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The Best Guided Tours to Take in Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki next to the white tower which once guarded the eastern end of the citys seawalls
Thessaloniki next to the white tower which once guarded the eastern end of the city's seawalls | © Aivita Arika / Shutterstock

Greece’s second city has a lot to offer visitors, including a rich food scene, a wealth of monuments and museums, a vibrant nightlife, and a relaxed atmosphere. If you don’t know where to start on your exploration of Thessaloniki, here are the top guided tours you should take.

Thessaloniki Food Tour

No one visits Thessaloniki and leaves without memories of delicious food. To make your life easier, join the Thessaloniki Food Tour. For 3.5 hours, you will explore the city’s markets and get acquainted with local produce and food. Your guide will get take you on a culinary exploration where you will get to sample fresh bread and delicious sweets. You will also have lunch in a taverna where you will taste some of the best food on offer, washed down with some tsipouro and ouzo. What are you waiting for?

Courtesy of The Excelsior Thessaloniki

Hike and Wine Day Tour in Naoussa

Forget the volcanic wine of Santorini or the rich flavors of Nemean wines; this is your chance to discover Naoussa, a city with a long wine tradition. This wine and hike tour takes you on a trek on the mountain slopes where you will wander through vineyards and taste the products of two local wineries, paired with a few delicacies. You will return to Thessaloniki with flavorful notes in your head and stomach.

Made in Thessaloniki – Shop Like a Local

If you always struggle with souvenir shopping and want to squeeze in a quick session before packing your suitcase, this tour is for you. And if you are simply interested in discovering local artisans and crafts, then keep reading. The Made in Thessaloniki tour takes you away from the typical souvenir shops and shows you where locals go. But first things first, you will start your morning with a cup of coffee, just like a Greek, and learn all about Greek coffee culture. Then, you will head to a series of shops where you can find unique souvenirs beyond the classical magnets—think local herbs, bottles of wine and ouzo or handcrafted bags exclusively made in Greece. Now that’s what we call souvenir shopping.

Courtesy of From Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Classic City Private Tour

Skip long lines and head straight to Thessaloniki’s Mighty Seven. This private tour takes you to seven important attractions in the city. From the White Tower and several Byzantine churches to the Kastro of Ano Poli and Aristotelous Square, you will get to see some of the most popular highlights in Thessaloniki with your own guide.

Museum of Byzantine Culture, Thessaloniki, Greece

Wine Tour with Tastings, Including Traditional Lunch

Wine enthusiasts, this one is just for you. This wine tour includes a visit to a nearby winery, where you will learn all about the region’s wine tradition, including the wine-making process, production and bottling, and aging. The tour will end with a tasting session of the wines produced on the premises, before heading out for lunch at a local taverna.

Mount Olympus Hiking Experience

If you have had the time to explore Thessaloniki on your own, take a break from your travel guide and head out of town for the day to the majestic Mount Olympus. The dwelling place of the 12 mythological gods, this impressive mountain is the highest in the country, with its highest peak standing at 2,918 meters (9,573 feet) above sea level. This tour takes you on a fantastic hike all the way to the summit of Mytikas, from where you will enjoy some relaxing time before heading down. A word of caution—this excursion is not for the faint-hearted.

Mount Olympus, Greece

Thessaloniki Food and Culture Tour

A real treat for foodies, this food and culture tour takes you on an exhilarating culinary adventure. You will wander the busy alleys of the food markets, sample delicacies and local liquors, taste even more food in specialized shops and tavernas, and learn about the traditions and customs that influenced the lives of locals.

Halkidiki Boat Trip – West Sithonia Sailboat Tour

This Halkidiki boat trip is your chance to discover Halkidiki, an underrated region located near Thessaloniki. Known for its spectacular beaches, quiet villages, and lavish sea resorts, it consists of three peninsulas, each with its own kind of beauty and charm. This tour takes you on a boat trip along the first two peninsulas, Sithonia and Kassandra, and by small islands off the coastline. Swim in the turquoise waters by the hidden coves of Kelyfos Island and Porto Carras; feast on some fresh fish and seafood at a local taverna, and enjoy sailing in a small yacht with your friends. #livinglavidaloca

A beach in Halkidiki

About the author

Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation), adventure seeker, professional shower singer and food enthusiast, Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved. Brussels-bred and Athens-bound, she loves traveling around the world, uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands. Want to see the world through her eyes? Find her on Instagram at @heyitsetelle

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