Thessaloniki is the second city of Greece and the administrative centre for the north. Its history dates back more than 4000 years. The city of Thessaloniki was founded in 316 B.C. on a site of old prehistoric settlements dating back to 2300 B.C., by Cassander, king of Macedonia, and was named after his wife, sister of Alexander the Great.

During the Byzantine era, Salonica, as it was then known, was the second city after Constantinople (Istanbul), remaining so until its sacking by Saracens in 904.
It was restored to the empire in 1246, reaching a cultural “Golden Age” until Turkish conquest and occupation in 1430. Until just a few decades ago the city’s population was mixed as any in the Balkans. Besides the Turks, who had been in occupation for close on five centuries (and even Mustafa Kemal Pascha, today known as Kemal Atatürk was born here), there were Slavs, Albabians and the largest European Jewish community of the period. In World War II when all but a fraction were deported to the concentration camps, in the worst atrocity committed in the Balkans.

Situated on the shores of the Thermaikos Gulf, Thessaloniki is divided in a modern area and the old town. The old town is where most of the sights are. In the old town it will be mostly Byzantine churches and buidlings that you are looking for.
They are what Thessaloniki is famous for. You can get glimpses of “Old Salonica” in the walled Kastra quarter of the city, on the hillside beyond the modern grid of streets. In the modern areas you will find examples of recent architecture, that are interesting enough if you are into that kind of thing.

Aphrodite Astir Palace
Vouliagmeni, Athens
Aphrodite Astir Palace is a very special choice for casual entertainment. The luxury family resort hotel, satisfies every member of the family with its relaxed but elegant atmosphere. More…

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26 Sofokleous & 2 Klisthenous Athens, Athens
Amidst the sizzling hustle and bustle of downtown Athens, the Fresh Hotel is nothing short of a spacious and calm sanctuary, allowing its guests to attain an instantaneous state of inner well-being in... More…

Hotel London
Posidonos Avenue 38, - Athens Special rates for families! Located just 100 meters from the sea and tram station (easy access to Athens’ centre). More…

Residence Georgio
Chalkokondyli 14&28th October, Athens. In 21st century Athens, discerning guests look for an overall hospitality experience rather than just an overnight stay. More…

Electra Palace Hotel Athens
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Electra Hotel Athens
5 ERMOU, ATHENS
Electra Hotel Athens is a 4 Star property, centrally located in the heart of the Athens City center within walking distance from all major historical sites and the business and commercial districts. More…

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What to see in Thessaloniki Greece:
Only the northernmost Byzantine walls of the city are still standing, the exception being what has now become the city's symbol - the White Tower, on of the original fortified towers and the only one on the seafront. The rest of the walls are in the picturesque old town (Upper Town) which offers a view over the bay.
Take a walk along the enormous seafront promenade (about 12 km altogether) with views of the amphitheatrically-built city. See the Archaelogical Museum and the award-winning Museum of Byzantine Culture. The international film festival is held in November,the international trade fair in September.
On no account miss the byzantine churches (St Demetrios, c. 200 AD and Agia Sophia, 600 AD, and the lovely smaller ones in the upper town of Thessaloniki), which are on the Unesco World Heritage List. One of them, the Rotonda, started life as a Roman building and is almost as old as the Pantheon in Rome.
Nightlife in Thessaloniki Greece:
You won't wonder where to get a drink in a town with this many bars! Thessaloniki is by far the liveliest city in Northern Grece - maybe even the whole country. Most of the bars at the old seafront (Nikis ave.) and around, many of the tavernas are either downtown or in the old city (kastro). If you want to check out what the whole bouzoukia scene is all about, try Mamounia, at Vilka.