Thessaloniki…
ü a historic city
Thessaloniki is a city with a rich history. Numerous archaeological testimonials to the city's past have been saved, including the remains of prehistoric settlements in the area, which provide valuable archaeological information. Some of the most well known monuments of the city, dating from Ancient and Byzantine times, are the Arch of Galerius, the Rotonda, the churches of Aghios Demetrios and Aghia Sophia, the Eptapyrgio, the Ancient Forum and the White Tower, which has become the symbol of the city.
Thessaloniki is near three very important archaeological sites: the archaeological site and the Museum of Dion, the sacred city of Macedonians on the feet of Mount Olympus, residence of the twelve gods of Ancient Greece, the archaeological site of Vergina, where the tombs of the Macedonian royal family and an in situ permanent exhibition of the findings of the excavations are located and the archaeological site and the Museum Another of Pella, the second capital city of the Macedonian Kingdom.
ü a cultural city
Significant educational institutions, cultural establishments and festivals contribute to the development of an intellectual climate in Thessaloniki. The Aristotle University, which is the largest University of Greece, the University of Macedonia, the Institute of Balkan Studies, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Byzantine Civilisation, the Macedonian Museum of Modern Art, the Municipal Art Gallery, the State Museum of Contemporary Art the Ethnological and Folklore Museum, the Macedonian Struggle Museum, the Tellogleion foundation, the State Theatre, the State Orchestra, the Municipal Orchestra and numerous other cultural societies, as well as established festivals such as the 'Demetria', the International Music Days, the annual Film Festival and so on.
ü a modern city
Thessaloniki is one of the most important trade and communications centres in the Mediterranean, which is evident from its financial and commercial activities. It is the second city in Greece in demographic and economic terms housing about 1 million inhabitants, the second most important port of Greece, and is very well served by the sea, road, rail and air.
ü a tasteful city
Thessaloniki is famous for its tradition in good food and drink. Traditional greek food, particularly sea food offer gastronomic temptations that one can find in the city’s numerous tavernas. The good food is completed by exceptional wine made by special grape varieties of Macedonia, traditional ouzo and retsina. One may also enjoy the beautiful afternoons of Thessaloniki by the exceptional seaside, where time passes sipping coffee and watching the boundless sea.
ü a sleepless city
In the evening, there are many night clubs for traditional entertainment and international music events. Thessaloniki is known for its sleepless nights as round the clock entertainment is available to all.
ü a shopping city
The market of Thessaloniki unfolds and presents the newest fashion in jewels, furs, clothes and shoes. One may also buy copperware and antiques at specialized traditional markets.
ü a tourist destination and gateway
Thessaloniki offers travel gateways for many Touristic sites in Halkidiki where the fabulous sea beaches and the mountains tranquillity and nightlife, ancient and modern culture are combined. One of the three peninsulas of Chalkidiki is home of the self-governing monastic republic of Athos (The Holy Mountain) with its inestimably rich orthodox heritage. Ecotourism is also an option in many neighbouring areas like the Axios River Delta and the Lake Kerkini.