THESSALONIKI Discover Greece Differently
Agent Fam Trip Special Report
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Welcome
With Europe having a moment, but travellers still keen to discover emerging and “new” destinations, Thessaloniki offers up the unique charms of Greece paired with a destination that many clients have yet to discover. The UK market has a longstanding love affair with Greece: the warmth of its people and diversity of its culture has always drawn visitors to the islands and its capital, Athens. But Greece’s second largest city and co-capital has just as much to offer, with it’s world-class gastronomy, engaging historical sites and as the gateway to the sprawling beaches, quaint villages and bountiful nature beyond its outskirts. Travel agents are uniquely positioned as tastemakers and influencers when it comes to determining “the next big thing” in travel and helping clients decide on their upcoming holiday. Nine hand-picked travel agents travelled to the city in September to sample its cusine and culture for themselves. This guide offers insight into their itinerary and their selling tips post visit combining a vibrant city break in Thessaloniki with its countryside regions. Here’s what they discovered.
This guide is produced by Selling Travel, a division of BMI Publishing Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. © 2026.
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The Heptapyrgion (also known as Eptapyrgio), a medieval Byzantine and Ottoman fortress in Thessaloniki
DID YOU KNOW?
Alexander the Great was the king of the ancient Greek city of Macedon. Greeks are incredibly proud of their connection to the famed conquerer who established one of the largest empires in history. A statue of him riding his black stallion, Bucephalus, can be found on the waterfront near the White Tower.
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Discover Thessaloniki Travel back in time to visit ancient ruins, whet your appetite with local and international cusine and experience the buzz of the city’s cafes and bars With direct flights in just over three hours from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, Thessaloniki is highly accessible while offering a cultural experience world’s away from the UK. Its storied history, which blends the influence of both the Roman and Ottoman empires with ancient Greek civilisation, has shaped a city where monuments to the past are scattered throughout the metropolis. Meanwhile, high-end modern eateries coexist alongside traditional, family-run shops which serve up local favourites. To top it all off, a selection of standout hotels means travellers of every demographic will find a stay to suit.
with 360 degree city views, where DJs spin tracks as the sun sets. Meanwhile, smart hotel Onoma, which means “name”, has a basketball court, game room and rooftop telescope for stargazing. In-room features are controlled from an iPad and the property positions itself as a personalised experience, where custom themes can be added to rooms. Built in 1913, the Porto Palace hotel has listed building status, showcasing distinctive design features and impressive event spaces. Located away from the central areas near the new harbour, its spacious suites, which can be interconnected, are ideal for family groups.
Modern metropolis
Once visitors are settled in to their accommodation, the city calls with a varity of delectable dining options. No visit to Thessalonki is complete without sampling local treat bougatsa. The morning or midday snack consists of filo pastry filled with spinach, cheese or sweet cream. Drop into family-run Bantis, where father and son Phillipos and Marcos prepare hundreds of these moreish pastries each day. Hot off the press is the opening of Modiano, an indoor food market where traders proffer everything
From palatial suites to technology-first rooms, Thessaloniki has many top-tier hotels which leave a lasting impression. Close to the old port area, which has been reimagned to make way for buzzy restaurants and bars, Mediterranean Palace is a five-star bolthole showcasing neoclassical elegance, wooden floors and marble bathrooms. Five minutes from Aristotelous Square, Monasty Thessaloniki Autograph Collection Hotel is a modern take on luxury, featuring a rooftop pool and bar
Exterior of ON Residence
The sea view from the rooftop of Mediterranean Palace
W here to stay
Food, glorious food
SUZANA ZDRAVKOVSKA Independant Travel Advisor I’ve been to Thessaloniki many times over the past decade, but this fam trip gave me a different perspective. One of the things that impressed me the most was Thessaloniki’s gastronomy scene. Of course I knew of the traditional tavernas and the incredible food Greece is famous for, but Thessaloniki showed me another side: fine-dining restaurants, creative chefs and contemporary cuisine that takes traditional flavours and gives them a fresh, healthy and modern twist.
Onoma Hotel THESSALONIKI
Rosslyne Leigh Jorge says: “This is an incredible hotel for families travelling with teenagers or young couples who love a good vibe. Friendly staff made us feel welcome from the first thing in the morning to last thing at night.” www.onomahotel.com
Porto Palace THESSALONIKI
Laura Avis says: “Porto Palace’s larger rooms offer plenty of space for families. The event spaces have interesting architectural features, such as arches, and large guest capacities making them ideal for events such as weddings.” www.portopalace.gr
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“One of the biggest benefits of the fam trip was being able to experience the destination myself, rather than simply knowing it from a brochure.”
W here to stay
Monasty Thessaloniki Autograph Collection Hotel THESSALONIKI
Nicky Luck says: “Take the lift to the rooftop bar where you will be met by wonderful staff serving fabulous cocktails, with a view across the city. Check out the pool during the day.” www.marriott.com/monastythessaloniki-autograph-collection
The White Tower as seen from the sea from regional cheeses to signature cocktails. Reopened in September 2026 following a six-year restoration project after the original market burnt down, those walking its aisles will find a butcher, cheesemonger and a cake shop, alongside restaurants, bars, coffee shops, a brewery and even a shop selling vinyls. Today its a place where both locals come to buy groceries and tourists visit to pick up delicious souvenirs to take home. Nearby, Kapani Market is the oldest traditional market in Thessaloniki, selling olive oil, olives and other local produce. Once travellers have eaten and purchased their fill of Greek delicacies, they can eat out at one of the city’s fine dining establishments. Thessaloniki’s oceanside location means there is an abundance of fresh seafood on offer and creative chefs ready to put their culinary skills to the test with innovative and delicious dishes. The beautiful Olympos Naoussa restaurant at ON Residence is presided over by chef Dimitris Tasioulas, who has
Mediterranean Palace THESSALONIKI
Eiman Aslam says: “The hotel combines classic elegance with warm Greek hospitality. Ask about the sea view rooms for an extra special stay and make the most of the hotel’s central location for exploring the city on foot.” www.mediterranean-palace.gr
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The group enjoys sunset on the Monasty rooftop
Cheryl Burns McGuigan, Independant Travel Advisor
been recognised internationally by The Sunday Times and the New York Times for his jewel-like creations. For a special one-of-a-kind dining experience, Uma is a family-run eatery which works with diners months in advance to tailor a menu personalised to include their favourite foods and flavours. It’s designed for leisurely long lunches and dinners, where each course is paired with the perfect accompanying wine. Expect fresh, local ingredients and a typical warm Greek welcome.
Time walk
Scattered across the city, visitors will find historical evidence of both Roman and Ottoman rule. On the watefront, the White Tower is an example of Ottoman architecture built in the 15th century. Once known as the “Tower of Blood” when it became the site of executions, eventually Sultan Abdul Hamid II ordered the building to be whitewashed, giving it the name it still carries today. Thessaloniki’s metro system was recently extended, adding five new stations in August this year. Venture into Venizelou station which has been built around the ruins of a Roman main street discovered during construction. Highlights of the Old City include the Eptapyrgio fortress and UNESCO-listed sites like the Vlatadon Monastery, Church of Osios David, Byzantine Baths and Saint Catherine Church, where visitors can gain insight into Greek Orthodox Christianity.
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Postcards from Halkidiki A stone’s throw from the city, Halkidiki is a slice of serenity featuring organic farms, beaches and sleepy settlements The peninsula region of Halkidiki is known for its three distinctive “fingers” which stretch out into the Aegean Sea. Home to Blue Flag beaches, rolling farmland and quiet villages, it provides an escape from the bustle of the city.
A view from above at the majestic beach of Kavourotrypes, located in Sithonia, Halkidiki, Greece
Farm to table
A short drive from Thessaloniki takes visitors to Marianna’s, an organic agricultural farm surrounded by vineyards. However, no wine is made here – instead, Marianna’s produces 14 products from olive oil to moonshine. It’s most prolific produce is its vine leaves, which it uses to make Greek favourite dolmadakia (a rice and fresh herb mixture wrapped in the leaves). Visitors can explore the vineyards, learn about the produce and then purchase delicious souvenirs. Visiting a taverna has become synoymous with an authentic Greek gastronomic experience. Halkidiki has many of these, often family-run, establishments scattered across the region. Tavernas are considered integral to Greek cuture so expect local fare including tzatziki, Greek salads, moussaka, flatbreads and seafood dishes.
No stone left unturned
There’s more to Halkidiki than just beaches, with the opportunity to explore
DID YOU KNOW?
Petralona Cave is one of Europe’s most important archaelogical sites. Renowned for its fossils, the bones of leopards, sabretooth tigers and European jaguars have been excavated here. Most impressive of all, a human skull dating back approximately 400,000 years was found at this location.
Toasting with ouzo at Marianna’s ROSLYNNE LEIGH JORGE Independant Travel Advisor My main takeaway is don’t sell Greece as just a beach destination. I would sell it as a love story of food, history, wine, culture and beautiful coastline. You can build a really experiential holiday rather than just selling a beach resort, combining the vibrant city of Thessaloniki with beautiful Halkidiki.
fascinating archaeological history at the Petralona Cave. Travellers can wander through this cave system’s atmospheric stalagtites and stalagmites, located 300 metres above sea level. Afterwards, stroll around the traditional village of Afytos. With its cobbled streets, stone houses and views over the Toroneos Gulf, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful examples of an old settlement in Kassandra. Its shops sell a mixture of souvenirs and handmade items, while a handful of restaurants offer a warm welcome in the form of Greek cuisine or a cold beverage.
W here to stay Meravia Leonardo Limited Edition HALKIDIKI
An adults-only resort located on the Kassandra “finger” in Halkidiki, its elevated location overlooks a private white sand beach. Two pools and a spa add to the relaxed vibe. www.meravia-halkidiki.com
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Olympus Rising
Litochoro at the base of Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus and the surrounding countryside of the Pieria region, are a treasure trove of both historical and natural wonders A short drive from Thessaloniki takes visitors into the region of Pieria, most famous as the home of Mount Olympus. The highest mountain in Greece, it stretches almost 10,000 kilometres into the sky and is famed in mythology as the home of the Greek gods. Today, it is a national park and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in July 2026. Its surrounding
“From historic monasteries to beautiful vineyards, Pieria is steeped in culture, history and tradition.” Laura Avis, Independant Travel Advisor 6
environs are dotted with vineyards, villages and Roman ruins, making it a must-see stop for any history buffs, culture lovers or wine afficienados.
Vestiges of Empire
Romans ruled Thessaloniki from 168 BC until the fall of the Byzantine Empire when the city was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1430 AD. Evidence of their tenure can be seen at the Archaeological Park and Museum of Dion. The park showcases the ruins of Roman city Dion, a major religious and political centre of ancient Macedonia and the ancient Macedonian Kings, like King Fillipos II and his son Alexander the Great.
Those who walk among the ruins of this once great metropolis will see the remains of an early example of a sauna, shopping district and public latrines. There are also the remnants of several temples dedicated to various Roman deities, with a number of alters, and even the odd statue, still
DID YOU KNOW?
Visit the Monastery of Saint Dionisio in Olympus to witness its impressive collection of relics. The bones of numerous saints can be viewed alongside Orthodox garments, historical documents and an epitaph, embroidered with gold threads, which dates back to 1579.
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“Thessaloniki and the surrounding area feels like a destination that people haven’t discovered properly yet – this makes it a true hidden gem.” Eiman Aslam, Independant Travel Advisor
Agents in the chapel at the Monastery of Saint Dionisio
CHERYL BURNS MCGUIGAN Independant Travel Advisor For clients who enjoy history and culture, or who like to explore beyond the usual tourist areas, Pieria adds another dimension to a holiday. It would particularly appeal to curious travellers who enjoy combining sunshine, food and relaxation with authentic experiences and learning about the places they visit. I came away with the confidence to match different experiences to the the right client.
take a virtual climb of the mountain. Meanwhile, The Permanent Palaeontological Exhibition of the Neokesaria Mastodontas is a gem that is easy to miss. Found in Neokaisaria, it is a small community-funded project built around a major paleontological discovery made in May 2014 by local farmers who uncovered giant mastodon bones while digging for sand. The exhibition documents this discovery and includes a tusk that was discovered, alongside an artwork depicting what the surrounding areas looked liked during the time of the mastodons.
Wine country Monastery of Saint Dionisio mostly intact. One of the most evocative displays is a mosaic that has been split asunder; evidence of an earthquake long ago. Archaeologists estimate that only around 20% of the ancient city has been discovered so far. An accompanying museum houses recovered artifacts including statues, inscriptions, mosaics and everyday objects. The standout piece is a mosaic depicting the god Dionysus that was discovered completely intact and painstakingly moved piece by piece into a purpose-built building to protect it from the elements. Vistors can admire the striking design from a balcony.
Museum musings
Clients who like to while away a few hours in a museum can take the opportunity to visit the Olympus National Park Information
Ruins of Roman Odeion and Thermae in ancient Greece city Dion Center, located in the town of Litochoro at the base of Mount Olympus. For those not able or willing to visit the mountain itself on foot, the exhibition provides a bite-sized rundown of the geology, flora and fauna of the UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve. After exploring the informative exhibits, a small cinema room allows visitors allows to
Although not widely exported due to modest grape production, Greek wine is of high quality and can be sampled at a number of vineyards in the Pieria region. Kourtis Winery cultivates organic vineyards at a 300-meter altitude between Olympus and the Pieria mountains, growing Greek grapes alongside international varieties. Many wineries such as this one provide accompanying meals featuring Greek specialities and wines can also be purchased to take home.
Hotel Mediterranean Village PARALIA KATERINI
Located on the golden stretch of Pieria beach, the 176-room hotel includes
W here to stay
suites with private pools. Its restaurant serves a selection of Mediterraneaninspired dishes and a watersports centre operates during warmer months. www.mediterraneanhotels.gr
MOUNT OLYMPUS
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Thessaloniki Doirani REGION OF CENTRAL MACEDONIA
Kaimackchalan Agios Athanasios Loutra Loutrakiou
Goumenissa
Alistrati
Kilkis
Amphipolis
Pella
Edessa
Redina
Thessaloniki
Seli
Stagira Vergina
Petralona Cave Olynthus Potidaea
Dion
Mount Olympus
IONIAN ISLANDS
Flight routes
Greece ATHENS
Rhodes Santorini
Crete
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Mount Athos
Platamon Castle
Thessaloniki
Corfu
Aegean Sea
British Airways operates direct flights to Thessaloniki from both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports. During winter 2026/27, the carrier will operate two flights per week from London Heathrow until mid-November and then a daily flight in March 2027. This adds extra capacity as the route hasn’t been extended into the winter before. Nine weekly flights will run throughout the summer season (April – October 2027). From London Gatwick, Euroflyer will operate one flight a day throughout the summer season (April – October 2027).
DODECANESE ISLANDS
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