Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and a centre of economic, commercial and political activity. Greece is found in the South East of Europe and being a member of the EU holds many of its benefits, including good tourist links via commercial airlines across Europe and trade of domestic product. Greece is a country that is a popular tourist country with the excellent year around weather, local culture and friendliness and the variety of local cuisine. Many are attracted to Thessaloniki by the beautiful sandy beaches that are very picturesque surrounded by the palm trees and olive groves. As mentioned the city has pride in its own cultural heritage and archaeological sites, while combining this with contemporary resources such as shopping, food and a varied night life. If you want to hire a car to explore more of this city than the central tourist sites this can done from Thessaloniki airport at reasonable prices and at times to suit you.
Thessaloniki Airport information
The International Airport Macedonia (SKG) serves both domestic and international flights, but currently does not support intercontinental flights because its two runways are so short. Public opposition has attempted to prevent the start of the runway extension carrying one landing strip out into the gulf, but it is underway nonetheless. The airport was known formerly as Mikra Airport for the municipality of that name. The location is in Mikra and close to Peraia, Pylaia, and Thremi. Because it is 15 km to the center of Thessaloniki, it is good to find cheap car hire in Thessaloniki for transportation around the city. Since the opening of the airport in 1930, it has grown in traffic to rank as the third busiest terminal in Greece and is the largest state owned airport in the country. Approximately four million travelers pass through the terminal each year. The runway extension and a planned renovation of the terminal facilities are intended to increase the number of visitors to around nine million. Currently, the airport offers all the full-service amenities necessary for the international traveler. As you might expect, the facility offers 24-hour shopping, snack providers, a restaurant, bars, and provisions for customs processing.
Places to visit around Thessaloniki
You may have heard Thessaloniki referred to or written as Salonika or Thessalonica, and either of these references is acceptable. Because the city is a major transportation hub for southeastern Europe, many travelers pass through the Greek Macedonian capital. The annual International Trade Fair is attended not only by many Europeans but visitors from several other countries as well. The Thessaloniki Film Festival is also becoming an attraction that draws many tourists to visit the city. The smart visitor will look into a car hire in Thessaloniki to see Byzantine monuments and many other of the historical structures scattered about the city. One of the most famous landmarks in Thessaloniki is the White Tower or, as it was once called, the Bloody Tower. It was one of many towers that surrounded the medieval city when the Turks destroyed much of the town in 1866. Only two towers were left standing and now the White Tower serves as a memory of the horrors of the executions. Thessaloniki is also home to many other interesting artifacts of the city's past. Another well-known building in Thessaloniki is the Rotunda, built for Roman Emperor Galerius in 306 AD. Throughout history, it has served as a church and a mosque. Today it houses Christian art primarily and is used for concerts and art exhibitions.
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