9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Thessaloniki with the Family

The city of Thessaloniki offers travelers the opportunity to make unique memories and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here are nine reasons why Thessaloniki is perfect for families:

1. Old Meets New

Thessaloniki is a city with a great history. Its roots go back to the era of Alexander the Great. The city abounds in ancient Greek sights and mega-structures such as the Walls of Thessaloniki, which were built in the Middle Ages.

See marvelous Roman jewels like the magnificent Galerius Arch, and plenty of beautiful Ottoman-influenced architecture. The White Tower, Thessaloniki’s trademark, has stood tall since the 15th Century.

Family-friendly convenient pavements and sidewalks along the coastline offer easy access to historical sites inside the city and exploring museums or monuments is great! But Thessaloniki is a contemporary city too. It mixes history and modernity very well. Don’t miss a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

2. The sea is nearby

Thessaloniki is a seaside city. Wherever you end up around the city, you are never far from the sea. While staying in Thessaloniki you and your family will have the opportunity to take a stroll on the pier, where you can enjoy the variety of vibrant people and colors.

3. Local Sweets

Enjoy the amazing local sweets and delicacies like bougatsa, a warm, flaky phyllo pastry filled with sweet custard, topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Its creamy richness is a perfect morning indulgence. Another treat is tsoureki, a soft, braided brioche-like bread often flavored with mastiha or orange, sometimes coated with chocolate.

Locals also savor galaktoboureko, layers of phyllo soaked in syrup encasing a velvety semolina custard. Don’t miss trigona panoramatos, crispy phyllo triangles filled with decadent pastry cream. To further explore the local cuisine take a food tour in Thessaloniki with one of our food specialists! For more information contact us.

4. Dinosaur Park

A family visit to Dinosaur Park shouldn’t be missed! The park features include the Mammoth Museum, the Evolution Cave, Water Life Park, the Mammal Park, and much more. Hours of entertainment await and are a nice break for the city and the beaches!

5. Explore Halkidiki

Thessaloniki is an excellent base for exploring the Halkidiki region, famous for its natural beauty. The Atos peninsula is the home of ancient churches and the famous secluded Atos monasteries.

The other two peninsulas on Halkidiki are known for their warm shallow water and beautiful sandy beaches. These beaches of Halkidiki are a great vacation destination for families with young kids.

6. Kid-Friendly Beaches

There are several beautiful beaches located close to Thessaloniki, such as Agia Triada, Angelohori, Asporvalta, and Galaksis. Because most of these beaches are linked to shallow water zones and sandy beaches, they are a good choice for a leisurely afternoon for families with young kids.

7. Mediterranean Cosmos

Located just a few kilometers outside the city, the Mediterranean Cosmos is the biggest mall in Thessaloniki. Besides its endless retail shops, it boasts an 11-screen multiplex cinema, along with coffee-houses, restaurants, bars, a supermarket, and more.

To maximize family fun, visit the amusement park right across the mall, or the Go-Kart pit. Kids will never forget a day here!

8. Visit Vergina

If you like history, a day trip to the Archaeological site of Vergina should not be missed when in Thessaloniki kids. The Vergina Museum contains some of the most remarkable ancient tomb discoveries in history related to Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, and Alexander IV, the famous conqueror’s son.

9. Waterland Theme Park

If you happen to visit Thessaloniki during the summer and you don’t want to spend time driving to the beaches, try out Waterland! This water theme park is located on the outskirts of the city and offers multiple pools and slides. Enjoy a day of water fun with lunch and snacks near the city!