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Guide to Thessaloniki, Greece
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Thessaloniki
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ThessalonikiThe second-oldest city in Greece and once known by the title of Salonica, Thessaloniki is less of a tourist haven than its older brother Athens, but here you too can immerse yourself in millennia of history and still wander off to the nightclubs and internet cafes of the new city. Much of the city has been taken over by high-rises and business districts, but the old city is safe from grasp of modernism with its surrounding wall. Youll also get far more beautiful views of the city, bay, and sea while positioned on the hillside of the /Kastra/ quarter of Thessaloniki.
The Aegean Sea is the body of water which touches the citys coastline, and the water is clear like the Mediterranean, but much calmer than the waters which touch Athens and other cities in the southern and western regions of Greece. You can choose to stroll along the harbor, or opt for a brief adventure on a sailboat. Whatever your desires may be, Thessaloniki is ready to fulfill and amaze, so book your flight today!
When to go:
Though the Mediterranean is quite far from the city of Thessaloniki, you will still feel the climate changes that the majority of the zone experiences. The winter season doesnt exactly bring a lot of snow to Greece, but rain takes the powders place, so while you may find prices to be very friendly to tight-budgeted travelers, the benefits are little to null. Also, the weather in the north of Greece is always a bit cooler than in the south, so if youre looking for the warmest time of year to visit Thessaloniki, your window of opportunity shortens considerably. High-summer is the citys busiest time of year, but its your only chance to really see Salonica at its finest.
Getting there and around:
Thessaloniki shares an airport with a number of other cities in northern Greece, but luckily for travelers, it is closer to this location than any other. At 16 kilometers, its just a short cab or bus ride away, and if youre waiting for service on an especially busy day, you can head on over to the restaurants and bars for a bit of down time before heading into the city.
Most people travel on foot around Thessaloniki, especially in the old quarter, but if youre in a rush, theres no better option than a taxicab. Theyre not too expensive and most drivers speak English. On the other hand, if youve got quite a bit of time on your hands, buses travel their routes frequently, saving you a walk without having to splurge on fare costs.
Attractions:
Regarded by many as one of the finest museums in all of Europe, Thessalonikis Archaeology Museum is a grand establishment holding pieces from pre-history times to the oldest papyrus to remain intact (Derveni Papyrus, 3^rd century BC). You will find incredible mosaics with stories more extraordinary than the images they hold. The Archaeology Museum is a place you will find yourself coming to again and again in Thessaloniki.
Unquestionably the most distinguishable and most popular site in the city, the White Tower, once part of the city borders fortification, now stands as a restored relic of the past. If you wish, you can hike up the tower to obtain some of the best views in the city, and if youre feeling a bit famished, you can grab a bite to eat at the rooftop caf. The tower was once used as a prison, which you will immediately recognize as you escalate up toward the viewing deck. Inside the tower is also a museum which focuses heavily on Byzantine art and the citys general history from 300 to 1500 AD, when the tower was utilized for the purposes it is known for.
North Greeces most interesting archaeological site, the Roman Forum, is located near one of Thessalonikis main bus depots, making it conveniently accessible by public transportation. Among the uncovered structures are a marketplace and a large open-air theatre, which is still used for the occasional city-sponsored concert.
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