From the ancient Greek Symposium to the meetings and events of present day, people convene to exchange ideas and goods, and they transform the world as they do so…
At the crossroads of East and West, the city of Thessaloniki has been witnessing these transformations for millennia as a proud host of great people and historic events. Today, the capital of the region of Central Macedonia is a significant business hub for Southeast Europe and a remarkable place to visit. The city and its 1 million inhabitants are renowned for their hospitality and easy-going lifestyle. It takes a walk on the “paralia” -the longest urban waterfront in Europe- to relax and feel the charm of this unique Greek city.
It takes a few hours in the city centre to turn a stroll into time travel: from Alexander the Great and Aristotle the philosopher, to the inventive Romans or the pious Byzantines through to the lofty Ottomans and the cosmopolitan contemporary Greeks. It takes less than a two-hour drive to the divine Mt Olympos for a climb or to the emerald waters of Halkidiki for a swim; add an hour or two to your day trip and visit Vergina, Pella and Dion to admire the grandeur of the Kingdom of the Macedons.
Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in Greece and a regional business hub and shopping centre with an active commercial port, a significant local industrial activity, and the largest academic and research community in the country. It has rightfully been a European Cultural and Youth Capital: besides the excellent museums and historic buildings, the city is a big stage for creative young people who enjoy all aspects of life.
The city is easy to explore. You can go anywhere in about 30 minutes. A modern International airport is just 15 km to the east, a railway station is in walking distance from the city centre, buses and taxis are trustworthy and inexpensive -everything in Thessaloniki puts you at ease. The climate is no exception: typically Mediterranean with warm-to-hot summers, mild winters and an annual average of 300 days of sunshine.
