Follow Greece property investment immigration to learn about Greek real estate in popular cities: Thessaloniki is one of Greece's second largest cities and most important central hubs. As a modern metropolis, Thessaloniki not only possesses a long and storied history but also features the characteristics of an international cosmopolitan city, giving it unique and infinite charm.
This area belongs to the Macedonia region, the hometown of Alexander the Great. The young Alexander was studious, ambitious, iron-willed, and ruthless in inheriting his ancestral legacy. He eventually succeeded in his lifetime in truly unifying Greece into a vast empire spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa, leaving a brilliant mark on world history and thus bringing the splendid ancient Greek civilization to the world.
When Alexander was crowned emperor, the capital was in Pella. After his death, the empire was divided into three kingdoms. The leader of the kingdom on the Greek mainland was Cassander, the husband of Alexander's half-sister; one of the three fingers of the Chalkidiki peninsula is named after him. He established his capital in what is now Thessaloniki and named it after his wife, Alexander's sister, "Thessaloniki."
The city has had a continuous history of over 2,320 years since its founding.
Thessaloniki is Greece's second largest economic and cultural center, as well as a major transportation hub in Southeast Europe. Its commercial port is very important for both Greece and the hinterland of Southeast Europe. The city has two national universities, with the highest number of students in Greece. As a cultural center, it is known for its numerous Byzantine architectural masterpieces as well as important Ottoman and Jewish buildings. The city is famous for the WorldWay Fair held here every year in early September, where the Greek Prime Minister announces the government's plans for the following year. Thessaloniki is also known for the most important cultural event in Southeast Europe—the Thessaloniki International Film Festival—which attracts many international celebrities. Notably, the renowned domestic director Mr. Chen Kaige received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this festival.
Thessaloniki is the best transit hub for travel in Northern Greece.
The natural scenery of Northern Greece is far superior to that of the central and southern regions, with numerous lakes, dense rivers, fertile countryside, and diverse architecture. There is also the world-famous Orthodox holy site: Mount Athos. Travelers from all over the world who come to visit these sights must pass through Thessaloniki for transit. Thessaloniki's air traffic is no less than Athens' for Europeans, and its land transportation is far better than all other Greek cities. The overall cost of living in Thessaloniki is also cheaper than in Athens.
Of course, for tourists and local residents coming to Thessaloniki, the must-visit vacation destination every year is the Chalkidiki region. Because Thessaloniki is adjacent to Chalkidiki, with the two places being less than an hour's drive apart, many locals and Europeans buy their own vacation properties in Chalkidiki for holidays or rental purposes. Chalkidiki has the most "Blue Flag" beaches in Greece. The "Blue Flag" is awarded by the European Union to beaches that are well-preserved and have good service facilities.
The most beautiful villa complex in Greece, Ktimata Hangi, is built at the entrance to Mount Athos. It not only has a beautiful environment but also deep cultural heritage. The Holy Mountain is known as the "Garden of the Virgin Mary." It is listed as a UNESCO "World Heritage Site for both culture and nature," and fishing is prohibited within 500 meters of the "Holy Mountain" sea area, so the underwater biological resources here are extremely rich. The hometown of the famous philosopher Aristotle, teacher of Alexander the Great, is also in this region.