VISIT GREECE – BEYOND SUMMER: THE NEW URBAN GREECE
by Visit Greece
How gastronomy, culture and city breaks are turning Greece into a year-round destination.
Beyond the familiar images of sun-kissed islands and endless blue seas, another Greece is waiting to be discovered. A Greece of vibrant cities, extraordinary cultural encounters, inspired gastronomy and contemporary sophistication. With the MICHELIN Guide Selection 2027, Greece further strengthens its presence on the international gastronomic map. Athens, already an established culinary destination, is joined by Thessaloniki and Santorini, both featured in the selection for the first time. Together, they showcase the diversity of Greek gastronomy, from the inventive urban dining scenes of Athens and Thessaloniki to Santorini’s distinctive volcanic produce, celebrated wines and refined culinary experiences. The renewed recognition of Athens and the inclusion of Thessaloniki further establish both cities as compelling year-round city break destinations, inviting discerning travellers to discover the pleasures of Greek urban life in every season.
ATHENS
An ancient capital with a contemporary soul
There is something irresistible about Athens when the summer crowds have faded. The light softens, the pace becomes more leisurely, and the city reveals a sophisticated, creative side that rewards those who venture beyond its celebrated monuments.
Of course, the Acropolis remains an unforgettable sight. Yet Athens today is as much about the vibrant life unfolding beneath its ancient skyline as it is about the magnificent monuments that define it. Wander through the neoclassical streets of the historic centre, discover the galleries and cultural spaces of Kolonaki, or explore the atmospheric neighbourhoods of Plaka, Psiri and Thissio, where centuries of history mingle effortlessly with contemporary urban life. Along the way, traditional shopping arcades, independent boutiques and inviting cafés reveal a city whose character is best appreciated on foot.
Culture is woven into the city’s everyday rhythm. The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum offer encounters with extraordinary civilisations, while contemporary art exhibitions, theatre, music and innovative cultural venues reflect a capital constantly reinventing itself. Athens’ architectural heritage is equally fascinating, from the imposing neoclassical architecture of the Athenian Trilogy (on Panepistimiou Street) to the elegant period buildings and historic landmarks scattered throughout the city centre. In the warmer months, open-air cinemas offer another quintessentially Greek experience, with films screened beneath the evening sky.
This creative energy is equally evident in Athens’ flourishing gastronomic scene. With its continued presence in the MICHELIN Guide Selection 2027, the capital confirms its position as a culinary destination in its own right. From intimate restaurants championing seasonal Greek ingredients to ambitious fine-dining experiences, contemporary Greek cuisine, exceptional seafood, inventive vegetarian concepts and international influences create an exciting diversity of flavours. Here, culinary tradition provides the inspiration for contemporary expression, with talented chefs celebrating the richness of Greece’s regional produce. Carefully curated wine lists introduce visitors to indigenous Greek grape varieties, adding another dimension to the city’s increasingly sophisticated dining culture.
One of the most intriguing additions to this evolving landscape is STOA, a new cultural and gastronomic destination taking shape within the historic Arsakeio building. Beneath its magnificent glass roof, the revitalised arcade brings together the flavours, craftsmanship and creative spirit of Greece. Conceived as a meeting place for gastronomy and culture, it celebrates Greek producers, Mediterranean culinary traditions, contemporary design and artistic expression. Its blend of architectural heritage and contemporary experiences offers a fresh perspective on the capital’s evolving identity.
For a different perspective, spend an afternoon browsing Kolonaki’s elegant boutiques before enjoying cocktails overlooking the illuminated Acropolis. Or escape towards the Athenian Riviera, where refined waterfront dining and beautiful coastal views offer a welcome change of pace. Stretching along Attica’s coastline towards Cape Sounion, the Riviera opens up opportunities for sailing, seaside relaxation and excursions to the nearby Saronic Islands. Here, the pleasures of Mediterranean living are never far from the cultural energy of the capital.
Athens is a city to be savoured rather than hurried through. With its mild climate, exceptional cultural wealth and cosmopolitan energy, it offers the rare pleasure of discovering something extraordinary at almost any time of year.
The greatest luxury of Athens? Having the time to experience its many different worlds.
THESSALONIKI
Where culture, flavour and the art of living come together
Thessaloniki has a way of making visitors feel instantly at home. Perhaps it is the gentle rhythm of life beside the Thermaic Gulf, the inviting cafés that spill onto lively pavements, or the unmistakable pleasure its residents take in good food and conversation. Whatever the reason, this cosmopolitan northern city offers an urban experience that feels both effortlessly sophisticated and wonderfully authentic.
Its character has been shaped by centuries of cultural encounters. From its ancient Greek roots in the Kingdom of Macedonia to its Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish heritage, successive eras and communities have left their imprint on the city’s architecture, traditions and culinary identity, creating a fascinating mosaic of history and contemporary life. Explore its UNESCO-listed Byzantine monuments, discover remarkable collections at the city’s museums, or wander through Ano Poli, where traditional houses and winding lanes open onto sweeping views of the sea. At the heart of the city, the monumental Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius offer further reminders of Thessaloniki’s extraordinary past, while contemporary galleries, festivals and cultural events reflect its youthful, creative spirit.
But Thessaloniki’s greatest pleasures are often found around the table. A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it has long been celebrated for a cuisine enriched by the traditions of Asia Minor, the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean. Its inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide Selection 2027 marks an exciting new chapter for this historic culinary capital, bringing international recognition to its evolving restaurant scene. Here, talented chefs reinterpret familiar flavours through contemporary techniques and exceptional regional ingredients, while traditional eateries continue to celebrate recipes handed down through generations. From freshly baked bougatsa and traditional savoury pies to refined tasting menus and outstanding wines from northern Greece, the city’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its cultural influences.
To experience the city’s culinary soul, begin at its historic markets. The beautifully restored Modiano Market combines architectural elegance with a contemporary approach to food, while nearby Kapani retains the irresistible atmosphere of a traditional marketplace. Together, they offer a sensory journey through local delicacies, fragrant spices, fresh produce and the everyday rituals that define Thessaloniki’s gastronomic identity. These bustling spaces are more than places to shop; they are living expressions of a city where food remains an essential part of social life.
Beyond the markets, the city invites leisurely exploration. Browse the sophisticated boutiques of Proxenou Koromila and Mitropoleos streets, linger over coffee in an elegant square, or follow the waterfront promenade past the iconic White Tower. As evening approaches, the Thermaic Gulf becomes the backdrop to one of the city’s most memorable experiences: a sunset stroll before dinner. In the atmospheric Ladadika district, restored historic buildings provide an inviting setting for dining and entertainment, combining old-world charm with contemporary urban energy.
And dinner is rarely the end of the evening. From atmospheric wine bars and inventive cocktail lounges to live music and vibrant nightlife, Thessaloniki embraces the art of going out with infectious enthusiasm. Its compact centre makes it particularly rewarding to explore, allowing visitors to move effortlessly between historic landmarks, cultural attractions, shopping streets and gastronomic discoveries.
With a rich cultural calendar, exceptional gastronomy and a welcoming urban atmosphere, Thessaloniki is a year-round city break destination that rewards visitors in every season.
Come for the culture, stay for the flavours, and discover a city that knows how to enjoy life.
