Aerial view of Thessaloniki's White Tower
ITINERARY

A 5-day extended city break in and around Thessaloniki

Itineraries
Thessaloniki
A 5-day extended city break in and around Thessaloniki
Updated: Jan 29, 2025
Thessaloniki’s colourful past and present becomes yours on an all-encompassing journey that extends beyond the city walls to some unexpected treasures.

A city renowned for its cultural diversity welcomes you warmly as you become acquainted with its most famous sights and tastes. You discover a world shaped by the ancient Macedonians and Romans, as well as the Venetians, Ottomans and other cultures. And you explore the surrounding area, visiting magical Vergina and going wine-tasting. You even get to experience Mt Olympus and one of its villages. 

As an itinerary that’s been road-tested by Discover Greece, we’ve included the restaurants and experience providers that supported the journey. There are, of course, plenty of alternatives out there and feel free to shorten or lengthen your stay as you wish. 
 

SHOW ROUTE ON MAP DOWNLOAD AS PDF
Start point - End point
Thessaloniki Airport
Distance
462.5 km
Means of transport
Airplane, Car, Foot
Duration
5 days
Highlights
The vibe of Thessaloniki, the waterfront, the historic center, Ano Poli, the local flavors, mount Olympus, Vergina’s Royal Tombs
DAY 1 OVERVIEW

The waterfront

26km Car, Foot 3

Your first day in Thessaloniki is dedicated to the waterfront. Strolling along the city’s southern flank is like tapping into its lifeblood. It connects many historical sights and perfectly captures the atmosphere. Best of all, your plane barely has time to land at Thessaloniki’s Makedonia Airport and, before you know it, you can be here, your city break well and truly underway. 

Book your Thessaloniki Sightseeing Half-Day Tour

Thessaloniki - Brunch

Greek breakfast or brunch

Find yourself a cafe or restaurant and fill up with energy for the day ahead. There are plenty of options around Aristotelous Square, the focal point of the waterfront. Our choice was the rooftop restaurant of Electra Palace, not just for the Mediterranean brunch but because of the sweeping view of the Thermaic Gulf. 

The itinerary starts at the iconic White Tower and ends at the castles of the Upper Town

A waterfront walking tour

From Aristotelous Square, you arrive at the White Tower (take your time in the fascinating museum) and beyond that is the statue of a horse-mounted Alexander the Great and the Umbrellas installation – both emblems of the city. Locals know best, of course, so we were shown around by dot2dot experience providers, ending the day at the Megaro Moussikis Concert Hall. 

Creativity and artistry on a plate await at Thria Restaurant (near the Concert Hall)

The gourmet dining scene

Thessaloniki’s eating options are limitless, so we’ve made sure to cover all the different styles, kicking off with an example of the city’s burgeoning gourmet dining scene. Creativity and artistry on a plate await at the legendary Olympos Naoussa, near the port, which offers creative Greek and international cuisine as well as tapas and meze, accompanied by a selection of local beers and wine.

DAY 2 OVERVIEW

The historic centre & a winery

108.5 km Car, Foot 4

There’s a full day in store as you discover more cultural highlights before heading out of town to a winery in one of the city’s original wine-producing areas. After a pit stop to talk herbs and mountain tea, you end the day back in Thessaloniki for more great food and a taste of the city’s famous nightlife. 

The UNESCO-protected Rotunda is part of the Galerian Complex of Thessaloniki

A tour of the monuments

Joining your dot2dot again, you discover more of Thessaloniki’s cultural highlights… from the Upper Town’s Venetian legacy (the Trigoniou Tower and Vlatadon Monastery) and the UNESCO-protected Church of St Dimitrios (the city’s patron saint) to the Roman’s Agora and Rotunda (and other monuments). Lunch is at Mitsos cafe by the lively Kapani food market, with grilled squid and sardines. 

Discover the open sights of Thessaloniki 

If you’re a wine-lover, there’s an extra special treat in store when you visit Thessaloniki!

The Gerovassiliou Winery

There are plenty of wineries to visit near Thessaloniki. Ktima Gerovassiliou is in the best-known grape-growing region, Epanomi, 40 minutes due south. The microclimate of mild winters and hot summers tempered by a cooling sea breeze is ideal – as the ancients and (more intensively) the Venetians discovered. There’s an on-site museum, as well as 72 hectares of vineyard with local and international varietals, as well as wine-tasting to look forward to. 

Explore the wine routes of Thessaloniki 

The aromas are very different on your next stop as you experience the heady scents of sage, lavender, verbena, thyme, peppermint and other Mediterranean sun-loving herbs at family-run Votanakia, in the village of Peristera.

An aromatic herb farm

The aromas are very different on your next stop as you experience the heady scents of sage, lavender, verbena, thyme, peppermint and other Mediterranean sun-loving herbs at family-run Votanakia, in the village of Peristera. You’ll be introduced to the therapeutic benefits of the herbs as well as a variety of delicious infusions. Don’t leave without a packet of mountain tea. 

Dinner is at Nama, in Agion Apostolon, which serves delicious modern Greek cuisine.

The modern Greek cuisine of Thessaloniki

Back to Thessaloniki and one of the neighbourhoods away from the city centre that hide some great restaurants. Dinner is at Sintrofi, behind the port, which is known for changing its menu according to seasonal ingredients sourced from small organic producers and its zero-waste philosophy. After that, you can pick one of the little bars in the neighbouring urban-cool Ano Ladadika district. You’ll understand why nightlife in Thessaloniki is an experience in itself. 

DAY 3 OVERVIEW

Urban tastes & Vergina

150 km Car, Foot 3

There’s another full day to look forward to as you enjoy two very different (but equally memorable) experiences. Firstly, a food tour exploring Thessaloniki’s extraordinary culinary heritage, followed by a visit to the region’s most iconic Macedonian landmark, the tomb of Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) in nearby Vergina.  

Enjoy innovative dishes or traditional delicates in a taverna

A gastro tour

Every day in Thessaloniki is a gastronomic treat but this morning gives food the exclusivity it deserves. Thessaloniki Urban Adventures are our guides, starting the day with a Greek coffee and discussing the city’s cultural influences (Frankish, Ottoman, Jewish, Arab, Anatolian, Pontiac…) before heading into the glass-roofed Modiano Market to taste feta, olives and loukoumia (Turkish Delight). You’ll be introduced to bougatsa (phillo pastry-wrapped, cinnamon and icing sugar-dusted custard treats) and tsoureki (a plaited, sweetened bread) and finish with a meze lunch.

Enjoy a culinary tour of Thessaloniki 

The immense armour of King Philip II, displayed in evocatively dimmed light

The Royal Tombs of Vergina

The UNESCO-protected Royal Tombs of Aigai (an hour west of Thessaloniki) are a worthy centrepiece to any holiday in the region. The 4th-century BC burial tumulus has been reconstructed to preserve the palatial tombs of Philip II and other Macedonian royalty and includes an atmospheric museum showcasing some of the most impressive finds of antiquity. The entire archaeological site will leave you with a renewed appreciation for Macedonian history.

Explore the Royal Tombs of Aigai 

Litohoro village is the starting point for day trips on the mountain

Litochoro

Your day ends in Litochoro, the closest settlement to Mt Olympus. You arrive in time for an evening stroll, admiring the local architecture and feeling of a town that is part-mountainous, part-coastal (only 15-20mins from the Pieria coastline). So the choice of dinner style is up to you… Macedonian mountain fare in town or seafood by the beach, at a taverna like Psarokokalo?

DAY 4 OVERVIEW

Mt Olympus

68 km Car, Foot 2

You spend a full day on Mt Olympus, beginning with a nature walk along the Enipeas Gorge. The afternoon is filled with the authenticity of a mountain village, where the way of life has barely changed in decades.

A beautiful introduction in the Enipeas Gorge

Hiking the Enipeas Gorge

You don’t need to reach the summit of Mt Olympus to feel its mythical energy. From Prionia (1,100m altitude), the walk along the Enipeas Gorge is utterly beautiful (2hr30min or 1hr15min without stops). You criss-cross the gorge on wooden bridges and reach the little Monastery of Agios Dionysios hidden in the forest. Before setting out, pass by the Olympus National Park Management Agency (just outside Litochoro), which has information on Olympus’ flora and fauna and weather conditions. If you contact them beforehand, they can arrange a guide so you can explore the hiking trails of Mt Olympus.

Mt Olympus 2 Days Hike

BOOK NOW

Traditional house in Palaios Panteleimonas village

Palaios Panteleimonas

Your afternoon is spent in Palaios Panteleimonas, the embodiment of Mt Olympus village life. Enjoy the Macedonian architecture, shops selling local products and a main square shaded by centuries-old plane trees. There are taverna options, like as the aptly named Olympos, with balcony views over the region or and locals enthusiastically preparing dishes with ingredients from a family-owned vegetable plot. Enjoy a glass of tsipouro (firewater) made from wild strawberry trees.

Go mythical village-hopping on Mt Olympus 

DAY 5 OVERVIEW

Thessaloniki

110km Airplane, Car, Foot 3

Returning to Thessaloniki, you either head straight to the airport or (if you have time) take the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to Greece’s second-largest city. Returning to Ano Poli, there’s a final view of the Thermaic Gulf and one or two more memories in store.

Upper town views of Thessaloniki

Ano Poli

The cobblestone streets and original architecture of the Upper Town will bring on feelings of nostalgia even before you’ve left. The alleyways here are perfect for strolling, with countless opportunities to stop and take in the distant sea view, framed by Venetian fortifications and some of Thessaloniki’s oldest houses. With many of the streets to yourself, you’ll lock in the memories. 

Tsinari district in Upper Town

A meze meal to end with

Your final meal in Thessaloniki is reserved for something timelessly traditional. There are plenty of quaint little ouzeries in Ano Poli, such as Tsinari, with just a handful of pavement tables covered by colourful tablecloths. An assortment of seafood, vegetable and meat meze will soon be spread before you, as well as a refreshing glass of ouzo or carafe of chilled local wine. Just don’t forget you’ve got a flight to catch. 

Thessalonikis' waterfront and White Tower at sunset

A long goodbye

Thessaloniki’s Makedonia Airport is your departure point. Leave time for a final whirl of the shops in the airport, looking for that memento that will bring back all the memories or a gift to share your experiences with friends and family back home. 

Road-testing the itinerary for you

In road-testing the 5-day extended city break to Thessaloniki, we invited a team of German media to live the experience for themselves. Stay tuned for their verdict.

★★★★★

“About 90 kilometers away the alpine region of Mount Olympus lies, a national park and biosphere reserve, but above all the "seat of the gods" is an attraction to climb it.”
- Gabriele Spiller for SonntagsZeitung ⇩

"But before the sun goes down, the five-kilometer long and particularly wide promenade nestles directly at the water's edge."
- Dietlind Hebestreit for Oberösterreichische Nachrichten ⇩

“Black clouds have gathered over Olympus. From the throne of Zeus a muffled rumble echoes down into the valley… In antiquity, no one would have come up with the audacious idea of paying Zeus a visit.”
- Dirk Eberz for Rhein-Zeitung Koblenz ⇩