If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Greece which is the epitome of the country's vibrant culture, look no further than Thessaloniki. A melting pot of great Greek artists, poets and thinkers, Thessaloniki has established itself as the hippest destination in Macedonia. Brimming with a traditional Greek heart, but a thoroughly vibrant soul, this coastal city is the perfect mixture of ancient ruins, Orthodox beauty and a festive scene which take over these age-old streets through the sun-glazed days, evenings and beyond into the ouzo filled nights. Discover the heart of Greece's cultural capital by booking one of the thousands of holiday lettings in Aristotle's playground, so you too can revel in the endless unique experiences which are waiting for you in this waterfront wonderland.
Find an apartment rental, for your stay in Thessaloniki
Visit Thessaloniki, The Nymph of the Thermaic Gulf!
From the White Tower of Thessaloniki which stands proudly above this dynamic port city, to the art-filled Hagia Sophia, to the brilliant colours of Modiano Market this waterfront metropolis showcases a rare and alluring mix of traditional Greek architecture, flavourful cuisine and electric student life, as it is home to Aristotle University, the largest university in the country. If you have chosen Thessaloniki for its uniquely ancient cosmopolitan scene, reserve a self-catered apartment rental which is nestled in the streets of this ancient artistic paradise, and wake up in a room with a view of Aristotelous Square, the focal point of the city which is framed by mansions, restaurants and coffee house, which are enjoyed around the clock.
When choosing a villa or apartment for your beachfront escape, consider Thessaloniki, as there is more to this Macedonian getaway than you might anticipate. Though the city is a pulling factor for a majority of those who visit, the city's waterfront position means it is also a coastal escape, which offers the therapeutic sea benefits of a relaxing beachfront holiday. Secure an apartment for rent in Thessaloniki which sits beside the water, where you can bathe in the vibrant mix of a tranquil waterside retreat, with the stimulating atmosphere which rises from its urban culture to the shores of the Thermaic Gulf.
When to visit?
Temperatures reach their highs in the peak summer months, meaning its beaches and beer gardens can become busy with summertime tourists who all crave a piece of Greek sunshine. Choose to visit in spring or autumn when you can enjoy a slightly more moderate climate, and discover the gems this metropolis has to offer without running into too many crowds.
How to get there?
Fringed by the emerald Aegean, in the Greek Macedonia, Thessaloniki can be reached directly from the UK by air from London Stansted, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol in approximately 3 and a half hours, where you land into Thessaloniki Airport which is 15 kilometres south of the city centre. There is a range of cheap flights available to Thessaloniki, with budget airlines such as Jet2, Whizz Air and Ryanair offering scheduled services to Thessaloniki at a budget-friendly cost. With a vast availability of low-cost travel and the option to find a cheap apartment to rent which is even more affordable than a hotel in Thessaloniki, this cultural capital is more accessible than you might have ever imagined.
If you have already chosen a holiday rental in Athens then you can reach the northern city by jumping on a train for approximately 7 hours, or you can fly there for a reasonably low price in only 55 minutes.
Where to stay
Ladadika
Choose a holiday apartment in Ladadika, Thessaloniki's rainbow kissed commercial hub which sells locally grown goods which are perfect for souvenirs along the port-side. Like a vibrant phoenix which has risen from the ashes of the fire of 1917 which swept through the town, this area has transformed itself into a port-side paradise which is bursting with a selection of boutiques, bars and restaurants.
Ano Poli (Upper Town)
As the oldest and most northern area of the city, Ano Poli boasts authentic architecture and unrivalled views across the cityscape. Reserve a traditional two-story townhouse in this Byzantine haven, where you can revel in this area's heightened position and enjoy a room with panoramic views as far as the Aegean Sea.
Valaoritou
A hive of jazz bars, clubs, indie coffee shops and art spaces, this artistic quarter is the ideal place to find a youth hostel in Thessaloniki. Choose from a range of cheap holiday accommodation options in Valaoritou and stay out on these cobbled streets until dawn to see why this neighbourhood has made a name for itself as the core of this city's nightlife.
Aristotelous Square
Designed by the French architect Ernest Hébrard in the early twentieth century, this neoclassical square is the focal point of Thessaloniki. Aristotelous Square is a reminder that Thessaloniki is a city of secrets, as behind the heart of this urban jungle is a green jungle in a hidden courtyard paradise. Discover a hidden sanctuary in a bed and breakfast amid this bustling square and reserve accommodation in Thessaloniki which is a secret paradise in amongst this fun-filled utopia.
Thessaloniki Waterfront
As the most electric city in the Greek Macedonia, it can be forgivable to forget that Thessaloniki is a beachfront city where you can find the golden sands of Nea Vrasna and the maritime ruins of Asprovalta. For a more peaceful escape to the Greek answer to the city that never sleeps, choose a luxury apartment rental by Thessaloniki's Waterfront, where the bustle of the cobbled metropolis centre can seem as though it is a million miles behind you.
Egnatia
The Egnatia Quarter is a striking reminder of the city's ancient roots, with the Arch of Galerius and the Roman Agora, a holiday home in this age-old district will allow you to wake up in a room with a view which is surrounded by history and step back into the golden age of Europe's colourful capital.
History and culture in Thessaloniki
In the same way that the rest of the country is blessed with a rich ancient history, Thessaloniki is no exception, and evidence of this history contribute to the Thessalonian landscape and culture today. Founded in 315 BC, this contemporary metropolis remains a maze of ancient ruins, including Roman structures and Byzantine marvels, which stand proudly above the city, as they have for thousands of years before. In 1917, Thessaloniki suffered a fire which left the centre in ruins, though it did, however, pave the way for much of the twentieth-century European architecture which makes up many of the city's most artistic quarters today.
Food and drink in Thessaloniki
Known as a melting point of Mediterranean cuisine, Thessaloniki may not be the capital of the country, but it is the indisputable capital of Greek gastro. Remember not to leave without sampling the staple of the country's cuisine, moussaka. This world-famous dish promises to satisfy anywhere in the city, but rumour has it that the traditional restaurant of Rouga serves up the very best. It is no secret that Greece loves their sweet treats, so be sure to try the most famous of these delicacies, honey and baklava. You can pick up Greece's most desired delicious export in Koukos bakery, which is just a short hop from the White Tower of Thessaloniki. If you are in a bar or club Thessaloniki, you will not go too long without sampling Ouzo, Greece's national beverage, which is both shot and mixed up and down the country.