When we Thessalonians say “Kalamaria”, we are mainly thinking of the sea and a beautiful tavern where we can enjoy delicious fish, with seafood and ointments, such as garlic dip (skordalia) and tzatziki.
But Kalamaria fills your soul with joy beyond its culinary pleasures. It also offers visual ones, wherever you are standing on its beachfront; there is an exceptional view that extends all the way from Nea Michaniona up to the snowy peaks of mountain Olympus. Try the lazy walks on the beach during sunset or sunrise, which is magical!
It is worth to spend a day heading south of Thessaloniki to Kalamaria, a suburb from the 1920s, when the first refugee families from Asia Minor settled there, as it is a beautiful destination by the sea with famous restaurants, cafes, pizzerias and traditional shops.
*On your right, your first stop ascending the road that leads to Aretsou beach, -which is a meeting place for concerts, outdoor celebrations and events and short summer getaways-, is Palataki, a neoclassical mansion on a cape, once home to the Greek Royal Family and several Greek Prime Ministers.
*You should absolutely stop by Thessaloniki’s Nautical Club, which is one of the oldest nautical clubs in Greece. The Thessalonians often celebrate birthdays, marriages, business agreements etc., here.
*Upon arriving at the end of the snake-like route, walk on Kalamaria’s beachfront, that has nothing to envy of a cosmopolitan Riviera as it has everything within reach. From renowned and still famous taverns to modern-era café bars or other establishments filled with people all year round.
*On Aretsou’s beach you should stop and relax by the sailboats you will find by the dozens. Breathe in the salty air of the Thermaic Gulf and enjoy your coffee in one of the nearby cafe bars.
*Visit the area of Nea Krini to sit in a tavern. Drink a tsipouro with or without anise to cheer up.
*Have you afternoon coffee, cappuccino, espresso, Greek coffee, in one of the several cafes on the pedestrian street of Kalamaria, Komninon Street. Pastry shops, restaurants, taverns, grocery stores with gastronomic treasures of the east are all to be found there.
*Before you leave, you should visit the Historical Archive of Greek Refugees and the Museum of Photography of Christos Kalemkeris where you can see photos, testimonies, audio recordings; a mosaic of the history of thousands of people.
Returning to the city center on a few kilometers’ walk through a large area of theme parks, cafes and glass kiosks, hosting various exhibitions such as painting, photography, sculpture and art in general, Nea Paralia starts from the north and leads to the White Tower.
