Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is a port in the Gulf of the Aegean Sea, and showcases Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. Once a fought-over gateway to the North Aegean islands, the Sporades, the Cyclades and Crete, today Thessaloniki is known as the hippest city in Greece with a great foodie scene and golden beaches.
Greek pie is a popular street food
Church of Agios Dimitrios
Dedicated in name to St Agios Demetrius, the Christian-Roman martyr and the patron saint of Thessaloniki, the Church of Agios Dimitrios is a beautifully preserved monument that sits in the city centre. Holding religious, historical and artistic importance to the local inhabitants, it is also a fine example of Byzantine architecture.
There has been a church on this site since 324 AD
The White Tower
Once called the Lion Tower and later, the Tower of Blood, this waterfront landmark has served as a fort, a garrison and even a prison. Today, the White Tower of Thessaloniki – renamed in 1891 after it was symbolically painted white to represent a clean slate – is a museum dedicated to the area’s rich history. It’s height also makes it a popular rendezvous spot for locals.
Once painted white, the tower is now natural stone