About Thessaloniki
Welcome to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is a vibrant modern metropolis. Set at the northeast corner of the Aegean Sea, with a population of 1 million, it is the center of the socio-economic activity of Northern Greece and headquarters of a large number of companies, universities and institutions.
Why Thessaloniki
Easy access & Connectivity
Strategically located at the crossroads of East and West, Thessaloniki connects easily to Southeastern Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East.
Within easy access through highways frοm the land borders and only 14km away from Thessaloniki Makedonia Airport, with an extended connectivity network serving year-round numerous domestic and international destinations, Thessaloniki offers many solutions to visitors to arrange their travel.
Thessaloniki is a compact city, easy to stroll around the historical center, explore the colorful neighborhoods and relax on the waterfront.
If you feel comfort and at ease, you have reached Thessaloniki!
History & Culture
Thessaloniki is a city with a continuous history of 2.300 years, with traces and monuments of the Roman, early Christian, Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish heritage.
The once mighty Byzantine Empire that ruled over the eastern Mediterranean for more than a thousand years is lost centuries ago, but the city of Thessaloniki still faithfully guards some of the most characteristic remnants. Today, visitors to the city have the unique opportunity to explore the Byzantine civilization through Thessaloniki’s mediaeval masterpieces, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 15 in total.
Museums and monuments, architectural landmarks and modern art installations, open-air archeological sites, old warehouses in the Thessaloniki Port Pier, create a charming blend of history and culture, merging east and west, traditional and modern, past and present.
A visit to Thessaloniki, a journey through time!
Gastronomy
A multitude of influences enriched Thessaloniki’s cuisine during the centuries with different products and cultures, eating habits and techniques, leading to delicious results. All kinds of travelers with different gastronomy expectations will meet their expectations in Thessaloniki.
Get acquainted with the great products of the Greek land, produced around Thessaloniki and the Thermaikos gulf, by visiting the colorful open markets in the town’s center. Taste local delicacies in the typical, traditional, casual eateries, “tavernas or mezedopolia”. A great tribute is given also to fine dining and executive seafood restaurants in unique locations, 5-star hotel’s terraces, gardens and balconies by the seafront.
Modern delicatessens, small specialty shops and new age wine & cocktail bars are created intensely by very well-informed food & drink enthusiasts.
Thessaloniki, a foodie’s paradise ready to explore!
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Thessaloniki invests in human talent, including skills, leadership and entrepreneurship. The city empowers citizens and community-led projects and it hosts institutions that align education and training to career paths.
The economy of the city supports existing and prospective local economic cluster activities and zones. Alexander Innovation Zone manages the Thessaloniki Innovation Zone, a complex project that aims to attract innovative companies, to capitalize the existing dynamics in research and innovative entrepreneurship and organize a favorable environment for further internal and external growth.
Thessaloniki is home to the country’s second largest export and transit port, and the nearest European Union port to the Balkans and Black Sea zone. The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB), an international financial institution with headquarters in Thessaloniki, Greece, supports economic development and regional cooperation in the Black Sea Region.
Thessaloniki is also considered to have direct influence over the whole region of Central Macedonia, an area of an estimated 1.9 million inhabitants and has strong cultural and economic ties with its neighboring countries.
