Travel Information Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC. by King Cassander of Macedonia, who named her after his wife Thessalonica, who was the sister of Alexander the Great.

In 379 AD, Thessaloniki became the capital of the Roman province of Illyricum.

From the early years of the Byzantine Empire, Thessaloniki was considered a “Co-reigning” city, alongside Constantinople.

There are many UNESCO monuments in the city

A UNESCO culinary paradise!

The cuisine of Thessaloniki stands out for its quality and variety. We encounter influences from other cultures. The cuisine of Thessaloniki is one of the richest in the country.

The traditional recipes have influences from Pontus, Asia Minor and Thrace. It is worth trying Local traditional recipes made with products produced exclusively in Thessaloniki.

A special mention should be made of tripe, a favorite soup that we enjoy after a night out, as well as mussels, Fasias and cuttlefish and some sweet flavors such as Panorama triangles, tsoureki, cariokes and political sweets

Panorama triangles

The famous Panorama triangle with its rich cream filling, whose fame has gone beyond the borders of the city The authentic, traditional recipe for the famous triangle leaves even the most demanding sweet tooth satisfied, as the crispy sheet filled with rich, fresh cream melts into the mouth with every bite.

Greek sweet bread

Who hasn’t heard of or hasn’t tasted the famous bun? With icing or, with filling, this sweet temptation leaves no visitor of the city indifferent.

Bagel – Koulouri

The Thessaloniki bagel, crispy with sesame seeds, perfect for breakfast, plain or in different variations.

Local recipes of the Greater Region

Facia With Leeks

A fish that can be found in the mouth of Axios

Deep fried mussels on cheese

The best of the city are from Chalastra

Tubers

Pipes are shells that you can find in the Makrygialos area and the Chalastras

Culinary tourism

• Distinguished restaurants provide the visitor with high-level culinary experiences, based on traditional, but also modern cuisine, high-level catering services in an elegant environment
• Multicultural culinary tradition with local flavors from Eastern Thrace, Pontus and Asia Minor as well as the long-standing influence of the Jewish and Armenian communities
• On the initiative of the Region of Macedonia Thrace, all businesses active in the tourism sector have been certified with the Sustainability and Good Practices mark in order to link the agri-food sector and tourism,the promotion of traditional gastronomy, the promotion of Gastronomic Tourism, You will find dishes with raw materials from the basket of agricultural products of the Region
• In 2021, Thessaloniki was included for the 1st time in the history of the institution in the Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network of UNESCO (Creative Cities of Gastronomy).
• Culinary festivals and experiential culinary tours allow the visitor to discover authentic flavours and local gastronomy
• Wine tourism activities As within a few kilometres there are wineries to visit, the Wine Museum, the international wine and spirits competition and the tasting events

The market owes its name to the inspiring architect Eli Modiano. It was built in 1922, with architectural references taken from corresponding markets in Paris. It is enclosed in the building block between Aristotelous, Ermou, Komninon and Vasileos Heraklion streets. It is a complex of five arcades with a gable facade and a glass roof. It hosts small shops selling food and herbs. You will also find taverns, spicy, herbs and spices with strong smells and also many small shops with artisans from another era. Together with Kapani, they form the two famous markets of the city,

They were one of the most important commercial areas of Thessaloniki. The area was saved from the great fire of 1917

The name “Ladadika” comes from the shops that existed in the area much earlier and sold oil and various oil products. The whole area was used as a central market and bazaar during the Ottoman rule and even earlier.

It was known by names such as “Egyptian Agora”. In 1985 it was declared a listed building thus prohibiting its further reconstruction in order to preserve its unique architectural heritage and character. Ladadika is one of the most beautiful places for a night out

Thessaloniki is a good suggestion for those who want to travel for sports tourism. It has many Sports facilities that have hosted national and international sports events in their premises and could meet the needs of a large number of different sports after the implementation of the required technical maintenance works

There are sports museums in the city (e.g. Olympic Museum of Thessaloniki, CHANTH Basketball Museum) that highlight the history of sports, with special areas for educational events, equestrian and naval clubs, sports clubs, etc.

There is an Educational climbing field in Retziki with special equipment and with the help of instructors you learn the secrets of climbing

At the top of Hortiatis there is the mountaineer’s refuge where a cafe restaurant operates in the summer. Walkers have the option of several walking routes of easy to moderate difficulty

A nice relaxation proposition just a stone’s throw from the city are the thermal baths of Lagadas with historical value (group baths dating from 900 and 1400 AD) and easily accessible by public transport from the city center. There are specially designed pools and bathtubs for people with mobility

Nearby is the village of Souroti, known for its springs of the same name, and the Monastery