Thessaloniki
A vibrant northern Greek city rich in history and culture.
Why Thessaloniki?
Less visited by international tourists than Athens, Thessaloniki offers a more intimate, authentic and in many ways more personally engaging experience of Greek culture, history and hospitality. Founded in 315 BC and shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish influences over more than two millennia, Thessaloniki is a city of extraordinary historical depth and cultural complexity. For education professionals, Thessaloniki offers a genuinely distinctive destination. The city is home to one of the largest universities in Greece and has a strong academic and intellectual culture. Its Byzantine churches and monuments, its vibrant food and social scene, its long waterfront promenade and its warm, welcoming atmosphere make it one of the most enjoyable and enriching destinations in our network.
Thessaloniki rewards those who discover it. Its combination of deep history, genuine warmth, outstanding food and a relaxed, hospitable atmosphere makes it one of the hidden gems of our network, and participants who visit consistently wish they had more time.
Why Train in Thessaloniki?
A City of Extraordinary Historical Depth
Two thousand years of history are layered into the streets, monuments and museums of Thessaloniki. From the Roman Arch of Galerius to the Byzantine White Tower and the remarkable collection of Byzantine churches, the city offers an immersive encounter with the full sweep of European historical experience.
Greece's Academic Capital
Thessaloniki is home to Aristotle University, one of the largest universities in Greece and the Balkans. The city has a strong academic and intellectual culture, and a vibrant student population that gives it an energy and openness that education professionals find immediately engaging.
Outstanding Food Culture
Thessaloniki is widely regarded as the food capital of Greece. Its culinary tradition, shaped by its multicultural history, is extraordinarily rich and diverse, and the city's restaurants, markets and street food scene are among the finest in our network.
Getting to Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) is served by direct flights from most major European cities. The airport is approximately 15 kilometres from the city centre and easily reached by taxi or bus. Thessaloniki is also well connected by rail and road to Athens and other Greek cities.
Cultural Highlights
A selection of the experiences that make Thessaloniki such a memorable destination for our participants.
The White Tower and the Waterfront
The White Tower, Thessaloniki's iconic Byzantine and Ottoman monument, stands at the edge of a magnificent waterfront promenade that stretches for kilometres along the Thermaic Gulf. An evening walk along the waterfront, with the sun setting over the water and the city coming to life around you, is among the most pleasant experiences in our entire programme.
The Byzantine Churches and Monuments
Thessaloniki's UNESCO-listed Early Christian and Byzantine monuments, including the magnificent Rotunda, the Church of Hagios Dimitrios and the Walls of Thessaloniki, represent one of the finest concentrations of Byzantine architecture and art in the world.
The Modiano and Kapani Markets
The covered markets of Modiano and Kapani are at the heart of Thessaloniki's food and social culture, filled with the aromas of spices, fresh produce, smoked meats and local cheeses. A morning spent exploring them is one of the most sensory and culturally enriching experiences of any course week.
Ano Poli and the Upper City
The Ano Poli, or Upper City, is the best-preserved Ottoman neighbourhood in Greece, with its cobbled streets, traditional wooden houses and panoramic views over the city and the bay. It is one of the most atmospheric and historically evocative areas in our entire destination network.
Courses Available in Thessaloniki
All 32 of our school education professional development courses are available in Thessaloniki. Browse the full catalogue to find the right course for your Erasmus+ project.
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