Train Trip From Athens to Thessaloniki in Less Than 4 Hours, Begins May 15

The highly anticipated new train trip allowing passengers to commute between Athens and Thessaloniki in less than 4 hours, is finally ready to embark on its first journey next Sunday, May 15, 2022.  

According to railway company TrainOSE, the new state-of-the-art trains arriving from Italy will cut the journey time from around six hours to less than four hours; providing passengers with a comfortable and faster trip between Greece’s two largest cities. 

The new ETR470 trains which have a seating capacity of 600 people, feature nine wagons, including a restaurant/bar and three first-class wagons. 

TrainOSE revealed on Friday that the ETR470 trains will run twice a day in each direction:

– Leaving Athens at 07:22, it will stop at Larissa at 09:58, and arrive in Thessaloniki at 11:20. The next one, in the afternoon, will leave Athens at 17:22, stop at Larissa at 20:00, and arrive in Thessaloniki at 21:21.

– Leaving Thessaloniki, ETR470 will leave the station at 07:08, stop at Larissa at 08:09, and arrive in Athens at 11:03. The next one, in the afternoon, will leave Thessaloniki at 17:08, stop at Larissa at 18:08 and arrive in Athens at 21:04.

To promote the event, TrainOSE is currently offering a 20% discount for tickets booked in the next 20 days, with travel time between May 15 and June 3.

Thessaloniki’s Cool New Spanish Inspired Bar-Restaurant

Set down on Papadopoulou Street, in a single-story building that resembles a warm and inviting Spanish home, this cool and casual all-day bar and restaurant in Thessaloniki has become a favourite local hangout.

Having quietly opened its doors in the middle of last year (by the talented team from Cin Cin) Mariél has now become a popular spot in the city thanks to its amazing brunch menu, fine meats, signature cocktails, and its overall enticing Mediterranean vibe that’s best experienced in the amazing courtyard out the back.

The high-quality meat cuts feature a combination of juicy and delicious options that are cooked to satisfy each taste, and all the dishes on the menu are designed to be enjoyed with the impressive list of wines that come from Greece, Spain, Italy and other parts of the world.

If you happen to be in Thessaloniki on a Thursday evening, we highly recommend you head here for Tapas Thursdays, where you can enjoy the creative chef’s suggestions, and taste the mini bites that pair perfectly with the Spanish wines. We love the tacos with chili con Carne and the bruschetta with chorizo, sour cream and fig paste!

The weekend brunch menu is also delightful. It features Fried Eggs on porcini and guanciale cream, accompanied by fresh salad and toasted bread, as well as Tortita Legendaria with mascarpone, fresh fruit and raspberry sauce.

For lunch, you can try the light pasta dishes, which include the Fresh Stringoloni in goat trunk sauce and fresh truffle carpaccio, or the Egg Fusilli with juicy cherry tomatoes, Feta and salami.

Or, if it’s just a drink (or 2, or 3) that you’re after, behind Mariél’s bar you will find the creative and talented mixologists serving unique cocktails such as the Greek Ramos with vanilla-scented tones and fresh lemon juice, gin and Mastiha, and the Nectar, a vodka-based cocktail enriched with lime aromas. 

A: Papadopoulou 16, Panorama

Thessaloniki’s 6 Most Stylish Cafes

You’ll find a coffee shop on almost every corner of Thessaloniki, Greece’s co-capital, which is said to have the most cafes per capita of any European city!

Thessaloniki has a buzzing cafe scene with several fantastic coffee shops serving up a good hit of caffeine in aesthetically pleasing stores. To help you explore some of the most stylish cafes in town, check out our roundup! 

Ypsilon

Minimalist Ypsilon is an all-day cultural space, set within a historical building. Divided into two large areas, it’s an ideal spot for a catch-up with friends or some quiet reading time. Serving coffee, drinks, and a short menu of (mostly) sandwich bites all day long, this has become a local favourite! 

A: Edessis 5, Thessaloniki 

Insights Greece - Thessaloniki's 6 Most Stylish Cafes

Hozeva 

Located in the heart of the city, at the entrance of “Kapani” Food Market, Hozeva is a chic cafe with a very sleek design. Traditional kitchenware and utensils are used as display items, while natural materials and earthy colours add freshness and warmth. Come here for a  perfectly done Greek coffee and make sure you sit by the wood heater on cool days! 

A: Spandoni 5, Thessaloniki

Insights Greece - Thessaloniki's 6 Most Stylish Cafes

Nooon

This stylish cafe has a very modern Parisian feel. Located on buzzing Mitropoleos Street, Nooon is a very popular spot that draws in a trendy crowd thanks to its chic design and decor. Special espresso blends are served in pretty cups and their Mediterranean-inspired menu includes flavours from France and Italy.

A: Mitropoleos 51, Thessaloniki 

Insights Greece - Thessaloniki's 6 Most Stylish Cafes

Valenio 

One of the newest cafes in Thessaloniki, Valenio is a cool little spot with a Scandinavian feel that is modern and sleek; plus a great menu to match. This specialty coffee shop was opened by coffee connoisseur and internationally-awarded barista Valantis Lambrianidis, so if you are serious about your coffee this is the place to visit!  

A: Iktinou 6, Thessaloniki

Insights Greece - Thessaloniki's 6 Most Stylish Cafes

Dekaepta 

Another trendy little spot in the heart of the city that opened up last year is Dekaepta, another specialty coffee store with a rustic look and cozy vibe. Step through the bright yellow doors and be greeted by warm, earthy, and pastel-toned decor that’s very inviting. Serving a strong espresso, here you can also grab a bagel, homemade sweets, yogurts, and other snacks. 

A: Al. Svolou 24, Thessaloniki

Insights Greece - Thessaloniki's 6 Most Stylish Cafes

Mob

Mob Cafe is located downtown and is a great spot for coffee and drinks. Set on the first floor of the preserved building on Ionos Dragoumi & Papadopoulou, this industrial-like space promotes creativity and elegance. With the attention focused on quality, from the excellent coffee to the vast variety of desserts, “mob” is open from morning until evening. 

A: Papadopoulou 2, Thessaloniki

Insights Greece - Thessaloniki's 6 Most Stylish Cafes