11September 2026: Are the clouds behind me now and can I look to bright sunshiny days ahead: Finally in Thessaloniki!
Was it a two hour or 4 hour “sleep” at Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. Having finally crawled into bed at 01:00 and setting the alarm for 04:00 it was 3 hours in bed and it was hardly restful; a tortured sleep. Trudged over to the airport and took the elevator up from the arrivals hall to the departure hall and checked in with Sky Express for a 07:25 43-minute flight to Thessaloniki but not before returning to the hotel for a mediocre breakfast buffet which I had no interest in partaking.
Upon arrival in Thessaloniki the baggage was delivered to the baggage carousel immediately unlike in Athens. A 25 Euro taxi ride to my favourite Greek hotel Daios Luxury Living. Lots of space and huge balconies. On our last visit we had a full sea view but this time a partial one. The hotel is right on the seaside road and promenade and to its side heavily treed streets and upscale shopping. They lay out a smash up breakfast which we enjoyed tremendously just after checking in particularly an excellent latte. I also relished two Euro fried eggs so much better than in Canada. Help yourself to water, beer, soft drinks and water in the minifridge at no charge.
By the way we lost a night here because of our forced stay in Athens.
Crashed out for two hours awakening in that groggy discombobulated state.
We were picked up around 19:00 by Dearest F’s cousin and her husband. It was their 15th wedding anniversary, and we were there for the wedding. I was under the impression we were heading over to their house for dinner but we kept on driving out of the city proper stopping to pick up an anniversary cake. Our destination was Peraia which is a 35-minute drive from Thessaloniki city centre. You can also take a ferry there from the port. I wouldn’t venture to swim on its beaches. Peraia used to be a small seaside retreat but has transformed into a suburb of Thessaloniki. Its boardwalk has a multitude of seafood restaurants. Every dish was astounding. The fried octopus melted in your mouth and the lightly battered zucchini flowers heavenly. Even the Muscat wine, dry of course, was enjoyable. There was live music on the boardwalk and patrons were dancing with joy in their faces. No tourists that I could see. Back in the hotel at 02:00. I have been in effect sleepless for two days but with a meal and conversation outdoors I think I can see the clouds behind me.
You simply must visit Peraia for seaside casual dining if you are in Thessaloniki!
Photo: R. Kennedy Stephen
