Thessaloniki holidays

Local dishes in Thessaloniki

A UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Thessaloniki lays fair claim to the title of Greece’s food capital with a culinary repertoire that extends far beyond Greek classics such as moussaka or souvlaki.

Some typical dishes

• Bougatsa: A local speciality, these rustic filo pies can be either sweet (layered with semolina custard) or savoury (filled with minced meat or cheese).

• Gamopilafo: Traditionally a wedding dish, Gamopilafo consists of pilaf rice topped with sliced chicken, goat, lamb or veal. Served with a wedge of lemon.

Tapas dishes

• Dolmades: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes meat, usually served with a lemony sauce.

• Bougiourdi: Baked feta or kasseri cheese with tomatoes, peppers, chilli flakes, oregano and olive oil.

Meat dishes

• Stifado: A rich beef stew made with tomatoes, onions and a hint of cinnamon, slow-cooked until tender.

• Soutzoukakia Smyrneika: Introduced from Smyrni (Izmir) by Greek refugees in the 1920s, these meatballs are made with ground beef or lamb and flavoured with cumin, garlic, cinnamon, pepper flakes and mint.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Chtapodi Si Schara: Fresh octopus grilled and served with lemon and olive oil, a simple yet flavourful dish.

• Tsipoura (Sea bream): This popular fish is typically grilled whole and served with herbs, lemon and olive oil.

Street food

• Koulouri Thessalonikis: Breakfast with the locals; these Greek-style sesame-topped bagels are readily available from street vendors.

• Gyros: Possibly the ultimate sandwich, pitta loaded with thin slices of rotisserie meat, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki.

Sweets and desserts

• Trigona Panoramatos: A Thessalonian speciality, syrup-soaked filo cones filled with creamy custard.

• Tsoureki: Similar to brioche, this traditional braided sweet bread is often flavoured with mahleb (a spice made from cherry seeds). Delicious with tea or coffee.

Local drinks

• Frappé Coffee: This is the number one must-try on your holidays to Thessaloniki. Invented in the 1950s, the classic version combines instant coffee, water and ice and is usually drunk tooth-janglingly sweet (Glykos, with 4 tsp of sugar). If that’s too sugary, order your coffee Metrios (2 tsp of sugar) or Sketos (sugar-free).

• Xinomavro: Naoussa, 1 hour’s drive west of Thessaloniki, is the stomping ground of Xinomavro, one of Greece’s most highly regarded reds. Often likened to an Italian Barolo with the spicy finish of a Spanish Rioja, Xinomavro pairs well with red meats.

Best things to do in Thessaloniki

With its rich history, natural beauty and vibrant cultural and foodie scenes, Thessaloniki holidays tick all the boxes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Heptapyrgion (Eptapyrgio): This Byzantine fortress, no slouch in the looks department itself, offers possibly the best views in the city; on clear days, you can see as far as Mount Olympus.

• Ano Poli (Upper Town): Known for its well-preserved Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, Ano Poli also offers stunning views over Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf.

The best districts

• Ladadika: Ladadika was once the centre of the city's olive oil trade and is now a bustling district known for its vibrant nightlife and colourful buildings.

• Aristotelous Square: The heart of Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square is lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch and soak in the city’s atmosphere.

Parks and gardens

• Seich Sou Forest: This large urban forest offers walking trails, picnic spots and panoramic city views.

• Pedion Areos: This city centre park is a lovely spot for a stroll. With shady trees, water features, and various monuments and sculptures, it’s the perfect antidote to the city's hubbub.

Museums

• White Tower Museum: Housed in Thessaloniki’s most iconic landmark, the waterfront White Tower, the museum charts the city’s history from its founding in 315 BC to the present day.

Historical monuments

• Rotunda: Originally built as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Galerius, the Rotunda is one of the city's oldest and most impressive monuments. Its massive dome and ancient mosaics are genuinely spectacular.

• Church of Saint Demetrios: This UNESCO World Heritage site is dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki. The church is known for its beautiful mosaics and relics of Saint Demetrios.

Day trips in the area

• Vergina: Roughly 75km west of Thessaloniki, home to the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Aigai, where you can see the tomb of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. The archeological museum here houses fascinating artefacts from the ancient kingdom of Macedonia.

• Halkidiki Peninsula: Located 1 hour’s drive from Thessaloniki, Halkidiki offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and picturesque villages.

Activities for families in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages.

• Water parks: Just outside the city, Waterland features slides, pools and plenty of water-based fun. It’s perfect for a family day out, especially in the warmer months.

• Parks and playgrounds: Thessaloniki has numerous parks with playgrounds, perfect for children to play and parents to relax. Nea Paralia (New Waterfront) is a great spot with beautiful sea views and plenty of space for kids to run around.

• Aquariums and zoos: Located in the Seich Sou Forest, Thessaloniki Zoo is home to a variety of animals. It’s a great place to learn about different species and enjoy nature.

• Interactive Museums: The Science Centre and Technology Museum (NOESIS) offers fascinating exhibits on science and technology, including a planetarium, simulator rides and educational workshops.

Free things to do in Thessaloniki

There are plenty of ways to make the most of your time in the city without spending a cent.

• Free events: Thessaloniki hosts various free cultural events throughout the year, including open-air concerts and street performances. Check the local listings to see what’s on during your visit.

• Free museums: Many city museums offer free entry on certain days. For example, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki waives admission on the first Sunday of each month from November to March, 6th March, 18th April, 18th May, the last weekend of September and 28th October.

• Annual festivals: Experience local culture with festivals such as the Thessaloniki International Film Festival or the Dimitria Festival. These events often include free performances, exhibitions and workshops.

• Explore Thessaloniki by public transport: Thessaloniki's Cultural Line Bus (No. 50) is an excellent alternative to pricey hop-on, hop-off tours. For €2, you can see 15 of Thessaloniki’s cultural sites.

• Free guided tours: Thessaloniki Free Walking Tours run 2- to 2.5-hour tours of the city centre and Ano Poli on select days.

Wellness in Thessaloniki

• Spas and thermal baths: Thessaloniki boasts several lux spa hotels, such as the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki and The Met Hotel. Pozar Thermal Baths are about 1 hour’s drive from the city for a soak in natural hot springs.

• Traditional body care: Enjoy traditional Greek body treatments such as olive oil massages and herbal wraps. These are often available at local spas and wellness centres.

• Yoga and meditation: If you want to try something different, SUP Yoga sessions are held at Angelochori Beach.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking in national parks: A 1-hour drive from Thessaloniki, Mount Olympus National Park is laced with trails ranging from easy walks to more strenuous climbs.

• Cycling: Thessaloniki has several cycling paths, especially along Nea Paralia. BikeIt offers rentals and bike tours.

• Water sports: The nearby Halkidiki Peninsula is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Try your hand at snorkelling, diving or paddleboarding in the clear blue waters.

• Skydiving: Skydive Thessaloniki, based at Chorteo Airport, offers tandem, accelerated free fall and static line skydives. Perfect for adrenaline junkies.