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Flights to Thessaloniki: Holiday travel guide
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Thessaloniki is a bustling city in mainland Greece, with plenty to offer British holidaymakers. If you have never visited the country or only travelled to the Greek islands for holidays before, you'll notice it has a different feel. Thessaloniki has become a big tourist destination with plenty of accommodation options. Find out more about the range of Thessaloniki hotels and what you can expect when holidaying in the city.
Thessaloniki's major tourist attractions
As a city destination, Thessaloniki is somewhat different to Greece's many resort towns. It makes up for this with plenty for visitors to see and do, however. Among the most popular tourist sights is the city's famous White Tower. It has become a landmark of Thessaloniki, standing on the waterfront and offering panoramic views. It also contains exhibits that help contextualise the history of the city.
The impressive Church of Agios Dimitrios is another must-see building for any visit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as being the city's largest place of worship, it is known for its crypt and beautiful mosaics. Elsewhere, the Rotunda and Arch of Galerius offer insights into the city from Ancient Roman times. These monuments showcase impressive mosaics that are millennia old.
Head to Aristotelous Square if you are looking for a lively part of the city. It is lined with cafes, restaurants and tavernas. For culture, Thessaloniki Concert Hall (Megaron Moussikis Thessalonikis) is the best place. It offers a varied programme covering everything from opera to jazz.
The suitability of Thessaloniki for family holidays
In the height of summer, Thessaloniki can get very hot. This may mean those with very young children, pre-schoolers perhaps, may find it too uncomfortable. In addition, Thessaloniki has little by way of a beachfront. However, you can take a ferry ride to nearby beaches, such as Perea or Agia Triada. If this strikes your family as a fun activity for a beach day, then it shouldn't be seen as a negative.
What's more, Thessaloniki has plenty to offer children as well as adult visitors. NOESIS, otherwise known as the Thessaloniki Science Centre and Technology Museum, is great for kids of all ages. It is a hands-on, interactive kind of place. Its integrated planetarium is particularly noteworthy.
Boat and ferry rides are usually a big hit with those on a family holiday, too. They're relatively inexpensive and reliably run. For those with older children, check out Magic Park. It is Thessaloniki's largest amusement park with gentle rides and some thrilling rollercoasters as well.
Where can you board Thessaloniki flights in the UK?
Unlike some Greek resorts, direct flights to Thessaloniki from the UK run all year round. Round-trip flights to Thessaloniki from London depart from Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW). You can also fly from Manchester (MAN) and Birmingham (BHX) if that is more convenient. Direct flights to Thessaloniki also depart from other airports in the high summer season. Look for operators running services from Newcastle (NCL), Glasgow (GLA), Bournemouth (BOH) and Leeds Bradford (LBA), among others.
Flights to Thessaloniki touch down at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), which is also known as Makedonia. Bus Route X1 connects the airport to the city centre, and it runs around the clock. It takes about 45 minutes. If you want to get to Thessaloniki's bus interchange, then take the 78 service. It takes a little longer but is just as cheap.
What to expect from Thessaloniki hotels
Unlike some resorts, where the accommodation can be very standard, Thessaloniki has a range of options. Boutique Thessaloniki hotels tend to be popular with couples. Three-star hotels are often quite adequate for families, and these sometimes offer interconnecting rooms. If you are looking for a luxury stay, then the city's five-star establishments tend to be clustered around Aristotelous Square.
Wi-Fi is common in city hotels, and most reception staff will be able to speak English. Generally speaking, Thessaloniki hotels are well-run. You can also get different board options to suit all types of Thessaloniki holidays. Breakfast buffets tend to include local cheeses, yoghurt and bougatsa, a type of pastry.
Tips for booking cheap flights to Thessaloniki
There are some budget airlines that operate flights to Thessaloniki from the UK. If you want book your flights and accommodation separately, then you can. Doing so in advance is advisable unless you want to travel during the low season of winter. If you split flights and hotels rather than booking a package deal, then you'll need to arrange a transfer. This is cheap by bus, but not if you land at the other airports that serve the city. Kavala International Airport (KVA) is 105 miles away, and Volos Airport is even further.
If you want to keep flight costs down, then share a suitcase for checked-in luggage. Consider flying midweek. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are often cheaper for flights to Thessaloniki from London and other UK cities. Finally, seek out some last-minute deals for flights to Thessaloniki. They typically come up within 48 hours of the planned departure.
FAQS about Thessaloniki holidays
Q: What is the best season to visit Thessaloniki?
A: Winter (the low season) is the best season to book Thessaloniki hotels because they're the cheapest at this time. The best weather typically occurs in late spring, from May to early June. In the height of summer, it can get too hot for some. What's more, Thessaloniki holidays tend to go up in price as soon as the UK school holidays start in July.
Q: Which area of Thessaloniki is best to stay in?
A: The Ladadika district of Thessaloniki is a good choice for a foodie holiday or if you want to enjoy vibrant nightlife. Ano Poli, the upper town, is quieter and full of traditional Greek charm. Aristotelous Square is near the city centre, and this area is ideal if you want convenient access to amenities.
Q: How many days is enough for Thessaloniki?
A: Many tourists find that three or four days is enough to explore the city, but you could get by on a weekend break at a push. A week is quite adequate, and it would enable some day trips out of Thessaloniki to visit the nearby beaches.
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