Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city and capital city of Central Macedonia’s administrative district, is a city of cosmopolitan character, uniquely combining its long history and heritage with well-known gastronomic traditions, vivid nightlife and warm people. It is the administrative and governmental center for all northern Greece and a key hub to the Balkan area, hosting the second largest port in the country and key infrastructures for trade and transport to and from the other countries in the Balkans. The city center is a blend of the western civilization and the eastern influences with contemporary touches and an urban character. The different cultures of the city and the tumultuous history of 23 centuries are depicted in every sight and every corner of it. Thessaloniki includes a variety of attractions, from the Byzantine walls with the breath-taking view from the Upper Town (Ano Poli), to the enchanting sunset, reflected in the waters of Thermaikos Gulf, behind the imposing White Tower and in front of the mythical Mount Olympus in the horizon. Thessaloniki is a city where the glorious Roman and Byzantine civilization coexist harmonically with its modern culture, with the remarkable Arch of Galerius and Rotunda overlook the crowded small shops and wine bars. Living in Thessaloniki feels like moving through history, from the ancient Greek and Hellenistic times to the Roman era, on to the years of the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires and into the modern era. More than 2300 years of history are present in the same place at the same time. This city is considered to be the gastronomic capital of the country, with famous restaurants and many local specialties. But most importantly, Thessaloniki hosting a very big student community is the city of romance and new experiences, offering both romantic nightwalks in the crowded streets and a vibrant nightlife that never ends. Renowned for its little taverns with many different delicacies, its coffee shops along the seaside and the nightlife, Thessaloniki is a city that never sleeps.

[foogallery id=”990″]