Walking through Thessaloniki’s markets is a feast for the senses. Two standout food-focused tours make the experience especially memorable. I love the walking food tour through Kapani and Modiano markets – it’s practical, authentic, and includes a welcome Greek coffee break. The cooking class tour is another winner, combining market shopping with hands-on preparation of traditional dishes. For those willing to venture beyond city limits, the farm tour offers a wonderful glimpse into Greek rural life and sustainable practices.
These three tours consistently rank highest with my readers thanks to their culture and excellent value. Let’s explore the top market tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Thessaloniki Walking Open Market Food Tour offers a highly recommended 96% experience, including tastings of traditional Greek delicacies and complimentary Greek coffee.
- The Thessaloniki Open Market Food Tour provides an immersive 3-hour exploration of the Kapani and Modiano markets, with local delicacy tastings and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- The Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch experience combines a market visit, hands-on cooking class, and a traditional Greek meal in a tavern setting.
- The Private Greek Cooking Class and Meal at a Farm offers a 5-hour farm-to-table cooking experience, including interaction with farm animals and transportation back to Thessaloniki.
- The 3-hour Horse Riding in a Farm experience includes a 40-minute horseback ride through scenic trails and a guided tour of the equestrian facility, with an overall 5/5 rating.
Thessaloniki: Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting
Travelers can dive into Thessaloniki’s culinary delights on this walking open market food tour. With a 96% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, the tour takes visitors through the Kapani and Modiano markets, where they can sample traditional Greek delicacies like fresh cheese, organic produce, and pastries.
The tour also includes stops at Louloudadika and Athonos Square, and a complimentary traditional Greek coffee.
The tour begins at 10:30 am at the Le Palace Hotel, with a maximum of 15 travelers per group. The cost is from $48.18 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour is led by English-speaking hosts, who’ve received high praise for their knowledge and friendliness. Guests particularly enjoy the balance of food sampling and historical insights, with many leaving with goodie bags of local delicacies.
While one review noted an overemphasis on sweet items, the majority of feedback is positive, highlighting the tour’s abundance of delicious foods.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki: Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting Review
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Thessaloniki: Open Market Food Tour With Tasting
The Thessaloniki Open Market Food Tour promises an immersive journey into the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. This 3-hour experience allows visitors to explore the renowned Kapani and Modiano markets, tasting local delicacies along the way.
Participants will also visit a grocery store for organic produce tastings and discover the Louloudadika area and Athonos Square, stopping at a traditional crafts shop selling folk art.
The tour begins in the Ladadika district, where travelers can sample traditional pies called bougatsa. Other highlights include tastings of dolmadakia, tsipouro, and traditional spreads, as well as insights into fresh vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and aromatic coffee.
The tour provides recommendations for popular taverns and local hotspots for dining.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 98 reviews, this family-friendly tour is praised for its informative and enjoyable nature. Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, with the meeting point located in front of the Le Palace Art Hotel.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki: Open Market Food Tour With Tasting Review
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Thessaloniki:Horse Riding in a Farm
For those seeking an immersive equestrian experience, Thessaloniki’s horse riding farm offers a delightful opportunity to connect with nature and explore the region’s picturesque countryside. Priced at €89 per person, this 3-hour tour provides a chance to discover the natural beauty of the area, relax, and enjoy the positive energy of the horses.
The experience begins with a 35-minute transfer to the farm, where visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the facility’s operations and the surrounding landscape.
The highlight is a 40-minute horseback ride through scenic trails, allowing participants to fully enjoy the tranquil setting. Refreshments, including coffee, beer, and light snacks, are available on-site.
With a 5/5 rating based on 9 reviews, this horse riding activity is praised for its welcoming staff, beautiful views, and special attention to families.
Flexible booking options make it suitable for a variety of travelers, from solo adventurers to group outings. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for convenient planning.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki:Horse Riding in a Farm Review
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Thessaloniki: Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch
Visitors to Thessaloniki can enjoy an immersive Greek cooking experience with a 3.5-hour class, market visits, and a traditional lunch. The experience costs from $92.82 per person and is conducted in English. Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without an initial payment.
The experience begins with visits to two local markets – Kapani Market, where participants select fresh vegetables using provided pocket money, and Modiano Market, where they taste local cheese and interact with traders.
Next, a professional cook leads a hands-on cooking class, teaching participants to prepare traditional Greek dishes like tzatziki, stuffed vine leaves, Greek salad, and chocolate salami. The class takes place in a charming tavern setting, allowing for a genuine culture.
Finally, guests enjoy the fruits of their labor, savoring handmade Greek appetizers and main courses in a traditional tavern in Thessaloniki.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki: Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch Review
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Thessaloniki: Private Greek Cooking Class and Meal at a Farm
Travelers seeking an immersive Greek culinary experience can embark on a private cooking class and meal at Agni Farm near Thessaloniki.
The 5-hour experience costs from $156.44 per person and allows participants to learn the secrets of Greek gastronomy and traditional cooking techniques. Under the guidance of hosts Maria and Angelos, guests will prepare farm-to-table meals using fresh ingredients from the garden, then enjoy a homemade lunch or dinner with local drinks, Greek coffee, or hot mountain tea.
Visitors can also familiarize themselves with farm animals and wander through the vegetable garden, partaking in activities like picking eggs from the coop. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, cozy environment, and friendly interactions with farm animals have earned Agni Farm positive reviews.
Guests receive a cooking diploma as a parting gift and are provided transportation back to the starting point in central Thessaloniki after the meal.
Read our full review: Thessaloniki: Private Greek Cooking Class and Meal at a Farm Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Duration of the Shopping Tours?
The typical duration of shopping tours varies, but most are around 2-4 hours long. This allows ample time for browsing local shops and markets without feeling rushed. The exact length depends on the specific tour and the needs of the participants.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?
The tours generally accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or halal meal options when booking. The tour operators aim to provide an enjoyable experience for all participants regardless of their dietary needs.
Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements for the Tours?
The tours generally don’t have age or physical fitness requirements, though some activities may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions.
Can the Tours Be Customized to Fit Individual Interests?
Most tour providers allow for customization to fit individual interests. Participants can typically work with the tour company to adjust the itinerary, focus areas, and pace to suit their preferences and needs.
Do the Tours Include Transportation to and From the Starting Point?
Yes, the tours typically include transportation to and from the starting point. This convenient feature allows visitors to fully focus on the shopping experience without worrying about getting to and from the destinations.
The Sum Up
Thessaloniki offers a variety of shopping tours for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s open-air markets, learning about Greek cuisine through a cooking class, or trying your hand at horseback riding, there are plenty of options to suit your interests. These tours provide an immersive experience and a unique way to discover the local culture and flavors of Thessaloniki.