Before having to come to Thessaloniki for a few days admittedly we had underestimated the city. We knew that it was a destination where visitors, no matter their preferences, will have good food and will have fun, but we couldn’t have imagined that a few days in Thessaloniki during the summer – which means in a Thessaloniki with quite less traffic than usual – we would feel like being on a holiday on an island.
While at the same time being in a big city where we can choose to stay in a top city resort.
But let’s take things from the beginning. When we had to find accommodation, we didn’t hesitate for one moment. Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki is the timeless five-star option for anyone coming to Thessaloniki for business or pleasure. A fact that so many travellers from southeast Europe can attest to, who chose it for their stay in Thessaloniki.
We arrived at noon and, after settling in, we admired the garden view for a while before going to the pool to unwind. There’s no other place in a Greek city where you get the feeling of being at an exotic resort like you do at the pool of Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki looking at its lush gardens.
Lovely beaches a stone’s throw from the city centre
When we arranged our stay in Thessaloniki, we thought that we would be spending most of our “sea-time” on an excursion to one of Halkidiki’s beaches, or at least at Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki’s pool. And even though both Hyatt’s indoors and outdoors pools are an ideal option for hot days, we didn’t expect that a 20min-drive from the city we would be able to find a lovely beach with clean waters, like that of Perea and of Nei Epivates, that both have a wide variety of restaurants and beach bars on them. Or that of Nea Mihaniona that is at the same time an affordable culinary paradise for fish and seafood lovers.
A hike in Kouri forest
A few people from our group wanted to spend some time in nature that wasn’t necessary the beach, and Thessaloniki can cater to that too. To begin with, at the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki, there’s a long trail, over 2km long, where hiking afficionados can enjoy a walk in the lush gardens, some of the nicest in Greece. But once you start hiking, you want to hike more.
So, we decided to visit Kouri forest, on the slopes of Hortiatis, near Asvestohori. “Kouri” in Turkish means the place with the many trees, and it’s the perfect name. After a hike of about one hour among the trees and the wildflowers, we reached the chapel of Profitis Ilias, at the top pf the mountain. The view from there is amazing. Following advice from the locals, we did the hike late in the afternoon, and brought provisions with us, and thus were able to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine.
A historic beach that has been reborn
During our stay in Thessaloniki, we were able to admire a lot of things and enjoy even more. But there was one place that, for reasons linked to the city’s history, we singled out. The municipal beach of Kalamaria, Aretsou, was a great favourite for the locals in the 60s, 70s and 80s – in fact many Greek films of the time feature it, but for over 30 years, it has been neglected and its state is nothing like its past glory. Until the spring of 2021, when it was decided to clean the beach and fit sunbeds, umbrellas and create various other shaded areas.
At a 20min drive from the hotel, the municipal beach was an excellent swimming choice, and probably the one we will remember the most, as everyone in Thessaloniki was very excited about the reopening of this historic beach.
Cinema by the pool with classic Hollywood
One of the days we were in Thessaloniki happened to be a Wednesday. We returned to the hotel late in the afternoon and we were welcomed by a pleasant surprise. Every Wednesday, the pool area is turned into an outdoors cinema and so we had the chance to watch a classic film noir “The Maltese Falcon”. Next up at the Cinema by the pool, on August 10 you can watch “All About Eve” with Bette Davis and Anne Baxter, the movie that holds the record for more Academy Award Nominations, on August 17, “Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is showing, on August 24 “The Philadelphia Story” with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, and on August 31, “How to Steal a Million” with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole.
We wish we could be back in Thessaloniki to watch all these films in this unique open-air cinema while enjoying some great comfort food.
The amazing fine dining at ō kipos
Our stay in Thessaloniki would not be complete without a high-end culinary experience and we were able to enjoy it without even leaving our hotel. “ō kipos restaurant & bar” is the best option for anyone who wishes to have a high-end culinary experience in a relaxed atmosphere. In the wonderfully lush grounds of Regency Casino Thessaloniki, you’ll find an elegant and cosy space for dinner.
Chef Apostolos Altanis has created the menu and is in charge of the wonderful dishes that come out of the wood-burning oven and grill of “ō kipos”. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth coming here to enjoy a well-made drink at one of the nicest bars in town, while listening to live music.
A city (and a hotel) for every hour of the day and night and for every preference
The night doesn’t need to end after having dinner in “ō kipos”. You can visit the atmospheric Regency Casino Thessaloniki for a fun night out that is much more than what comes to mind when you hear the word casino. The stylish décor, the great vibes, the live music, the surprises, games, and draws with cash prizes will surely keep you entertained. In addition, within the casino, you’ll find one of the best cocktail bars in Greece, “Ian’s lounge bar” serving classic as well as creative cocktails made to perfection.
We only wish we had more time in Thessaloniki, so we could visit more favourite locations like the Seih Sou forest, or to wander in the narrow alleys of Ano Poli and discover cute cafés and spots with amazing views of the city, or take a stroll in Nea Paralia, by the water, visit the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art that always pleasantly surprises us with its exhibitions, and also to further take advantage of the facilities of Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki. To get the perfect wellness treatment at Harmonia Spa, visit the state-of-the-art gym and have a meal at “Ambrosia”, whose menu was also created by executive chef Apostolos Altanis, whose focus on seasonality is a guaranty of the result. Or to just spend some more quality-leisure time by the pool and in the hotel’s gardens.
Read also:
Love Thess: Outdoor living experience in Thessaloniki’s top urban resort
Love Thess: Thessaloniki is a top wellness destination
Love Thess: Unique gastronomic experience at Thessaloniki open-air restaurant & bar
