Where to: Top Vacation Destinations in Southern Europe

Even living in a sunny paradise like San Diego, with its stunning beaches and endless outdoor activities, the allure of exploring Europe can be irresistible. When considering a trip to Southern Europe, also known as Mediterranean Europe, the options can seem overwhelming. Spain, Portugal, Southern France, and Greece each offer unique experiences. Here are three top destinations that are well worth exploring:

Thessaloniki A Cultural Gem with Affordable Luxury

Thessaloniki, often referred to as Salonika, is a vibrant city nestled in northern Greece. Known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture, Thessaloniki offers a blend of ancient charm and modern sophistication.

From the serene shores near Larissa to the dramatic landscapes beneath Mount Olympus, visitors can bask in the Mediterranean sun while enjoying breathtaking views. The city's iconic landmarks, such as the Byzantine Wall and the White Tower, offer a glimpse into Greece's past.

As the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the Macedonian region, Thessaloniki is a cultural powerhouse. The city's thriving arts scene, fueled by events like the Thessaloniki Film Festival and the International Trade Fair Show, attracts visitors from around the world.

For those seeking a touch of luxury, Thessaloniki's fashion scene is renowned throughout Greece. The city's boutiques offer a wide range of stylish clothing, shoes, and jewelry, rivaling even the offerings in Athens.

Despite its upscale reputation, Thessaloniki remains an affordable destination, making it an attractive option for travelers from San Diego.

Thessaloniki A Vibrant City After Dark

Thessaloniki's nightlife is renowned for its energy and diversity. Small taverns, nightclubs, and entertainment venues abound, offering something for everyone.

Aristotelous Square, the city's bustling heart, is filled with cafes and bars that come alive in the evening. For a taste of traditional Greek cuisine, head to one of the many "ouzerias" and taverns, where you can savor delicious grilled meat and chicken.

After dinner, the city's entertainment scene truly comes to life. Music halls, nightclubs, and discos near the White Tower or in the vibrant Milos complex offer a variety of options. From lively bars and galleries to restaurants, cafes, and live music venues, there's always something happening. For a more relaxed evening, catch a movie in English at one of the city's theaters.

Beyond its nightlife, Thessaloniki offers a wealth of cultural attractions. Museums and art galleries, such as the Archeology Museum and the Jewish Museum, provide insights into the city's rich history.

Whether you're seeking a vibrant nightlife, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Thessaloniki has something to offer travelers of all ages.

Marseille, France

Marseille, France is a great place to visit in the French Riviera because it is a big sprawling city. It can be known for being rough around the edges, which is why this destination is better for travelers who are not afraid to discover real people in a real place. Many Americans are used to places that look like they were built yesterday, with a fresh coat of paint, air conditioning and ice in the water. But Marseille is old worldly and likes it that way. The buildings are crumbling and parts of the street can be dirty, but once you look deeper you can see that the city has great energy and character. It's chaotic with a multicultural feel.  

It is the second largest city in France as far as population and is a melting pot of different cultures, with a lot of Italians and Spanish having immigrated to the area after World War II. This fact gives Marseille its charm because influence from these cultures shows throughout the city, especially at the outdoor markets around town. 

Old Town Marseille has a lot of history which tourists can explore by walking along the port and seeing all the architecture or visiting the Fine art or Natural History Museum. While walking around, you may find yourself digging through shops for luxury brand names and up-and-coming designers.

Local dishes

Make sure to eat the bouillabaisse fish stew on the Old Port while watching the view or some pizza baked in a wood fire oven. The French Riviera is known for its bouillabaisse and many locals speak of how the dish started. Either way, you will find restaurants offering this delicious saffron and butter-based fish stew. Naples has had long ties with Marseille from the Italian immigrant population and, therefore, has brought over many recipes for tourists to try. 

While out visiting the many bars and nightclubs, be sure to try the Pastis, which is Marseille's version of a tipple and is found all over the Mediterranean. This rendition is anise-flavored with a sweet complex and is a national obsession. 

With its old-world charm influenced by various cultures, Marseille’s relaxing atmosphere mixed with history gives the tourist a different experience that goes beyond the typical European tourist traps.

Barcelona, Spain

With its culture, food, shopping, attractions and entertainment, Barcelona, Spain is a great place to travel in Southern Europe. This city has something to offer for every type of traveler. 

The most famous and well-known attraction is Las Ramblas in the Old town Gothic Quarter, which is a large street that runs from the Port to Plaza Catalunya. It has a pedestrianized center of the street where you can see a variety of street performers including the famous living statues. Artists, musicians, and dancers all perform for whoever will see them. Barcelona is a very walk-friendly city and hidden down every small side street is some sort of gem. Many people say it is the best place to get lost in so that you can find something new. And if you really do get lost here, it's okay; most people will find themselves back on the Ramblas at some point. 

For those looking for a relaxing time, they can head towards Barceloneta Beach where you can lay back and intake in the sun. There are many beach huts where you can enjoy a refreshing drink. If you want a little bit more adventure Barceloneta is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

Museums 

Art lovers will have a lot to discover and sites to see in Barcelona, such as The Giant Basilica, designed by master architect Antonio Gaudi. This display is still under construction, and they do not expect it to be done for another thirty to eighty years. The Picasso museum is also available and it allows visitors to see his work in chronological order. 

If you have children with you, a great place to take them would be the Barcelona Tibidabo Amusement Park where the rides are not big or particularly thrill-seeking, but it gives visitors a taste of the old influences still dominating the city. The large market is also family-friendly and is a great spot for lunch due to the diverse stalls. 

Let's not forget about the food, especially tapas. Most places specialize in one particular type of tapa, so taking a "tapa tour" would be a good idea. Bear in mind that the cafes and restaurants keep specific hours that are different from other countries. Lunchtime in Barcelona is usually between 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. This is the largest meal of the day, and most restaurants offer Menu del Dia which is the dish of the day. This can consist of three courses, bread, and a drink at a reasonable price. In the evening, most people take the opportunity to enjoy some tapas at one of the many available spots and each one can be light or filling.

Nightlife Guide

Much of the nightlife is centered around the Rambla and a Gothic area where clubs are the main sources of entertainment for the Spanish. It is worth it to see how these clubs are different than our own in the states. Each one offers something unique. Even if you are not the club type, many clubs have a lounge area where you can just sit and enjoy a drink while listening to the music. Barcelona does not sleep, and the Spanish eat and drink very late. On the weekends, nightclubs start getting busy around 1 a.m. and they keep going until the sun rises. Maybe that is why they have a siesta. 

For an experience completely different from what we have here in San Diego, Barcelona is the place to see.