Aerial view of famous White Tower of Thessaloniki at sunset, Greece. Image taken with action drone camera. (ververidis (123RF))
From Santorini to Crete and Athens, people seemingly flock in droves to the well-known country of Greece. However, the picturesque white domes speckled across blue seas and ancient historical monuments can come with a hefty price tag, leaving even the most well-budgeted traveler longing for some reprieve. If searching for the thrill of Greece without breaking the bank, consider a trip to Thessaloniki which offers views, food and history for roughly half the price (and half the crowds)!
The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki sits along the Aegean Sea. With easy-to-navigate public transportation, the downtown can be directly reached from the airport within forty minutes. There, a bundle of clothing and shoe stores await the shopping enthusiast.
For the history buffs, a Roman forum dating from the second century AD is easily viewable. Nearly every street corner seems to house cathedrals and there are fifteen UNESCO World Heritage Paleo-Christian and Byzantine monuments in the city, offering plenty to explore.
For a bird’s eye view of the sea, onlookers can walk the winding steps of the White Tower of Thessaloniki, overlooking the snow-capped Mount Olympus: the tallest mountain in Greece. For some water adventure, there are plenty of pirate-themed ships that offer a quick ride upon the sea for reasonable prices.
The White Tower on a sunny day (Betsy McLaughlin )
For the curious, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki offers a wide variety of statues and history regarding the land of the gods. If you are not interested in paying for the indoor tour, the outdoor gardens of the museum can be accessed for free.
A lively outdoor farmers market sits within walking distance of the Archaeological Museum. While wandering through the tents, each stall will offer samples of their products, including cheeses, honey and oil. For small jars of honey that are suitable for airline carry-on restrictions, be sure to purchase from Bee Care, a company that offers sweet and unique blends of flavors including chestnut and linden, flower, and pine honey.
For those interested in biblical history, the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle can be accessed for free and is easy to reach via a short bus ride from the city center. It is believed that the apostle Paul preached here, helping with the creation of the early Christian church around 50 AD. The church sits atop the city, providing great panoramic views.
St. Paul’s Cathedral exterior view (Betsy McLaughlin )
From there, meander toward the restaurant called Kreonidis “Balcony,” where you can feast on the best gyro meat I’ve ever tasted while gazing at Mount Olympus. If timed just right, the sun may be setting, casting orange and pink hues in the sky, while sailboats bob along the sea.
For a vibrant nightlife, return to the downtown, where the party is just getting started. Restaurants line the sea, offering music, dance and food galore, with most everything at incredibly affordable prices. If you are with the family, find some ice cream at nearly any corner and walk along the water’s edge to recap your day.
From family and solo trips to romantic getaways and girls’ weekends, Thessaloniki offers something for everyone, freely giving the charm of Greece without the worry of cost.
Roman Forum (Betsy McLaughlin )
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
