Greece
Greek history, Mediterranean climate and beaches, olives and ouzo...what is not to love?
The European founders of Democracy and the heart of Western philosophy. Why not walk the same streets as Socrates and Plato? And, if you love history and archeology, but have already been to Italy, or don't want to spend Rome's prices, then this is the place for you. I love the affordability of visiting this part of Europe. Airbnb's will cost 1/3 in Athens as compared to Rome. Ticket and food prices will be half. However, if you plan to head out to the Greek islands, like Mykonos, then the savings are gone!
Athens
It still impresses me what the Greek's accomplished millenia ago and how deep the history is. In 2021, they celebrated the 2500 year anniversary of the Greek victory over Persia in 480 BC. (Unfortunately, a war that involved the first destruction of the Parthenon.)
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki seems to have more to offer on the Byzantine Period (after the 5th Century.) Thousands of years of history, including Greek, Roman, Macedonian, Ottoman, Byzantine...all the way to the century long fight for independence...it is overwhelming.
And, Thessaloniki is right on the water, so it has the added benefit of enjoying a seaside walk right from the city center.
Athens
The largest city, the capital, and my favorite place to visit in Greece
Figuring out the favorite places to visit is a little hard here because as you walk through the center, it feels like every corner takes you back in time more than 2000 years.
But, there are a few things that shouldn't be missed.
Plus, if you are so inclined, you can get to water and beaches just 5 or 6 miles from the city center.
Parthenon
The most obvious thing to see in Athens, and the focal point of the city.
What we see today are the rebuilt remnants from the third temple built on the site between 447 and 432 BC. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, who was a virgin goddess (Parthena is virgin in Greek). In recent years, the crowds have become overwhelming, so plan accordingly., You will likely need a timed ticket to visit.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The ruins of an ancient Greek gathering place including a museum with artifacts. This area is incredibly rich in history.
Temple of Hephaestus
one of my favorites because of how complete it is today.
Hephaestus is the Greek God of metal workers.
This was built around the same time as the Parthenon.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
east of the Acropolis, a temple next to Hadrian's Arch
Roman Forum
The remains of this agora built by the Romans from 19 to 11 B.C.E. include columns and an octagonal tower.
Getting around Athens
Once you have arrived in the city cent er, you will not need public transportation. The center is so compact that you will walk everywhere. Plus, there isn't any transport in the center to speak of. However, you may want it if you go the the outer parts of the city.
From the airport, I highly recommend taking the train to the center. It is fast and only costs about $10. The airport is a 20 mile drive from the center and can easily take an hour. And, for me, I still have the memory of my worst taxi ripoff ever in this town on my first visit. Arriving late at night, being dropped blocks from my hotel and extorted for more money. That became a very expensive taxi! I don't have to worry about that with the train. The trains run until 11:00 PM, and busses from the airport run 24 hours.
Public transport consists of trains, trams and busses and is quite extensive. a single ticket in the city costs 1.20 euro in 2024, and is good for transfers in 90 minutes. You can also take trams all the way to Piraeus if you need to catch a ferry there.
Day passes here can be good deals if you plan to get outside the center. One day is 4.10, Five days is 8.10. However, they do not cover the airport.
Thessaloniki
Greece's number 2 city, and about half the size of Athens.
The advantage of Thessaloniki is that the water is closer and the crowds are smaller. But, honestly, isn't nearly as impressive (or clean) as Athens. After Marseilles France, this is most graffiti stricken place I have visited..
There are some interesting, smaller, attractions to see here. But, nothing like the grand temples of Athens.
White Tower of Thessaloniki
By the water, you can walk to the top of this Ottoman tower re-built in the 15th century.
Arch of Galerius
next to a main shopping boulevard, this arch was built in the 4th century celebrating Galerius' victory over the Persians.
Trigonion Tower
climb the hills up to this tower, an Ottoman fortification with a great view of the city.
Getting to and around Thessaloniki
From Athens, there are many options to get north to Thessaloniki. You can rent a car, and drive it in about 6 hours. You can take a train that will be about 5 1/2 hours (my choice) and will drop you off in the center of town. This is a very affordable option. And, of course, you could fly if you want. But, I don't recommend this. Even though you can probably find some pretty cheap flights, once you add the hour to the Athens airport, and the half hour from the Thessa airport, plus time inside the airports, it would be faster and cheaper to just take the train. Plus, you get to enjoy the scenery along the way on the train.
Once in Thessaloniki, there is an extensive bus system. Regular tickets may be purchased at OASTH ticket booths at 1000 points of sale throughout the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, or at ticket vending machines on-board buses. The town also runs a cultural bus (#50) that departs from the White Tower for a fifty minute tour around the main historical and cultural monuments.