Thessaloniki, Grecia

https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/macedonia/thessaloniki/

https://thessaloniki.travel/el/

THESSALONIKI is the city you will fall in love with! It is the 2nd largest city in Greece located in the north of our beloved sunny country. It's quiter than busy Athens and yet pleasantly alive by day & night. Being the base of Greece's largest univeristy (Aristotle University) with its campus located downtown, the city enjoys a unique atompsphere of youthful liveliness.

Take advantage of the warm weather and explore (either on foot or by rented bicycles!) the 5kms of the gorgeous waterfront with its parks and the impecable sea view of the legendary Mount Olympus on the horizon! Don't miss the sunset at the harbour with the amazing shades of purple and pink!

We take pride in our traditional northern cuisine so don't be surprised by the countless lovely restaurants, street food places, cafes & bars that you will find in every corner. For those interested in art and history there is a lot to see! The city's museums, the ancient walls and castle, the old city (Ano Poli: literally meaning Upper City) and the Byzantine monuments in the historic center will not leave you dissapointed. And when the sun goes down, you can take a stroll in the unique Ladadika area to check out the city's night life!

Nearby attractions for day trips/excursions:

-The peninsula of Halkidiki with countless beaches with tourqoise waters for swimming in a distance of 30' to 2hrs by car. https://www.greeka.com/macedonia/halkidiki/beaches/

• Boat day trips and cruises around the independant state of Mount Athos (Agio Oros - the 3rd penninsula of Halkidiki). Boats leave every day from Ormos Panagias (1hr 25mins by car) https://www.getyourguide.com ***The Mount Athos monasteries are only accesible to men (! ) so if you are a man and would like to visit you must make special arrangements ahead of time. https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/el/grafeio-proskinitwn

-The Petralona cave (50mins by car) https://www.visit-halkidiki.gr/portfolio-view/petralona-cave/

-Vergina's Archeological Site - one of the most beautiful small museums you will ever encounter! A true jewel! (70kms from Thesssaloniki, around 1hr) http://www.aigai.gr/en

-Mount Olympus (147kms from Thessaloniki, around 2hrs) - you can hike all the way to the top (or not! - only for experienced hikers please!) & if you're lucky you might even come across your favorite greek god ! ;-) http://www.olympusfd.gr/us/infos.asp

-the Meteora rock formations and Monasteries with their breathtaking view will leave you in awe!...A rare sight that you will never forget! (200kms from Thessaloniki, around 2 & 1/2hrs) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteora
A bit far away but it's worth the trip!

• Athens is only a half hour flight away! There are many budget flights every day from SKG!

Enjoy! :-)