Thessaloniki. Localities - Greece travel guide. Thessaloniki, Greece: useful information for tourists and travelers What is Saloniki Greece

The city of Thessaloniki bears the title of the second capital of Greece. Even the Greeks themselves often admit that they like Thessaloniki much more than.

The city of Thessaloniki is the second most important cultural, political, industrial and economic center of Greece. It is also the most important transport hub for all of Southeast Europe. The cultural life of Thessaloniki is in full swing: exhibitions, festivals, conventions, forums, presentations and much more are held here, therefore the city is often called the main cultural capital.

What about ordinary tourists? What could they like about their vacation in Thessaloniki 2020?

How to get to Thessaloniki

Where to stay in Thessaloniki 2020

10 reasons to visit Thessaloniki 2020

Why is Thessaloniki worth visiting on your next visit to Greece? There are very specific reasons for this:

#one. There is history at every turn

Every schoolchild knows about the great historical past of Greece, and Thessaloniki played an important role in the history of the country. Whichever area you head to, ancient ruins, ancient churches and historic buildings will lie in wait for you. Because of this, the city cannot complete the construction of the metro: in the process of excavations, archaeologists constantly come across new artifacts.

# 2. Thessaloniki - port city

In Thessaloniki, the sea rises directly to the central one. It doesn't matter what you do - sightseeing, running shopping or enjoying a delicious meal in a tavern - during breaks, you can breathe in the sea breeze, listen to the sound of the waves and get distracted from pressing problems. In addition, the status of the second largest port in the country allows travel from Thessaloniki to anywhere in Greece.

# 3. Great weather Thessaloniki

Since the city is located in the northern part of the country, near the sea, the climate here is milder than in Athens. And this means that even though it is warm and sunny here in summer, the fresh sea air brings tangible relief and does not completely let you fall under the onslaught of heat. For those who come on vacation to Thessaloniki in the summer, this will be a pleasant bonus, since exploring the surroundings and sights of the city will not be so tiring.

#4. Stress-free metropolis

Thessaloniki is home to about 1 million people. There are all the advantages of a large metropolis here, but at the same time there is no feeling that a crowded city is pressing on you. In the vicinity of the central districts, you can also find calm, quiet streets, where life goes on without haste and stress.

Shopping in Thessaloniki is the central street of the city, where life is in full swing around the clock!

#5. There is always something to do here

Holidays in Thessaloniki will never make you bored. In the center you will find many restaurants, shops, cafes, bars and parks. An obligatory point of the program is the minimum in Thessaloniki: a boat or boat trip along the coast, during which you can admire the general view of the city from the sea. There are great beaches outside the city, and it can take weeks to explore the most famous landmarks and museums!

# 6. Active nightlife

Thessaloniki is a city of youth. It is home to one of the largest universities in Greece, and active students contribute to the nightlife in Greece's second capital. There are many bars, discos and nightclubs here, catering to audiences with a wide variety of musical tastes. Choose the right company - and go ahead, conquer the Greek dance floors!

# 7. Shopping in Thessaloniki

Shopping in Thessaloniki is a pleasure! The status of a major port city gives obvious advantages: here you have a huge selection of any goods from all over the world. The main shops of Thessaloniki are located near the center on Timiski, Metropolis, Agia Sofia, Patron Hermanou, Aristotle, Venizelou streets. The largest markets in the city are Modiano and Kapani Agora.

#eight. Delicious cuisine

Bugatsa is the main dish that will recommend you to try in Thessaloniki. Bugatsa is a traditional pie filled with cream or cheese. Everything is perfect in it: the aroma of vanilla, cinnamon and lemon, a crisp crust and delicious filling. Great breakfast option!

Food in Thessaloniki: feta, choriatic, halloumi, sardines, etc.

A huge number of eateries are scattered around the city. Most often they serve souvlaki (kebab on skewers or wrapped in pita dough), a huge amount of pies (with cheese, meat, spinach, apples), melitzanosalat (mashed eggplant), traditional meat casserole moussaka, grilled fish and many sweets, including delicious baklava.

A complete list of food items you will find in Thessaloniki!

#9. Viewpoints of Thessaloniki

In Thessaloniki, there are several observation platforms, from which, as in the palm of your hand, you can see this magical port city and its harbor. The most famous is the symbol of Thessaloniki. However, the entire city relief is not flat - some areas are located on a hill. Therefore, if you manage to book a hotel in Thessaloniki in one of these areas, then an excellent panorama of the city will delight you throughout the trip.

#10. Thessaloniki - the cultural capital of Greece

And not only Greece - in 1997 Thessaloniki received the title of the European Capital of Culture, and in 2014 - the European Youth Capital. Also, the city has been included in the lists of the "Hidden Treasures" of the European continent more than once, and all because of the abundance of cultural events held here and extensive travel opportunities.

View of Thessaloniki from the height of the White Tower

Popular excursions in Thessaloniki

The square of Thessaloniki is impressive; to see all the interesting places, preliminary preparation and study of the routes will be required. If you have the time, plan your visit yourself - it's fun in any city!

But there are places that are more convenient to visit with a guide or with a guided tour:

• - you will see the iconic places of Thessaloniki against which you should have a photo. Most of it runs through the historic center. You can see a lot on your own, so it's up to you to order or not. However, the sightseeing tour of Thessaloniki is in the first place in popularity;

In contact with

In Thessaloniki are located: Aristotle University - the largest university in the Balkans, Macedonia airport and a major seaport, in terms of its economic importance, ranked second after Piraeus.

In the vicinity of the city there are a large number of small settlements, which are a place of tourism in summer and ordinary agricultural villages in winter.

City `s history

Antique period

The city of Thessaloniki was founded by the king of Macedonia Kassander in 315 BC. e. The wife of the king Kassandra was the half-sister of Alexander the Great - Thessalonica, after which the king named the new city, uniting in it 26 smaller settlements that existed at that time along the shores of the Thermaikos Gulf.

It was then that the city acquired its Hellenistic character, which remained in general outline until the end of the 15th century. In 146 BC. e. captured by the Romans.

Byzantine empire

With the collapse of the Roman Empire and the formation of Byzantine Thessaloniki found themselves in an advantageous geopolitical position at the intersection of roads from Constantinople to Rome and from Athens to the Black Sea region.

After the Arab conquest of Antioch and Alexandria, Thessaloniki became the second largest and most important city in the empire. At the same time, there was a diversification of the national composition of the city: many southern Slavs, Roman-speaking Vlachs, who immigrated from the northern mountainous regions, and later Roma, settled here.

The local natives were the holy great martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki (died in 306) and the saints Equal to the Apostles Cyril and Methodius (IX century) - the enlighteners of the Slavs.

Marijan, Public Domain

In the 6th-7th centuries, the Goths and Slavs tried in vain to take Thessaloniki several times. In 904, Thessaloniki was captured by the Saracens, and 22 thousand inhabitants were sold into slavery. In 995 the Bulgarians took possession of the city for a short time. In 1185 the city was taken and plundered by the Sicilian Normans.

Since 1206, Thessaloniki has been the capital of the Latin state - the Kingdom of Thessaloniki, which was part of the Latin Empire. In 1224 the city was conquered from the Latins by the king of Epirus Theodore I Duca, and in 1246 it was taken by the Nicene emperor John III Duca Vatatz. From 1342 to 1349, the city was ruled by zealots. In 1347, Saint Gregory Palamas was elevated to the rank of Archbishop of Thessalonia (he died in 1359). From 1383 to 1387, the inhabitants under the leadership of Manuel II heroically defended themselves from the Turks who besieged the city, but in 1387 the city surrendered.

In 1387-1402 the city belonged to the Turks. After the defeat of the Turks from Tamerlane, it was returned to Byzantium. In 1423, power in the dilapidated city was transferred to the Venetians, who sought to control the Mediterranean and its trade and economic sector.

The Turks again besieged the city from 1426 to 1430, and finally captured the city in 1430. The Greek elite was going through a complete moral and psychological decline, the Greeks massively converted to Islam, their life and way of life were becoming Turkic. The city became part of the Ottoman Empire.

Ottoman Empire

Life in the city during the heyday of the Ottoman Empire underwent even greater changes, as did its ethno-religious composition.

During the Byzantine Empire, this Greco-Slavic city had over 200 thousand inhabitants and was the second Christian center of the empire after Constantinople.

At the end of the 19th century, not a trace remained of the former Greek power: more than half of the population were now Spanish Jews, and Ladino became the main language of the city. The Greek population now accounted for only about a fifth of the city's total population and was pushed to the sidelines of his life. A significant part of the Greeks was destroyed during the military conflicts of the Middle Ages. Many were sold into slavery to Muslims in Anatolia, where they were assimilated. Most of the Greek nobility and middle class converted to Islam and adopted the Turkish language. But many ordinary Greeks did not come to terms with Turkish rule and went to live in the mountains.

The Muslim quarter, which was inhabited mainly by Turks and Turkic peoples, was also a native of the famous Ataturk.

With the outbreak of the all-Greek uprising in May 1821, the Turks demonstratively executed about 3,000 Greeks in the city. The anti-Greek terror lasted from 1821 to 1823. By the time the city was liberated by Greek forces in 1912, Greeks and other Greek Orthodox Christians made up 25.3% of the city's population.

Re-hellenization

At the very beginning of the Greek War of Independence, in 1821, the revolted Greeks, led by Stamatios Kapsas, tried to take Thessaloniki with a battle, but to no avail.

The city was conquered by the Greeks only during the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913. Subsequently, as a result of the genocide of the Jews during the Second World War (Holocaust) and the outflow of the Turkish population, Thessaloniki again became almost completely a Greek city.

The city's appearance changed significantly after the terrible fire in August 1917, which left more than 70,000 residents homeless.

Kimdime69, Public Domain

During the Second World War, the city was occupied by German troops.

In 1943, Germany was preparing to transfer the city under the control of its allied Bulgaria in order to free up troops to be sent to the Eastern Front, but did not dare to take this step after massive protests throughout Greece and fearing an outbreak of an already massive partisan movement.

The city was liberated by the Greek People's Liberation Army - ELAS on October 27, 1944, on the day of memory of Demetrius Thessaloniki, the patron saint of the city.

Slavic minority

In the region of Thessaloniki and in the neighboring rural regions of the Macedonian region, since the end of the VIII century (the Great Migration of Peoples), a significant community of the so-called Solun Slavs or Macedonian Slavs has formed, who are close to modern Bulgarians and Macedonians.

According to the 1951 census, over 41 thousand speakers of the South Slavic speech lived in the entire region of Macedonia and mainly in the western nomes - Florina and Kastoria.

On May 24, 2008, on the Day of Slavic Written Language, the head of the non-canonical Macedonian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Stephen, officially rebuked the Greek government for pursuing a policy of Hellenization of the local Slavs. This statement provoked an official protest from Athens.

In the language of the local Slavic population, as well as in the Bulgarian and Macedonian languages, the city of Thessaloniki is called Solun.

Climate

The climate in Thessaloniki is Mediterranean, bordering on areas of continental and semi-desert climate. In general, it is characterized by an abundance of sunny days per year.

The highest temperature was recorded on 25 July 2007 at the meteorological station of the airport "Macedonia" and was 44 ° C.

The lowest temperature was recorded at the same station on January 26, 1963, when the temperature dropped to -14.0 ° C.

Snow can fall from early December to mid-March, although snow cover is low and melts within a few hours.

Economy

Thessaloniki is the second largest and most economically important city in Greece; it is a large industrial and commercial center.

On the territory of Greater Thessaloniki, enterprises of petrochemistry, metallurgy, metalworking and mechanical engineering are concentrated, including the electrical engineering, shipbuilding and ship repair industries.

Thessaloniki is the main center of the country's textile industry, and there are also numerous pharmaceutical, tobacco and food industries.

In particular, in 1890 in Thessaloniki, the Tsantalis family founded the Tsantali wineries, in 1968 the Mythos brewery was founded. Every year, starting in September, International Exhibitions are held in Thessaloniki.

MWD, Public Domain

The port of Thessaloniki is the second in terms of cargo turnover in Greece, second only to the Piraeus port, it plays an important role in the life of the city. Using the free port, through the port of Thessaloniki, in addition to Greek cargo, cargoes from other states of the Balkan Peninsula and the entire south-eastern Europe are transported.

In the early 2000s, a new passenger terminal was opened here, which made it possible to further increase its throughput.

A significant part of the city's workforce is employed in small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as in the service and public sector. In recent years, the city has begun a process of de-industrialization and transition to an economy based primarily on the service sector.

Transport

International airport "Macedonia" is located 12 km south of the city. In addition to international and local airlines, the airport serves charter flights with hundreds of thousands of tourists arriving to rest in the nearby Halkidiki peninsula.

Thessaloniki is the largest railway junction in Greece. In addition to freight rail transport, Thessaloniki is connected by passenger traffic with Athens and with Belgrade, Constantinople, Bucharest, Sofia and Skopje.

Suburban trains connect Thessaloniki with the cities of Larissa and Edessa. The city is connected by bus with all cities of Northern and Central Greece.

The metro has been under construction in Thessaloniki since 2006. The expected commissioning is 2017.

Cycling trail network of 12 km, mainly in the coastal part of the city.

The new latitudinal highway of European importance "Egnatia Odos", which runs like the ancient Roman "Via Egnatia" from the Adriatic-Ionian Seas to the Bosphorus, passes just north of the city and intersects here with the Athens-Belgrade meridional road axis. Ferry services link Thessaloniki with the northern islands of the Greek archipelago.

Due to its geographical position and its port, Thessaloniki has always been in the top five most important cities of the three empires throughout its history. During the Cold War and the partition of Europe, when Greece maintained its traditional friendly Greek-Serbian relations only with Yugoslavia, the city's importance as a regional commercial and transport center was limited. With the entry of neighboring countries into a single economic space with Greece, it is expected that Thessaloniki will again become a regional center.

The culture

In 1960, the annual Thessaloniki International Film Festival was held for the first time. In 1999, within the framework of the film festival, the International Documentary Film Festival was opened. At the end of November, on the basis of the exhibition center, the "Christmas City" opens, which operates until the beginning of January next year.

The annual International Trade Fair is held in Thessaloniki.

The city is home to the National Theater of Northern Greece, Thessaloniki Concert Hall, opened on the eve of 1997, when Thessaloniki was chosen as the European Capital of Culture.

The National Television Network of the Macedonian Region is also based in Thessaloniki - Macedonia TV. ET3, the cultural and educational TV channel of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, broadcasts TV from Thessaloniki and is a Greek TV channel with the largest regional network. The private TV channel ANT1 also has a license to broadcast in the Thessaloniki region.

In 2011, Thessaloniki began to fight for the status of the "EU Youth Capital 2014".

In 2013, the Greek group Koza Mostra, whose members live in Thessaloniki, performed at the Eurovision Song Contest. Then they took 6th place.

Sport

Thessaloniki has a sports history rich in events and successful moments, the city's clubs became the winners of the first ever Greek tournament in football, basketball and water polo.

Among the largest football stadiums in Thessaloniki are Tumba, Kleantis Vikelidis and the Kaftanzoglio National Stadium, which serve as the home stadiums of the football clubs PAOK, Aris and Iraklis respectively. All of them are founding members of the Greek Super League, in which they play in the current season. Among the clubs in Greater Thessaloniki are the football clubs Apollo, which is based in Kalamaria, Agrotikos Asteras and Evosmos.

Kapnisma, Public Domain

The largest basketball arenas in Thessaloniki are Alexandrio Melatron, the home ground of the Aris basketball club, the Sports Arena where the players of the PAOK club train, and the Ivanofio Arena, the home indoor hall of the Iraklis basketball club. All these teams play in the highest basketball league of Greece A1 Ethnics and take part in the Greek Basketball Cup, and Iraklis became the first winner of the Greek Championship. In addition, there is a YMCA arena.

Among the athletics sporting events that take place in Thessaloniki, the most significant annual Marathon is "Alexander the Great". The marathon ends in the historic center of the city in recognition of its ancient Macedonian continuity.

Photo gallery

Founded: 315 BC eh

Population: 365,000 (2007) agglomeration: 1,104,460 (2011)

Postcode: 53x xx, 54x xx, 55x xx, 56x xx

Telephone code: +30 2310

Time: UTC + 2

Helpful information

Saloniki, Thessaloniki
Greek Θεσσαλονίκη, Thessaloniki
tour. Selanik
Art-Slav. Solun

Etymology of the name

According to legend, the city was founded by the Macedonian king Cassander and named after his wife Thessalonica, the half-sister of Alexander the Great and the daughter of the Macedonian king Philip II, the Thessalian princess. She, in turn, was named Thessalonica from the merger of two words - Thessaly and Nike (Greek Θεσσαλοί + Νίκη, is Thessaly + victory), since she was born on the day of the battle on the Crocus field, as a result of which the Macedonians and Thessalians won a victory over Phocis , thanks to which they actually won the Third Holy War as a whole.

At different times, the name of the city changed its forms, with a slight change in spelling and certain phonetic changes. Thus, during the Hellenistic period, Strabo named the city of Thessalonica (Greek Θεσσαλονίκεια) in honor of the princess of Thessalonica. In general, in the Hellenistic period, it was a tradition to create geographical names derived from the names of monarchs: for example, Philip - from Philip II of Macedon, Seleucia - from Seleucus I Nicator, Alexandria - from Alexander the Great, Kassandra - from Cassander the Great, and the like. Along with Thessalonica, the name Fettalonica (Greek Θετταλονίκη) was also used in the Hellenistic era, and during the Roman period, as evidenced by the inscriptions and coins of that time, the form Thessalonikeon (Greek Θεσσαλονικέων) appeared to designate a polis. In the post-Byzantine centuries, historians, geographers, travelers and politicians used two forms of the city's name at the same time: Selanik from tour. Selanik and the Slavic form Solun.

sights

Thessaloniki is rich in monuments of early Christian and Byzantine architecture, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include:

• Basilica of Saint Demetrius, built between 313-323 and rebuilt after a fire in 629-634. The main relic of the temple is a shrine with the relics of the great martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki, the patron saint of the city, and six mosaics of the 7th century that survived the period of iconoclasm that survived the terrible fire of 1917.
• The Triumphal Arch of Emperor Galerius and the Late Roman Church of St. George - the Rotunda of St. George), created in the tomb of this emperor (Arch and Tomb of Galerius). Some of the oldest buildings in the city are parts of the palace or burial complex of Emperor Galerius. The rotunda has preserved mosaics from the end of the 4th century.
• The Church of Hagia Sophia is the world's best-preserved iconoclastic temple complex, built between 690 and 730.
• The Church of the Holy Apostles (1312-1315) is a striking architectural monument of the Palaeologus era.
• The Basilica of Achiropiitos is one of the oldest surviving early Christian basilicas (mid-5th century).
• The Church of St. Panteleimon is a cruciform one-nave church dating back to the beginning of the Palaeologus era (XIII century).
• Latomu Monastery with the preserved Church of St. David, built in the late 5th - early 6th centuries.
• The Church of St. Nicholas Orfanos is the cathedral church of the not preserved Vlatadov monastery (beginning of the XIV century).
• The Panagia Chalkeon Church is a cross-domed church dedicated to the Mother of God (first half of the 11th century).

The main architectural symbol of the city is the White Tower, built on the shores of the bay in the 16th century on the foundations of more ancient structures. The flagpole for the Greek flag above the tower is the mast of the Turkish battleship Fetih Bulet, the flagship of the Aegean squadron, which was sunk on October 18, 1912 - at the very beginning of the Balkan War of 1912 - by the Greek destroyer -11, who managed to break through at sunset into the port of Thessaloniki. Three shots, of which two hit the target, sinking the Turkish ship, were fired by Dimitrios Eleusinotis. The bust of the destroyer commander Nikolaos Votsis, who later became admiral, is installed in front of the White Tower.

The fortress and towers dominating the historical part of the city date back to the 14th century.

City museums

• Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
• Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
• Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art
• State Museum of Contemporary Art - the backbone of the museum is the Russian avant-garde from the Kostaki collection
• Museum of Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Musical Instruments
• Museum of Byzantine Culture
• Science Center and Museum of Technology (Thessaloniki)
• War Museum of Thessaloniki
• Municipal Art Gallery of Thessaloniki
• Folklore and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace
• Museum of Photography (Thessaloniki)
• Jewish Museum (Thessaloniki)
• Musical Museum of Macedonia

Jewish community

The Jewish community of Thessaloniki developed primarily at the expense of the Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 and their descendants (Sephardim). Since the XVI century. Thessaloniki was home to the largest Jewish community in Greece. The Jews called Thessaloniki la madre de Israel (the mother of Israel) and the "Balkan Jerusalem." The main language of the Jews of Thessaloniki was Ladino, the language of the Sephardic Jews.

During the Ottoman rule, Jews made up more than half of the city's population and most of the city's trade was concentrated in their hands. The city also had a community of Jews who converted to Islam, who moved to Thessaloniki in 1680 and were mainly engaged in trade.

After the annexation of the city to independent Greece in 1912, 61,000 Jews lived in Thessaloniki. The Great Fire in 1917 destroyed almost the entire city center, including the homes of 50,000 Jews. Most of the victims immigrated to the United States, Palestine and France.

In 1922, the government granted Jews full rights of citizens of Greece and in 1926 again confirmed the rights of Jews as full citizens.

At the beginning of World War II, 50 thousand Jews lived in the city. The local population and the Italian military tried to protect the Jews from the Nazis. By 1943, the Nazis began to take measures to eliminate the Jews of the city - the Jews were herded into the ghetto, which was located near the main station, and later the Jews began to be deported to death camps. By the end of the war, 96% of the Jews of Thessaloniki had died.

After the war, the community revived, and in 2000, 2000 Jews lived in the city. Large communities of immigrants from Thessaloniki are located in Israel and the United States, and Israeli singer Yehuda Poliker even recorded the song "wait for me, Thessaloniki" in honor of the city.

A memorial in memory of those killed during the war was opened in 1997 at the gathering place of Jews by the Nazis for deportation to death camps. The memorial was desecrated by Nazi symbols in 2002 and 2003.

Also on May 13, 2010, several gravestones in the Jewish cemetery were desecrated with anti-Semitic inscriptions “burn the Jews” and “Juden raus”, one was set on fire. Police arrested 3 neo-Nazis involved in the incident.

Mayors of Thessaloniki

In the 2010 local elections, incumbent mayor Vasilis Papageorgopoulos, a member of the New Democracy Party, lost to Yiannis Butaris, the PASOK candidate. The new mayor took up his duties on January 1, 2011.

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, who contributed not only to the history of the city and state, but also influenced the course of the history of the whole world, are inextricably linked.

The city of Thessaloniki was repeatedly destroyed due to enemy attacks and fires. Today he looks modern and young. At the same time, the antique 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 Athos, for those wishing to visit numerous excursions in Northern Greece and for shopaholics heading to Kastoria for the famous fur coats.

Region	Halkidiki
Population
	IV century BC.
Population density	8 194 people / km²
Timezone	UTC + 2, in 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 days of sunshine a year. The ideal months to relax here are from May to October. During this period, there is practically no rain. In the holiday season, the air temperature reaches +27 ° С, water - +23 ° С. And in winter time here 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 magnificent 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.

sights

Thessaloniki is of world importance in history and architecture, which is why the city is so attractive for tourists. Even the most demanding traveler will be captivated by the local historical monuments. The symbol of Thessaloniki is the White Tower. The archaeological museum displays 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 Hagia Sophia and the Holy Apostles, the Aristotle University and many other attractions are reminiscent of the centuries-old history of the city.

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

Nutrition

Everyone knows that Greek cuisine is distinguished by a moderate use of spices and herbs, simple recipes, its olive oil and fresh fruits and vegetables. But Thessaloniki also has an additional Macedonian orientation in cooking. Kutuki snack bars are the hallmark of local cuisine.

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

Residence

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

Entertainment and recreation

Tours to Thessaloniki are becoming more and more popular every year. And this is no accident, because the tourism sector of the city is developed at the highest level. Magnificent 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 active recreation, such as diving or surfing.

The nightlife of Thessaloniki is full of nightclubs. The promenade is filled with a huge number of different bars. Any tourist will find “the one” according to his preferences. 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 café Since 1915. The Vilka entertainment center awaits those who like 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, live music is played here almost every day.

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

Purchases

Shopping in the northern capital of Greece provides tremendous opportunities for great shopping. Here you can find everything: from simple souvenirs to well-known brands. You do not 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 shopping places:

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

Mediterranean Cosmos is a huge shopping center located near the airport with over 200 shops, 30 restaurants and many entertainment venues;

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

Alpha Odeon is a city cinema on Aristotle's Square, which also has a variety of shops and boutiques.

Having set aside a part of your holiday for shopping, do not forget that Thessaloniki has 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 tickets for travel on the bus at the newsstand, using coins in the machine, or directly from the driver. The ticket price is 0.50 €, for the driver it is 10 cents more. The ticket is valid for 70 minutes. In addition, you can buy a daily ticket for 2 €, and a weekly ticket for 10 €.

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

The international airport "Macedonia" is located 12 km from Thessaloniki, which serves international, local and charter flights.

A bicycle trail stretches along the embankment of Thessaloniki for 12 km.

Connection

Greece's cellular communication standard is GSM 900/1800. Q-Telecom offers the most favorable tariffs, including international ones. It is very easy to pay for communication services - 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 booth. To call, you will need coins of 10 cents 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 the free Wi-Fi, which is available almost throughout the entire territory of Thessaloniki. It has the largest Wi-Fi coverage in Greece, with 37 hotspots along the waterfront from Ambelokipi to Kalamaria.

Safety

The crime rate in Thessaloniki is quite low, so here you don't have to worry about your own safety. Local police suppress any manifestations of deception of tourists quickly and harshly. It will be enough for you to observe basic safety rules and be vigilant in public places and transport. In addition, it is not recommended to go over the topic of politics in 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 devoted to summer vacations, furniture industry, medicine and much more are held here every year. The center, consisting of 17 pavilions, is located in the very heart of the city. During its existence, HELEXPO has earned a reputation as the most important exhibition center in the Balkans.

At the beginning of autumn, HELEXPO hosts the annual diversified international exhibition-fair Hellenic Exposition. This is the most significant event in the political and economic life of Greece and is always attended by the Prime Minister. The exhibition is purely commercial in nature and brings together a huge number of exhibitors from small private firms to corporations, and also connects production and trade. Although none of the exhibitions was complete without cultural and entertainment events. HELEXPO promotes 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.

The property

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 rise 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 registration of the purchase and sale transaction and the state tax are on average 15% of the value of the transaction object, and brokers' fees - from 1% to 4%. In addition, real estate in Greece is not empty walls - along with the premises, plumbing, kitchen, built-in wardrobes are sold.

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 while on holiday 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 on time, focus 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 do not regret tips for taxi drivers and maids.

Thessaloniki is a place that has preserved an invaluable heritage of world history. Here tourists are greeted by numerous museums, cultural monuments, architectural structures, archaeological sites. City streets and wide squares, old buildings, as if taken from books about history. The White Tower by the sea, the walls of the Upper City fortress, the ancient Agora, the tomb of King Philip, the triumphal arch of Emperor Galerius, the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, the Temple of St.Dimitri (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 in the state.

The infrastructure of the city includes everything that tourists need, and the high level of establishments will be appreciated even by demanding travelers: beautiful hotel complexes, hotels designed for various needs and opportunities of guests, picturesque beaches around the city, various bars, restaurants, clubs, taverns, shops. Hospitable Greeks are becoming one of the most important factors in the attractiveness of Thessaloniki, most clearly felt in small resort villages. You can experience the real atmosphere of local life with a cup of quality Greek coffee off the coast of Temaikos Bay, or dine on traditional Greek dishes in the Upper Town tavern with stunning views of the city and the sea.

Those who don't have enough entertainment in the daylight should dive into the atmosphere of night fun. The life of Thessaloniki after sunset is no less bright. Tourists can go to various clubs with incendiary music, have a cocktail at local bars, dance in a disco, or choose any entertainment center where famous performers of Greece perform. With such a variety of leisure options. Thessaloniki will be remembered for a long time, people 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 shopping lovers: colorful shop windows, catchy names of world brands, colorful boutiques, promotions, discounts, sales, special offers, gifts, souvenirs - everything that tourists appreciate on long trips. Thessaloniki is known not only for historical monuments from different periods of the formation of the Greek state, the good nature of the population, but also for the way of life that forms 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 flavor of the Greek market

Boutiques and fashion brands are not the only asset of Thessaloniki. Tired of walking through the shopping gallery, 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's Square, right between Tsimiski and Egnatia streets.

Get ready to meet the real scattering of aromas that await every tourist in the market. Various flavors, bright colors of the counters filled with vegetables, fruits, fresh olives, cheeses, aromatic spices - here you can get the experience as a whole tour. The market is also rich in seafood: fish, seafood. The Greek market is a place where respect can be earned by showing bargaining skills. Sellers will appreciate the buyer's activity, but they won't be able to leave empty-handed.

After finishing 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 visitors can find various goods. Greek families go shopping here, however, sometimes they visit large shopping centers for this purpose.

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

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

With the onset of evening, the city seems to wake up, revive, the streets begin to sound with 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 with modern rhythms; for older guests, numerous taverns with their traditional dishes and live music are open. Such establishments provide an opportunity to feel the mood of a cozy family dinner or celebration.

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

Peculiarities

You can get around the city in several ways: by bus or taxi. Taxi services are relatively affordable, tariffs for a resort town are adequate. For large groups of travelers, the bus will cost significantly more. Taxis can be stopped directly on the street, taken from a special parking lot, or called by phone.

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

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

It will be more profitable to pay in cafes and shops in national currency. Currency exchange is available at city banks and private exchange offices. Government agencies (banks are no exception) are closed on weekends, and on weekdays they work from 8:30 to 14:00, Friday - a shorter working day.

The opening hours of the shops vary considerably. They start serving clients at 9 am and finish at 9 am. Private pavilions regulate their opening hours, and the tourist season has an impact. To save money, tourists should go to the market, where they can bargain with the seller, significantly reducing the price.

When 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 wishing to take some pictures of historical monuments or museum exhibits, it will be useful to know that most of these places require a separate filming fee. At the entrance, you should inquire about the rules of a particular institution or object, perhaps special tickets are sold that give the right to take pictures.

The external calmness of the city should not cause too careless behavior. Keep your belongings in sight and exchange money in designated areas. Carrying large sums of money with you is not worth it; it is better to leave valuables at home so as not to attract robbers.

Climate

Like most Greek cities, the holiday season of Thessaloniki 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 it is worth preparing protection from the scorching sun. It often rains in spring and autumn, although it is during this period that various festivals fall. In winter, sometimes there is a little snow, but the air temperature rarely drops below 6 degrees Celsius.

The mildness of the Mediterranean climate results in minimal precipitation in summer and sufficient precipitation 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 sights; most of the Greek monuments are located here. Walking along the streets of the city, you will discover the most mysterious corners. Most often, excursion programs begin from 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 Embrard.

Among the sights of the city of Thessaloniki, the White Tower stands out, the second name of which is the Tower of Lions. This building, stretching towards the sky, divides the 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 disappeared, the tower was turned into a museum with an observation deck. A beautiful panorama opens up to the eyes of a tourist who happens to be here.

The Archaeological Museum is located not far from the White Tower. It has a long memory of Greek history: extensive art collections. Unique exhibits of the museum are Macedonian artifacts. It is worth paying attention to the jewelry of the commanders of Byzantium.

Among the attractions, the Temple of Thessaloniki stands out. The Basilica of Saint Demetrius is the main religious building of the city. Among the buildings of the Middle Ages, the most beautiful is the Church of the Not-Made-by-Hands Icon of the Mother of God or Achiropiitos. The influence of Constantinople is noticeable in the Hagia Sophia, mirroring the church of Agia Sophia. Tourists can see the beautiful paintings and frescoes of the Macedonian school in the Church of St. Catherine. The place of aspiration of pilgrims from all over the world is the temple 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 be seen even now. Together with the rotunda, it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage List, being one of the most important monuments in the history of Greece. The rotunda houses a museum with a rich collection of works of art.

Things to do in Thessaloniki

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

Equally popular is the Angelochori beach, located 30 kilometers from Thessaloniki. This place has earned a special love among the conquerors of the elements: local winds raise huge waves, providing a lot of opportunities for surfers, kitesurfing fans and many others. For a relaxing holiday, another beach is more suitable - Nea Michaniona. The tranquility of the landscapes, the calm sea, the clean territory - the conditions are conducive to relaxation.

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

More details

sights

Roman forum

The ruins of the Roman Forum are one of the most famous and interesting sights of Thessaloniki. The Roman Forum was built 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 trade center. After a while, the city was destroyed, abandoned and forgotten for many centuries.

The Forum complex of buildings occupied a huge area and was located on two levels - the Upper and Lower Agora. On the Upper Agora there were government offices, workshops, baths, shops. The main value of this place is considered to be the Odeon, decorated with arches, columns and marble auditoriums. In the Lower Agora, there were semi-underground vaulted galleries.

The Roman Forum is an important historical and archaeological cultural monument. 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 explore ancient history and culture. Also on the territory of the Ancient agora there is an interesting museum.

Rotunda

Another noteworthy attraction is the St. George Rotunda. The Rotunda is a valuable monument of architecture and history of the city. By order of the Emperor Galerius, a large palace complex was erected. 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 can be seen with your own eyes.

After the capture of Thessaloniki, the Turks rebuilt 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 did Christians manage 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 the Byzantine fortifications. The tower was built for defensive purposes. 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 mutinous Ottoman infantry. Too much blood was spilled 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 reconstruction of the sight 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 the Thermaikos Gulf. Tourists gather around it to admire the impressive structure. Inside there is a Byzantine Museum, the exposition of which acquaints visitors with the local history. Also, the tower is an excellent observation deck. An incredible panorama of the city and the embankment opens up from here.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is the most interesting and one of the best cultural places 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 Patroclus Quarantinos, and it was opened in 1962. 18 years later, a new wing was added, in which the artifacts of the royal tomb of Vergina were located for 17 years.

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, pottery, mosaics and many valuables discovered during excavations.

Valuable historical finds are a bronze vessel from the 3rd century BC, a statue of Hippocrates dating from 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

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

It opened in 1994 in a building designed by the architect Kyriakos Krokos. More than 3,000 artifacts transport visitors to 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. She acquaints visitors with the architecture, mosaics, paintings of that time. The second exhibition tells about local residents in the 4th-7th centuries.

The third exhibition presents burial artifacts of 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 Contemporary Art is a must-see 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 Georgiy Kostaki.

Today the museum contains over 1,500 works. Among them are sculptures, paintings, installations and graphics. The Giorgi Kostaki 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. Within its walls, lectures, seminars, educational programs are constantly held.

Latomu monastery

One of the main religious attractions of Thessaloniki is the Latomou Monastery, located in the heart of Thessaloniki. Today, only the Church of St. David remains of the entire complex of monastic buildings.

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

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 1920s during restoration. One of them depicts the figure of Christ. Several 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 landmark - 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 Niphon I, Patriarch of Constantinople. The church is decorated with frescoes depicting the Virgin Mary. Presumably, the monastery was dedicated to the Mother of God. Cisterns and other architectural fragments found on its territory indicate that a whole monastery complex was located here. Scientists believe that the Church of the Holy Apostles was a catholicon. Its beautiful and valuable frescoes from the era of the Byzantine dynasty of the Palaeologus 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 the frescoes and mosaics were hidden under the plaster.

Fortunately, during the restoration work of the 20th century, some of the frescoes were discovered and restored. The magnificent works of art are of 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 the foundation of the Church of St. Panteleimon is not known. It is believed that it was built at the turn of the XIII-XIV centuries and was the catholicon of the monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos. 100 years after its foundation, 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 influence and significance of the ancient Greek civilization for Europe and the whole world is still very great.

Greece is popular among tourists not only because of its white beaches and magnificent sea, but also because of the numerous architectural monuments that have survived from ancient and Byzantine times.

Several cities in Greece are of particular interest to lovers of antiquity. First of all, it is the capital of the country Athens and Thessaloniki - the second city in Greece in terms of population and the number of monuments.

Antique period

The history of Thessaloniki is inextricably linked with the name of the legendary Alexander the Great. Thessaloniki is the capital of Macedonia. The city was founded by the king of Macedonia Kassander in 315 BC.

He named the city after his wife Thessalonica, the sister of Alexander the Great and daughter of King Philip II. The name Thessalonica is formed by two words: Thessaly and Nike - victory.

The princess was born on the day of the victory of the Macedonians and Thessalians in the battle of the Crocus field over Phocis. For several millennia, the name of the city has undergone several changes: Thessalonica, Thessalonike, Selanik, Thessaloniki, and finally Thessaloniki.

Initially, the city united 26 settlements on the shores of the Thermiakos Gulf. From the very beginning, the city was Hellenic, and these features could be seen in the appearance of the city until the end of the 15th century.

The Romans captured the city in 146 BC and made the city the capital of the province of Macedonia. Thessaloniki is located at the crossroads of trade routes from the Black Sea region, where there were many Greek colonies, to Greece, from Rome to Constantinople.

In the 4th century A.D. The Roman Empire was divided into eastern and western parts, which were to be ruled by four emperors. One of them, Galerius, in 300 made Thessaloniki the capital of the part of the Roman Empire, which he got into control.

Byzantine period

The Byzantine period is a tragic time in the history of the city. Endless attempts to capture the city were undertaken by the Goths and Slavs, Bulgarians and Arabs.

Most of these attempts were unsuccessful, the walls built by the Byzantines reliably protected the city. But during the Byzantine period Thessaloniki was severely plundered several times and rebuilt again.

In 324, the Byzantine emperor Constantine the Great built a large port in Thessaloniki, which still exists today and is the country's second largest port after Piraeus.

For a time, Thessaloniki was the second largest city after Constantinople.
Until the 15th century, the city was seized several times by the Arabs, Franks, and Turks, became the capital of the Nicene Empire, and in 1423 it was sold to Venice.

Ottoman period

The Turks besieged Thessaloniki for 4 years from 1426. After the capture of the city in 1430, the Ottoman period of the city begins, which ended only at the beginning of the 20th century. We can confidently say that with the arrival of the Turks, the Greek population experienced a tremendous shock.

A large number of Greeks converted to Islam. But the 15-16th centuries were the heyday of the Turkish Empire, trade flourished. At this time, the national and religious composition of Thessaloniki changes.

The Greeks were no longer the majority; more than half of the population were Jews, expelled from Spain. The Greeks, who changed Christianity to Islam, gradually became Turkish, learned the Turkish language, everyday life and assimilated. A large Muslim quarter arose in the city. But many Greeks did not accept the Turkish yoke. Rebellions broke out from time to time and were brutally suppressed.

The city is becoming multinational, different communities live in peace and harmony, trade and become rich. Until the 18th century, the city grew, becoming the largest trade center of the Ottoman Empire.

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the beginning of the struggle of the Greeks against Turkish rule. In 1912, the first Balkan War began. Thessaloniki was liberated on October 26, 1912 after 500 years of Turkish rule.

But Thessaloniki was destined to survive two world wars, a devastating fire in 1917, in which many architectural monuments were destroyed. The city was badly damaged in World War II by Allied bombing, but was quickly rebuilt.

The Jewish population was destroyed during the war by the Nazis, and the Turks were gradually returning to their homeland in the 1920s. As a result, after the end of World War II, Thessaloniki, after a centuries-long hiatus, again becomes a completely Greek city.

How to get there

In Thessaloniki there is one that receives regular and charter flights from Moscow, many cities in Russia and Europe. Flights are operated by Aegean Airlines, Vim-Avia, Aeroflot.

The flight time from Moscow is 3 hours 25 minutes. Prices for tickets from Moscow depend on the season, company, time of purchase of tickets.

By purchasing your tickets in advance, the chances of finding a cheap ticket are much higher. The range of prices is very large: from € 98.38 with a ticket sale up to € 434.

Thessaloniki is connected by ferry service with Athens, Crete, Corfu, Santorini, Kos, Lesvos.

The high-speed ferry covers the distance to the destination twice as fast as usual.
Ticket prices depend on the distance, and are, for example, to Santorini - from 57 euros, to Heraklion - from 62 euros.

Traveling in Greece often starts from Athens.
Different airlines operate several dozen flights a day from Thessaloniki to Athens. The plane covers a distance of 500 kilometers in about 40 minutes. Tickets can also be purchased in Russia in advance. The minimum ticket price is from 2787 rubles.

From the airport "Macedonia" the city can be reached by taxi or bus.

The distance from the airport to the city is 15 kilometers. A taxi, depending on the class of the car, costs from 15 to 30 euros. Moreover, the road from the city to the airport is almost 2 times more expensive. Taxis can be ordered in advance. Then the driver will meet you at the airport with a sign.

You can get from the airport to the city by bus number 78, which runs every 45 minutes around the clock. Travel time is also 45 minutes.
The ticket price at any time of the day is 0.6 euros.

Many hotels offer tourists a paid shuttle service to and from the airport, which is convenient and sometimes a little cheaper than ordering a taxi outside the hotel.

Where can I stay

Thessaloniki is a very popular tourist city. There are more than 70 hotels of different price categories here.

Reservations for any Thessaloniki can be made free of charge through many online booking sites.

Cash payments at any hotel in Greece must not exceed € 1,500, in accordance with national legislation.
If the payment for the hotel stay exceeds this amount, you must have a credit card to pay for the stay.

Let's consider some offers of hotels in Thessaloniki.

The Excelsior 5 *

The 5-star Hotel The Excelsior is located in the heart of the city, close to attractions such as the Church of St. Demetrius, Church of Chalkeon, Aristotelous Square, Church of Sophia and the Tomb of Galerius.

According to tourists, the hotel has 9.3 points out of 10.

The cost of living includes:

• breakfasts;
• Internet access;
• outdoor pool with a terrace;
• health Center;
• fitness center.

The hotel has a bar - restaurant, paid parking. The hotel's large rooms are air conditioned, which is vital during the hot months. You can come here with children.

The hotel has suites, junior suites and family rooms. Reservations are made directly at the hotel, upon accessing the Internet by its name. Payment must be made directly to the hotel upon arrival.

Room rates per night start at: from 13784 rubles.
The address: 11 Komninon Str. 23 Mitropoleos Str.

Capsis Thessaloniki 4 *

This 4-star hotel is also located in the center of Thessaloniki, next to the Democracy Square and close to the Arc de Triomphe of Emperor Galerius.

To services of visitors:

• wonderful rooms;
• outdoor pool with terrace and bar;
• a restaurant serving European and Greek cuisine;
• gym;
• the Internet;
• organization of excursions.

Everything in the hotel is focused on the comfortable rest of tourists and the opportunity to get to know the city.

The hotel rooms are of various categories: from standard economy class doubles to luxury premium suites. The price, respectively, ranges from 5290 rubles for a double standard room to 9190 rubles for a premium suite. Some rooms include breakfast.

You can book a room directly at the hotel, as well as on booking sites, which include the website www.trvago.ru.
The address: 18, Monastirion /

Astoria 3 *

The three-star Astoria Hotel is located very close to the waterfront. Not far from the hotel is the White Tower and many of the city's attractions. There is a national park next to the hotel, where you can have a good time with your family during the hot season.

In the morning, tourists are offered a Greek breakfast. The hotel's restaurant serves dishes and European cuisine. The bar offers a fine selection.

The hotel rooms are decorated in light colors and are equipped with air conditioning. Free internet and TV are available in the common halls. The hotel staff speaks many European languages.

Cost of the cheapest budget room 4979 rubles, the more expensive one with a city view is 6796 rubles.
The address: Tsimiski 9 Salaminos Str., Thessaloniki, 54626, Greece.

Amalia 2 *

The cheaper 2 star Hotel Amalia is located very close to the Astoria Hotel. This is also the center of the city. From here you can walk to several popular restaurants, Atonos Square.

The ten-story hotel is located in a rather noisy place, and therefore all windows are soundproof.

Each room has: air conditioning and TV, free internet in the public area. Some of the rooms offer beautiful city and sea views from their balconies. The hotel staff speaks English.

Double room for one night will cost 3 512 rubles. Breakfast is included in the breakfast price.
The address: Ermou 33, Thessaloniki, 54624, Greece

Ilios 1 *

An option for an inexpensive budget holiday is offered by the Ilios Hotel, a 1-star category. The hotel is within walking distance of the Astoria.

The inexpensive hotel rooms have:

• air conditioner;
• TV set;
• refrigerator.

From here it is very close to shops, restaurants and historical sites.
Double room for one night will cost 2699 rubles.
The address: Egnatia 27, Thessaloniki, 54630, Greece.

Hostel Thess

Everyone loves to travel, but not everyone has the means to stay in rather expensive hotels. Young people and students travel a lot and often stay in cheap hotels - hostels, which are very popular all over the world.

Thess Hostel is located just 1 kilometer from the city center. The hostel offers dormitory rooms and one-bedroom apartments.

All rooms have:

• balconies;
• an individual or shared kitchen with a stove and a dining table, which allows you to cook without spending money on restaurant food;
• air conditioner.

There are several inexpensive restaurants and bars 100-150 meters from the hostel, as well as a large supermarket.

A separate bed in a double room for men or women costs only 1370 rubles per night.
Hostel address: Agion Panton 12, Thessaloniki, 54629, Greece.

Thessaloniki is not a resort town. People come here, as a rule, traveling around Greece, in order to see architectural monuments, to visit interesting museums.

A trip to Thessaloniki is not a beach holiday. You should think carefully about whether to go here during the hot summer months.

Despite the fact that the city is located by the sea, it is very hot here in summer. Even in the morning it is hot to walk around the city, the beaches and cafes are overcrowded. Local residents try to leave the city in summer and move to summer cottages in Halkidiki.

The best time for a sightseeing tour of Greece, to visit Thessaloniki in spring and autumn.
At this time, it is quite warm here, but there is no sweltering heat. The average temperature in the spring and autumn months is from 10 to 20 degrees, which is very comfortable for walking around the city.

It is very interesting to be in Thessaloniki during which falls in April or May. Easter is widely celebrated in Orthodox Thessaloniki; it is one of the main holidays in the country.

The city's attractions

Architectural monuments

Due to the stormy history of the city, full of wars and tragic events, the ancient monuments have not survived.

But many architectural monuments of the period of early Christianity and the times of Byzantium have survived. Many of them are classified as objects protected by UNESCO.

White Tower, the famous symbol of Thessaloniki, which was once depicted on money. The tower was part of the wall and was built in the 15th century. The wall was destroyed in 1886, but the Tower remained. The tower was painted White, which symbolizes purification. She was a sentry, used as a prison.

Today, it houses exhibits that tell about the most important events in the history of the city. Here you can see an excellent collection of icons and frescoes from the Byzantine period. The observation deck on the roof of the tower offers a magnificent view of the embankment. The entrance to the Tower is free.

Temple of Saint Dmitry- one of the most beautiful in Thessaloniki. It was built in memory of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, who is the patron saint of the city. His tomb is in the temple.

The temple acquired its present appearance during the time of the Venetians. The temple burned several times. In the devastating fire of 1917, many frescoes and mosaics were destroyed. Restoration work lasted 18 years, since 1930.

As a result, the temple can be seen in its original form. Even today, frescoes impress with their expressiveness, dynamics, magnificent portraits, which is so characteristic of the Renaissance.

During the Ottoman period, the temple was used as a mosque. The frescoes were painted over, but not shot down, which ensured their safety.

Arch and tomb of Galerius- one of the oldest surviving structures. It is part of the palace or burial complex of the Roman emperor Galerius, which was built in the 3-4th century AD.

The earliest of all, in the years 298-299 AD, the Arc de Triomphe was built. The arch was built in honor of the emperor's victory over the Sassanian kingdom. The arch was part of a palace complex that included a palace, a mausoleum and galleries.

At the beginning of the 15th century, there was a Christian church of St. Gregory the Victorious, then a mosque. Today there is a museum and a church where services are held on major holidays.

The columns of the central arch with stone bas-reliefs in four tiers are very interesting. The tiers are separated by flower garlands. Galerius's hike became the main theme of the bas-reliefs. They depict battle scenes left behind by the enemies of the city. The battle took place in the East; you can see elephants and camels on the bas-reliefs. The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most interesting architectural monuments in Thessaloniki.

The rarest example of a monument of the iconoclastic period, which combines elements of a three-nave basilica and a cross-domed church, is church of Hagia Sophia.

The temple was built between 690 and 730. In the 10th century, the temple was surrounded by a large number of religious and administrative buildings, and was considered one of the best church buildings of its time.

During the Ottoman Empire, the temple was turned into a mosque, and the mosaics were covered with plaster. This is what allows us to see the ancient mosaic in its original form today. She is an outstanding example of Byzantine mosaics.

Mosaic image of the Virgin and Child, magnificent mosaic in the dome Cathedral "Ascension", the twelve apostles and the Mother of God surrounded by two angels - all this can be seen in the temple. There are very few temples in the world with genuine Byzantine mosaics so well preserved. Seeing her is a great joy and good luck.

Several more churches of Thessaloniki from different eras deserve the attention of tourists:

• Church of the Holy Apostles of the Palaeologus era, built at the beginning of the 14th century;
• The oldest basilica of Achiropiitos, which was built in the middle of the 5th century and belongs to the early Christian period.
• The one-nave Church of St. Panteleimon of the 13th century belongs to the era of the Palaeologus;
• Church "Panagia Chalkeon" cross-domed church, built in the 11th century, is dedicated to the Mother of God).

Each of them deserves a separate story, but it is better to see once than to read the description.
Almost anywhere in the city center you can see the fortress and towers built in the 14th century.

Museums

There are fifteen interesting museums in Thessaloniki, among which everyone can choose the most interesting one. The three museums of Thessaloniki stand out for the importance of the exhibits and are worth a visit first.

Archaeological Museum the city is unique in many ways and is considered one of the best even in a country as rich in archaeological terms as Greece.

In the museum, you can see in the exhibits the history of Macedonia from the Neolithic and Iron Age.

In a separate room are the remains of Alexander the Great's father, King of Macedonia Philip II. In the same pavilion, amazing finds are exhibited, found during excavations of the royal tomb.

In the museum, you can see several rare wall and floor mosaics that adorned Roman houses. The exposition contains many exhibits from the times of Ancient Macedonia: weapons, household items, jewelry.

Museum address: 6 Manolis Andronikos St., GR 54621, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
Telephone: (+30) 2310 830538, 2310 831037.
Site: www.amth.gr.

Museum opening hours:

• summer: Monday: 12.30 - 19.00, Tuesday - Friday: 8.00 - 19.00, Saturday, Sunday: 8.30 - 15.00;
• in winter: Monday: 10.30 - 17.00, Tuesday - Friday: 8.00 - 19.00, Saturday, Sunday: 8.30 - 15.00.

A ticket for adults costs 6 euros, for children 3 euros.

Story State Museum of Contemporary Art completely unusual. The collection of paintings by the Russian avant-garde was assembled by the Greek Kostaki, who was born and lived most of his life in Russia.

In fact, Kostaki saved dozens of names of Russian avant-garde artists from oblivion. But the homeland did not need either himself or his collection, one of the best in the world. Kostaki decided to bring the collection to Greece.

For many years, negotiations were going on, more like a trade. As a result of the agreement, part of the collection was left to the Tretyakov Gallery, and the rest of the paintings were taken to Greece and became the basis of the museum.

The museum contains 1275 paintings by artists such as: M. Chagall, K. Malevich, V. Kandinsky, V. Tatlin and many others.
The address: Kolokotroni 24, Moni Lazariston, 562 30 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
Telephone: (+30) 2310 589140-42.
Site: www.greekstatemuseum.com.

Working hours:

Tuesday-Friday, Sunday: 11: 00-19: 00, Saturday: 11: 00-20: 00.
Monday is a day off.
The cost of an adult ticket is 6 euros.

Today you can learn about the disappeared great Byzantine Empire in the only museum of Byzantine culture in the world in Thessaloniki. The collection of the museum is unique.

Here you can see many exhibits that give an idea of ​​the richest culture of Byzantium: frescoes, sculptures, mosaics, rare icons. The impression is complemented by a multimedia exposition.

The address: 2 Stratou Avenue, Thessaloniki 546 40, Greece.
Telephone: (+30) 2310 868570-5.
Site: www.mbp.gr.

Museum opening hours:

• in summer: Monday 12.30-19.00; Tuesday - Sunday: 8.00 - 19.00;
• in winter: Monday: 10.30-17.00; Tuesday - Friday: 8.00 - 17.00; Saturday, Sunday: 8.00 - 19.00. The ticket price is 4 euros.

Where to take a walk

Ano Poli is the only area of ​​Thessaloniki that was not damaged in the 1917 fire. The two-storey buildings in the area are built next to the Byzantine walls.

The streets of the area are steep and narrow, and from the top of the hill on which Ano Poli is built, you can see a magnificent panorama and sunset.

Walking here, you can feel the atmosphere of ancient times. In the evening it is pleasant to walk from the port to the White Tower. There are many museums along the way, as well as the central square of Thessaloniki - Aristotle Square.

What to see in the vicinity of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is interesting not only for the sights of the city. In its vicinity there are shrines of Ancient Greece, Macedonia, Christianity, visiting which includes many excursion tours in Greece. You can visit these amazing places both independently from Thessaloniki and by purchasing an excursion in Thessaloniki.

Vergina

Vergina is a small town 78 kilometers from Thessaloniki. This town would hardly have been so popular if in the 70s of the last century, during the archaeological excavations of the Big Kurgan, the tomb of King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great, was not found.
The graves of the son of Alexander the Great and the young wife of Philip Cleopatra were also found there. Almost all but one of the tombs were looted.

It was on the site of Vergina that the first capital of the Macedonian kings, Aegea, was located. Large-scale excavations have revealed a lot about the history of the capital of the powerful Macedonian kingdom. History and its tragic events were opened in stone.

Today you can see the city theater, in the arena of which Philip II was killed, and then Alexander the Great was crowned king here.

An amazing museum is located in the bowels of the mound. In the dim light of the tomb, one can see objects of stunning beauty: a marble sarcophagus, a golden urn covered with patterns, portraits of members of the royal family carved from ivory, a golden crown made in the form of acorns and oak leaves, a burial shield, various weapons and other items. All exhibits are over two thousand years old.

The museum is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm. The ticket costs 8 euros. Child ticket 4 euros.
Phone: (+30) 23310 92347.

You can get from Thessaloniki to Veria by a scheduled bus. The journey takes about an hour. Vergina is only 8 kilometers from Veria, which can be reached by local bus.

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the highest peak in the mountain range in the northeast of Thessaly.
It's safe to say that you haven't been to Greece if you haven't climbed Mount Olympus. The religion of the ancient Greeks has long ceased to exist, and the gods of Greece who lived on Olympus are still known in many countries of the world - from books, paintings, sculptures.
The gods of Ancient Greece, like religion itself, are very "human". They took an active part in people's lives, influenced the events of history, loved earthly women.

Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, almost 3000 meters high. The climb is quite easy - there are many paths leading to the top.
The gods themselves, of course, cannot be seen, but the throne of Zeus, surrounded by the most beautiful waterfalls of Stephanie's peak, the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands from Olympus are perfectly visible.

For the entertainment of tourists on Olympus there are alpine routes, hiking, parachute flights, skiing are organized. But we must remember that in the hot season, such a rise is not an easy test even for a well-trained person.

Meeting the dawn on Olympus is an absolutely unforgettable, enchanting sight. Of course, if the weather does not disappoint.

The road to Olympus begins in the city of Litohoro, where you can buy everything you need for your trip. They make a stop in the village of Prioniya. There is a cafe and restaurant, and the monastery of St. Dionysius provides travelers with an overnight stay. This place can be reached by car or taxi.

Refuge A shelter is located at an altitude of 2,100 meters. The shelter has a hotel and a campsite. Here you can not only relax, but also have a snack. Accommodation in a common room costs 10 euros.
From the shelter, the trail leads to the top of Skolio, and to the top of Michikasu, on which the Greek flag flies, and there is a journal in which you will need to note the ascent to Olympus.

After getting up, you can stay at the Spilios Agapios, where everyone will find food, hot drinks and overnight accommodation, which costs 12 euros.

You can get from Salonie to Litohoro by bus from the KTEL Macedonia bus station. The bus leaves every day from 7 am to 9 pm with an interval of 1.5 hours.
Travel time is 2 hours 15 minutes. The ticket costs 8.50 euros.

Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the tomb of St. Paisius the Holy Mountain

A nunnery with Athonite charter in the village of Suroti was founded by the Athenian elder Paisius Svyatorets in 1967. Only 67 nuns live here.
Ancient traditions are honored in the monastery, services are held by candlelight.

Elderly in the Orthodox Church is an amazing phenomenon. This is not an ecclesiastical title, but certain qualities given to a believing person by God. Elder Paisy (in the world of Arseny) is a man of amazing destiny. He graduated from a regular school, became a carpenter. During the Greek Civil War in 1944-1948, Arseny served in the army, was a radio operator. After the war, Arseny went to Athos. From that moment on, his service to God began. Paisius became the elder of the elder very early. He was only 43 years old when many believers came to him for help and advice. In 1966, women approached him with a request to help found a nunnery with the Athonite charter. With the help of Geronda Paisius, permission and blessing from the bishop was obtained, the elder found a place for the monastery, and lived there for the first months of its construction.
The grave of St. Paisiy Svyatogortsa, who died in 1994, is in the monastery he founded.

The nuns of the monastery are friendly to visitors. They greet guests, offer coffee, very cold water and Turkish delight - just as Elder Paisius met everyone.

The monastery is located 30 kilometers from Thessaloniki. You can get here by bus number 87, which stops at the IKEA store. The journey takes only 20 minutes.
The monastery is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 17.00 to 19.00. Sunday from 4.00 to 7.30 and from 17.00 to 19.00. The rest of the time the monastery is closed.

Monastery of St. Anastasia

The famous monastery of Anastasia the Patterner is located near Thessaloniki, and it is one of the most ancient monasteries in the Northern capital.
The monastery is named after the Christian woman Anastasia, who lived in Rome during the period of severe persecution of Christians. She was tortured, like many Christians at the time.
In the 9th century AD, when Christianity became the official religion, the inhabitants of Thessaloniki and nearby villages built the monastery of the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia. Theophania, the queen of Byzantium, donated large sums to the monastery.
The head and part of the leg of the Great Martyr Anastasia, which are kept in the temple of the monastery, are the main revered shrine of the monastery. Here, in the monastery church, the imperishable relics of St. Theon are kept. He was abbot of the monastery and Metropolitan of Thessaloniki in the 16th century. Theon found the monastery in desolation, and revived its former greatness.
In the 19th century, the monastery was destroyed and burned by the Turks. A wonderful library, archive and many shrines perished in the fire.
The monastery was gradually restored, but it never acquired its original grandeur.

Monastery of John the Baptist or Vera Skete

The famous Vergina is five kilometers away from the monastery of St. John the Baptist. It is also a very ancient monastery dating back to the 9th century. Over the long history of its existence, the monastery has had 15 saints, whose relics are kept in the monastery. They are taken out to pilgrims for worship. In 1822, tragic for Orthodox Greece, the monastery was burned down, like 50 others who were in this area. All buildings were destroyed in the fire.
The monastery was restored in the 19th century.

Monastery of the Mother of God Dovra

The Monastery of Our Lady of Dovra was founded in the 12th century and became the center of the rebel movement. In the 19th century, he shared the fate of other Christian monasteries and was burned down.
Then it was restored, but after the Second World War it fell into complete desolation. It is curious that on the site of the monastery an orphanage was built, supported by the church. Over the entire period of its existence, 20 thousand orphans have passed through the orphanage.
In 1995 it was decided to restore the monastery. Here are part of the relics of St. Luke the Physician of Simferopol, who is worshiped by monks and pilgrims.
The temple dedicated to St. Luke is almost complete.

For pilgrims from Russia, Thessaloniki, Athens, Greek resorts, tours to the monasteries of Macedodia are organized. Even for ordinary tourists, far from the church, visiting holy places makes an indelible impression.

Beaches

Thessaloniki is located on the shores of the Gulf of the Aegean Sea. Recently, swimming within the city was quite comfortable. But, unfortunately, a city with a population of over a million and a large port made the sea within the city unsuitable for swimming.

The nearest swimming beaches are located outside the city at - 40 minutes from the city.
You can reach them by car or public transport. Buses that run to these beaches are considered city buses and cost the same - 0.6 euros.

The closest beaches to Thessaloniki are located in Epanomi, Agia Triada and Mihaniona. You can get here from the Eastern bus station by buses # 68, # 76 and # 72, respectively.

Local residents and tourists go to these beaches in hot weather, so there are always a lot of people here. The comfort and cleanliness of the beaches is certainly far from the Blue Flag beaches.

For those who do not spare time on the road and appreciate a beach holiday there is an opportunity to go to the more distant beaches of the Halkidiki peninsula. These beaches can be reached from the KTEL Halkidikis bus station.

Long-distance buses follow to distant beaches, the ticket for which costs from 6 to 17 euros, depending on the chosen resort.

As a result of the trip, tourists find themselves on the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki. All of them are well equipped and paid. There are bars on the territory and, having ordered any drink, umbrellas and sun loungers are given free of charge for an unlimited time.

After swimming in the clear sea, it is pleasant to refresh yourself in a tavern or restaurant, of which there are many on the shore.

Meat, fish dishes with Greek music and many snacks, homemade wine - what could be better after a long trip and swimming?
If one day seemed not enough, you can immediately rent a room for the night for 30 euros and spend another day by the sea.

Entertainment

It is simply unrealistic to describe all the entertainment of Thessaloniki. Hundreds of restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars, discos, clubs are open to visitors until late at night. Residents of Thessaloniki love to visit them no less than tourists.

Dinner here starts no earlier than 21:00, and most establishments are open until late at night. Live music, jazz, national Greek music, rock and many other musical styles can be heard in the city's nightlife.

The embankment is a favorite walking place for locals and tourists, apart from the symbol of the city - the White Tower, three pleasure ships are also considered an attraction, sailing on short sea cruises along the bay every half hour.
Especially handsome three-masted frigate "Arabella"- the only ship that survived the Second World War and is a historical monument of Greece.

Valaoritos-Sigros region, which once housed factories and factories is today an entertainment district.

There are nightclubs in this area:

• Partisan;
• "Krifto";
• Rock n Rolla;
• "Spiti Mu";
• Ipovrihio;
• Elvis and many others.

Here, the boundaries between institutions are erased, they seem to smoothly merge into one another.

Ladadika district located next to the port. More recently, it was a criminal area with a bad reputation. Today, port warehouses and questionable establishments have become one of the most popular nightlife areas with restaurants, bars, cafes, discos and clubs.

Greek music lovers should visit CORAL bar, one of the most popular in Thessaloniki. A good mood is guaranteed. The bar is open until the morning by the address: Nikis Avenue, Thessaloniki. Tel. 2310 260036.

At the LONDON bar you can hear the best pop and rock music in the city. On the second floor of the club, you can enjoy cocktails on comfortable sofas.
Club address: Tsiroyanni 1 & Nikif. Fokas. Phone: 6946 965222.

Opposite the White Tower is bar THE BAR. The unique atmosphere is created by the original interior in which funky, rock, jazz and soul music sounds.
Club address: Nikif. Fokas 3, Tel 2310 243219.

A luxury hotel in the Sfagion area is HOTEL club. It is decorated with velvet and silk. House parties are held here twice a week.
Club address: October 26, 25, Tel 2310 545535.

KISSFISH Club- youth. Until dawn, mainstream music sounds here, unrestrained fun reigns, which only young, energetic people are capable of.
Club address: Fokeas 1 & Averof, Port. Tel 2310 550636.

What to bring from Thessaloniki

In Thessaloniki, as well as in Greece, there is everything:

• fur coats;
• Leather Products;
• ceramics;
• traditional greek textiles.

Thessaloniki is even more attractive for shoppers than Athens. Even the Greeks themselves agree with this. But it should be noted that prices in Greece are slightly higher than in Russia. Before making expensive purchases, it might be worth thinking about it.

The city center is very convenient for shopping. A large number of shops are concentrated in a small square between Dodecanisou and Egnatia streets and down to the embankment. You can buy absolutely everything in brand, souvenir, antique, fur and other shops.

Advertised for 1 ruble, so popular with Russian tourists, in fact, not the cheapest place to buy a fur coat. In Thessaloniki, you can save up to 500 euros when buying an expensive fur coat.
Leather goods are quite cheap in Thessaloniki. Traditional sandals cost 15 euros.

in Thessaloniki it is almost 1.5 times cheaper than in Moscow. Antique-style items are especially popular: amphorae, plates, vases and figurines.
Things made of linen and cotton are very beautiful.

Greek Jewelery Jewelry are considered the standard of style and taste. Jewelers value their reputation; most of the stores have been operating for a very long time. In Thessaloniki, you can buy products in the classic style, as well as using religious and historical themes.

There are many shops in Thessaloniki that sell hand-made products. They are not cheap, but original. It's hard to resist and not buy beads, wallets, shoes, bags and more.
Greek cosmetics that use natural olive oil are consistently popular. It is also available in Russia, but it is twice as expensive.

At the covered market in Modiano you can buy local products:

• spices;
• wine;
• wonderful fruits;
• freshly baked bread;
• hot fish and meat.

These are all sourced by local farmers and are fresh and delicious.