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d_kakavouli

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Hi guys, I’ve never been to Greece before, even though my whole family is Greek. I’m going to Thessaloniki, but only for a few days because i’m going to be visiting my mom’s family in Chalkidiki. What do I need to see and where do I need to go? Authentic answers only :)
 
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Hey! I’ve been living in Greece for some time now, and I love Thessaloniki. If you like museums, you def have to go visit the Museum for Macedonian struggle. The best beach is the Agia Triada beach and then of course the white tower or Lefkos Pyrgos is a must!! Just look how pretty it looks during the sunset

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A good friend of mine is from Thessaloniki and for my trip this year he suggested that I visit Aristotle square in the city and the archeological museum, he knows the city very well so I trust him! I can’t wait for my trip!!!
 
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When I visited Thessaloniki last I went to a bunch art museums and they were amazing, arguably better than Athens! If you’re a fan, I would suggest the Teloglion foundation of art, the Macedonian museum of contemporary art and the dozens of small art galleries that line the streets of downtown. I bought one of my favorite paintings from a local artist at one of his galleries and it still hangs above my bed! I love it!
 
KTIMA PEREK: If you have a car, there is a restaurant out in the outskirts of the city. The drive from the city there is gorgeous and the surroundings of the restaurant are absolutely stunning. If I remember correctly, this restaurant is associated with a nearby Pontic village and the restaurant itself serves Pontic style pita. This place is very authentic, tourists don't know about it, so you have mostly Greek families from Thessaloniki coming in for an afternoon away from the city. The restaurant grounds has outdoor gardens and a small playground. You can easily spend three hours out here. Suggest to go here with your extended family, as it can accommodate large tables https://www.perek.gr/en/restaurant
 
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If you want to explore, until recently, a little known aspect of the city, get to know the history of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki:


To visit sites within the city, I'd recommend

1) The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki: https://inthessaloniki.com/item/jewish-museum-of-thessaloniki/

2) Molho Bookstore, the oldest book store in the city, owned by a Sephardic family since...... that serves the whole city. You can read about the bookstore here as well about other historical Jewish sites:
 
Hi guys, I’ve never been to Greece before, even though my whole family is Greek. I’m going to Thessaloniki, but only for a few days because i’m going to be visiting my mom’s family in Chalkidiki. What do I need to see and where do I need to go? Authentic answers only :)
Thessaloniki is very beautiful. Many nice sites to see! "Sophia
 

What are your favorite things to do in Thessaloniki?

I am thinking of taking a trip to Thessaloniki next year. I am trying to think of what to do. I just want a rough idea so I can figure out how many days to spend.

Here's what I was thinking for some activities, but I want to know your recommendations:
  • Taking a walk along the beautiful waterfront promenade
  • Exploring the historical White Tower
  • Savoring delicious Greek cuisine at the local tavernas
What activities or spots would you recommend? I'm interested in everything from cultural experiences, food destinations, hidden gems, to some relaxation spots. And of course, if there are any events or local gatherings happening, I'd be thrilled to join and immerse myself in the local culture.

Are there good beaches near Thessaloniki?

I am gathering some information about possible beaches to visit while in Greece. I will be traveling with a bunch of people who love the beach. We have to spend some time in Thessaloniki to visit someone, but I am trying to figure out if the beaches in this area will do the trick or if we should take a few days to travel somewhere just for the beach. We'll also be spending time on Crete. Should we wait for Crete to go to the beach?

Here are some beaches that I found near Thessaloniki. Are they any good?

Peraia Beach: Peraia Beach is located in the municipality of Thermaikos, just a short drive from Thessaloniki. This long sandy beach offers plenty of cafes and bars nearby.

Agia Triada Beach: Agia Triada Beach is another great option located in the municipality of Thermaikos. This beach is famous for its clear blue waters and stunning views of Mount Olympus. There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, and numerous cafes and restaurants.

Nea Michaniona Beach: Nea Michaniona Beach is a quiet, secluded beach located just 30km from Thessaloniki. This beach is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and relax in a peaceful environment. I heard the water here is crystal clear and perfect for swimming.

Epanomi Beach: Epanomi Beach is a long sandy beach located just 26km from Thessaloniki. This beach offers plenty of space and amenities, making it perfect for families. There are plenty of cafes and taverns to grab a bite, as well as a kids' playground and beach volley court.

Some tips for traveling to Thessaloniki - anything to add?

I thought I'd make a list of some things to do in Thessaloniki - I tried to find things that are interesting and fun. Anything to add?

  1. Take a guided tour of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) to learn about ancient Macedonian history.
  2. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Pella to see artifacts from the ancient city of Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great.
  3. Explore the ruins of Dion, an ancient Macedonian sanctuary at the foot of Mount Olympus.
  4. Explore the Archaeological Site of Vergina, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Macedonian tombs and ruins.
  5. Discover modern art at the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art.
  6. Visit the archaeological site of Dion to see ancient ruins and artifacts from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
  7. Explore the traditional village of Arnea for its charming architecture, cobblestone streets, and local crafts.
  8. Take a guided tour of the archaeological site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ruins dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.
  9. Explore the traditional village of Palaios Panteleimonas for its stone houses, narrow streets, and stunning views of Mount Olympus.
  10. Visit the Monastery of Panagia Soumela, a Greek Orthodox monastery located on the slopes of Mount Vermio.

New Year's Celebration in Thessaloniki?

Does anyone know what is going on in Thessaloniki for New Year's? There's a chance I could be in the city this year during it and I want to get a feel for what to expect. I went to Greece to visit some family over Christmas.

I heard that they light fireworks at midnight somewhere? Is this true? I'll be visiting some people, so I am assuming they know what is going on, but I want to have a general feel for it.

Some cities have a big celebration outside. I didn't know if Thessaloniki was one of those places.

Best Photo Opportunities in Thessaloniki?

I am going to visit Thessaloniki soon, and I thought I would make a list of great places to take pics in the city. Here's what I have so far:

The White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos): Iconic and unmistakable, the White Tower offers panoramic views. It's a great backdrop for a photo.
Ano Poli (Upper Town): This part of the city feels like stepping back in time. With its traditional houses, Byzantine walls, and cobblestone streets, Ano Poli is the place to capture the soul of Thessaloniki.
The Waterfront Promenade: Stretching over 5 kilometers, the promenade is teeming with life and offers diverse photographic opportunities. There's so much here!
Aristotelous Square: The architectural marvels surrounding this spacious square provide a beautiful urban backdrop. The blend of neo-classical buildings with modern life creates a lively setting for street photography.
Rotunda and Galerius Arch (Kamara): Ancient Roman ruins right in the heart of the city offer a unique contrast between old and new. Capture the intricate details of these historic sites, or focus on their interaction with the daily life of locals and tourists alike.
Modiano and Kapani Markets: For those interested in capturing the vibrancy of local life, the bustling markets of Modiano and Kapani are perfect. The array of colors, textures, and candid human moments make every shot dynamic.
Thessaloniki’s Museums and Art Galleries: While the exteriors of these buildings are architecturally beautiful, the real treasures can be found inside. They are perfect for those who love capturing the beauty of art through their lenses.

Can you guys think of anything else?
Share and discuss your Thessaloniki photos, questions and experiences!

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