Carnival and long weekends in Thessaloniki

Carnival in Thessaloniki — the domestic mini-break

Carnival in Thessaloniki has deep roots: costume balls are held in venues across the city, a float parade fills the streets, and the clubs and tavernas peak on the final Sunday (Apokries Sunday). The same pattern holds for the major long weekends — Ohi Day (28 October), Polytechneio weekend, and the late February break: domestic demand from across Greece rises, restaurants fill, and the centre of the city is at its most alive. If you are travelling for the long weekend, book ahead.

Markets, tavernas and the walkable centre

The Kapani market — the oldest open-air market in operation — and the Modiano arcade with its meze houses are the starting point for a morning walk: spices, cheeses, olives, and the hum of the covered bazaar. Ladadika is a few blocks further on for dinner: tavernas, tsipouradika, and the occasional clarinet on carnival evenings. The Modiano and Kapani markets guide and the food guide cover what to expect at each.

• Modiano and Kapani markets →
• Thessaloniki food guide →
• Discover Thessaloniki →
• The suite in the centre →

Your base for the long weekend

In Ladadika, at the centre of Thessaloniki, the Loena suite is two minutes from the tavernas and eight from Modiano and Kapani. Carnival weekends and major public holidays fill central accommodation — book as early as you can.