Thessaloniki Holiday Guide

There are direct flights to Airport Macedonia near Thessaloniki from London and other UK airports. The flight takes around four hours - and there are a number of low cost airline options.

It's got an extensive bus service, which will even allow you to get to Halkidiki and other neighbouring towns or you could hire a car to explore.

There are any number of gorgeous beaches  to explore while on holiday in Thessaloniki - including Epanamoi, Agia Triada, Aretsou, Perea, Nei Epivates, Nea Mihaniona, Asprovalta and also the nearby beaches of Halkidiki - from developed Kassandra to the slightly less developed Sithonia. There are a range of large, sandy beaches and any number of tiny coves too. Expect water sports, taverns and a busy vibe.

It's got a wealth of archaeological and historical sights - including the White Tower, which was commissioned in the 15th century by Suleyman the Magnificent and is built on the site of a Byzantine structure. Visit its museum for its collection of sculptures, frescoes and mosaics.
There's also the Haqua Sophia Church, built during the Byzantine era, which has superb mosaics and intricate designs. Also visit the Arch of Galerius from Roman times and Hippodrome Square, a remnant of Ancient Greece. There are Roman Baths and a Roman Market and Theatre.

Head to the three peninsulas of Halkidiki, for their glorious beaches or if you want something a bit more remote for smaller coves like Spathies and Elia. You'll love the pine forests and the bee hives.
Or you could head to the vineyards of Central Halkidiki. Join an organised tour of any number of local wineries and try the local Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Ask at a local hotel's reception about how to join a tour.

Most of the hotels will serve a buffet style breakfast, and give you the option of a full English as well. Otherwise head to the city centre, Athonos Square and Ladadika for fresh grilled fish and meat. Macedonian specialities include tripe and soutzoukakia (meatballs cooked in garlic and tomato).

One of the biggest pleasures to indulge on holiday in Thessaloniki is the local wine - there are at least five wineries in Macedonia and both the whites and reds are a treat.

The nightlife is vibrant and you have any number of clubs and pubs and bouzoukia's (specialising in Greek music played on bouzoukis) to choose from. They keep going to the early hours too so be prepared to party hard. A lot of people head to Mylos, an old converted windmill that houses restaurants and clubs.

During the summer many of the venues reopen along the airport road towards the beaches. There are also lots of theatres and cinemas and the Thessaloniki Film Festival between October and November is getting bigger every year.

There are any number of trendy boutiques where you can buy great jewellery and designer gear - and you'll have a choice of classy Italian fashions and leather goods. Most shops open until about 9pm at night and sometimes even later. For keepsakes think about hand-woven textiles, embroidered cloth, jewellery and olive wood goods. Head to Tsimiski Street, with its wide range of shops, as it's central.

Nearby, Agias Sofias has more upmarket boutiques. You don't have to go designer and can head to the market between Aristotelous and Ionos Dragoumi for superb fresh goods. If you like malls then Mediterranean Cosmos will be for you. Just outside the airport, it's a vast space where you can shop, catch a movie or have your lunch.

Aside from all the glorious beaches, you can also visit theme park Waterland, with its 150 acres of pools and gardens, wave pools and slides or Thessaloniki Zoo. Many of the hotels will offer children's clubs to keep the little ones entertained.