Just Me, Greece, and a Whole Lot of Quiet
There’s something about arriving alone in a new city that resets your brain a little. You’re not rushing for anyone, there’s no pressure to fill silence with small talk just you and the rhythm of the place. That’s how it felt when I landed in Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki: Layers of History, Sprinkled with Coffee and Sea Breeze
Thessaloniki is one of those cities where the past and present don’t just sit side by side they actually flirt. You walk past Roman ruins, blink, and suddenly you’re in a buzzing bar next to a hammam or grabbing a freddo espresso under Byzantine arches. Wild, right? I checked into On Residence, this place is not just a hotel, it’s a vibe. The building used to be the legendary Olympos Naoussa restaurant, and now it’s this slick throwback to the 1920s with velvet furniture, restored stucco details, and a staircase that could totally star in a Wes Anderson movie. My room had a speaker to blast my playlists, a Nespresso machine for the mornings, and views over the sea that honestly made me consider staying forever. No spa, but the gym had all the cool wooden gear, and there’s even a lounge if you feel like pretending to work.
I wandered the waterfront, ducked into galleries, and got lost in Ano Poli (the old upper town). It's a steep climb, but worth it, winding streets, crumbling walls, and views that stretch all the way to Mount Olympus on a clear day. Yeah, it was that kind of magic.
Where to Eat in Thessaloniki:
If you’re hungry (and let’s face it, in Greece, you always are), try Ergon Agora which is part deli, part restaurant, and 100% delicious. For something more low-key and authentic, head to Mourga or Nea Folia, both serving seriously good local plates with zero tourist trap vibes. Thessaloniki takes coffee very seriously. Estrella is a cool spot if you want a “bougie brunch” vibe, but I really liked Toms Flagship Store Café has a great coffee, great people-watching, and not too crowded.
Switching Gears: Off to Halkidiki
After soaking in the city energy, I needed something slower. Something greener. Enter Avatel Eco Lodge, tucked into the forest near the coast of Halkidiki. No party scene, no noise, just trees, fresh air, and a semi-private beach a short walk away. It’s the kind of place where you hear birds in the morning instead of traffic. The lodge sits beneath a hill and is surrounded by pines, with sea-view balconies that hit different at sunset. My room was simple but spotlessly clean, and the staff? Probably the nicest people I’ve met on this trip. Shoutout to Ksenia and Stefan for being absolute legends.
Breakfast & Dinner:
Breakfast was good, especially if you like variety. A few days it felt a bit repetitive, but the pastries were always fresh and the coffee machine was free-flowing. Dinner was chilled, usually pizza or salads, but always fresh. The open terrace made even a basic margherita feel a bit romantic… even solo.
Things to Do (or Not Do) in Halkidiki:
To be honest, I didn’t “do” much and that was the whole point. I walked down through the woods to the beach, lounged under trees with a book, floated in the pool, and just... slowed down. There’s ping pong if you feel sporty, bean bags in the shade for when you don’t, and clean air for days.
Best Coffee Spot Nearby?
Head into Afytos, a charming little village not too far from the lodge. Try Rementzo for a peaceful sea-view coffee or cocktail. It’s also a great dinner spot if you want a break from lodge food, more seafood, more variety, but still relaxed.
