Travel to Thessaloniki, what to see and do during your vacations

Thessaloniki Cultural Tradition

Folklore events take place throughout the prefecture of Thessaloniki. Some of the most famous ones are the annual revival of the custom of fire walking (called “anastenaria”) taking place in Lagadas (May 21st), the carnival festival in Sochos, featuring the “Dance of the Goats” when people “with bells” and dressed in goat hides dance along the streets, and the New Year’s Eve party in Nymphopetra, when people wear fancy dress.

The Municipality of Thessaloniki also organizes numerous cultural events, such as performances at the State Theatre of Northern Greece, Open Theatre Days, International Cinema and Book Festivals, Opera Performances and the Chamber Musical Festival.

Thessaloniki Sports and Activities – Thessaloniki Agrotourism

Thessaloniki beaches

During the summer months, your stay in Thessaloniki can be combined with a visit to the nearby beaches of Perea, Nei Epivates, Agia Triada, Nea Michaniona and Epanomi on Thermaikos Gulf and Asprovalta , the beach of Vrasna and Stavros on Strimonikos Gulf. The waters are crystal-clear and all kinds of water-sports are available. Many beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for their high quality facilities and clean waters.

Delta of Axios river

Delta of Axios river situated 18km from Thessaloniki, you may see a huge alluvial area with vegetation, poplars, willows and bushes. This is where many species of birds, such as swans, ducks, herons and cormorants, find refuge in the winter. The Delta is open to visitors throughout the year and you may even visit one of its many restaurants to try some of the local specialties.

Thessaloniki Thermi Hot Water Springs

Many hot water springs can be found in the prefecture of Thessaloniki. Five medium-heated alkaline and one cold acid spring operate in Thermi, only a few km from the centre of Thessaloniki, where there is a spa with sulphurous hot water springs and accommodation facilities, open from July to October. The spas of Lagadas are ideal for arthritis and skin infections as well as diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Finally, in the village of Souroti, near Thessaloniki, there is a spring with potable therapeutic water that helps digestion and has diuretic effects.

Thessaloniki Hiking  

Take a walk up to Ano Poli (the Citadel of the city) and enjoy the panoramic view of Thessaloniki from its castles. One may visit the Tower of Trigonos and the interior walls. Eptargyrio, a Byzantine fortress, was used for many years as a prison. In Chortiatis, within the borders of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki (25 km. from the city), there is a mountain refuge that can accommodate visitors wishing to enjoy the interesting routr through a forest with chestnut, beech and oak trees. Other interesting paths through the forested mountain areas may lead you to Livadi and Petrokerasa where you may take a rest in a beautiful square flanked with plane trees and a huge poplar, while a visit to the local Folklore Museum is worthwhile experience.

Nymphopetra

Along the wheat and tobacco fields, there is an eye-catching series of calcareous formations, a group of drilled rocks that the natives call “nymphopetres” as they symbolize a wedding procession which, for unknown reasons, was turned into stone.

Sports

The Nautical Club of Thessaloniki, the Sailing Group and the Nautical Club of Kalamaria cater both sailing and rowing while, in the area of Aretsou, there is the best organized marina in Northern Greece with mooring and boat servicing facilities.

Volvi and Agios Vassilios Lakes

The region around Volvi and Agios Vassilios lakes in the north and south of Thessaloniki, respectively, are home to very interesting ecosystems with aquatic plants and trees. Scholar is a nice little village situated between the lakes. There you can see the perennial plane trees where thousands of herons build their nests.

Chortiatis Mountain

Chortiatis Mountain situated 25 km. from Thessaloniki, there is a mountain shelter that houses visitors keen to enjoy the interesting route through a forest full of chestnut, beech and oak trees.

Don’t miss exploring the Thessaloniki historic Byzantine neoclassic towers, statues and churches, or walking leisurely along wide streets and plazas. But while you are touring the area, don’t miss the nightlife of this unique city. You can visit bars or 'ouzeries' and clubs with a wide variety of music. And, if you are looking for the true taste of Greece, Thessaloniki’s restaurants will be a dream come true.

A Small Sampling of Things to See and Do in Thessaloniki:

• Platia Elefterias and Platia Aristotelous Plazas
• Lefkos Pyrgos (White Tower)
• The Turkish Quarter
• Pella (The birthplace of Alexander the Great)
• Archeology Museum
• Mount Olympus (80 km away)

And don't leave out time to visit the beaches near Thessaloniki, sidewalk cafes, and the time to simply stroll through amazing streets, often with local music wafting along your path.

The best thing about vacationing in Thessaloniki Greece is that it exceeds your highest expectations and its beauty surpasses the images you've conjured in your imagination.