The ongoing economic challenges in Greece are no reason to avoid it—in fact, visiting shows vital solidarity. Thessaloniki, brimming with innovative spirit, serves as Athens' creative testing ground. During my recent trip, I explored the Dynamo Project-Space (Typou 5), an underground hub for photography, design, and contemporary art. I then wandered the revitalized old docks, now home to the Museum of Photography and the Center for Contemporary Art. Evenings here buzz with young locals sipping ouzo and beer on the cobblestone streets.
Standouts include 2nd Floor, showcasing curated Greek products, and jeweler Katerina Ioannidis' charming lucky charms. Following recommendations from designers 157+173 (157-173designers.eu), who craft stunning wooden and concrete lamps, I visited Object2Repair. This spot ingeniously upcycles items, like transforming oil cans into stools. Don't miss rue Tositsa, lined with antique dealers offering samovars, caftans, and relics from the city's multicultural past.
Skip the polluted port waters. Instead, hop on bus No. 69 to Epanomi beach. For something extraordinary, drive 1.5 hours to Vourvourou bay in Chalkidiki's three peninsulas. There, Ekies All Senses Resort welcomes day visitors to its heavenly beach—where forest meets sea—plus a pool and on-site dining. It's a trek, but worth every mile. Alternatively, take a boat tour circling the iconic (women-forbidden) Mount Athos for breathtaking views without setting foot ashore.
