A trip to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece is a must throughout the year.It’s a city rich in history, influenced by many different cultures and people at the crossroads of the eastern and western world and full of contradictions that will captivate your heart; it is ancient and modern, youthful and old-fashioned; with creative, energetic vibes but also a uniquely slow pace with the locals being masters of the art of slow living.
It only takes a long walk from its waterfront up to the picturesque district of Ano Poli- meaning the Upper Town, the oldest part of the city- to discover just how much Thessaloniki has to offer; fascinating UNESCO World Heritages sites, byzantine monuments, art galleries, modern installations such as the Zoggolopoulos Umbrellas sculpture by the waterfront; imposing cultural landmarks, such as the White Tower, Aristotelous Square, the Arch of Galerius, the Heptapyrgion, the Church of Saint Dimitrios, Agia Sofia, the Rotunda, the Vlatades Monastery, the Walls of Thessaloniki and the Trigonion Tower; important museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Photography, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art and many more.
Vibrant Thessaloniki boasts excellent accommodation with many luxury boutique hotels, eclectic-style buildings, little neighborhood shops, and shopping arcades of the past, as well as brand new coffee shops, restaurants, bistro, tavernas and bars. It also offers an outstanding gastronomic scene and last year it proudly became the first Greek city to join UNESCO’s Network of Gastronomy – recognized for its rich culinary traditions, vibrant gastronomic community, and delightful local delicacies. Thessaloniki is heaven for those who love street food, with dozens of places offering their items to go. Don’t leave the city without trying the famous koulouri, bougatsa, trigona and souvlaki and without visiting the Modiano market, Thessaloniki’s landmark. It is a fully restored market, filled with the colors and aromas of fresh Greek produce, artisanal products, traditional delights and gourmet delicacies, but also cafés, restaurants, bars and other venues to enjoy a meal or just a coffee, the way locals do! There are also plenty of areas well known as hubs of taste and recreation throughout the city, such as Ladadika quarter where old shops have been turned into restaurants and bars, offering good food and the feel of traditional Thessaloniki.
There are exciting daily excursions that you can do around the city that Pax and More can arrange for you.
The history buffs can visit in half an hour from the city, Vergina and the museum and archaeological site of Ancient Aigai, the royal seat of Ancient Macedonia, one of the most profoundly moving experiences of culture or discover in just an hour and a half trip ancient Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great.
In 1 hour from Thessaloniki, the wine lovers can visit Goumenissa, the heart of prime wine country known mainly for the local grape Negoska, an essential component of Goumenissa’s enormously drinkable PDO red blends. You have around 10 wineries to visit around the region. Last but not least, nature and adventure enthusiasts can hike Mt Olympus, a unique outdoor adventure you can undertake in Greece. The roundtrip hike to the summit of the abode of the Gods takes around 10 hours.
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