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August 15th, the day of Panagia (the Mother of God), is the biggest holiday in all of Greece. Nothing is open on the day of Panagia.
Paska (Easter), a Sunday usually in April or May, depending on the year's Orthodox calendar. This is the second largest holiday in Greece. Cities shut down completely on Paska.
There are numerous other festivals, fairs, and conventions held in Thessaloniki throughout the year. To see a list of those held in 2005, see the Saloniki Web site.
How to get there
By air
Thessaloniki boasts an international airport, though flight volume is relatively low. Flights from Athens on Aegean Airlines or Olympic Airlines are quick and, if booked far enough in advance, inexpensive (Aegean's cheapest one-way fare between Athens and Thessaloniki is €19). Two of EuroCheapo's favorite European budget air carriers, Air Berlin and Germanwings, fly between Thessaloniki and various German airports.
By train
Trains remain the least expensive way to travel throughout Greece. One-way tickets from Athens on the slow 5 1/2 hour train can cost as little as €15, round-trip tickets as little as €24. Travel on the fast 3 1/2 hour train between Athens and Thessaloniki will set you back €35 one way and €64 for a return journey. Trains also connect Thessaloniki with numerous other cities both within and outside of Greece. International destinations that can be reached directly or with a single train change include Budapest, Istanbul, and Sofia.
By bus
Buses take six to seven hours to reach Thessaloniki from Athens. A one-way journey costs around €33.
By ferry
Ferries connect Thessaloniki with the Cycladic islands, Athens, Mitilini, and Rhodes, among other popular Greek destinations. Ferry rides can be a relaxing and scenically spectacular mode of transportation in Greece. Avoid taking a ferry between October and April if you suffer from motion sickness.
Getting into town
From the airport, take bus #78. Amazingly, the ticket price for this bus is the same as for any other city bus: only €.50.
From the main train station, take bus #3 if you are going to the beach, #10 or #14 if you are headed for the city center.
From the main (western) bus station (all buses from the eastern bus station go to Halkidiki), take bus #8 or 31 to reach the city center.
From the port, which is on the periphery of the city center, you can easily walk wherever you are going. If you are loaded down with luggage, hop on bus #3 to take you through the city center.
Getting around town
Walk It! Thessaloniki is a very walkable city, and exploring by foot will provide opportunities to check out below ground-level Byzantine churches, shops, bakeries, tavernas, markets, and cafes that might otherwise be missed. If you are energetic and physically able, slip on some good supportive walking shoes and hoof it.
The public city buses are well-organized, run frequently, and are inexpensive at €.50 per ride. Make sure to validate your ticket on the bus. If an inspector boards the bus and finds that your ticket is not validated, you will be fined. Bus tickets are sold at peripteros, or kiosks, which dot the streets. You can buy your ticket for €.60 on the bus. The signs at every bus stop outline each bus route clearly and in great detail.
EuroCheapo's Mini-Guide to Thessaloniki
Introduction to Thessaloniki
Five Things Not to Miss
Five Cheap Hotels in Thessaloniki
Five Restaurants and Activities
Toolbox: Getting There, Getting Around, Event Calendar, More
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