Thessaloniki as a Honeymoon Destination

For all the married couples out there, if you could answer with complete and utter honesty, when was THE time? When did you realize that you are no longer two people just living together under the same roof, but one single living cell with one mind, one purpose?

And no. I am not implying that when the woman says so, it is so, or that the living cell is, in essence, your wife telling you what to do and what to think – god forbid. I am just asking as I am an everyday average Joe who is in love with his partner.

There is one small issue though. Being traditional and all, I am looking forward to marrying her, and therefore, leave for our long awaited honeymoon. To all my male readers out there, the issue is NOT the marriage, but my honeymoon budget.

So, what should I do? How should I give the woman of my life the honeymoon of her dreams? It took some sleepless nights and some coffee-intoxicating days, and after thorough research, I have come up with a budget-friendly honeymoon destination.

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a thousand times. When you think of vacations, think of Greece. And a honeymoon is no exception. And here comes the town of Thessaloniki, the Greek northern gem.

Human language hasn’t invented yet words capable of describing how unique this town is, no matter the season you are visiting. The very air is full of romance and nostalgia. By the time you set foot in this city you are bombarded with feelings you didn’t know you had, and childhood memories, long forgotten. This is the magic of Thessaloniki, and the effect that it has on you.

Thessaloniki is called (among other names) as the “mother of the poor ”, for its extremely affordable accommodation and food. And the forms of entertainment and sightseeing are endless. Not to mention that the city is totally walkable, and if you feel like moving around on wheels, there are plenty of choices both with public transportation and in private. Therefore, shall we?

Church of Saint Demetrius, Thessaloniki / Fot. C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0

So, you are just married and you wake up in Thessaloniki during your honeymoon. Start your day with breakfast. If the room you are staying doesn’t provide any, there is a plethora of traditional local bakeries with handmade pies for you to try. My money goes on bougatsa and tyropita. If you skip breakfast and you decide to eat something later, say, 10 -11 a.m., there are also many brunch restaurants offering delicious and filling dishes with cold (or hot) coffee.

Now that you have your energy levels replenished and your spirits lifted, what about sightseeing? Thessaloniki has a rich history. Evidence of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman presence still remains.

Preservable churches, countless museums dedicated to different historical eras and events, ancient Greek ruins, Thessaloniki has it all! And the good thing is that they have special deals for couples in terms of tickets and tours! My top suggestions? The upper town or Ano Poli (the old town), and the White Tower of Thessaloniki. The latter has so much history that you cannot imagine.

You have been walking for the past, what, 6 hours? It’s time for lunch. For me, there is nothing more romantic than eating in a Greek traditional fish restaurant. Blue wooden chairs, wicker tables with a white paper tablecloth, ouzo and Greek fish meze, with my loved one. The whole Greek romance on a table, literally.

Restaurants in Thessaloniki have two types of surroundings. Either they are near Thermaikos gulf, so you have a view of the sea while you are eating fish, or you are in a narrow cobbled alley or small square under the shade of many trees. Either way, you are going to make the most out of your lunch. For me, top suggestions are Paraliaki for a sea view, and Ladadika, both neighborhoods, for tavernas and bistros.

Nevertheless, there are so many dining choices, from street food to local traditional restaurants, that it’s impossible to try them all.

It’s late in the afternoon. Now, it’s the time that Thessaloniki’s romance hits its peak. First thing to do is have a stroll along the promenade of Thermaikos gulf.

As you walk hand-by-hand with your partner, you see the sun descending in the horizon painting the sky with a breathtaking array of warm hues. Thermaikos’ waters is now a vast canvas of tranquil blues mirroring the sky above resulting in an ethereal blend of colors dancing on the water’s surface.

A gentle south breeze is running through your hair and spine, spiking your senses as you have the taste and smell of the salty sea water. This is a moment of serene beauty, where the time stands still, and the world holds its breath in reverence for that majestic moment. You are so happy that you had the opportunity to experience this moment with your spouse.

By the time the sun is gone, try one of the cafes and bars along the promenades. Small round tables with dimly lit candles and a single red rose in the middle. Order a bottle of wine, and place yourself against the sea. You have never been more happy than you are at this moment.

Greece, Thessaloniki, Arch of galerius