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Thessaloniki Holidays
Thessaloniki, in the Greek region of Macedonia in the north, is the countrys' second largest city and a major cultural and commercial centre. This thriving and modern city has a long and varied history, and is one of the oldest in Europe, with Thessaloniki being first established in 316 BC. Home to some fascinating sites, churches and museums, the city is full of unique monuments and architecture, from Roman to Byzantine, and Thessaloniki retains a strong Balkan influence. Many tourists come to visit Thessaloniki to experience the vibrant city life and soak up the history and culture, or arrive at the international airport and travel south to visit the wonderful beach resorts on the peninsula of Halkidiki.
Holidays in Thessaloniki - Greeces' second city, a vibrant and cosmopolitan centre
Thessaloniki sits on the coast, its' harbour facing the Bay of Thermaikos. An attractive city, Thessaloniki has a modern feel to it, and is pleasant to walk around, with its' wide streets, and numerous parks and squares. Mostly destroyed in a huge fire in 1917, the city was successfully rebuilt and today the lively and cosmopolitan metropolis is a unique mix of past and present. Regulations have meant that the buildings in Thessaloniki remain low-rise, due to the threat of earthquakes, so there are wonderful views from all over the city. Parts of the Byzantine walls in Thessaloniki which separated the old Jewish quarter are still standing, along with the famous White Tower, the symbol of the city, an important fort and one-time prison, and now a museum. One of the most charming parts of Thessaloniki is the Upper City, a maze of narrow cobbled streets filled with wooden houses, and home to many cafes and tavernas. With two main squares down at the harbour, Platia Elefterias and Platia Aristotelous, the waterfront is is vibrant and bustling, with plenty of cafes and bars and a great place for the local 'Volta', the evening stroll. Thessaloniki offers a wide choice of hotels to stay in, with plenty of good shopping opportunities, including the fantastic covered market in the city. Endless restaurants in this cosmopolitan city offer everything to elegant dining to traditional, and Thessaloniki is known for its' active nightlife, with plenty of nightclubs and discos to add to the old-style ouzeries and bazouki halls.
Holidays in Thessaloniki - A wealth of history and culture
A holiday in Thessaloniki is a good choice for those looking for a busy and lively citybreak, with plenty of good food, sights and culture, and the added bonus of some wonderful beach resorts close by. There are countless museums in the city to visit, and archaeological sites in and around Thessaloniki to visit include the Palace of Galerius dating back to 300AD, the Roman Forum and Baths, and Vergina, a group of important sites home to the tomb of Alexander the Greats' father. Mount Olympus, the birthplace of the gods and Greeces' highest mountain, lies just 77km away, and can be hiked if feeling active, and the beaches of Halkidiki can be reached in just 45 minutes.
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