Location

Population: ~1 million (metropolitan area)

Region: Central Macedonia

Founded: 315 BCE by Cassander of Macedon

Named After: Thessalonike, half-sister of Alexander the Great

Second-largest city in Greece (after Athens)

Thessaloniki has over 2,300 years of continuous history:

Ancient Era: Important city of the Macedonian Kingdom and later the Roman Empire.

Byzantine Capital: Often called the “co-capital” of the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople.

Ottoman Period: 1430–1912; multiethnic city with Greeks, Jews, Turks, and others.

Modern Era: Liberated in 1912. Great Fire in 1917 reshaped the city center. Affected heavily by WWII and the Holocaust.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 15 early Christian and Byzantine monuments.

Cultural Life: Rich music, theater, art scene. Known for the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.

Major Universities:

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (largest in the Balkans)

University of Macedonia

Museums: Archaeological Museum, Museum of Byzantine Culture, Jewish Museum, Contemporary Art Museum.

Vibrant waterfront promenade (5 km long) with cafes,parks, and the White Tower.

Ladadika district: Nightlife, food, bars, music.

Ano Poli (Upper Town): Preserved traditional architecture and panoramic views.

Multicultural identity with influences from Greek, Balkan, Jewish, and Ottoman heritage.

Airport: Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” (SKG)

Port: Major port for trade and cruise ships.

Metro: From Airport to Metro Station with the Bus

Highways: Connects to Athens, Skopje, Sofia, and Istanbul.

Key Sectors: Shipping, tourism, manufacturing, education, tech startups.

Thess INTEC: New innovation and technology park under development.

Port of Thessaloniki: One of the busiest in the Aegean.

Bougatsa (custard or cheese-filled pastry)

Gyro & Souvlaki

Soutzouk Loukoum (sweet treat)

Meze and fresh seafood

Strong Ottoman-Jewish-Balkan influences

Type: Mediterranean

Summers: Hot and dry (~30–35°C)

Winters: Mild with occasional rain (~5–15°C)

Best time to visit: Spring and early fall (April–June or September–October)