Thessaloniki, Two Hours South
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece with just over a million people in its metropolitan area, founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon and named after his wife Thessalonike, daughter of Philip II and half-sister of Alexander the Great.
From the hacienda the centre is roughly 132 km and about 135 minutes away via Bogorodica-Evzoni, and the city works two ways: as your arrival airport, or as the big-city day out later in the week.
A city with several pasts
It was the second-largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire, was taken by the Ottomans in 1430, and from the 16th to the 20th centuries was the only Jewish-majority city in Europe. Each of those pasts is still visible in the streets.
Its Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the formal way of saying that the churches alone are worth the drive.
What to do with a day
Start at the White Tower and walk the seafront, then move inland to the Rotunda, the Roman Agora and the Byzantine churches that carry the UNESCO listing. The Modiano and Kapani markets sit in the middle of it all and are the best place to eat.
Leave the evening free if you can. The waterfront restaurants are the reason many guests turn this into an overnight rather than a long day.
The border, honestly
The crossing at Bogorodica-Evzoni connects to the Greek A1 motorway and is the main route, which means it is also the busiest. Allow 20-60 minutes of queue on summer weekends, and passports for everyone.
As an airport run, Thessaloniki 'Makedonia' (SKG), 13 km southeast of the city, often has more flight options and lower fares than Skopje. It is the third-busiest airport in Greece, and we collect guests from it regularly.
Why visit
- UNESCO-listed Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments
- The White Tower, Rotunda and Roman Agora
- Modiano and Kapani markets for eating and buying
- A waterfront that justifies an overnight
- Roughly 132 km and about 135 minutes from the retreat
Good to know
Getting there
Roughly 132 km and about 135 minutes by road from Gabrovo via Bogorodica-Evzoni, plus the border queue at busy times.
When to go
Year-round, with spring and autumn ideal for walking. July and August are lively but hot on the waterfront.
Documents
Passports for every passenger, including children. North Macedonian exit and Greek entry are both checked.
Transfers
The retreat arranges airport transfers from SKG; the same road serves a city day later in the week.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thessaloniki a realistic day trip?
Which airport is easier for reaching the retreat?
What are the must-sees?
More to explore
Stay at the hacienda
Book Thessaloniki as your arrival airport or as the week's big city day. Either way, we will handle the border timing.