​Thessaloniki and Halkidiki

Thessaloniki has many stories to tell, starting by the moment of its foundation in 316/315 B.C. Fortunate to have royal “blood”, since the new city was named after Thessaloniki, sister of Alexander the Great and daughter of Philip II, King of Macedonia. It was developed rapidly -due to its prominent geographical location- as one of the most important ports, and economical and commercial centres of Macedonia and the Balkan Peninsula as a whole, advantages maintained for the past 2300 years.

The fun of Thessaloniki holidays makes it an easy place to love. Greece’s vibrant second city offers an arm, shows visitors around, and then takes them for a slap-up meal and an ouzo.  This dynamic and inviting place is one of the most cosmopolitan cities, not just in Greece, but in Europe as a whole – and its reputation is on the up.

Thessaloniki holidays mean culture-packed days and fun-fuelled nights. Situated in the far north of the mainland, Thessaloniki has been at the crossroads of European and Ottoman cultures for centuries. It’s a role reflected in everything from art to museums to nightlife and local delicacies. History is written in the streets. Thessaloniki is considered an open-air museum of Byzantine art, boasting no less than 15 Unesco World Heritage sites.

There are dozens of contemporary museums (including one that focuses on basketball) and a celebrated year-round programme of festivals and events. Its restaurant scene is lively and innovative, producing some of the best dishes the country has to offer. While old warehouses are reimagined as contemporary arts and concert spaces, ancient narrow streets still flow into squares where locals sit gossiping under the shade of plane trees. Fun is a local tradition – make sure to join the party.

Halkidiki is famed for its fine sandy beaches, renowned as some of the best in the entire country. Spread out over a corner of northeast Greece, Halkidiki has three distinctive peninsulas that stretch lazily into the magnificent blue of the Aegean Sea. While the beaches are a huge draw, they’re not the only thing Halkidiki holidays have going for them. There are spectacular tree-lined mountains, acres of rich, deep pine forest, and a long history – philosopher Aristotle was born here, and Mount Olympus, legendary home of the Greek Gods, is in sight.

The different ‘fingers’ of Halkidiki each has its own character – most westerly is Kassandra with its luxury resorts and upmarket bars and restaurants. Uncrowded Sithonia has a more down-to-earth, sleepy feel with quaint tavernas aplenty. Several picturesque islands lie nearby and can be reached by boat – kids will love taking a day trip to meet the adorable four-legged residents on Donkey Island. Holidays to Halkidiki have it all – days spent hiking through olive groves and vineyards, historical wonders and water sports, fresh Mediterranean food and a wide choice of excellent local wines. It’s a compact region so it’s easy to enjoy a wide range of exquisite holiday experiences – even the Gods would approve.