September could well be the best month to visit Thessaloniki. The northern Greek city’s weather is still fine enough to enjoy the beach, while entertainment, culture and gastronomy options are available in abundance. The Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), an annual September event, scheduled for September 10 to 18 this year, will offer a series of concerts of various styles. In addition, the relaunch of a significant city landmark, the Modiano food market, is now imminent.
The Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki always represents a luxury choice for Thessaloniki stays. Its comfortable rooms, finely kept interior spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as large lush gardens, are just some of the reasons that make the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki an ideal place for relaxation.
In addition, the Hyatt’s Ambrosia restaurant, whose menu is supervised by executive chef Apostolos Altanis, offering traditional Greek cuisine with a creative twist, is an ideal proposal for fulfilling culinary experiences. As a principle, this chef is devoted to using seasonal ingredients and maintaining supply agreements with local producers.
City for all tastes
Thessaloniki is the kind of city that offers something new every time you visit. This September, we recommend visits to the city’s impressive museums, hosting magnificent artefacts, such as the Derveni Krater, on show at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, and the mosaics at the Museum of Byzantine Culture, whose building is just as impressive as the items it exhibits.
A night out at Thessaloniki’s Ano Poli and Ladadika districts, or a stroll along the beach, especially before sunset, are essential experiences for all visitors, even if in the city for a brief stay.
TIF concerts featuring star acts
As is the case every year, TIF officials have prepared a rich concert agenda for this year’s Thessaloniki International Fair, at its grounds. A show by popular Greek act Paola, scheduled for September 11, will get the TIF concert series under way. Greek singer Vassilis Lekkas, renowned for quality work over many years, will perform on September 12, followed by Greek pop star Giorgos Mazonakis on September 13.
The ensuing two-day period, September 14 and 15, will feature events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Asia Minor catastrophe, which led to an influx of ethnic Greek refugees. The two-day tribute’s musical side will feature the Tsahouridis brothers, to perform, on day one, a show dedicated to the refugees from the Pontus and Asia Minor regions. Perennial star Giorgos Dalaras, joined by Estoudiantina, an ensemble focused on preserving the country’s musical influences from the East, will perform on September 15.
TIF’s concert series continues September 16 with popular Greek duo Kings, comprising Demy and Dimos Anastasiadis, followed by singer-songwriter Giorgos Sabanis on September 17 and, for the concert series’ finale, on the final day of the Thessaloniki International Fair, two star Greek singers, the long-serving Vassilis Karas and Katerina Lioliou, both based in Thessaloniki.
Modiano market
Thessaloniki’s sheltered food market began being constructed in 1922, designed by the architect Eli Modiano, a prominent member of Thessaloniki’s Jewish community. In 1983, it was listed as a heritage monument. Revamp work on the rundown market commenced in 2019. Work has been completed and the place will soon reopen as a modern food market, its traditional character, style and charm preserved. Besides food shops, the market will also host traditional-type tavernas, restaurants and bars. The market space opens September 1 for entrepreneurs to prepare their ventures ahead of the relaunch, planned for approximately October 20.
Stylish entertainment
In a city that is renowned for its nightlife entertainment, Regency Casino Thessaloniki is a standout attraction of impressive character and stylish décor offering draws for cash prizes and major presents, as well as numerous surprises. It also features Ian’s Bar, serving classic and innovative cocktails, all prepared to perfection, and La Terrasse restaurant. The Regency Casino Thessaloniki is the type of place you can visit simply to explore, out of curiosity, before ending up having an incredible night.
Kipos, restaurant and bar with an amazing garden
A trip to Thessaloniki is not complete without a fine dining experience. Kipos, a restaurant and bar at the garden space of the Regency Casino Thessaloniki, guarantees an exquisite dining experience at its superb lush setting. So, too, does the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki’s restaurant, Ambrosia, whose menu is curated by Apostolos Altanis, an appointment guaranteeing quality of tastes and flavours emerging from the restaurant’s wood-fired oven and grill. Having a drink at the Kipos bar while taking in its special atmosphere and enjoying the live music on offer is also highly recommended.
Cinema by the pool
The country’s open-air cinemas, a key attraction for locals and visitors, start closing down during September, when weather conditions are no longer stable enough to host outdoor screenings. There are still more films to come, before the end of the season, for the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki’s summer-long, weekly series, Cinema by the pool, offering international films of quality and entertainment every Wednesday. On August 31, the series presents the heist comedy “How to Steal a Million”, starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole. It is followed, on September 7, by “Serpico”, the crime drama by Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino. The film’s superb score was composed by Mikis Theodorakis. The admission fee includes a combination of five comfort foods for filmgoers, offering a perfect touch to the night out.
Of course, there is not enough time to do everything you would like during one trip to Thessaloniki. We’ll sign off with a few recommendations for your next visit: Stroll at the Kalamaria beach area, hosting the Kyverneio (Government House), a large neoclassical mansion; visit one of the city’s fine book shops; see the Louloudadika district, hosting the Yahudi Hamam, five centuries old, on Vassileos Irakleiou St, next to the Modiano market; walk at the Kouri forest in Asvestohori; and enjoy cycling along the city’s main bicycle lane.
Finally, having chosen to once again stay at the beloved Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki, offer yourself a wellness gift and select one of Harmonia Spa programmes on offer.
Love Thess: Way-of-life hotel in Thessaloniki
7 great haute cuisine restaurants in Santorini
Stavros: Cretan double beach with turquoise waters, old Venetian quarry
