Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city in terms of culture, commerce, industry and economy, is a lively, buzzing city which acts as the gateway for south-east Europe. Its commercial port is vital to Greece and the surrounding area. It is also widely regarded as the gateway to Halkidiki and Pieria, where some of the finest beaches in Greece can be found.

The city is famous for its large number of Byzantine monuments, Ottoman and Jewish architecture, as well as its fantastic nightlife. Picturesque restaurants, cosy tavernas, designer bars, and lively, modern nightclubs can all be found in the area of town nearest Thessaloniki Airport. Visitors to the city can’t afford to not try Bougatsa, a custard, cheese, or minced meat filled pastry sold in bakeries throughout the city.

Thessaloniki was founded in approximately 315 BC by Cassander, King of Macedon, who named it after his wife Thessalonica. The town grew rapidly and became a walled city with its own parliament (as all other contemporary Greek cities) as early as the 2nd city BC. After the fall of the kingdom of Macedon the city became part of the Roman empire, turning into an important trade hub on the commercial route between Europe and Asia. Its location made the Romans build a major commercial port which was used until the 18th century when it silted up and a new port was beyond it. Remnants of the old port can be seen under Odos Frangon Street. Near the Catholic church. Other significant Roman remains (the Arch and tomb of Galerius) can be found near the centre of modern Thessaloniki.

When the city fell under Byzantine rule it was second in importance only to Constantinople. The city prospered and expanded immensely, which can be seen today by the huge number of Byzantine churches and scholarly buildings.

Under Ottoman rule there was a serious influx of Muslim and Jewish settlers in the city. It grew to be one of the most important commercial and trade centres in the Balkans, especially during the late 19th century when the railway and the modern port were built. Architectural remains from the Ottoman period can be found mainly in the 'Ano Poli' (Upper Town) which has the only traditional wooden houses and fountains that survived the great fire of August 1917. In the city centre, a number of the stone mosques survived, of note are; "Hamza-Bey Camii" on Egnatia (currently being restored), the "Alatza Imaret Camii" on Kassandrou Street, "Bezesteni" on Venizelou Street, and "Yahoudi Hamam" on Odos Frangon Street.

Nowadays Thessaloniki is one of the most important university centres in Southeastern Europe with a busy nightlife and it hosts a large and vibrant student population. It has fantastic transport links to the popular tourist destinations in the Central Macedonia region (also known as the Balkan peninsula), Halkidiki, and Pieria.

Airport information

Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia is located 13 kms east of the city centre.

By coach

The bus station is located outside the departures hall. Bus line 78 operates an hourly service between the airport and the New Railway Station in the centre of Thessaloniki. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes and the fare is €0.45.

By Taxi

A 24 hour taxi service is available at the airport. The journey time to the centre is 20 minutes and costs approximately 15€.

Pre book your door-to-door airport transfers with easyJet’s partner Holiday Taxis. We cater for the Business and Leisure Traveller.

Hotels

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