Three-day Autumn getaway to Thessaloniki
Few experiences can compare to the joy of traveling to Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city. The city exudes such an air of relaxation and liveliness that you will hardly find in any other city in Greece. The city is beautiful in every season, but I think autumn is ideal. You will find an incredible wealth of photographic subjects. The "Bride of the North" with its rich, eventful history, stunning architecture, and delicious sweets, is a paradise for photographers of all kinds. Here are a few suggestions. Take them "lightly" as ideas, so you can get into the spirit of the city.
Day 1: The historical charm of Thessaloniki
Morning: Aristotelous Square and surroundings
Start your day at Aristotelous Square, the city center. The square's neoclassical architecture, bustling cafes, and lively atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for street photography. The autumn light will help. Focus on unexpected angles or even shots.
*Tip: To capture the grandeur of the square, use a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to encompass the entire scene. Better yet, view the square from above. Does this ring a bell?
Afternoon: Egnatia Street and Modiano Market
Take a stroll down Egnatia Street, Thessaloniki's main shopping street, lined with shops and historic buildings. Try to resist the shop windows for a while, and then give in! Stop at the recently renovated Modiano Market and taste local products from the lively stalls and varied offerings in the beautiful shops.
*Tip: For portraits of vendors and passersby or for details at the market stalls, a 50mm f/1.8 lens will help you blur your subjects.
Evening: Sunset at the White Tower
Conclude your day at the iconic White Tower, the undisputed symbol of Thessaloniki. Make sure it is open to visitors (summer hours are usually extended into the fall—check here) and go up at sunset. The golden hues over the city create a beautiful backdrop, ideal for countless photos.
*Tip: Use a general-purpose zoom lens (24-70mm), but even better, find your frames through a telephoto lens (70-200mm).
“Is King Alexander alive?”
”He lives and reigns and conquers the world”
Day 2: A gastronomic paradise called Thessaloniki
The choices in the city are endless, and it really doesn't matter where you sit or what you order. You'd have to be very unlucky not to eat well in Thessaloniki. As for desserts, it probably makes more sense to look for the "bad" pastry shops rather than the top ones. The people of Thessaloniki really know everything there is to know about sugar.
Morning: Bougatsa at Bougatsa Giannis and Trigona Panorama at Elenidi and bougatsa and...and...
Start your day (actually, all your days) with sugar attacks. A traditional bougatsa, a sweet or savory puff pastry filled with cream or cheese. Bougatsa Giannis is famous for its variety and quality. Enjoy panorama triangles, triangular puff pastries filled with cream and soaked in syrup. Elenidis is the right place for this delicacy, offering a taste of Thessaloniki's sweet heritage. Give the incredible invention of the bougatsan (a combination of bougatsa and croissant) at Estrella a try, and then pop across the street for the famous Hatzifotiou “pourakia” (cigar-like chocolate-filled cookies). The choices are truly endless. Perhaps the best gift for your friends back home.
*Tip: If you don't have a macro lens, then a wide-angle lens of at least 35 mm with a shallow depth of field (f/2.8) can create a nice bokeh effect for photographing your sweets.
Afternoon: Walk the city
This might be true for every city and town of the world, but walking in Thessaloniki is probably the only way you can really fall in love with its charms. Don’t forget to use the brand new Metro for a ride to the other side of the city.
Evening: Sunset on Nikis Avenue
Capture the vibrant life along Nikis Avenue, Thessaloniki's coastal boulevard. The sun setting over the sea is a sight to behold. You may not want to take photos, but simply enjoy the view, with the majestic Mount Olympus in the background.
Day 3: Discovering Thessaloniki's hidden gems
Morning: Upper Town
Explore the Upper Town, the old part of the city, characterized by traditional houses and narrow streets. The area offers a glimpse into Thessaloniki's past and an incredible view of the Thermaic Gulf. The Genti Koule, with its heavy history, is worth a visit. From above, it impresses with its architecture, but many souls were tortured here. A place of remembrance that is unique to Thessaloniki.
*Tip: A 70-200mm lens will really shine here with the compression it offers.
Afternoon: Tsoureki at Terkenlis
Enjoy tsoureki, a traditional sweet bread flavored with orange zest and mastic resin. Terkenlis tsoureki is the most famous. It is a local brand, so successful that it has 12 stores in Thessaloniki and as many in the rest of Greece!
*Tip: Don't feel guilty about the sweets of Thessaloniki. They are light and delicious!
Night: Night Photography in Ladadika
As night falls, head to the Ladadika neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and colorful buildings. The area is ideal after sunset if you want to capture the youthful energy of the city, but it also offers beautiful images during the day, with fewer people around.
*Tip: You will need a fast lens (f/1.8) for low light conditions (or high ISO). A steady point for your camera is vital for longer exposures, allowing you to show the movement of people and light trails.
Practical Photography Tips for Thessaloniki in Autumn
Lighting: Autumn in Thessaloniki offers soft, diffused light, ideal for photography. Mornings and late afternoons provide the best conditions.
Gear: A versatile lens kit (16-35mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm) covers most scenarios. A tripod (or simply a stable spot) is essential for low-light and long-exposure shots. Composition: Take advantage of architecture, such as boulevards and streets, to guide the viewer's eye. Incorporate reflections from the sea and puddles to add depth to your images.
More Gear: If you own a drone, now is the time to bring it with you. Thessaloniki offers a variety of subjects and locations that will look amazing from above. Prefer a smaller one, under 249gr, so you’ll have more freedom to fly it, without restrictions. Always be aware of local and national laws, avoid flying it above people and make sure you do have the right permission to fly above your subject. Keep an eye for “No-Drone Zone“ signs and be very careful about flying at night.
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Conclusion: Capturing the Essence of Thessaloniki
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering desserts, Thessaloniki offers endless opportunities for photographers. By exploring its historical sights, enjoying its culinary delights, and embracing its autumn atmosphere, you can create a compelling visual narrative of one of Greece's most beautiful cities. Remember to respect local customs, ask permission when photographing people, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey through your lens. On the photography side, a polarizing filter is always an ally, and you won't regret using one.
Overall, a trip to Thessaloniki is something you won’t regret, no matter what.
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