A first impression of Thessaloniki, Greece – Travel Photo Mondays

The second largest city and metropolitan center of Greece, Thessaloniki always seems to be off the radar to most visitors to Greece who prefer a quick exit to the islands. For those looking to explore the mainland, Thessaloniki offers a variety of exciting ancient wonders, a very sophisticated and food focused center, Unesco World Heritage sites and yes, even stunning beaches along coastal areas just outside and other cool day trips from Thessaloniki on your fun Greek Adventure.

On group tour with a few travel bloggers, I was able to experience these wonderful landmarks, cultural experiences and amazing cuisine.Ā  This first impression of Thessaloniki will give you a quick highlight tour and I’ll be posting more in-depth places that peaked my interest and made the visit to this ancient capital in Greece a fantastic foray into the eastern-most region of Greece. You’ll find that the food scene here in Thessaloniki is amazing with so many exciting foods to eat in Greece. This food city has inspired so many tributes, stories and even quotes about Greece and this foodie destination.

The white tower at the Thessaloniki bay front

The white tower at the Thessaloniki bay front

Ā 

Here are some ofĀ Thessaloniki highlights:

The Arch of Galerius at Thessaloniki, Greece

The Arch of Galerius at Thessaloniki, Greece

A large roman arch known as Kamara lies at the main artery crossing the east and west side and linking to many of the ancient roman ruins of the city including the Rotunda andĀ agora. The historic district also has many other ancient buildings and ruins from manyĀ different kingdoms that ruled in succession including Byzantine and Ottoman empires who left these amazing and well-preserved monuments.

Thessaloniki roman agora

Thessaloniki roman agora

Thessaloniki’s historical district is filled with Byzantine churches that are a part of the Unesco World Heritage sites that have designated the fifteen churches as historic treasures.Ā  Next to the roman agora is one of the jewels, the Panagia Chalkeon built in 1208 on the site of an ancient temple of Hephaestus which was later changed into a mosque with the Ottoman rule of Thessaloniki.

The Panagia Chalkeon in Thessaloniki

The Panagia Chalkeon in Thessaloniki

Known as a capital of specialty food and amazing cuisine, Thessaloniki has been at the crossroads of Eastern and Western culture and foods. The city boasts many outdoor and specialty markets throughout the city and outlying areas. The most popular is centrally located and is the central food located just off Aristotele Square and Venizelou street. It’s easy eating your way through Thessaloniki,Ā  you will find everything thing here from Specialty local products, product, meat and fish, along with a variety of everyday utilitarian itemsĀ  foods and cheap eateries. I tried this popular Greek pasta dish below called Patitsio which was delicious. You can check out the Nomadic Boys travel blog for their traditional Patitsio recipeĀ Ā if you want to try making this wonderful and relatively easy dish.

Greek Patitsio - a traditional pasta dish in Greece

Greek Patitsio – a traditional pasta dish in Greece -photo Ā credit ‘ The Nomadic Boys’

Thessaloniki central food market

Thessaloniki central food market

The Thessaloniki bay front is revitalized and modern

'Umbrellas' sculpture of Thessaloniki along the bay front

‘Umbrellas’ sculpture of Thessaloniki along the bay front

The renovated bay front of Thessaloniki is a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The long promenade is a wonderful spot for walking along with many other recreational activities with gorgeous views of the bay. Early afternoon to evenings are a great time to visit and catch a spectacular sunset view.

Sunset at the Thessaloniki bay front

Sunset at the Thessaloniki bay front

Located on the northern fringe of the Thermaic Gulf which is a gulf of the Aegean Sea, the sunsets are stunning here, don’t you agree?

Fishing along the bay front in Thessaloniki

Fishing along the bay front in Thessaloniki

There is so much to see and explore in Thessaloniki so please stay tuned to further posts on this historic and beautiful city on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea. Thanks for visiting today and getting a first impression of Thessaloniki, Greece for Travel Photo Mondays. Please do visit the other bloggers below participating for todays link up.

Thank you hosting me on this tour of Thessaloniki with the tourism office of Thessaloniki, all opinions and thoughts are my own and I enjoyed visiting this ancient city and region.

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