Which Greek city recommends a foreign website to tourists who can’t stand the crowds of Athens

Athens cannot stand hyper-tourism, points out the publication – The advantages of an alternative destination

For those tourists who can’t stand the crowds of visitors to Athens, the best alternative is Thessaloniki, according to the international travel and tourism website traveloffpath.com, which is aimed mainly at American travelers.

Athens is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, but a growing percentage of locals are not happy with the influx of so many tourists, as in 2023 the Greek capital welcomed 7.1 million tourists. Recently, the editor points out, anti-tourism sentiments and protests have taken place in the city, with slogans spray-painted on buildings with messages such as “No more tourism”.

In Athens, many neighborhoods are now filled with Airbnbs, which is contributing to higher rental prices for residents, the report said. For tourists, it is also not a great experience, since no one wants to wait in line for an hour in the sun, just to visit the Acropolis or overpay at the tourist restaurants and souvenir shops on every corner. And no one wants to feel unwelcome when they visit a destination.

So what is the alternative destination of Athens this year? Thessaloniki, according to the author of the article, who submits the following information about the city:

– Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece after Athens, is a historic coastal city located in the northern part of the country.
– US travelers cannot fly directly to Thessaloniki as they can to Athens, but flights are available from many European cities (with a flight time of 55 minutes)
– They can also take a scenic 5-hour train ride from Athens to Thessaloniki.
– This city remains virtually unexplored by many foreign tourists, but it’s well worth a visit as they will be rewarded with an amazing, but, until now, underrated destination.
– Another reason to head to Thessaloniki? The food! This city, the publication emphasizes, is a culinary paradise!
– Being on the sea, it is an excellent destination for fresh seafood. Enjoy a seafood meze at any local tavern and accompany it with some ouzo like the Greeks do, is the recommendation. Here are the other recommendations for travelers:
– When it comes to street food, souvlaki is always a favorite. And for a breakfast or lunch snack, bougatsa is a favorite in Thessaloniki — it’s a sweet or savory dough pie.
– Lots of historical sites: Although it doesn’t have as many impressive ancient sites as Athens, Thessaloniki has its own share of fascinating historical sites to discover.
– The White Tower is one of the most iconic locations in the city. This historic tower was built in the 15th century during the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Another spot not to be missed is Eptapyrgio, a Byzantine castle. When it comes to ancient sites, be sure to visit the Roman Forum, the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, some of the oldest parts of the city.
– If you are interested in ancient history, don’t miss the Archaeological Museum in Thessaloniki.
– The best thing is that all these places are cheap to visit — tickets range from €3 to €8, so they are much less expensive than Athens, where just visiting the Acropolis is €20
In general, prices in Thessaloniki are much cheaper than in Athens. This applies not only to sightseeing but also to hotels, food, transport and other activities.
– According to BudgetYourTrip, the average price for a hotel in Thessaloniki is just €58 (about $62) per night. Meals in a restaurant will cost you only €10 to €15 per person.
– Thessaloniki is also much less crowded than Athens. It has a more local feel and you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade or go out for dinner without encountering crowds of tourists or people trying to sell you souvenirs or get you into their restaurant.