Seaside Strolls and Street Festivals in Thessaloniki
Being the second largest city in Greece after Athens, Thessaloniki shouldn't be overlooked as it offers endless activities, sightseeing and adventures to please all. Located in northern Greece, Thessaloniki has a long history with many ancient sites to visit that date from the Roman and Byzantine times.
Some of the must-visit are the Roman Arch of Galerius, the Church of Saint Demetrius, the Monument of Rotunda and the Medieval Castle. One of the most important monuments in Thessaloniki, located in Beach Promenade, is the White Tower, this cylindrical stone tower dates back to the 15th century as a defensive structure and is now a museum dedicated to the history of Thessaloniki.
There are other museums as well, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Museum for Macedonian Struggle, the Balkan Wars Museum and the Byzantine Museum to name just a few. Your thirst for history and ancient cultures will be satisfied.
Saint Paul cathedral in Thessaloniki
When in Greece, you must take a step into mythology, so a day trip to Mount Olympus, located between the provinces of Piere and Larissa, is part of the Olympus massif near the Thermaic Gulf. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy Mount Olympus, as there are many beautiful trails with different levels of difficulty and stamina. You can also clear your mind and re-energize your body in the naturally heated water of the Pozar Thermal Baths.
Another day trip to consider is to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, a rock formation in the regional unit of Trikala in Thessaly, where you can visit 24 holy monasteries and enjoy the panoramic views of the giant rocks.
Take a break from all the tourist attractions and enjoy one of the many local festivals that Thessaloniki offers. Some of the festivals are Candlelight: Unique Concerts, Park Food and Beer Festival, Swinging the Bay and the International Cultural Festival. There is always something for everyone.
A cozy street cafe in Thessaloniki
Of course, the main city centre cannot be overlooked. With all the shops and services — from bakeries, clothes, accessories, and restaurants — you will want to be ready for a bit of walking. Enjoy gastronomic food tours, walk through open market food tours and tastings or partake in a Friday night bar crawl.
As mentioned earlier, the Beach Promenade is home to numerous cafeterias and bars that stay open all night and is a must-visit. To enjoy the views even more, take a horse carriage and go for a ride around the town.