Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) is Athens’ sister city and the second largest city in Greece. It is located in the western part of the prefecture and is built on Kedrinos Hill slopes. The city is surrounded by Seih Su (northern side) beautiful forest that is well known for its natural beauty. Sindos represents the place’s industrial district while Thermi, Panorama and the airport are founded in the western side of the prefecture. Axios, Loudias and Gallikos rivers flow in the western side of the city while Aliakmonas river flows southern. The city’s location (Makedonia – Thrace broader region), its harbor (as a natural gate towards the sea) and its natural fortification, identify Thessaloniki as a commercial, cultural and strategic city as well as a “Must Be” destination too. Thessaloniki was founded by Kassandros and its name was honored to his wife, Thessaloniki, who was Alexander the Great half sister and Philip II daughter. Her names was originated by two main words; Thessalians (Θεσσαλῶν) and Victory (Νίκη), to the memory of Thessalians’ and Macedonians’ victory against Feron (Φερών) and Fokeon (Φωκέων) tyranny (*Third Holy War). Thessaloniki acquires a lovely and beautiful city center with several cafes, small traditional restaurants, bars as well as museums, galleries and major important sites. In the east side of the city center there is the 3rd Army Corps complex while in the west side there is the Republic (Δημοκρατίας) square. Niki Avenue is a coastal road that is located in the city’s northern side. It is regarded as one of the most picturesque and beautiful places that guarantees unique city walks next to the sea. You can cross the coastal area either on feet or by bicycle and enjoy its attractive and exceptional atmosphere.

Thessaloniki historical center, is divided into the following popular corners; Ladadika, Ano Ladadika, Fragomahalas, Kapani, Diagonios, Navarinou, Rotonta, Agia Sofia, and Ippodromio . “Ote” Tower belongs to the city’s most recognizable sites. It was built by A. Athanasiadis (architect) in 1970 and was used for several years as a stand of Hellenic Telecommunications at Thessaloniki International Exhibition. The tower was renovated in 2005 while today it is used as a mobile network by Cosmote company. At the top of the tower you can visit the building’s beautiful revolving restaurant. Aristotle square and the square of ancient market are the city’s most visited places that are connected to Aristotle pedestrian road. The place’s central highways include Tsimiski, Egnatias, Nikis, Mitropoleos, Venizelou and Agiou Dimitriou. Thessaloniki acquires an excellent urban transportation network including buses, the tube, the suburban train and the cycling road (12 km in the coastal side of the city). The city is also connected to Thessaloniki “Macedonia” airport with several internal and European destinations. It also offers a maritime link with several northern Aegean and Dodecanese islands as well as the city of Volos. Thessaloniki is the country’s most important railway hub (axis line PATHEP - Patra-Athens-Thessaloniki-Eidomeni/Promahonas) since it connects Greece to the rest of Europe and Turkey. In overall, Thessaloniki is not accidentally regarded as one of the most desirable and visited destinations around Greece.