Where is Salonika?
 

The New York Times travel section listed Salonika as one of the must go to places in 2011. I tried to find it in a map in Lonely Planet but couldn't and there is no mention of it in the guide. Has anyone been there? The Times talks about it as a real present day art scene. Could it fit into an Athens/Santorini itinerary?

Salonica = Thessaloniki :-)

Google map Salonika, Greece and it will pop up on your screen.

Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC and its alternate name is Salonika. It is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Macedonia. The city was named after the princess Thessalonike of Macedon. Yes, it could be part of a Greece itinerary, however since it is in northern Greece, it is quite a distance from the Cyclades.

Thanks!

Salonika has some great attractions but is also a transportation hub so you can get to Pella, Vergina and other ancient sites easily.

I spent a few days in Thessaloniki on a trip to Greece a few years ago. It is a splendid city, on the Aegean Sea, with a lovely sea walk. We stayed at a very nice hotel, right there, if I remember the name, I'll add another reply. Loved the food, and the marvelous history.

After that story, I eagerly checked flights but found nothing cheaper than what I can get to Athens. Oh well.