Having completed our amazing cruise, we left the busy port of Athens behind but our adventures were far from over! Northern Greece called, with an opportunity to explore the home of our ancestors. Our journey began in the gateway to the north, Thessaloniki!
A bit about Thessaloniki
Just a short, 1 hour flight from Athens opens the door to the wonders of Thessaloniki and northern Greece.
Often overlooked in favour of the islands, Thessaloniki captivated our hearts with secrets waiting to be discovered at every corner. Its infectious energy and layers of history revealed unexpected treasures at almost every corner.
One of our favourite “travel hacks” is to take “free” walking tours (at the end you tip what you feel the tour was worth), whenever and wherever they are available, and our tour of Thessaloniki did not disappoint! In addition to the sites we saw we also learned that Thessaloniki is home to 15 monuments protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention! While we will only cover a few here, it is well worth visiting Thessaloniki to see them all!
Friends, Romans, Countrymen?
No, I didn’t accidentally change blog topics to start talking about the Roman Empire…but you may have guessed it, the Romans were in Thessaloniki for a period of time and left a lasting “impression” on the city…
I marveled at the intricate carvings, especially considering they were crafted around 300 AD. Greece’s remarkable feature is the dispersion of ancient ruins throughout the country, blending seamlessly with modern architecture. These historical landmarks integrate into the cityscape, accessible without barriers, inviting you to inspect closely and walk under the arch just like Emperor Galerius Valerius Maximianus did centuries ago.
Passing through the Arch of Galerius leads you to the Galerius complex in the city’s heart—a collection of remarkably preserved ancient structures. These ruins impress not just in their preservation but also in the way modern constructions encircle or bridge over them, yet they remain prominently exhibited.
If you return to the Arch and look around, you’ll also see the famous Rotunda just a few steps away.
Built to resemble Rome’s Pantheon (though smaller), the Rotunda was Emperor Galerius’s intended mausoleum – a plan that never came to be. It later transformed into a church (sadly, it was closed when we tried to visit).
All of the ruins were very similar to those we saw during our Rome explorations during our world trip in 2014, and really showed the close connections between Greece and Italy from ancient times. Amazing!
From here we made our way down to the waterfront. Aside from the view, two more impressive monuments stood out…
The iconic White Tower stands proudly on Thessaloniki’s waterfront, a reminder of the city’s rich history. Originally built for defense by the Ottomans, it’s been a prison and even an execution ground over the centuries! Today, it’s a fascinating museum where you can learn about Thessaloniki’s past and climb to the top for amazing views of the city and sea.
Strolling along Thessaloniki’s seaside promenade, you can’t miss the huge statue of Alexander the Great, the famous king, riding his mighty horse. It’s an awesome reminder of Greece’s amazing history and the city’s connection to ancient legends.
Thessaloniki at night!
Thessaloniki has a certain beauty about it during the day, but don’t be fooled…this city of ancient ruins does not act its age at night!
Beyond Thessaloniki – a quick side trip!
Our visit to Thessaloniki was amazing, and provided us with a great entry point to the north. However, after all that touring we were hot (it was summer!) and needed some beach time! Approximately 1.5 hours away are the “Three Fingers” of Halkidiki, with beaches that rival those found on the islands, with all the amenities, but without the huge crowds!
All I can say is: it’s worth the drive!
Northern Greece has a lot to offer!
Our first exploration of Northern Greece revealed unexpected surprises: ancient ruins woven into the city’s fabric and a beach getaway rivaling the islands, but without the crowds! And this was just the tip of the iceberg! What more could Northern Greece offer? Stay tuned for our upcoming adventures to find out!
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