Thessaloniki- some European flavor in your vacation!
By Liana Metal
WHERE
Thessaloniki is located on northern part of Greek mainland, in gulf of Thermaikos which is a major port in imports and exports. The city was set up in 316 BC and is capital of Macedonia and second big city in Greece after Athens.
WHY GO
European culture combined with a variety of other cultures from north and east, international events such as trade exhibitions and art displays , local festivals all year round, business and fun –extensive nightlife-all these blended together in unique picturesque setting of Thermaikos gulf in deep blue of Aegean and extensive historic places of interest in and out of city.
WHEN TO GO
The best seasons to visit are spring, when it is sunny and warm and you can explore area around city as well, summer , when you can swim at magic sandy beaches within easy reach of city, and fall, when international exhibitions take place. In winter months it is cold –sometimes below zero- but it is sunny most of time.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
By air
There are direct flights from UK and other European countries and regular connections from USA and eastern and northern countries as well. Departures guide at: http://users.otenet.gr/~cpnchris/skgd.html Airport info at: http://users.otenet.gr/-cpnchris/skg.html Olympic airways at www.olympic-airways.gr/passengers_info/oapaxaptskguk.htm
By train
There is a train connection from Europe and East on a regular basis.
Getting Around
Local buses run on a daily basis schedule to and from all suburbs and resorts, towns and cities. The bus service is a good one and easiest way to move around city. See info at: www.ktel.org/fokis/en/thessaloniki.htm
Train services are for distant locations only, not for urban use. However, metro runs in city connecting busy to remote areas. Visit: www.metrolpa.net/eu/the/thessal/htm
Taxis are easy to find , and if you need a taxi at a certain time you can call station and reserve it. They are punctual and trustworthy. Call at White Tower station, tel: 0310 214900. See also http://users.forthnet.gr/the/dsilvestriadis/thessaloniki
However, if you want to see everything , you should walk. It’s not difficult to follow a route a day and explore inner part of city on foot.
Cycling is not recommended in down town area as there is a lot of traffic. Rent-a-car agencies are easy to find at airport and bus and railway stations, and it is a good idea to self-drive around city and suburbs. See www.kosmos-carrental.com/thessaloniki/html
BEST MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
The visitor shouldn’t miss to see round White Tower, a remnant of ancient walls of city dated back to 1866, which is now characteristic symbol of city. There are more towers around city but they are all square shaped apart from two of them.
The Triumphal Arc of Galerius is in middle of city, an imposing monument dating back to third century.
Ayios Dimitrios church, down town, attracts a lot of people, both tourists and locals. It was built in 5th century and has great architectural value. Worth visiting catacombs dug under church which were hiding place of first Christians at that time.
St Sophia church, is also a building you shouldn’t miss.
There is a number of museums all over city such as Rotonda ,which is a church for St George, and Museum of Salonica. Visit www.greekembassy.org/culture/northgreece/thessaloniki.html
BEST UNUSUAL ATTRACTIONS
The Technology park, visit site at: www.techpark.gr
The Technology Museum, see site at www.tmth.edu.gr/en
The International Trade Exhibition, a big international event, was set up in 1926 and has been running annually in September since then offering a great range of goods and services. It attracts a great number of people every year both business and fun lovers. See www.helexpo.gr
Also World Trade center , visit site at http://iserve.wtca.org/wtc/thessaloniki_contacts.html
Mt Athos, within easy reach of city , is a monastery for monks located on Halkidiki peninsula . It is a well known for famous ancient items that are displayed there, and it constitutes a small independed community on its own run by monks. They offer free lodgings and meals to all visitors . Female visitors are not allowed in. Prince Charles of UK has visited Athos many times, as well as other famous people. See http://poseidon.csd.auth.gr/athos www.medialab.ntua.gr/athos.html www.bates.edu/-rallison/friends www.culture.gr/2/21/218/e21800.html
Halkidiki peninsula beaches are sandy , extensive and ideal for summer vacations. The perfect place for camping lovers. www.huntsidway.com/travel.html
BEST ACTIVITY AND TOUR
•A tour in city to see sights. Visit www.greekhotel.com/mainland/thessaloniki/home.htm www.greekembassy.org/culture/northgreece/thessaloniki.html For luxury tours-hotels, www.luxury.gr/thessaloniki-hotels.html