Just wondered if anyone had visited Thessaloniki and had any comments to make. We are thinking of flying there next June, then driving to the ferry and over to Corfu. We have been told it is a brilliant city to visit but to be truthful, I know nothing about it. Any suggestions/ideas gratefully received.
Message posted by stevie f on 04 October 2011 at 6:29pm - IP Logged
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stevie f
Hi Hattie,
Try this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tALS0WZqi_Y
Sounds very nice,
Stevie.
Message posted by Thea on 04 October 2011 at 6:52pm - IP Logged
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I visited Thessaloniki this summer and was very favourably impressed. Thessaloniki is a well-organized city with an emphasis on physical fitness I haven't noticed so much in other Greek cities. There is a wide boulevard along the sea that's divided for biking and walking and both sides are well used; parts of it are being renovated but most will hopefully be done by next summer. There are many parks with statues that reflect the long and interesting history of the city from Alexander the Great to the Greek war of independence.
The city runs a bus that for a 2-euro fare takes you past most of the major monuments. An extremely enthusiastic guide describes them in Greek and English.
Salonica has many fine museums, the best of which in my opinion is the Museum of Byzantine Culture. It's a gem of a building that ranks with the new Acropolis museum in Athens and its collection spans early Christianity to the fall of Byzantium. I think its cafe is the nicest museum cafe I've ever visited.
The food is excellent and lower-priced than in either Athens or Corfu, and there are many good hotels to choose from since Salonica hosts many conventions.
I would also recommend a side trip to Vergina (about an hour away) to see the tomb of Philip of Macedon (Alexander's father) and other members of his family; the artefacts from the tombs are breathtaking. A little farther away is Dion, an ancient city at the foot of Mt. Olympus.
Should you decide not to drive, it is possible to fly between Corfu and Salonica without going through Athens. There are flights four days a week; the only disadvantage is they are very early in the morning.
I hope you do visit and am sure you will enjoy Thessaloniki.
Message posted by hattie on 07 October 2011 at 7:34pm - IP Logged
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