Thessaloniki always knows how to keep her hidden gems under her splendid façade, which, unlike other big cities, always has warmth, tenderness and beauty to offer. Just like its inhabitants who will welcome you with the necessary tenderness, offer you the ultimate hospitality experience and the feeling that here flavours, colours and sensations always count differently.
Every walk in the city is therefore unexpected and full of surprises. After you have refreshed yourself on the soft mattresses of the Hyatt Regency and you have already rested your eyes on the lush gardens or the waterfall with the pool, you can go for the necessary walk on the seaside promenade of Thessaloniki, the most beautiful Corniche of the Balkans, as one of its most famous prose writers Yorgos Ioannou called it: “From the White Tower, which managed to have only one tooth removed by the earthquake, begins a coastal avenue that has no equal, not only in Greece, but not even in the Mediterranean; neither that of much-lamented Smyrna, nor the Corniche of Alexandria, nor the coastal boulevards of the Côte d’Azur, can compare in comfort and length with the New Beach of Thessaloniki, which still has room for expansion and improvement,” Ioannou wrote in the “Refugee Capital”.” (Kedros Publications) insisting that “It’s very nice to walk here. To start from the Old Beach, which is narrower, but adorned with some wonderful lampposts, well, to start from the tree-lined Eleftherias Square, there in the harbour, and moving eastwards, to pass in front of old, damaged, but always beautiful buildings, inseparably tied to the fabric of this city”.
And this is the one walk that, no matter how many times you take it, the more beautiful it looks. Especially in winter, the melancholic gloom – along with the atmospheric fog that envelops the entire city and which Theo Angelopoulos made famous all over the world – gives an even more fictional dimension to the city, which is even more beautiful on those days when it puts on its festive attire and every corner and every area is decorated and full of various events.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
13th km Thessaloniki Peraia (tel: +30 2310 401234)
From the airport to the festive atmosphere of the Hyatt Regency is just 10 minutes! The first impression of Thessaloniki is fresh, festive and keeps the travel excitement alive. The decoration of the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki is one of the most glamorous festive experiences in the city of Thessaloniki every year – a setting that appeals to all the senses and marks the beginning of the festivities for a hotel that knows how to enjoy Christmas and New Year’s in the most spectacular way. The decoration was curated by the interior designer Dimitris Brazas.
The next picture is the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki hotel room. Our room overlooked the garden. You are in Thessaloniki, but you are also in Nature. The king-size bed is exactly what you dream of, just what you need to relax, as a kind of self-reward after a busy and challenging year. As for the bathroom in the room? Looks like we have our own private state-of-the-art spa. The comfort offered by the Hyatt Regency makes it a targeted choice for those who don’t want to settle for tiny rooms in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Asterocosmos – Ice-Skating rings
On the premises of HELEXPO
New York may have its famous ice rink in Rockefeller, but Thessaloniki has its own in Asterocosmos, the Christmas village that is set up during the holidays at the TIF premises and boasts everything you might expect from a Christmas family outing: Santa’s house and train, as well as the elves’ post office, all of which are ready to welcome people of all ages, young and old.
Ouzou Melathron
21, Karipi Street (tel: +30 2310 275016)
This is perhaps the place where first emerged and established itself the concept “ouzeri – mezedopoleio” (ouzo and meze tavern), which is closely intertwined with the gastronomic scene of Thessaloniki, linking the cuisine of Constantinople with Greek delicacies, ouzo and its philosophy, and with the most unheard-of humorous setting. Apart from its hearty and extremely tasty dishes – here one can enjoy fine meze and delicious tagliata – the important thing is that “Ouzou Melathron” is housed in one of the most beautiful, historic and emblematic arcades of the city, the Hermion Stoa. Because in Thessaloniki, as in Benjamin’s book “The Arcades Project”, arcades exist for a reason and are a point of reference, shaping entire worlds.
Vergina Theatro
Two enterprising performers share the stage of Vergina Theatro, a spectacular show featuring beloved Greek songs by performer Melina Aslanidou and the caustic humour of actress Sofia Moutidou.
Friday 17 December (until 8 January), 22:00
12th km Thessaloniki – Airport, next to Regency Casino Thessaloniki (tel: +30 2310 491291), www.verginatheatro.gr
Vergina Theatre keeps making a difference with its wonderful live performances in one of the most sophisticated venues in Greece. A fiery collaboration was recently announced: two passionate women meet on stage, combining live performance with music, humour with melodies. Performer Melina Aslanidou and actress Sofia Moutidou join forces and present an unforgettable performance on the stage of “Vergina Theatro”, in Thessaloniki. For a few nights only, this is a highly enjoyable and contemporary performance inspired by the current affairs not to be missed.
Regency Casino Thessaloniki
12th km National Road, EO Thessaloniki Airport, Thessaloniki
The 25th anniversary of the most exciting Greek casino is celebrated this year with a succession of events. The experience of gambling in a spectacular venue that thrills adults of all generations is now combined with a draw for an electric scooter every day until 22 December. This month in particular is the most glamorous time to experience the Regency Casino, as there are so many surprises every day that turn it into a place of constant fun and entertainment. And all those who claim that the Casino is, in all responsibility, the Disneyland of the grown-ups, will be justified once they arrive at the decorated building boasting hundreds of games, where of course all security measures against Covid-19 are taken.
The legendary Dore Zythos
7, Tsirogianni Street, White Tower, (tel: +30 2310 275016)
No matter how many years go by, all of us cinephiles and Thessaloniki lovers in general will never stop meeting at Dore Zythos, especially in the first one to ever open, right next to the White Tower (later, another one opened in Ladadika) to exchange views while enjoying some of the countless beers on the menu and feasting on Dore’s tender and juicy burgers. From Aliki Vougiouklaki and Jenny Karezi to Mikis Theodorakis, Rita Hayworth, Sylvie Vartan and Raffaella Carrà, everyone has sat at the legendary tables of Dore Zythos, in its beautiful high-ceilinged hall adorned with lovely ornate tiles. Dore Zythos remains a lovely refuge for those who stick to the classic side of Thessaloniki and therefore have every reason to wish to keep it alive. Writer Sakis Serefas in “Travelogue Thessaloniki” (original title: “Οδοιπορικό Θεσσαλονίκης”) devotes a whole chapter to Dore Zythos, talking about “an eighteen-year-old refugee girl from Smyrna who worked there as a waitress ninety years ago” and about “the owner’s wrinkled bulldogs, which rolled on the velvet sofas all their lives”. A must.
Estrella
48, Pavlou Mela Street, Thessaloniki, tel: +30 2310 272045
Closely intertwined with Thessaloniki’s coolness, Estrella has become synonymous with the ever-evolving nature of the city, while giving new meaning to casual dining. Precisely because it is the place that imposed the brunch culture on the city, eggs are a big part of the menu here, as they are cooked every which way and accompany Estrella’s delicious burgers. The signature dish, however, is the famous bougatsan, while the pancakes are much better than those served in American diners.
The fascinating world of Beetroot
1, Paikou Street, tel: +30 2310 801409
The internationally renowned and award-winning graphic design team Beetroot certainly needs no introduction: its trademark “monsters” are now famous and loved as far away as New York. Beetroot now has offices in both Athens and London. The team’s heart, however, belongs to Thessaloniki, where it all started and where Beetroot is still based. Recently, “The Beetroot Universe”, as the members of the famous team call it, restored and remodelled one of the many beautiful buildings of the area of Fragomahalas-Valaoritou at the junction of Valaoritou and Syngrou streets, known as “Ismail Pasha Khani”. In the old days the latter used to operate as an inn. Now it houses the new offices of the highly creative team. This building not only houses Beetroot’s offices, but also shops, as the redevelopment of this impressive edifice, which occupies an entire city block, aims to breathe new life into the already growing area.
Maitr & Margarita
2, Veroias Street, tel: +30 2314 007586
Inspired Mikhail Bulgakov’s famous book, the restaurant has now established itself in the minds of the people of Thessaloniki as one of the best in the city – and not without reason. Since opening in 2015 it has been serving the same excellent dishes with boldness and finesse and boasts an excellent wine list of 80 labels. Here you will enjoy excellent ceviche and generally delicious dishes with the signature of chef Socrates Beligiannis.
MOMus
Museum of Contemporary Art – Collections of the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the State Museum of Contemporary Art, www.momus.gr (tel: +30 2310 589141)
For years Hercules Papaioannou has been making sure that Thessaloniki Photobienalle takes place in the co-capital. This year Thessaloniki Photobienalle is held in collaboration with the Momus Museum of Modern Art of Thessaloniki and with the support of the Goethe Institute with five different photography exhibitions.
Babis Papadopoulos for a unique live performance at the “giapi bar”
Thursday 16 December, 21:00
1, Catholicon Street, Valaoritou, tel: +30 2310 539603
The guitarist of the legendary Greek band “Trypes”, Babis Papadopoulos, one of the best Greek musicians of his generation, has also been distinguished for his excellent personal projects. He will perform a unique Electric Solo at one of the most beautiful, youthful venues of the city, the “giapi bar”. If you want to see where young and alternative Thessaloniki hangs out, this is definitely the ideal opportunity.
A walk in Karabournaki
In Karabournaki or Mikro Emvolo, as it is called this beautiful cape in Kalamaria, lies one of the most impressive excavation sites in the city, where ancient Thermi and its port once stood. In recent years and especially during the quarantine days, the people of Thessaloniki started visiting the area again for a walk. It is worth walking from Aretsou to the Concert Hall. The chapel here, which looks like it is sinking into the sea, is very impressive.
