Thessaloniki / Greece

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, is a fascinating blend of ancient history, Byzantine heritage, and vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. The city, located on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf, has been a significant crossroads of trade routes between Europe and the Orient for centuries and still retains its cosmopolitan character. Visitors are enchanted by the numerous UNESCO-listed monuments, elegant seaside promenade, bustling squares, and rich gastronomic tradition. Thessaloniki offers a unique combination of history, culture, and modern urban life, making it one of the most interesting destinations offered by cruises in the Mediterranean.

What to taste in Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is considered the gastronomic center of Greece, and the local cuisine reflects influences from the Balkans, Asia Minor, and the Mediterranean.

• Bougatsa – traditional pastry filled with cream, cheese, or meat, which is one of Thessaloniki's most famous specialties.
• Koulouri Thessalonikis – sesame ring sold on the streets throughout the city, a popular breakfast for locals.
• Trigona Panoramatos – crispy triangles filled with vanilla cream, a typical dessert originating from Thessaloniki.
• Tsoureki – sweet leavened bread with the characteristic aroma of mahleb and mastic, for which the city is famous throughout Greece.
• Soutzoukakia Smyrneika – spiced meat rolls inspired by the cuisine of Greek refugees from Asia Minor.
• Greek meze – a varied selection of small dishes served with wine or ouzo, a popular part of local gastronomy.

Why will you love Thessaloniki?

• Byzantine UNESCO monuments – Thessaloniki houses some of the most valuable Byzantine monuments in Europe.
• Seaside atmosphere – the long promenade along the sea is one of the most popular places in the city.
• Authentic Greece – Thessaloniki offers the true everyday life of Greeks without the mass tourism known from some island destinations.

Practical tips:

• Official language: Greek, in tourist areas, English is commonly spoken.
• Currency: euro (EUR)
• Opening hours: shops are usually open from around 9:00 to 18:00, often longer in tourist areas.
• Public transport: the city has an extensive network of bus lines, and most major attractions in the center are easily accessible on foot.
• Weather: Thessaloniki has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is from April to October.

The most interesting from the history of Thessaloniki:

Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by the Macedonian King Cassander, who named it after his wife Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. Thanks to its strategic location on the important trade route Via Egnatia , the city quickly became one of the most important centers of ancient Greece and later the Roman Empire. From this period come many significant monuments, such as the Arch of Galerius or the Roman Forum.

After the division of the Roman Empire, Thessaloniki became the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople. Over the centuries, dozens of churches, monasteries, and other buildings were built here, which today form one of the most important collections of Byzantine monuments in the world. In 1430, the city was conquered by the Ottomans, who ruled here for almost five centuries and left a significant mark on architecture and culture.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Thessaloniki became part of modern Greece and gradually grew into an economic, cultural, and university center of the northern part of the country. Today, the city is known for its rich history, lively atmosphere, significant UNESCO monuments, and unique blend of cultures that have formed here for over two thousand years.

Useful information

• How to choose the right cruise?
• How to choose a cruise company?