This Easter is looking for a holiday to a city rich in history, but are there any crowds descending in Athens before the temperature gets unbearable? This stunning Greek city has tick marks on every box and the bonus of barely tourist free, allowing you to peacefully explore its stunning landmarks.
Thessaloniki is located in central Macedonia on the Western Calciddis Peninsula, at the head of the bay in Samay Bay. It is Greece's second largest city and is considered a cultural hotspot known for its festivals, events and lively cultural life. Built on the hilly and slopes of Mount Khortianits, it overlooks the Delta plains of the Gallikós and Vardar rivers, offering some of Europe's most spectacular views.
The Thessaloniki metropolitan area extends to a 562-square-mile area, including many beachside and hilly suburbs, but the dense sections that Thessalonians usually call the “city of Thessaloniki” can be divided into three parts.
While it is difficult to narrow down the best views of Thessaloniki, important landmarks include the White Tower, which has become a symbol of the city. It was built by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and used as a workshop in fortress, prisons and universities. Today it holds a museum.
For even older charms, visit the arch of Galelius (or Kamala) built in 306 to celebrate and commemorate the Persians the final victory of the Roman general Galelius. The engraved scene of the arch depicts this victory, which was associated with Galelius Palace and Rotonda. This is an impressive cylindrical building boasting spectacular mosaics and impressive minarets.
It is difficult to overlook the impressive church of the Apostle St. Paul, which occupies the hillside. Thessaloniki was one of the first waypoints in the middle of the Apostle Paul, and he came to the Greek land at the appeal of a man named Macedon, whom he heard in Night Vision. So in 1949, Thessaloniki became the “golden gate” to Europe for Christianity.
Events such as the Thessaloniki International Fair and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival are held every year. Thessaloniki also crowned the European youth capital in 2014 and demonstrates its widespread appeal.
In April, temperatures in Thessaloniki averaged 20°C throughout the day. The temperature continues to creep up as summer drops. So Easter time is the perfect time to enjoy the city before it gets hot.
Also, six million people descended into the capital last year, but only 1.5 million people visited Thessaloniki, so you won't be hit by the massive crowds that flock to Aten's most famous sites.
Thessaloniki is offered by Macedonia International Airport (SKG) on international and domestic flights. This means you can also tag the city on trips to other Greek destinations like Tassos. Direct flights in April using EasyJet are currently selling for just £142, departing from Gatwick Airport.
One recent visitor to White Tower said: From the top of the tower you will find stunning views of the sea and the city.
“If you enter, you can follow the audio on each floor, in a history and era setting. I highly recommend it.”
