Greece

The second largest city in Greece and the capital of Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki (Greek is more correct "Thessalonica") is today the cultural capital of the country: the city is known for its festivals and events. In addition, it is also a city with more than 3,000 years of history, where the imprints of the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman empires, as well as the once dominant Jewish population, have been preserved. The old city center, located north of the modern center, miraculously survived the great fire of 1917. Now it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The history of Thessaloniki begins in the 4th century BC. e., when King Cassander decided to found a city in honor of his wife, half-sister of Alexander the Great. But life and culture originated at this place much earlier, as evidenced by numerous archaeological excavations, during which traces of Neanderthals were found, which are considered the most ancient on the entire European continent.

In the 90s. In the 20th century, Thessaloniki was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture.

Search for flights to Thessaloniki

History paragraph

In Thessaloniki, Cyril and Methodius were born and began their activities, who contributed to the spread of the Christian faith, improved the Slavic literacy and invented the church language. Along with Constantinople, the city was the center of Christianity for a long time, until the Turks took possession of it in the 15th century and established their own rules, significantly influencing the course of local life. The final liberation from the Turkish yoke occurred only at the beginning of the 20th century. But despite such a long domination of the Turks, Thessaloniki managed to preserve a huge number of Christian churches and monasteries since the time of the Byzantine Empire.

Warm summer in popular resorts: Crete and Rhodes from the travel agency Pegas Touristik WTC LLC. online 24/7. Installment at 0%.

Transport

There is no metro in Thessaloniki yet, but it is being built and planned to be launched in 2020. The main mode of transport is buses. A single trip costs 1 EUR, a ticket for 70 minutes with 1 transfer - 1.20 EUR, for 90 minutes with 2 transfers - 1.50 EUR and for 120 minutes with 3 transfers - 2 EUR, the routes cover the entire city. True, it must be borne in mind that some buses connect only the center and west, and the other part - the center and east.

Most streets are one-way traffic, so it can be difficult for travelers to find out where to look for a bus in the opposite direction. It's simple: he usually drives along a parallel street. In the center, almost all stops are equipped with an electronic scoreboard with numbers and time of arrival of transport.

Tickets are bought at special vending machines or kiosks, you can also pay for the fare from the driver, but by 0.1 EUR more. The ticket must be validated at the entrance to the bus. Multi-journey passes are composted at each transfer. More detailed information can be obtained at carrier's website (in English).

A trip around the city by taxi costs from 3.5 EUR and does not exceed 30 EUR. Cars work on a meter and have a branded blue-and-white color; it is not customary to catch private traders in Thessaloniki. Bicycle lovers can rent a bike, though there are few bike paths in the city: one of the best runs along the embankment, the rest are found in different places and, as a rule, end quickly. The rental price starts from 5 EUR per day and depends on the type of bike and the availability of equipment. In most cases, a deposit is asked for an "iron horse".

Maps of Thessaloniki

Rent a Car

The most convenient way to move around the city and beyond is by rented car. You can rent it immediately upon arrival at the airport or numerous city centers. It is better to take care of this in advance in order to choose an inexpensive and good model. The simplest car can be taken for 25 EUR per day, a luxury car will cost 100 EUR. All major companies are in Thessaloniki: Hertz, Budget, Avis, Europcar, etc., as well as several local firms.

Communication and Wi-Fi

For those who plan to actively use the phone during the holidays, it makes sense to buy a local SIM card. The leading operators are Vodafone, Wind and Cosmote, all of which offer traveler-friendly rates. To purchase a number, you need a passport or any other proof of identity. It is best to choose prepaid tariffs: connection costs 20 EUR, of which 5 EUR remains on the balance. Later, you can top up your phone using special cards. Sim-cards are sold in communication salons in the city and at the airport.

For a conversation with Russia, 0.20-0.30 EUR per minute will be withdrawn from the account, for SMS - approximately 0.05 EUR. 50-60 Mb of mobile Internet are usually included in the price, then you can either buy a package or pay only for the spent megabytes.

Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels and many restaurants. As a rule, the connection is free, but password protected. In some hotels, the Internet is paid, the cost usually does not exceed 25 EUR per week.

Thessaloniki beaches

Although Thessaloniki was once considered a beach resort, big city life has left its mark: compared to other Greek cities, the coast here is not very suitable for swimming, and the cargo port pollutes the water. But the beaches in the suburbs are very good. There, tourists are waiting for the cleanest sea, sandy shore and all the necessary infrastructure. The most picturesque places are on the Halkidiki peninsula. True, a lot of people come there on weekends, so it’s better to sunbathe there on weekdays.

The coast in the vicinity of Thessaloniki is covered with sand mixed with very small pebbles. Somewhere it is not noticeable at all. The entrance to the sea is almost everywhere gentle, which is important for families with kids. There are no very strong waves, but it is still better to look after the children.

Almost all beaches are municipal and free, you only have to pay for renting sun loungers and umbrellas. A set of an umbrella and two sunbeds costs 7-10 EUR per day, on some beaches the rental is included in the price of a drink at the beach bar. You can bring your own towel and sit right on the sand.

Diving

The clear and calm waters of the Aegean Sea are ideal for diving. There are several dive centers in Thessaloniki offering those who wish to admire the marine life, swim around the coral reefs and look into the underwater caves. Around town 15 interesting places for diving, including several wrecks. Beginners will be able to make only introductory dives and look at bright fish, but experienced divers will like the caves located a few kilometers from the beach. These are original underwater grottoes, in which rays passing through the water column sparkle on sunny days. In the suburbs of Thessaloniki, near the Kassandra peninsula, there are three dive sites located close to each other, where octopuses, eels, cuttlefish, seahorses and several dozen species of fish live.

Many centers work not only with experienced divers, but also with beginners, train and issue certificates. The cost of one dive is from 45 EUR, all the necessary equipment can be taken on the spot. It is better to refrain from independent diving: the fact is that underwater archaeological excavations are actively carried out in Greece, and diving is prohibited in these places.

Thessaloniki Hotels

In Thessaloniki there are expensive luxury hotels, and simple hotels, and apartments, and youth hostels. The price of a double room in a modest hotel starts from 30 EUR, in a five-star hotel you can rent a room for 150-200 EUR per day. In hotels of an average price category (3-4 *), accommodation will cost 50-60 EUR. Approximately the same price rent apartments. For those who prefer a cheaper holiday, hostels are suitable at a price of 10 EUR per person, or the most affordable option is camping. For only 15 EUR, you can put up a tent on an equipped site and live in it for several travelers at once.

shopping

Thessaloniki is one of the best places for shopping in Greece, as most of the shops are concentrated in the city center, almost all major brands are represented, and the prices are low.

"Fashion Square" is limited by three parallel streets - Tsimiki, Egnatia, Mitropoleos and Ayas Sofias, Aristotelus, Venizelou and Paleon Patron Germanou crossing them. Here you can find everything your heart desires: from expensive boutiques to antiques, from perfumes to jewelry. For more active shopping, you should go to large shopping centers on the outskirts: Mediterranean Cosmos, 10 km from the city, Mega Outlet, located on the way to the airport, and City Gate near the port. On the main square of the resort there is a small and cozy shopping complex Alpha Odeon. Sales in Thessaloniki twice a year - in winter and summer. The first begins in mid-January and lasts 2-4 weeks, the second - July 15 and until the end of summer.

For groceries, it is best to go to the markets, for example, the largest "Modiano" in the city center, surrounded by flower shops and old Turkish baths.

Walking tour of Thessaloniki

Cuisine and restaurants of Thessaloniki

As in all of Greece, the cuisine in Thessaloniki is based on olive oil, vegetables, herbs and cheeses. It is worth trying moussaka - eggplant baked with potatoes and minced meat, as well as the "melizanosalata" salad, which is based on the same eggplants. Unusual dish "kolokifoanfi" - stuffed zucchini flowers. But the Greek salad is familiar to everyone, but here it will be much tastier than at home. Of the desserts, the most popular are "loukoumades" - very sweet and very fatty donuts.

Among the different types of food, tourists are attracted by taverns where Greek cuisine is presented. Lunch per person with a glass of homemade wine in such places will cost 15-20 EUR. By the way, the Greeks themselves are very fond of taverns and can sit in them for hours. It is better to go where the locals eat - it will definitely be delicious. There are ordinary taverns, meat, fish and the so-called "mesedopolio", that is, snack bars.

Prices in restaurants are higher: you can have a hearty dinner for 25-30 EUR, portions are very large everywhere, you can take one for two. For light snacks, pizzerias and pastry shops are suitable; you will pay no more than 10 EUR in them. You can visit the "tiropitadiko" bakeries to try puff pastries with a variety of fillings. From fast food, the most interesting are gyros (something like our shawarma) and souvlaki (small kebabs in a tortilla) for 3-5 EUR.

Tourists usually do not go to establishments called “kafenio”, and local women are not allowed there either. These are kind of clubs for older Greeks, where they drink, smoke and communicate with each other.

In Thessaloniki, you can pay by card almost everywhere, but it’s better to clarify this. Tips are usually included in the bill, just rounding it up. If desired, you can leave another 5-10% on top.

The best photos of Thessaloniki

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

triumphal arch of Galerius.

Those who are interested in archaeological sites will appreciate the ancient city of Dion, dedicated to Zeus, Heptapyrgion - a Byzantine and Ottoman fortress and the Archaeological Museum, which many tourists consider the most interesting not only in the city, but throughout the country.

Most travelers begin their acquaintance with the resort from the White Tower. This is part of the defensive wall erected by the Turks, where prisoners were kept. The White Tower began to be called after it was covered with whitewash. Now there is a museum inside, and at the top there is a cafe from where you can admire the city. The monument stands next to the embankment - wide, long and laid along the line where the walls of the city passed in ancient times. From the tower you can see the top of the famous Olympus - the mountain on which the ancient Greek Gods lived.

Churches

Almost all the religious buildings of the resort during their history managed to stay both Orthodox churches and Muslim mosques, and then again "converted to Christianity." True, some of them were built in the pre-Christian era. Of particular interest are the church of St. George, built in the 4th century, the church of St. Sophia, which is more than a thousand years old, once it was the main temple of the city, the church of St. Nicholas of Orphan with amazing frescoes, the basilica of St. Dmitry, built by one of the first in the city and badly damaged by time, and the former temple of Zeus - the Church of Rotunda, which is only slightly younger than the Parthenon.

3 things to do in Thessaloniki

1. Meet the sunset at a table in a cafe on the White Tower.
2. Visit the International Film Festival.
3. See with your own eyes Olympus and the ancient city of Zeus.

Thessaloniki for children

Since you can’t swim in Thessaloniki itself, the resort is considered not the best place for holidays with children. But because of the abundance of entertainment for kids, families willingly come here, staying in nearby villages and towns. First of all, the Waterland water park deserves attention - one of the largest European water amusement parks. You can get to it from Aristotle's Square by a special bus. Another favorite place for children is Magic Park amusement park. It is located on the outskirts of the city, near the Ikea store.

Those who love nature will be interested in the zoo "Zoologikos Kipos Thessalonikis" and the Museum of Natural History, and in the neighboring village of Lengochori, children are given lessons in horse riding, archery, basketball and football.

Holidays

One of the most important local celebrations is the festival of Dmitry, dedicated to the patron saint of the city, St. Dmitry of Thessalonica. Today, the event has been celebrated since 1966, but there is historical evidence that it was founded during the time of the Byzantine Empire.

In November, the International Gastronomic Festival takes place in the northern capital of Greece, which brings together the best chefs from all regions of the country to show their skills. In mid-December, the Afro-Cuban dance festival Salsa Cubana is held here, and in February, the Road of the Bells festival, which represents the culture of different regions of the country during the carnival procession.

September

October

november

December

The climate in Thessaloniki is Mediterranean, the sun often shines. The season suitable for travel lasts the entire warm half of the year (from approximately April 15 to October 20), and the water in the resort suburbs is suitable for swimming from the beginning of June. Sometimes snow falls in winter, but it melts in just a couple of hours, in general, the cold period is rainy, but not frosty. The last two months of the year are considered the wettest, but from the middle of summer it can be very dry and hot.

Thessaloniki is a place that has preserved an invaluable heritage of world history. Here tourists are met by numerous museums, cultural monuments, architectural structures, archaeological sites. City streets and wide squares, old buildings, as if taken from history books. The White Tower by the sea, the walls of the fortress of the Upper City, the ancient Agora, the tomb of King Philip, the triumphal arch of Emperor Galerius, the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, the Church of St. Dmitry (patronizing the city), the Archaeological Museum, the University. Aristotle, where there is a rich library, an astronomical observatory, the state theater of Northern Greece - Thessaloniki rightfully deserve the title of the most beautiful cities of the state.

The infrastructure of the city includes everything tourists need, and even demanding travelers will appreciate the high level of establishments: excellent hotel complexes, hotels designed for different needs and possibilities of guests, picturesque beaches around the city, various bars, restaurants, clubs, taverns, shops. The hospitable Greeks are becoming one of the most important factors in the attractiveness of Thessaloniki, this is most clearly felt in small resort villages. Feel the real atmosphere of local life with a cup of quality Greek coffee by the coast of Themaikos Bay or dine with traditional Greek dishes in the Upper Town tavern with a beautiful view of the city and the sea.

Those who do not have enough entertainment in the daylight should immerse themselves in the atmosphere of night fun. The life of Thessaloniki after sunset is no less vibrant. Tourists can go to various clubs with incendiary music, spend time with a cocktail, visit local bars, dance at a disco or choose any entertainment center where famous Greek performers perform. With such a variety of options. Thessaloniki will be remembered for a long time, you will want to return here in order to experience happiness more than once.

Shopping in Thessaloniki

The northern Greek capital is like a scattering of bright colors for shoppers: colorful shop windows, catchy names of world brands, colorful boutiques, promotions, discounts, sales, Special offers, gifts, souvenirs - everything that tourists appreciate so much on long trips. Thessaloniki is known not only for the historical monuments of different periods of the formation of the Greek state, the good nature of the population, but also for the way of life that adds up the crazy rhythm of the modern city. Numerous shopping centers accommodate expensive brands, world fashion houses and modest shops offering goods at affordable prices on their floors.

The color of the Greek market

Boutiques and fashion brands are not the only advantage of Thessaloniki. Tired of walking through the gallery of shops, head to the local market. Here you will get acquainted with the true Greek way of shopping. You can get here if you move up from Aristotle Square, right between Tsimiski and Egnatia streets.

Get ready to meet with a real scattering of flavors that await every tourist in the market. Different tastes, bright colors of counters filled with vegetables, fruits, fresh olives, cheeses, fragrant spices - here you can get the impression of a whole tour. The market is also rich in seafood: fish, seafood. The Greek market is a place where respect can be earned by demonstrating the ability to bargain. Sellers will appreciate the activity of the buyer, but they will not be able to leave empty-handed.

Having finished the market walk, it is worth heading to Tsimiski - this is the main shopping street of Thessaloniki. On both sides there are boutiques and shops where those who wish can find various goods. Greek families go shopping here, however, sometimes they visit large shopping centers for this purpose.

Having sorted out the purchases, you can continue your acquaintance with the city by moving on to a variety of entertainment. Things to do in Thessaloniki

The youth atmosphere of the city sets a certain rhythm of life. The active nightlife of Thessaloniki is known not only in Greece, but also abroad. Various clubs, bars, night discos - there is entertainment for every tourist.

With the onset of evening, the city seems to wake up, come to life, the streets begin to sound like the voices of a noisy crowd. Tourists from abroad and Greeks from different parts of the country come here to relax. Young people find their place in clubs that sound modern rhythms, for older guests there are numerous taverns with their traditional dishes, live music. Such establishments make it possible to feel the mood of a cozy family dinner or celebration.

The dynamic life of Thessaloniki is combined with historical richness and youth activity, attracting thousands of tourists every year. This city will open up a whole new world of adventures, emotions, impressions.

Peculiarities

There are several ways to get around the city: by bus or taxi. Taxi services are relatively affordable, the rates for a resort town are adequate. Large companies travelers bus will cost much more. Taxis can be stopped directly on the street, taken from a special parking lot, or called by phone.

Tourists from 25 to 70 years old can rent cars, rental centers can be found throughout the city. The rental price will depend on the class of the car chosen for movement. The time of year also affects the price. To rent a car, you must have an international driver's license and a credit card with sufficient funds to pay the rent.

But the driving habits of local residents are not the best side of Thessaloniki. Drivers rarely follow traffic rules, so both motorists and pedestrians should be careful on the roads.

It will be more profitable to pay in cafes and shops with the national currency. Currency exchange is available in the city's banks and private exchange offices. State institutions (banks are no exception) are closed on weekends, and on weekdays they work from 8:30 to 14:00, Friday is a shortened working day.

Store hours vary greatly. They start serving customers at 9 am and finish at 9 am. Private pavilions regulate their own hours of operation, influenced by the tourist season. To save money, a tourist should go to the market, where you can bargain with the seller, significantly reducing the price.

If you decide to visit a local restaurant, be prepared for huge portions. This is a significant feature, the waiters of Greek establishments are already accustomed to the surprise of tourists. It would be appropriate to ask for additional appliances for one dish, there will be no misunderstanding.

For those who want to take a few pictures of historical monuments or museum exhibits, it will be useful to know that most of these places require a separate fee for shooting. At the entrance, you should ask about the rules of a particular institution or object, perhaps special tickets are sold that give you the right to take pictures.

The outward calm of the city should not cause too careless behavior. Keep things in sight, and money exchange should be carried out in specially designated places. It is not worth carrying large sums of money with you, it is better to leave valuable things at home so as not to attract robbers.

Climate

Like most Greek cities, the Thessaloniki holiday season begins with significant warming in April and ends only in October. The peak of tourist activity occurs in the summer, when the sea becomes as warm as possible, and the air warms up to the highest temperatures. In the second half of summer, +35 degrees is normal for Thessaloniki, so you should prepare protection from the scorching sun. It often rains in spring and autumn, although it is during this period that various festivals fall. In winter, some snow sometimes falls, but the air temperature rarely drops below 6 degrees Celsius.

The mildness of the Mediterranean climate causes minimal rainfall in summer and a sufficient amount of rainfall from November to December. At the height of the holiday season, sea water warms up to a comfortable 25 degrees.

What to see in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is rich in attractions, here is the main part of the Greek monuments. Walking along the streets of the city, you will discover the most mysterious corners. Most often, excursion programs begin with Aristotle's Square, which has gained fame as the most beautiful and most majestic in the state. It is considered one of the main squares of Thessaloniki along with Freedom Square. The main decoration of this place is the flower clock. Also, the attention of travelers will be attracted by patterned balconies and vaulted galleries of buildings - the creations of the hands of the French architect Embarard.

Among the sights of Thessaloniki, the White Tower stands out, the second name of which is the Tower of Lions. This building stretching to the sky separates city ​​embankment into two parts: old and new. The building of the 5th century saved the city from numerous attacks, but now, when such a need has disappeared, the tower was turned into a museum with observation deck. A beautiful panorama opens up to the eyes of a tourist who finds himself here.

Not far from the White Tower is the Archaeological Museum. It houses a long memory of Greek history: extensive art collections. Unique exhibits of the museum are Macedonian artifacts. It is worth paying attention to the jewels of the generals of Byzantium.

Among the sights, the Temple of Thessaloniki stands out in particular. The Basilica of St. Demetrius is the main religious building of the city. Among the buildings of the Middle Ages, the most beautiful is the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God or Achiropiitos. The influence of Constantinople is noticeable in the Hagia Sophia, which mirrors the church of Agia Sophia. Tourists will be able to see the beautiful painting and frescoes of the Macedonian school in the church of St. Catherine. The place of aspiration for pilgrims from all over the world is the church of Gregory Palamas, where the relics of the saint are kept.

Another attraction of Thessaloniki is the architectural complex of Emperor Galerius Maximian. The residence of the Roman ruler was located in the northeastern part of the city; the arch of the estate can still be seen today. Together with the rotunda, it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage List, being one of the most important monuments of the history of Greece. The rotunda houses a museum with a rich collection of works of art.

Things to do in Thessaloniki

Beautiful beaches in the vicinity of Thessaloniki attract tourists with their infrastructure and blue waters of the sea. Agia Triada is a colorful corner of the coast, 22 kilometers from the city center. The Sea of ​​Thessaloniki is not admirable, but a little further it is perfectly clear. Golden sand, combined with a developed infrastructure and accessibility to many hotels, is a recipe for an ideal holiday for the whole family.

No less popular is the Angelochori beach, located 30 kilometers from Thessaloniki. This place has earned special love among the conquerors of the elements: local winds raise huge waves, providing plenty of opportunities for surfers, kitesurfers and more. For a relaxing holiday another beach is more suitable - Nea Michaniona. The tranquility of landscapes, calm sea, clean territory - the conditions are conducive to relaxation.

When planning a trip, you should pay attention to the sales season. This is where you can get high quality fur products at very low prices. The summer season of discounts falls on mid-July, while in winter, stores arrange a sale from January 15th. Discounts reach 70%, so saving on wardrobe renewal will allow you to go to Greece again. The shops are filled not only with tourists, but also with the Greeks themselves, and they definitely know a lot about successful purchases.

More

Attractions

Roman forum

The ruins of the Roman Forum is one of the famous and most interesting sights of Thessaloniki. The Roman Forum was erected on the site of an ancient agora in the 2nd century BC. For a long time it was the administrative center of the city and significantly influenced the politics, economy and social life of Thessaloniki. During the reign of the Roman Empire, the Forum became an important trading center. After a while, the city was destroyed, abandoned and forgotten for many centuries.

The complex of buildings of the Forum occupied a huge area and was located on two levels - the Upper and Lower Agora. The Upper Agora housed government offices, workshops, baths, and shops. The main value of this place is the Odeon, decorated with arches, columns and marble visual places. The lower agora housed semi-underground vaulted galleries.

The Roman Forum is an important historical and archaeological monument of culture. For the first time, its ruins were discovered during the construction of the building of Justice. Through the efforts of archaeologists, construction work was stopped and excavations began in their place in the 1960s.
Many valuable artifacts found during the excavations were transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

Today, the attraction is open to tourists. Unique ruins allow you to study ancient history and culture. Also on the territory of the Ancient Agora is an interesting museum.

Rotunda

Another noteworthy attraction is the Rotunda of St. George. The Rotunda is a valuable monument of architecture and history of the city. By order of Emperor Galerius, a large palace complex. At the beginning of the 4th century, the Rotunda was built, which is part of this complex.

There are several opinions about the purpose of the Rotunda. According to the first version, it was supposed to become the emperor's mausoleum. According to another, the Rotunda building was intended for official receptions. The third version says that the building was planned to be used as a temple.

Scientists suggest that in the 4th century the building turned into a Christian church of St. Gregory the Victorious, which operated until the 16th century. At the turn of the IV-V centuries. the temple was restored. At the same time, it was painted with magnificent mosaics. Some of them you can see with your own eyes.

After the capture of Thessaloniki, the Turks built a minaret on the territory, turning the monastery into a mosque. The mosque existed for about 4 centuries, and the minaret has perfectly survived to our time. Only at the beginning of the 20th century, Christians managed to return their shrine.

White Tower

The White Tower is a popular historical landmark. Tourists visiting Thessaloniki cannot ignore this place.
The architectural monument was built by the Turks in the 15th century on the site of Byzantine fortifications. The tower was built with a defensive purpose. Soon it began to be used as a barracks, and then as a prison. Executions were constantly taking place in the tower. The largest of which is the execution of the rebellious Ottoman infantry. Too much blood had been shed within the walls of the defensive structure. The people called this place the "Bloody Tower".

After the official annexation of Thessaloniki to Greece, a large-scale restructuring of the attraction took place. The former walls were painted with white paint and the building was given a new name - “White Tower”.

The attraction is located on the shores of Thermaikos Gulf. Tourists gather around it to admire the impressive structure. Inside is the Byzantine Museum, the exposition of which acquaints visitors with local history. The tower is also a great observation deck. It offers an incredible panorama of the city and the embankment.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is the most interesting and one of the best cultural sites in all of Greece. It first opened in 1925. The first premises of the museum were located in the Eni Jami mosque. But due to the rapid growth of finds and artifacts, the collection began to run out of space. In the middle of the 20th century, the building of the new museum was erected according to the project of the famous architect Patrokl Karantinos, and it was opened in 1962. After 18 years, a new wing was added, in which for 17 years the artifacts of the royal tomb of Vergina were located.

The large-scale collection of the museum includes exhibits from prehistoric to ancient times. All exhibits introduce visitors to the history of Greek Macedonia, and many of them confirm that the first Greek tribes arose in Macedonia.

The museum contains sculptures, coins, funerary artifacts, jewelry, ceramics, mosaics and many valuables discovered during excavations.

Valuable historical finds are a bronze vessel of the 3rd century BC, a statue of Hippocrates dating back to the 2nd century BC. Here is the golden coffin of Philip II, king of Macedonia.

The museum periodically hosts exhibitions on various topics, lectures, seminars and other events.

Museum of Byzantine Culture

One of the most interesting and popular museums in Greece is also considered the Museum of Byzantine Culture.

It opened in 1994 in a building designed by architect Kyriakos Krokos. Over 3,000 artifacts take visitors into the history of the Byzantine Empire. The chronological order of the exposition allows visitors to study in more detail and in depth each stage of the Byzantine era. The first exhibition is dedicated to Christian churches of the 4th-7th centuries. It acquaints visitors with the architecture, mosaics, murals of that time. The second exhibition tells about local residents in the 4th-7th centuries.

The third exhibition presents funerary artifacts from early Christianity. The fourth introduces the culture and art of the VIII-XII centuries. Other rooms are dedicated to Byzantine rulers and interesting collections. Exhibitions, various educational programs and events are regularly held within its walls.

Modern Art Museum

The Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit place for true art lovers. The museum is located in the building of the Lazariston monastery. It opened in 1997. The initiator of the opening of the museum was the Minister of Culture Evangelos Venizelos. The exposition consisted of the famous collection of the Russian avant-garde Georgy Costakis.

Today, the museum houses more than 1500 works. Among them are sculptures, paintings, installations and graphics. The George Costakis archive contains interesting historical documents. On the basis of this archive, the museum studies in depth the history of the emergence and development of the Russian avant-garde.

Thanks to foreign cooperation with educational and cultural institutions, the museum is actively developing and conducting scientific activities. Lectures, seminars, educational programs are constantly held within its walls.

Monastery of Latomu

One of the main religious sights of Thessaloniki is the monastery of Latomu, located in the heart of Thessaloniki. Today, only the church of St. David remains from the entire complex of monastic buildings.

The history of the church begins around the 5th-6th century. The monastery was erected on the site of an ancient Roman building. She served as a catholicon and is still active today.

During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the church became a mosque, ancient mosaics and frescoes were hidden for many years with a layer of plaster. Mosaics of the 5th-6th centuries were discovered in the 20s of the 20th century during restoration. One of them depicts the figure of Christ. A few years later, frescoes from the 12th century were found. Today, these ancient historical relics are the value of the monastery.

Church of the Holy Apostles

Near the medieval walls there is a local attraction - the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles. According to an inscription found at the entrance to the church, it was erected in the period 1310-1314. It was founded by Nifont I, Patriarch of Constantinople. The church is decorated with frescoes depicting the Virgin Mary. Presumably, the monastery was dedicated to the Mother of God. The cisterns and other architectural fragments found on its territory testify to the fact that a whole monastic complex was located here. Scientists believe that the Church of the Holy Apostles was a catholicon. Its beautiful valuable frescoes from the era of the Byzantine Palaiologos dynasty have survived to this day.

With the capture of Thessaloniki by the Turks, the church, like all other Christian monasteries, turned into a mosque. All frescoes and mosaics were hidden under plaster.

Fortunately, during the restoration work of the 20th century, some frescoes were discovered and restored. Magnificent works of art have great historical and cultural value.

In 1988, the Church of the Holy Apostles was included in the list of World Heritage Sites.

Church of St. Panteleimon

The exact date of foundation of the Church of St. Panteleimon is not known. It is believed that it was built at the turn of the XIII-XIV century and was the katholikon of the monastery of the Holy Mother of God. 100 years after its founding, the monastery has become an important educational and spiritual center.

The Turkish invaders converted the church into a mosque. Beautiful old frescoes were destroyed, some of them were walled up. On the territory of the monastery, the Turks erected a minaret and a marble fountain.

During the restoration, a magnificent hidden wall inscription was discovered. Today it is of great artistic and historical value.

The history of Thessaloniki has become a symbol of the glory and power of the great Macedonian dynasty. It is with him that such names as the Roman Emperor Galerius, the Apostle Paul, the warrior Demetrius, the brothers Cyril and Methodius are inextricably linked, who contributed not only to the history of the city and state, but also influenced the course of the history of the whole world.

The city of Thessaloniki was repeatedly destroyed due to enemy attacks and fires. Today it looks modern and young. At the same time, the ancient and Byzantine touches necessary for the appearance of the city are still present in the architecture, not allowing tourists to forget about its centuries-old history.

Thessaloniki is not only a first-class resort located on the shores of the bay, but also the main starting point for pilgrims to the Greek shrines of Mount Athos, for those wishing to visit the numerous excursions in Northern Greece and for shopaholics heading to Kastoria for the famous fur coats.

Region	Chalkidiki
Population
	4th century BC.
Population density	8 194 people/km²
Timezone	UTC+2, summer UTC+3
Postal code	53x xx, 54x xx, 55x xx, 56x xx
International dialing code

Climate and weather

The Mediterranean climate of Thessaloniki gives tourists and locals about 300 sunny days a year. The ideal months to visit here are from May to October. There is practically no rain during this period. During the holiday season, the air temperature reaches +27 °C, water - +23 °C. And in winter it is from +5 °С to +13 °С.

Nature

Thessaloniki and its suburbs will leave in the heart of every tourist a piece of their rarest beauty, rich flora, fauna and luxurious landscape. So, for example, in the area of ​​​​Lake Volvi you will be impressed by the variety of aquatic plants, trees and shrubs, as well as a large number of unique bird species: herons, storks, flamingos.

Attractions

Thessaloniki is of world importance in history and architecture, which is why the city attracts tourists so much. Even the most demanding traveler will be captivated by the local historical monuments. The symbol of Thessaloniki is the White Tower. The archaeological museum exhibits an exposition of the treasures of the tomb of King Philip II of Macedonia. In addition, the triumphal arch of Emperor Galerius, the fortress walls in the Upper City, the churches of St. Sophia and the Holy Apostles, the Aristotle University and many other attractions are a reminder of the centuries-old history of the city.

The most revered place among superstitious tourists is the monument to Aristotle in the city center. The belief says that the one who holds on to the big toe of a thinker will certainly become wiser. It is no coincidence that the philosopher's finger is rubbed to a shine!

Nutrition

Everyone knows that Greek cuisine is characterized by moderate use of spices and herbs, simple recipes, its olive oil and fresh fruits and vegetables. But Thessaloniki also has an additional Macedonian focus in cooking. Snack bars "kutuki" are the visiting card of the local cuisine.

Delices Café is located on one of the busiest streets in the city, Tsimiski, serving delicious French and Greek pastries. The best Greek coffee can only be tasted in a cafe on Komnenos Street. A cozy atmosphere will be offered by the “Room with a View” at the Olympion Theater on Aristotelous. Only Orizontes on the roof of the Electra Palace Hotel can compete with this cafe. A luxurious secular atmosphere will be presented to you by the Melia restaurant on Mitropoleos.

Accommodation

Thessaloniki hotels will be able to satisfy any wishes and whims of tourists. The city gives its guests an excellent choice so that travelers can enjoy their vacation to the fullest: The Met Hotel is ideal for a family vacation, Hotel Luxembourg is ideal for a romantic getaway for two, The Excelsior is the most fashionable hotel, a great hotel for absolutely any type of vacation - Domotel Les Lazaristes.

Entertainment and recreation

Every year tours to Thessaloniki are gaining more and more popularity. And this is no accident, because the tourism sector of the city is developed at the highest level. Gorgeous wide sandy beaches stretch all the way to the suburbs. Comfortable hotels surprise tourists with their interior and range of services. On the beaches you can not only enjoy the sea and the sun, but also outdoor activities such as diving or surfing.

The nightlife of Thessaloniki boils in nightclubs. The embankment is filled with a huge number of different bars. Any tourist in accordance with their preferences will find "the one". Among the bars available in Thessaloniki, Thermaikos, Baraza, The Miles and Saxofono stand out. In the Ladadika quarter, with its old houses, you will find the splendid Cafe Since 1915. The Vilka entertainment center awaits those who love to relax on the move. Vilka is known for several nightclubs and their different styles of music. But the most popular hangout place in Thessaloniki is Vogue, where live music is played almost every day.

The ideal end to the entertainment will be a boat trip. On the embankment near the White Tower there are small yachts where you can ride for free, you only need to pay for a drink. And looking at the lights of the night Thessaloniki from the sea, you will be convinced that you will definitely return to this city!

Purchases

Shopping in the northern capital of Greece provides great opportunities for great shopping. Here you can find everything from simple souvenirs to famous brands. You won't have to look for a field for maneuver for a long time, start from the city center.

We will provide a small list of the most famous trading places:

Modiano is the largest Greek market where you can buy any ingredients for local cuisine;

Mediterranean Cosmos - a huge shopping center located near the airport, with more than 200 shops, 30 restaurants and many entertainment places;

City Gate - a shopping center more modest than the previous one, but located in the center and working from early morning until late evening;

Alpha Odeon is a city cinema on Aristotelous Square, which also has various shops and boutiques.

Having allocated part of your holiday for shopping, do not forget that in Thessaloniki there is an unusual opening hours for shops: from Monday to Saturday, 9:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00. Shopping centers operate on their own schedule, and souvenirs are sold from morning to night.

Transport

You can buy bus tickets at a newsstand, with coins from a machine, or directly from the driver. The ticket price is 0.50 €, the driver is 10 cents more expensive. The ticket is valid for 70 minutes. In addition, for 2 € you can buy a daily ticket, and for 10 € - a weekly one.

In Thessaloniki, the construction of the metro is in full swing, the commissioning of the facility is scheduled for 2014.

Located 12 km from Thessaloniki international Airport"Macedonia", which serves international, local and charter flights.

A cycling trail stretches for 12 km along the promenade of Thessaloniki.

Connection

The Greek cellular standard is GSM 900/1800. Q-Telecom offers the most favorable tariffs, including international ones. Paying for communication services is very simple - using prepaid cards. Many tourists prefer local operators to roaming.

You can call anywhere not only in Greece, but also in the world, even from a simple telephone box. To call, you need 10 cent coins or a telecard, which is sold in kiosks and costs between 3 and 20 €. Calls from the hotel will cost more than the above option. It is important that after 20:00 there are discounts for phone calls.

And advanced Internet users will appreciate free Wi-Fi, which is available almost throughout Thessaloniki. It has the largest Wi-Fi coverage in Greece, with 37 hotspots along the promenade from Ambelokipi to Kalamaria.

Safety

The crime rate in Thessaloniki is quite low, so you don't have to worry about your own safety here. Any manifestations of deception of tourists by the local police suppresses quickly and harshly. It will be enough for you to follow the elementary safety rules and be vigilant in public places and transport. In addition, it is not recommended to switch to the topic of politics in a conversation with local residents, sometimes they react harshly to it.

Business climate

Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center of HELEXPO in Thessaloniki is the largest in Greece. A number of exhibitions are held here every year. summer vacation, furniture industry, medicine and much more. The center, consisting of 17 pavilions, is located in the heart of the city. During its existence, HELEXPO has earned a reputation as the most important exhibition complex in the Balkans.

At the beginning of autumn, HELEXPO hosts the annual Hellenic Exposition, a diversified international exhibition and fair. This is the most significant event in the political and economic life of Greece, which is always visited by the Prime Minister. The exhibition is purely commercial in nature and gathers a huge number of exhibitors from small private firms to corporations, and also combines production and trade. Although none of the exhibitions could do without cultural and entertainment events. HELEXPO contributes to the expansion and establishment of cooperation between enterprises within the country and abroad. Undoubtedly, this makes a significant contribution to the development of the Greek economy.

Real estate

Today Thessaloniki is a modern beautiful city with a developed infrastructure. Accordingly, real estate here is one of the most successful investment options in Greece. Recently, the increase in prices for it in certain areas of Thessaloniki is due to the construction of a metro line.

It should be noted that the costs of formalizing a sale and purchase transaction and the state tax on average amount to 15% of the value of the object of the transaction, and brokers' fees - from 1% to 4%. In addition, real estate in Greece is not empty walls - plumbing, kitchen, built-in wardrobes are sold along with the premises.

On average, renting a three-room apartment in Thessaloniki costs from 250 to 350 €. During the season, the price can increase by 1.5 times.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation on vacation in Greece, contact the tourist police. In every resort town, you can easily find a branch of this special service.

To get to the right place in time, focus your attention on the names of streets and districts of the city, because sometimes they can coincide.

In Greece, all service personnel expect at least a small reward from tourists, so don't feel sorry for tipping taxi drivers and maids.