Thessaloniki… An Unexpected Foodie Playground

Ouzo Thessaloniki Food Tour

Time to check out the food scene in Thessaloniki, Greece.

A few weeks ago I posted this blog, all about my first impressions of Thessaloniki in Greece. I described it as an ‘ancient hipster city’ – struck by how vibrant, creative and diverse it was.
Thessaloniki UmbrellaOver a few days I saw many sides to the city, which isn’t considered an obvious tourist destination for Brits. It may be on the coast, but this isn’t somewhere you’d jet off to on a summer beach holiday… Luckily, there was plenty more to occupy me!

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Wanderlust Chloe Thessaloniki Greece 13 For a foodie like me, I was in my element. While I think souvlaki, Greek salads and mezes are delicious, Greek cuisine isn’t known for being particularly refined. With influences from the Med, Cyprus and Turkey, there’s an abundance of grilled meats, breads, olives and cheeses. It was part of the Ottoman Empire for 500 years, and also had an influx of Jews from Spain. Thessaloniki became a cultural melting pot, with everyone sharing the same markets and restaurants – resulting in a cuisine with more depth than you might expect.

While travelling around Barcelona and Istanbul, I discovered my favourite way to get to know a city and its culture is by heading off on a food tour. Thessaloniki Walking Tours offer just that – with a chance to see both old and new, budget and luxury, and sample a few weird and wonderful delicacies along the way! Leading the way was local journalist and self-confessed foodie Kostis Zafeiraki – who seemed to be quite a celebrity in the city, with his trademark red specs and extrovert dress sense.

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Thessaloniki is a city with a long gastronomic tradition. Kapani (from the Turkish word for flour) is the city’s oldest market, dating back to the 18th century. It’s not just food on offer – you’ll find everything from clothes to cutlery. Yes, one of those dangerous markets that you pop to for a few tomatoes and a loaf of bread, and return with some ornamental plates and a new hoover!

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REVIEW: An Unforgettable Week Sailing Around Croatia with MedSailors

MedSailors Boat Croatia

Time to reveal all about my week sailing around Croatia with MedSailors.

“This is Davide, your skipper for the week…” I was greeted by a tanned, smiley Italian, kitted out in a blue and yellow MedSailors uniform. 

*Update* I’ve just returned from an amazing week on MedSailors’ brand new route in Sicily. You can check out the video and blog review here!*

Just moments before, as I walked towards the Baotic Marina near Split, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. All along the pier, groups of people were hanging around with their giant rucksacks and wheely bags. We were all playing the same game – eyeing up who we might be living in close confinement with, on a 47ft yacht for the next 7 days.

Wanderlust Chloe Med Sailors Croatia Gallery 01

I would be sharing a double room in the bow of the Espanola yacht (a Premier Plus yacht).  I was travelling with one of my best friends so the week was guaranteed to be fun, but as I sized up my 4 new shipmates, I couldn’t help but get a good feeling.

Over the next 7 days we would be sailing the Discovery Route – a loop starting just outside Split, and taking us around the picturesque islands of Solta, Vis, Korcula, Hvar and Brac. Each day we would have breakfast and lunch on board our yacht, a few swimming stops, and weather permitting, some sailing. In the afternoons and evenings we would be free to explore small Croatian towns, sample the local cuisine, and get to know our new boat buddies!

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Med Sailors Espanola

After a safety briefing, we set off towards our first stop – the island of Solta, where we would be mooring in Sesula Bay. Within minutes of departing, we opted to mix up some introductory cocktails rather than unpack.
As with many companies offering sailing tours in Croatia, MedSailors cater for the youth market (20-35). However, their approach is more sophisticated than most, with an emphasis on good food and company (they match people with similar interests on the boats). This is not to say there is no partying – it is still a holiday for young people… and we certainly enjoyed a few late, boozy nights!

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As I write this, I’m back home in the UK listening to the MedSailors playlist I played on the boat, and wishing I was back on board the Espanola. I could tell you minute by minute what we did (and make you very jealous!) but instead, here are a few of my favourite moments…


THE DAYS

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REVIEW: Vapor Restaurant, Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

A very special dinner at Vapor Restaurant in the Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik.

“And here’s the elevator to the beach…”

Not something you hear every day… but then again, it’s not often you spend your day exploring Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls, and then pop for dinner at one of Croatia’s most exclusive restaurants.

Vapor RestaurantWanderlust Chloe Vapor Restaurant Dubrovnik05 is a part of Hotel Bellevue, one of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels, and is located just 15 minutes walk from the famous old town. Head chef Saša Računica’s spends his days reinventing traditional Croatian cuisine, adding exciting twists, and combining unexpected flavours.

Hotel Bellevue is a unique hotel, built right into the cliff edge. It was described as a small hotel, although with 91 rooms, it’s not on the boutique level of many of the small hotels within the old town such as The Pucic Palace.

Wanderlust Chloe Vapor Restaurant Dubrovnik01Before dinner I checked out both a deluxe and executive room. They did not disappoint – how could they when every room has THAT view? Yes…. The sea view, usually sought after when booking a room, but at this hotel, it comes as standard.

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Thessaloniki… An Ancient, Hipster City

Thessaloniki Umbrella Sculpture

Thessaloniki in Greece is an unusual city. Both hipster and ancient, and here’s why…

Sometimes my first impressions are TOTALLY wrong.

Style wasn’t the first word that popped into my mind when I arrived in Thessaloniki. I was met by roadworks, a few drab apartment blocks, and a grey sky to match. But, as I dug a little deeper, I found plenty more – street art, colourful cuisine, and characters that put their hearts and souls into everything they do.
Wanderlust Chloe Thessaloniki Greece 32Approximately 120,000 young people call Thessaloniki home, mostly attending the city’s universities. They spend their days studying, their afternoons hanging out on the promenade, and their evenings drinking and dancing until the sun comes up.

Find out more about Thessaloniki’s food scene: Thessaloniki… An Unexpected Foodie Playground

It’s strange though… during my first few days, I barely saw anyone under 30. By day three, I had the answer. As the sun sets and the lights switch on, the pulse of the city starts to be felt. Buzzing and ever-changing. Not only that, but veer off from the main avenues and you’ll find yourself in a labyrinth of streets of cool, hipster bars with names including ‘Piccadilly’ and ‘Caspar’. Shoreditch eat your heart out!

Wanderlust Chloe Thessaloniki Greece 08Forget the blinding neon strip of bars commonly found on the Greek islands, in Thessaloniki hipster bars sit alongside sophisticated, gourmet restaurants and quirky boutiques. After dark, picturesque squares with fountains become a hub for entertainment with flashmobs, DJs and more.

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REVIEW: Tui Sensatori Cyprus

Infinity Pool Aphrodite Hills - Cyprus

Time for my review of the Tui Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus.

Last week I had the chance to tick another country off my bucket list… and do it in style. Just over four hours from London by plane is the beautiful island of Cyprus. For years friends have been telling me all about the beautiful scenery, perfect weather, and excellent hospitality.

I can’t deny that my love of the Cypriot cheese halloumi was another reason for wanting to visit… (imagine having that for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Yum!) I’d read a few Sensatori Cyprus reviews but was keen to share my own experiences.

Sensatori Cyprus - the main pool
Sensatori Cyprus – the main pool

Checking In To Tui Sensatori Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

In early June, I checked into the Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills (around twenty minutes from Paphos Airport). Sensatori is the luxury hotel brand from Tui. They offer “luxury holidays designed to fuel the senses” in 5-star surroundings, with gourmet food and plenty more to make it a truly special holiday. I was staying as an all-inclusive guest, which gave me the chance to check out several restaurants, enjoy a few cocktails and pile up my plate at the buffet breakfast!

I was curious about Sensatori Cyprus as it had just undergone a rebrand. I’d heard this might be the best Sensatori yet and I’m pleased to say it was a pleasant experience. Champagne was waiting on arrival, and the check-in staff were very welcoming. Arriving late at night (11.30pm) I had assumed it may be difficult to find any food, but thankfully a basic version of the buffet was still in operation.

Check prices and current availability at Sensatori Cyprus here.

My room was on the ground floor, and was stylishly decorated in a mix of grey, silver and white. The bathroom was large with a rain-style shower and bath. My French doors opened out onto a small terrace area with a couple of chairs and a table. Bluetooth speakers, fluffy robes, and plenty of toiletries added to the high-end feel.

My bedroom at Sensatori Cyprus
My bedroom at Sensatori Cyprus

My bathroom at Sensatori Cyprus
My bathroom at Sensatori Cyprus

My bedroom at Sensatori Cyprus
My bedroom at Sensatori Cyprus

Toilettries at Tui Sensatori Resort Atlantica Aphrodite Hills
Toilettries at Tui Sensatori Resort Atlantica Aphrodite Hills

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