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Embark on a unique journey in ancient Greek mythology and music, with Theodore and SEIKILO’s award-winning tour “Experience Ancient Greece”, where you will have the chance to learn, take a closer look, or even play with many ancient Greek music instruments such as the lyre of Hermes, the barbiton of Sappho, the pandura, the Cithara of the Golden Age, the Phorminx of Homer, the Tympanon of Dionysus, etc.

What’s more, a professional lyricist will perform live for you, while sharing surprisingly interesting details about Hermes, Apollo, Zeus, Plato, etc.

What they will offer You?

You will be granted access (to see, hear, hold, or even play) to more than a dozen ancient musical instruments from ancient Greece and other civilizations.

Who can Participate?

This experience is for anyone interested in ancient Greek civilization, music, and mythology! This experience can be tailored to your level of knowledge, so let us know if you are an amateur or even professional musician!

By C.Sfikas | Tourist Guide & UNESCO journalist

Thessaloniki, with the number “456” on the list, has been declared an UNESCO city for its most important churches. The extremely well-preserved city walls and Greece's most important Roman monument, the Rotunda of Galerius, is the first monument to be declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Rotunda, almost intact from time to time, adds value to the city's architectural heritage with its famous mosaics, giving us a wonderful set of early Christian art.

Two steps away, the basilicas of Achiropoietos and Agios Dimitrios represent the early Christian face of the city while Hagia Sophia, the old metropolis of Thessaloniki, introduces us to the Post-Byzantine period.

Magnificent mosaics decorate the walls, the arches of the 3 churches and the dome of Hagia Sophia. The 11^th- century Panagia Chalkeon and the palaeological temples of Agios Panteleimon, Agia Aikaterini, Metamorfosi tou Sotiros, Taxiarchon with the once dynamic Byzantine bath, Agios Nikolaos Orfanos and the most important temple of the 12 Apostles of the city in the West, create a rare set of a Byzantine city in Europe.

See and listen to how an object can “make” history in one of the largest museums in Greece and the central museum of Νorthern Greece. 

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki since its founding in 1962 operates as the metropolitan museum of Macedonia. Today the museum is a place of cultural reference and inspiration.

Even if you only have one hour available, don’t miss the chance to explore its permanent collections and immerse yourself in the world of Ancient Greece.

50,000 antiquities of various types, materials and functions, from the prehistoric to Roman times, from the wider area of Thessaloniki as well as from sites in Central Macedonia, shed light on various aspects of life in antiquity and invite you to immerse yourself in the stories that they have to tell.

Find out how ancient Macedonians lived their everyday life, what they ate, how they were dressed, how they used to travel. Discover the God’s they worshipped and how they were organized socially and politically. Take a glance at how they communicated with each other by exchanging ideas and objects. Explore the largest collection of gold wreaths in the world and the largest relief metal vessel of Classical antiquity, the famous Derveni Krater. Learn about the Derveni Papyrus, the oldest “book” in Europe (340–320 BC).

Last but not least, discover the open-air exhibitions in a beautiful public space and the permanent exhibition “Macedonia from Fragments to Pixels” with original interactive system based on ambient intelligence, which will give you the opportunity to approach antiquity in an innovative way, and also to explore digital reconstructions of ancient artefacts and travel in time and space.

On January 16, 2021 we woke up to this view ❄️ Thessaloniki covered in a white blanket of snow!

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Heptapyrgion Festival is a big celebration of Culture with music performances, theatrical narrations, poetry, that was born in Thessaloniki in 2019on the initiative of the Cultural Center of the Regional Government of Central Macedonia in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Thessaloniki. 

Heptapyrgion Festival is under the auspices of UNESCO and takes place at the inner courtyard of Heptapyrgion Fortress.

During this year's Festival that will take place from Monday 5 to Thursday 29 July 2021, 12 events, including 7 major productions, will be held.

More TBA

When everything will get back to normal, Thessaloniki will be first on your travel bucket list!

Because Thessaloniki is its people!

People with a bright smile…always optimistic…fighters!

People that never give up!

People that you ‘d love to meet!

Thessaloniki Tourism Organization presents “Next Christmas”, a production aiming to promote the message of optimism of the city, setting the tone of Thessaloniki and highlighting its strongest advantage:

Locals.

“Next Christmas”, the festive production of Thessaloniki Tourism Organization, is a cover of the classic success of Wham "Last Christmas" and it’s the greeting message that Thessaloniki sends to the whole world:

This year we all stay home so that next year we can all celebrate together!

The production took place during the restrictive measures, with all the necessary permits, observing distance and taking due precautions.

Special thanks to Mediterranean Palace Hotel for the hospitality.

by Jordan Fuller

Thessaloniki is dripping with history and surrounded by breathtaking views. If you’re looking for something to do, it won’t be hard to find activities that will stimulate the mind and give you a bit of exercise.

For the golfers, there may not be many options, but Thessaloniki’s closest course is well worth a visit for a round.

#1 Olive Grove Golf Course

Situated in the picturesque landscape of Halkidiki, with stunning panoramic views of the mountains and the Aegean Sea, is a golf course that is admired by golfers around the globe. Situated 120 km away from Thessaloniki, it’s the closest course, and the first and only golf course in Northern Greece.

The Olive Grove Golf Course was originally designed as a 9-hole course by Geoffrey Cornish and William Robinson in 1974. In 2003, Roy McRay renovated this iconic golf course which now hosts some of the world's top International Championships.

Designed to be played by golfers of every level, this short 5554-meter undulating course will offer plenty of challenges with awe-inspiring views. You’ll find the well-placed, strategic ponds and barriers will put your swing and skill to the test.

Before stepping out onto the course you can use the practice bunker , head to one of the two driving ranges to practice your swing, or even spend some time in the golf simulator .

#2 What do you need to know

Visitors are welcomed to come and play a round of golf, even if you’re not staying at the Porto Carras Resort. You’d need to take care to wear golf shoes that have soft spikes and you’d also need to make sure that you book your round of golf in advance.

You can also have a look at the website to see if they’re hosting any major PGA tournaments when you’re in Halkidiki, and this may help you to plan your round of golf or even become a spectator for a day.

You can decide if you want to play the first 9 and walk the course, taking in more of the partly wooded hills, or you can hire a golf cart and play the full 18 holes.

#3 - Things To Do When You’re Finished

Thessaloniki is filled with history, and you can still see remnants of it scattered throughout the city. You can start your day by taking a tour of the White Tower , where you can climb the spiral staircase and learn about the history of Thessaloniki.

From here, you can walk 5 kilometers to Aristotelous Square, where you have restaurants and cafes as well as themed gardens, like Alexander the Great Garden and the Garden of Sculptors, Sound, Water, and more.

It’s definitely worth going to the Rotunda of Galerius , which is one of Thessaloniki’s oldest monuments. You’ll also be fascinated by the Arch of Galerius, where you can look at the decorated battle scenes on the remaining two pillars and arch.

If you have a love for history, take a trip to Ana Polis which is the oldest part of Thessaloniki. A fire destroyed most of the city in 1917, and even today they’re still uncovering new archaeological finds.

You’ll find the Eptapirgion to be fascinating, as this is an ancient fortress and prison that has 7 towers. Take a walk through years of history!

Conclusion

Thessaloniki may not be a golfer’s paradise, but it is certainly a treasure of history and culture. Golfers shouldn’t miss playing a round on the first golf course to be built in Northern Greece - it makes for great sport and with views like that, you won’t even mind if you miss a shot or two!

Bio: Jordan Fuller is a golf enthusiast who has been fortunate enough to play at a vast range of clubs and courses, both in his home country and others during his travels. He shares his love for and knowledge of the sport at Golf Influence .

By George Palisidis | Gastronomy Expert

Thessaloniki is famous for being a destination in Greece for its cuisine. Here, food is made with heart to give joy and pleasure. Natural ingredients, delicious flavors, recipes and little secrets of taste bring people together around the big table of friends.

Colors, flavors, landscapes, sounds, history, culture; These ingredients, all mixed up, compose the gastronomical identity of Thessaloniki. Ingredients that satisfy even the most demanding visitor, revealing gastronomic experiences and delicious pleasures that are hidden in every corner of Greece’s second largest city. Grocery stores, delicatessens, farmer’s markets, restaurants, and street food places introduce visitors to the Great Food Capital of Greece.

Local Products

Thessaloniki is proud of its certified by the European Union products. Feta, manouri, batzos and kaseri (cheese) are only some of its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products. The area is also famous for the Macedonian tsipouro and the Macedonian ouzo together with the local wines produced in Epanomi, Thessaloniki and Nea Mesimvria. These products are granted with the specification of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Other products of significant production, tradition and nutritional value that we find in the area are vine leaves, vine shoots, kritamo, pickled cabbage, pickled eggplant, rice, milk, strained yogurt, sheep and goat meat, goat cheese, jams, kefalotyri, aromatic herbs, the famous Thessaloniki’s bagel, trigona from Panorama, tsoureki (Brioche) and syrupy sweets.

A culinary tour of the nearby villages

Mornings in the villages around Thessaloniki start with a traditional breakfast; bougatsa (phyllo pastry with a semolina-cream filling dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon, cheese or spinach), traditional cheese pie or perek pie (pontian pie served in Lagada, Agios Antonios and Kalamoto) and traditional yogurt made in Dorkada are some of the many options for a typical Thessalonian breakfast. An equally delicious choice is a freshly baked bread with Sochos cheese, local olives, tomato and two eggs fried with butter on the stove.

 Next stop is the local farms and wineries. In the cheese factories you will taste the most delicious strained yogurt with the velvety texture, as the pastures of Thessaloniki are rich in flora and water. At the local wineries you will have the chance to learn about the local varieties and the history of wine in the area.

The mussel farms of Chalastra, the pastures of the buffaloes at Axios river, the marinas with the fishing boats at Michaniona, Angelochori and Volvi, the forest of Chortiatis full of mushrooms, wild asparagus and herbs, the vineyards of Epanomi and the meadows in Lagadas and Vasilika,are only a few examples of unique places of alternative tourism that the city and its surroundings has to offer.

A culinary tour of the city

The city tour starts from the bougatsatzidika – the places where freshly baked bougatsa is served- and the local bakeries. Crispy buttery sheet filled with semolina cream cheese, accompanied by a chocolate milk from local farms is the ultimate tasting experience for every visitor. After a rich breakfast and a coffee frappe or freddo espresso (cold), it is time for a walk around the local food markets. 

A noisy, colorful and unique gastronomical experience: This is what Modiano Market, Vlali market (Kapani), Vatikioti Market (Athonos Square), Louloudadika, Bezesteni, the Malakopi Gallery and the Bit Bazaar is all about. Here, the atmosphere is like an open-air bazaar, with narrow alleyways that are surrounded with shops on all sides.

 Stalls full of fish and seafood, refrigerators with local meat that are slowly simmered, cold cuts that appear in the shop windows, cheese heads cut into triangles ready to be fried, salted fish and seafood in aromatic herbal oil and peppers, baskets full of seasonal fruits and vegetables, dried herbs and green olives, colors and smells will whet your appetite and at noon you will be definitely ready to go for a tavern to taste the fine local delicacies.

If you choose an ouzo or tsipouro restaurant, then do not forget to try the unique mussel pilaf, the fried mussels with mustard, the shrimp with tomato and feta sauce, the cod tails in the pan, the grilled sardines, the freshly baked tsipoura , the cabbage sarmades with ground beef and velvety egg-lemon sauce, the dolmades with vine leaves, the tirokafteri (spicy cheese sauce), the Mount Athos eggplant salad, the giant beans with oregano from Arethusa, the saganaki batzos or kefalotyri with fruit jam and the fragrant fried meatballs with sauce.

Be sure to try also soutzoukaki made with Lagada recipe, pork gyros with Peristera’s herbs, chicken gyros marinated with strained yogurt and grilled pork skewer with Mavrouda oregano.

 Don’t let the countless dining and entertainment options worry you! Take a break, walk at the promenade of Thessaloniki, choose a place to enjoy the afternoon coffee accompanied by Thessaloniki’s bun stuffed with chestnuts and chocolate coating or a delicious trigono panoramatos with rich velvety cream and prepare yourself for an evening full of greek delicacies.

The restaurants offer fine dishes with modern techniques utilizing local ingredients. Try appetizers with raw fish and seafood marinated with seasonal fruits, grilled fish fillets with garnishes of wild herbs and young vegetables of the region, beef from Central Macedonia simmered with vegetable creams and handmade pasta. Do not forget to combine your dinner with local wines from indigenous varieties such as Xinomavro (red) and Malagouzia (white). In the many cocktail bars of the city you will find signature cocktails made with local tsipouro, juices and spirits of fruits and herbs of the area.

Gastronomy Events Calendar

• September: Spinach Festival in Agia Paraskevi (Vasilika), Harvest of the Municipal Vineyard of the Municipality of Thessaloniki
• October: Honey Festival at Pedio tou Areos Park
• November: Tsipouro distillation in cauldrons, Italian Street Food, Festival at the American School of Agriculture, Mushroom Festival in Livadi
• December: Christmas Festival, Christmas vorOina, Map of Flavours
• June: Feast of the Holy Apostles in Sohos Lagadas, Zucchini Festival in Vasilika, Food for Good at Aretsou beach
• July: Sardine Festival in Nea Michaniona and Nea Krini
• August: Pic Nic Urban festival, Watermelon Festival in the village of Kastana (Chalkidona)
• Clean Monday: bean soup and pickles at Chortiatis shelter