A Weekend in Thessaloniki from Cyprus: Flights, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Thessaloniki feels different from Athens. It's younger, more relaxed and more focused on food. A long seafront promenade runs the length of the centre, students fill the cafés, and you can stumble on Roman arches and Byzantine churches between apartment blocks. For expats in Cyprus, it's an easy city break with a slightly more northern, Balkan feel.

How do you get to Thessaloniki from Cyprus?

There are direct flights all year from both airports. From Larnaca, Aegean, Sky Express and Wizz Air fly the route. From Paphos, Ryanair does. The flight takes about 2 hours. Compare the airlines, as fares vary a lot by day of the week, and book early for Greek holidays. Routes and schedules change by season, so check with the airline before booking.

Thessaloniki Airport is south-east of the city. A city bus line runs from the airport into the centre and on to the main bus station. Taxis wait outside arrivals and are the quickest option if you arrive late or have luggage.

Is Thessaloniki good for a weekend?

Thessaloniki is perfect for food lovers, couples and groups of friends who want good restaurants and nightlife. History fans will also find plenty to see. The centre is compact and flat along the water, so it's easy to get around on foot.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is colder than many people from Cyprus expect, with occasional chilly winds. Even so, a winter weekend of museums, cafés and tavernas has its charm.

What to do in Thessaloniki in a weekend

Day 1

Start at the White Tower, the city's symbol, and climb it for views along the bay. Walk the seafront promenade to the Umbrellas sculpture, a favourite sunset spot. Then head inland to Aristotelous Square, the grand square that opens onto the water. Spend the afternoon grazing through the Modiano and Kapani markets. In the evening, have meze and drinks in Ladadika, the restored warehouse district near the port.

Day 2

Follow the city's Roman past to the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, a massive round building that has served as a temple, church and mosque. Visit the Byzantine churches of Hagia Sophia and Agios Dimitrios, the church of the city's patron saint. Then climb to Ano Poli, the Upper Town, with its old houses, the city walls and views over the rooftops to the sea.

If you have a third day

Spend a few hours at the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture, which sit almost side by side. Alternatively, take a day trip to the royal tombs of Vergina (Aigai), or head to the beaches of Halkidiki in summer.

Where to stay in Thessaloniki

• Around Aristotelous Square – central and walkable, best for a first visit.
• Ladadika – lively at night, ideal for food and nightlife.
• Seafront near the White Tower – great for promenade walks and sea views.
• Ano Poli – quieter and atmospheric, for couples happy to walk uphill.

What to eat

• Bougatsa – flaky filo pastry with cream, cheese or mince, eaten for breakfast.
• Koulouri Thessalonikis – the city's famous sesame bread ring.
• Trigona Panoramatos – crisp filo triangles filled with cream.
• Soutzoukakia – spiced meatballs in tomato sauce.
• Meze with tsipouro – small plates with the strong local spirit.
• Mussels – the area is known for them, often steamed or fried.

Practical tips for travellers from Cyprus

• Currency: the euro, just as in Cyprus.
• Language: Greek. If you're learning Greek in Cyprus, Thessaloniki is a good place to practise, as standard Greek is spoken here. English is widely spoken, especially by younger people.
• Time difference: none, it's the same time as Cyprus.
• Passport/ID: EU citizens can travel with a valid national ID card. Cyprus isn't in the Schengen Area yet, so there are passport or ID checks even on flights within the EU. Non-EU residents should bring their passport and check the entry rules for their nationality.
• Mobile roaming: EU roaming rules apply, so you can use your Cypriot plan as you would at home.
• Local tip: Thessalonians eat late. Restaurants fill up from around 9 or 10 in the evening, especially at weekends.

Comparing city breaks? See Athens, or browse more weekend getaways from Cyprus.