Thessaloniki
Theh·suh·luh·nee·kee. I think.
Greece's second-largest city, with history dating back to 315 BC.
The city showcases UNESCO-listed Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments, featuring stunning mosaics and remnants of a rich historical era.
If already in the Balkans, it's a fine place to work for a week, but I wouldn't make a significant effort to travel there.
If already in the Balkans, it's a fine place to work for a week, but I wouldn't make a significant effort to travel there.
If already in the Balkans, it's a fine place to work for a week, but I wouldn't make a significant effort to travel there.
If already in the Balkans, it's a fine place to work for a week, but I wouldn't make a significant effort to travel there.
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Summary
I wanted to explore another Greek city before spending a month in Athens and after many butchered attempts at trying to pronounce the cities names, settled on Thessaloniki.
Connected to the capital via an efficient 5 hour train line, the city has an impressive coast line, dotted with historical landmarks.
Accommodation
A solid range of options across the city. Good value to be had if booking outside of the main summer months.
Places to work
Not an enormous selection, but there is a choice of several coworking spaces throughout the city and numerous coffee shops.
Several coffee shops i visited often had intermittent connectivity issues so would opt for a dedicated coworking space if you have substantial work to do.
Value
Eating out for casual meals was excellent value in comparison to Western Europe. No shortage of more sophisticated options also.
Working hours
Greece is based in Eastern European Time, perfect if you are used to working in European hours, one hour ahead of CET.
🇪🇺 Consider working European hours from Asia?
Where to stay
There wasn't one particular area I felt was particularly strong throughout the city so I'd recommend as being close to the centre as possible to give yourself as much flexibility.
Navarinou Square
Ladadika
Where to work
Coho city
The company operate two coworking destinations with this one being in the heart of the city centre and the other on the south east of the centre.
When I visited it had only just opened and felt somewhat sterile, with several days I was the only one working from there. It also suffers from a lack of natural light in the room with the main coworking desks in.
On the plus side, it's in a great position in the middle of the city and the staff were friendly. Fine for a few days but would not be in a hurry to return. Worth trying the other location which looks more established.
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Remote work visa
If staying for a prolonged period, you may want to consider a dedicated visa for this destination.
This country is actively working on a visa support for remote workers.
Check your government website for details of how to obtain a tourist visa.
Greece introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, allowing remote workers to reside for up to two years. From January 1, 2024, applications must be submitted through Greek consulates abroad, not in-country. The visa provides access to 26 Schengen countries but requires spending at least six months in Greece. Digital nomads can bring family members.
Citizen Remote is a great source of up to date knowledge for everything to do with remote work visas.
Safety
Off-work
Vlatadon Monastery
Founded in the 14th century, this monastery holds a rich heritage known for its Byzantine architecture and spiritual significance. Provides an excellent viewpoint over the city.
Rotunda
A 4th century ancient cylindrical structure that has served various purposes over its history, from a Roman temple to a Christian church and a mosque. An iconic monument in the city.
Aristotelous Square
An iconic spot renowned for its neoclassical architecture, lively ambiance, and panoramic views of the Thermaic Gulf.
Duration & season
I visited at the start of June when the daily temperature reaching over 30 degrees. It's a great time of year to explore the city, with the long evenings providing great ambience on the streets late into the night.
One week was sufficient for myself in the city and I wouldn't have had any desire to stay longer, or without good cause, any reason to return.
Food & drink
People
There were few signs of a strong remote working community in the city, especially compared to Athens.
Throughout the summer months you're likely to see an increase in visitors to the city, or passing through en route to other locations.
Exercise
City Loop
Verdict
Positives
- Good ferry connections to nearby islands.If you are looking to explore the North Aegean region, it could be a solid base for that.
- Value for money.Eating out is inexpensive with an enormous range of dining options.
- Great weather.If looking for a mild destination early on in the European spring, it could be a good option for March & April.
- Rich archeological history.If this is of particular interest to you there is plenty to see within the city.
Negatives
- It didn't feel particularly distinctive.There wasn't anything which particularly captivated me about it as a destination. Whilst I enjoyed spending a week there, I have little justification to recommend it to anyone else, or return to it.
Tips
- Athens is easily reached by train. Book a few days in advance and then enjoy the scenic 5 and a half hour journey. Food and drinks available onboard.
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