Thessaloniki, the Bride of the Thermaic Bay

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece with a population of around one million is one of the oldest cities in Europe and, many people in Greece think, the most beautiful large city in the country. Thessaloniki hugs the far end of the Thermaic Bay (thus, the Bride of the Thermaic Bay) and it is defined by its relationship with it.

It was founded circa 315 BC, on a site of old prehistoric settlements dating back to 2300 BC, by Cassander, King of Macedonia, and was named after his wife, Thessaloniki, sister of Alexander the Great. Since then, Thessaloniki has become the leading city of Macedonia and its most important commercial port.

Thessaloniki today is a bustling commercial city that dominates all aspects of life in northern Greece and is fast becoming a commercial and administrative center of the Balkan region.
The city is a cultural hub second only to Athens. Among the numerous noteworthy monuments are the Roman Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, the Byzantine churches, such as Saint Demetrios, Panagia Acheiropoiitos, Agia Sofia, Saint Nicholas the Orphan, the Vlatadon Monastery and dozens of others.
Large sections of the Byzantine city-walls are still standing, together with one of their main bastions, the well-known, harborside White Tower.

The city is famous for its food and its night life all over Greece. The food is heavily influenced by the culinary traditions of Asia Minor and Thessaloniki, since many of the refugees of the war of 1922, that ended the three thousand year-old Greek presence in Asia Minor ended up and settled here. Almost anyone of the hundreds of little taverns and restaurants that dot the city offers first class food at good prices.

The Highlights

Oval Aristotelous Square, with beautiful buildings and nice coffee shops lining its sides
The coastal pedestrian pier extending from the White Tower to Kalamaria
The Archeological Museum
The Ladadika district, behind the commercial harbor, at night
The mezedes restaurants, serving local specialties, around Aristotelous Square and the fish restaurants in Nea Krini and Kalamaria.
The pastry shops

We Recommend

Early breakfast at Aristotelous Square, just as the city wakes up
Strolling along the coastal pedestrian way just before dark
Having lunch at one of the mezedes restaurants anywhere in town and dinner at one of the fish restaurants in the eastern suburbs, during the weekend
Having lunch at one of the fish restaurants in the eastern suburbs and dinner at one of the mezedes restaurants anywhere in town, during weekdays
Visting the historical sites, the Byzantine churches, and the museums

Conference Venue

The Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Thessaloniki.
Holiday Inn Thessaloniki is located in the heart of the commercial and business center of Thessaloniki. It is easily accessed from every part of the city either by bus or by taxi or on foot.

How to get to Thessaloniki and to Holiday Inn Thessaloniki

By Car
Reaching the west entrance of the city by following the National Road of Athens - Thessaloniki, follow 26 Oktovriou Str., leave the Courthouse to your right and continue towards the Democracy Square. At the first traffic light that you will meet, turn left at Monastiriou street (Monastiriou street is the extension of Egnatia Street). Holiday Inn Thessaloniki is located on the right side of the road at number 8 of Monastiriou street.

By Air
"Makedonia Airport" links Thessaloniiki with most European cities. It is only 16 Km away from our hotel. You can take bus No. 78 from the airport and get off at "Democracy Square" bus stop.
"Makedonia Airport" tel: +30 231 0408411

By Rail
Thessaloniki's railway station links Thessaloniki with all Greek major cities, as well as with many European cities. It is located just 300 m away from Holiday Inn Thessaloniki.
Railway Station of Thessaloniki tel: +30 231 0517517

By coach
Coach services are operated by KTEL towards all major cities.
KTEL tel: +30 231 0516104

By Sea
There are connections by sea with most of the Greek islands and cities.
Thessaloniki Port Authority tel: +30 231 0531504

ADDRESS:
MONASTIRIOU 8
THESSALONIKI, 54629
GREECE
Telephone: +30-2310-563100
Fax: +30-2310-563101
Email: info@hithessaloniki.gr
http://www.hithessaloniki.gr/