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Thessaloniki, the second biggest city of Greece is world known for the Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine monuments, the charming shopping thoroughfares, the indulging local cuisine and exciting nightlife. Founded in 315 B.C. and named after the ancient Greek princess Thessaloniki, sister of Alexander the Great, the city has been a crossroads of cultures and civilizations for over 2300 years. The city’s atmosphere is a fusion of Greek, Balkan and South-eastern European influences that co-exist harmoniously, creating a multicultural and cosmopolitan environment, where visitors from all over the world feel comfortable and welcome.
TCVB - Thessaloniki Convention & Visitors Bureau
For more information on this beautiful city, please visit the official website of the TCVB - www.tcvb.gr
Top Attractions
The Lefkos Pyrgos, or White Tower
The symbol of the city, The White Tower, which once guarded the eastern end of the city's sea walls, is a construction of the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The Tower is home to a wonderful collection of sculptures, frescos, and other interesting artefacts from 300 to 1400 AD, portraying the amazing history and culture of the city.
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Mount Athos
Mount Athos, or Agio Oros, is the monastic centre of the Greek Orthodox Church. A state-within-a-state and a living museum, Mount Athos is simply one of the most beautiful places on earth. From the town of Ouranopoulos there is a small boat that takes you to the port of Daphne, the official entry point for pilgrims to Mount Athos. Unfortunately, women are not allowed into Mount Athos.
www.inathos.gr/
www.greecetravel.com/thessaloniki/athos.html
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The Archaeological Museum
 The most widely visited museum in Thessaloniki, featuring exhibits from Prehistoric, Archaic, Classic, Hellenistic and Roman times. The ‘Gold of Macedon’ collection, related to the History of King Phillip II and Alexander the Great, is undoubtedly the highlight of the Museum.
www.amth.gr
The New Museum of Byzantine Culture
Focusing on the Byzantine Civilization of Northern Greece and Thessaloniki, this Museum is also the seat of the European Centre for Research into the Byzantine Civilization.
www.mbp.gr
Vergina Pella
The Ruins of Vergina include the Royal Tomb of King Phillip the II, father of Alexander the Great. A tour of the ruins follows the trails of Alexander the Great, taking visitors to Vergina the first capital city of Alexander’s Kingdom, (Built in 7th century B.C.) and Pella, the city where Alexander was born and the second capital of his Kingdom. The tour includes visits to the archaeological sites and the small but truly remarkable museum.
Petralona
Petralona is a beautiful cave of stalagmites and stalactites. It is of great anthropological importance, where traces of the first Homo sapiens in Europe have been found. A tour of Petralona includes a visit to the cave and the nearby museum, as well as the neighboring picturesque village of Athitos.
Dion - Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is the home of the ancient Greek Gods. A tour of Mount Olympus begins with a visit to the archaeological site of Dion, where the Gods of Mount Olympus were worshiped in ancient times. A guided walk on Mount Olympus is highly recommended, so that visitors can enjoy its rich flora and fauna and breathtaking landscape.
Wine Roads of Northern Greece
Taste local wine and visit wineries and vineyards. Northern Greece is one of the most important wine producing zones of the country. Wine brands produced in this region of Greece have received many international medals and distinctions. Visits to wineries in Thessaloniki or other nearby destinations can easily be arranged. Some of the most popular half day itineraries combine winery visits with visits to Pella and Vergina. A winery excursion often features lunch at the winery, or at a near by traditional Greek Tavern, so that visitors can experience the authentic Northern Greek gastronomy and wine culture.
The Ladadika' district
The old warehouse area near the port, around Morichovou square is full of restaurants, bars and clubs. The classiest are Krikelas and Ellinikon, which offer 'appelation d'origine' local delicacies. Ladadika is known for being the place to go for entertainment.
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