Attractions

Mount Athos / Halkidiki

Travel to Ormos Panagias on the eastern corner of the Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki and then sail with a boat towards Mount Athos –the “Holy Mountain” and its fantastic monasteries. The Garden of the Virgin as the Mt Athos peninsula is otherwise known with its rare and unspoiled beauty will cast its spell. This peninsula is the only monastic republic within Europe and is ruled by the 1700 monks who live in its monasteries.

Ancient Dion & Mount Olympus / Pieria

A historic place dedicated to the ancient cult of Olympian Zeus, Dion became the official religious centre of Macedonia in the 5th century BC. Today Dion sits among the eastern foothills of Mount Olympus, 83 Km from Thessaloniki. Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and was the abode of the Greek Gods and the site of the throne of Zeus. Mount Olympus is located 78 km from Thessaloniki and is famous for its natural beauty and rich flora with several endemic species. It's a National Park of Greece and part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Petralona Cave / Halkidiki

The caves lie in Halkidiki, about 50 km from Thessaloniki. When you enter the caves, it’s like embarking on a voyage to the beginning of time with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites - thought to be the oldest in Europe (700,000 years old). The caves are also considered among the most important monuments of human prehistory with unique archaeological finds such as the fossilized cranium of a prehistoric man.

Pella and Royal Tombs of Vergina

Head 80km southwest of Thessaloniki to the archaeological sites of Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great before heading to Vergina, the old capital of the ancient Macedonia. Some of the most important remains are the palace and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. The tomb of Philip, father of Alexander the Great is recognized as a Monument of World Heritage by UNESCO.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Thessaloniki

The rich soil and mild climate of Northern Greece have made it famous for its olives and olive oil, its fine breads and cheeses, as well as traditional sweets and pastries made with delicious local products. Halkidiki and Pieria are famed for their bees and honey, and an important stopping point on many ‘wine trails’. Just a short distance from Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and Pieria offer a superb choice of restaurants and bars with mouthwatering dishes at reasonable prices. You will also find some of Greece’s award-winning restaurants around the Sani Marina at Sani Resort

Shopping

Shopping in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki’s city centre offers a large variety of local shops, international brands and bustling outdoor markets, selling everything from leather goods to olive oil. Located in central Thessaloniki, the beautiful shopping street of Agias Sophias is a good place to start, as is Mitropoleos Street and the Aristotelous Square.

Activities

Pieria - Halkidiki

Thessaloniki and the regions of Pieria and Halkidiki offer everything for a perfect holiday: family-friendly luxurious beach resorts, spas, yacht marinas and white sandy beaches framed by pine forests. Some of the best beaches are located in Halkidiki, an amazing 550km of coastline with crystal-clear shallow waters. Just 70Km from Thessaloniki lies Kassandra, the first of the three beach-fringed peninsulas of Halkidiki with its spectacular turquoise waters and soft sands while further ahead Sithonia peninsula offers some of the most unspoiled beaches you will ever find in Greece.

Events

International Film Festival / Sani Festival and Sani Gourmet

International Film Festival is a unique annual celebration of independent cinema from all over the world taking place every year in Thessaloniki Sani Festival is a yearly music festival and bringing together nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz, ethnic and classical artists at Sani Resort in Kassandra. Sani Gourmet is an annual gastronomic festival featuring some of the finest chefs from Greece and around the globe. Sani Gourmet takes place in May at Sani Resort.