A popular tourist destination that combines urban lifestyle and rural beauty, Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, and the capital of the geographic region of Macedonia. With over 1 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, the city might sound hectic, but this couldn't be further from the truth. A more calm and relaxed rhythm of life flows through the streets of the Greek "co-capital", which gives it a unique flavor. The city is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general, and is considered to be Greece's cultural capital. Events such as the International Fair and the International Film Festival are held annually, while Thessaloniki also hosts the largest bi-annual meeting of the Greek diaspora. Among street photographers, the center of Thessaloniki is also considered the most popular destination for street photography in Greece.
The city is large enough to be able to provide activities for every taste, with shopping centers, museums and archaeological sites only a breath away. In addition, its central position in the north of Greece, makes it an ideal starting point for day-long excursions to different cities of the region. From the waterfalls and thermal baths of Edessa, to the incredible beaches of Chalkidiki and even the church-owned peninsula of Mount Athos, Thessaloniki can serve as the beginning of a diverse Greek vacation. Some of the most prominent sites within city limits include the commanding presence of the White Tower which serves as the symbol of the city and offers a panoramic view from its highest level, the waterfront public square of Aristotelous and the Arch of Galerius, a monumental Roman structure constructed on the 4th century AD.
Visiting Thessaloniki is not seasonal, as its geographical position gives it cooler weather compared to the rest of Greece, all year round. The city hosts the International Airport "Macedonia" with numerous connections from different countries and continents.
