The city centre is usually in the spot light when visiting Thessaloniki. Well, I have a different opinion about that: it is always the road less travelled that will give you the most out of this city and all it may have to offer.

How about taking some quiet time and heading east, all the way to the Marina of Aretsou in the Kalamaria area? It will take you almost an hour and a half to walk it from the White Tower, but this route is very rewarding, as you will be able to view all the beautiful coastline of the lesser known eastern part of Thessaloniki. 

This used to be a properly organised beach until the 80s, when the locals would come over to swim and spend their summer days. Pollution and urbanisation made this beach unsafe, so even though it looks stunning, the water is not clean enough to swim in, so do not be tempted to do so!

This is the perfect place to take your book and relax, to bring over your four-legged friends and roam around or play with them freely, or even have a picnic. There are umbrellas and tables but no crowds or loud music, or anything to bother you really. There is a small café that operates in the summer but doesn’t spoil the tranquillity of the place. All you will see is the occasional beach racket players training, the friendly stray dogs and the old, deserted fun park. Magical…