Bicycle rental
It is with great pleasure to announce that Golden Star City Resort has been awarded the Bike Friendly Hotel® label by Natura. Hence, the hotel offers bicycle rental service for adults and children from April to October. The bikes (upright position with classic design) are specially designed for small and medium difficulty asphalt nearby trails.
We love cycling! What’s a better way to explore a place you visit for the first time than a bike ride around the neighborhood? Cycling is a unique experience of exploring that anyone can enjoy regardless of age and fitness.
All bicycles come with high quality aluminum frames and are fully equipped with all comforts. Bike rental service at Golden Star City Resort is subject to availability. You can request it to the front desk staff during your stay with us. And don’t’ forget to ask us about the local cycling trails around Golden Star City Resort.
Ride with Karavaki to Thessaloniki’s city center from May to October
The popular daily waterbus service Karavaki takes you from Perea and Neoi Epivates to Thessaloniki’s city center within less than an hour.
During your stay at Golden Star City Resort take a wonderful boat trip to Thessaloniki city center!
A great occasion for a quick cruise to the always busy and wonderful city center! Please feel free to ask the front desk staff for more information in detail.
Tip: Bicycles and pets on a leash are allowed!
Thessaloniki (aka the Bride of Thermaikos and the City of Lovers) shimmers with its own brand of easy-living spirit
All you need to do is let yourself go and get acquainted with Thessaloniki’s hidden stories. Thessaloniki features a multicultural identity of rich gastronomy, vibrant nightlife, great history to explore and most notably, its people – the most charming part of the city!
Nearby Must-Visit Places within a few minutes drive from Golden Star City Resort you will be amazed by numerous same-day, lovely, short, unforgettable excursions.
Aggelochori
Aggelochori is built on cape Megalo Emvolo, which is also known as Kara – Bournou. Fortifications dating to the last period of Ottoman rule (1883 – 1885) have survived (barracks) in a very good condition on the north side of Megalo Emvolo. Aggelochori’s lighthouse has stood impressively as a symbol of hope and light for seafarers since 1864, at the tip of the cape and 33 meters above sea level.
It is an ideal destination for nature lovers both for its natural beauty as well as in excess of 178 species of rare birds and even flamingos that find refuge at Aggelochori Lagoon, while the imposing white salt hills (Salt marshes) dominate a few meters away from the wetlands. Aggelochori Beach is only 9 km from Golden Star City Resort and is an oasis for relaxing in crystal clear and refreshing waters with an exquisite view of the city of Thessaloniki and the imposing Mount Olympus massif.
It is an ideal destination for nature lovers both for its natural beauty as well as in excess of 178 species of rare birds and even flamingos that find refuge at Aggelochori Lagoon, while the imposing white salt hills (Salt marshes) dominate a few meters away from the wetlands. Aggelochori Beach is only 9 km from Golden Star City Resort and is an oasis for relaxing in crystal clear and refreshing waters with an exquisite view of the city of Thessaloniki and the imposing Mount Olympus massif.
After going in for a swim, a visit to the lighthouse with the spectacular sunset and the fortifications is an unforgettable experience. Aggelochori is included in the Natura 2000 (it is the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world. It offers a haven to Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats).
Tip To Do: Visit the lagoon with the rare birds, the salt marshes, the lighthouse and the beaches. Also ask for the KiteSurfing Academy.
Michaniona
Michaniona is constructed on one of the most panoramic locations in the Thermaikos Gulf, in the ancient Aenea region, it boasts natural resources of particular environmental value in addition to the multitude of archaeological discoveries. Michaniona is known for the largest medium sized fishing fleet in Greece (the establishment of the fish market in 1998 made it the administration and marketing centre for fish and shellfish throughout Northern Greece) together with the Merchant Marine Academy (since 1968) that produces highly trained officers for Greek and foreign Shipping.
It is a multifaceted village waiting to reveal its different aspects to every type of visitor. It reveals a veritable paradise to the nature lover with rare flora and fauna. For the lovers of antiquities there are discoveries dating to the Roman and early Christian times (a trapezoid shaped mound known as Toumba Tambia or Koum Kale, Roman and early Christian period cemeteries and naval fortifications). For pilgrims there is one of the most imposing churches, the Church of Panagia Faneromeni, where the icon of the same name has survived
It is a multifaceted village waiting to reveal its different aspects to every type of visitor. It reveals a veritable paradise to the nature lover with rare flora and fauna. For the lovers of antiquities there are discoveries dating to the Roman and early Christian times (a trapezoid shaped mound known as Toumba Tambia or Koum Kale, Roman and early Christian period cemeteries and naval fortifications). For pilgrims there is one of the most imposing churches, the Church of Panagia Faneromeni, where the icon of the same name has survived
from the Iconoclast Period, as well as the picturesque chapel dedicated to Agios Nikolaos and the patron saint of sailors at the small port at Michaniona. For beach lovers there are moments for relaxing carefree in an environment of exquisite beauty in the crystal clear waters of Toumparli beach at cape Touzla. Just 10 km from Golden Star City Resort, between Michaniona and Aggelochori, Touzla Beach literally possesses the beauty of an island in the Aegean Sea. It has a fine golden sandy beach, cooling waters and a view of the ships sailing in and out of Thermaikos Gulf. It is a full regulated beach with beach volley ball courts and beach bars operating during the day. In Michaniona on August 23rd, the festival day of “Panagia Faneromeni” welcomes pilgrims from all over Greece and a major festival is held that lasts for a week.
Tip To Do: Visit the archaelogical sites, explore the flora and fauna and the beaches.
Epanomi
Epanomi in Homer is mentioned as Gigonis Akra and has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic Period. It was one of the major towns during Byzantine times as well as the Ottoman period of occupation with an administrative organization and a thriving economy. The vast majority of its residents are indigenous. Excavations have revealed important archaeological discoveries from all historical periods. Beaches stretch along kilometers with incomparable beauty and can justly be considered to be the most beautiful in the Municipality. They boast crystal clear waters, golden sands, lush green surroundings and magnificent view of the endless blue yonder set against the peaks of Mount Olympos (the mountain of the Gods).
Potamos beach, Palioura beach, Fanari beach (Myti), Ageladariko beach, Epanomi Beach and Mesimeri Beach are amongst the most popular beaches. Regulated with life guard cover and awarded with a blue flag.
• Potamos beach boasts crystal clear waters, a fine grain sandy beach, beach volley ball and tennis facilities and beach bars along its entire length. Its most impressive point is the wreckage from a ship that sunk forty (40) years ago, whose smoke stacks are still visible and it is known as the shipwreck.
Potamos beach, Palioura beach, Fanari beach (Myti), Ageladariko beach, Epanomi Beach and Mesimeri Beach are amongst the most popular beaches. Regulated with life guard cover and awarded with a blue flag.
• Potamos beach boasts crystal clear waters, a fine grain sandy beach, beach volley ball and tennis facilities and beach bars along its entire length. Its most impressive point is the wreckage from a ship that sunk forty (40) years ago, whose smoke stacks are still visible and it is known as the shipwreck.
• Palioura Beach is also another excellent choice. This sandy beach with crystal clear waters is planted with pine trees and organized with beach bars that open from morning until late at night and provide entertainment to the young people who flock daily.
• Myti at Epanomi or Fanari Beach is a unique location and amongst the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It flirts with both sides of the bay; one towards Thessaloniki and the other towards Chalkidiki, the tip magically disappears into the sea. It boasts bright blue waters, an endless golden sandy beach and a deep blue sea that stretches into the distant horizon. This Beach is only accessible by a 4×4 vehicle or on foot (about a half kilometre walk).
At “Tsairi”, 4 km to the south of Epanomi, is an oasis of natural beauty, the Epanomi wetlands habitat, which has been also included in the Natura 2000 (network of protected regions). Thousands of nature lovers flock there every weekend to see the flora and fauna up close and to also enjoy a natural environment of rare beauty.
Tip To Do: Visit the archaelogical sites, expore the wetlands and no matter which beach you choose, you will certainly be impressed with its incomparable beauty.
Magical Getaways Just 60 Mins From Thessaloniki
The Royal Tombs in Vergina
One of the great museums! The Royal Tombs of Aigai, an hour from Thessaloniki, are the resting place of King Phillip II (father of Alexander the Great) and other members of the ancient Macedonian dynasty from the 5th-4th centuries BC.
As well as marvelling at the palatial tombs, you’ll witness some of the most astonishing finds in archaeology in a museum incorporated within the tomb tumulus, including the golden larnax containing Philip’s remains and the intricate golden wreath he was buried with. The lighting captures the mood perfectly.
The archaeological site of Pella
The perfect accompaniment to Vergina or a day trip in its own right. Just 45mins west of Thessaloniki, Pella was the capital of Ancient Macedonia, with a glory that represented the full majesty of the kingdom. It is perhaps best remembered as the birthplace of Alexander the Great and, from the remains of the palace and its surroundings, we understand that it was one of the most modern cities of its time. The highlight is, without doubt, the beautiful floor mosaics, some still in place and others in the on-site museum.
The archaeological site of Pella
The perfect accompaniment to Vergina or a day trip in its own right. Just 45mins west of Thessaloniki, Pella was the capital of Ancient Macedonia, with a glory that represented the full majesty of the kingdom. It is perhaps best remembered as the birthplace of Alexander the Great and, from the remains of the palace and its surroundings, we understand that it was one of the most modern cities of its time. The highlight is, without doubt, the beautiful floor mosaics, some still in place and others in the on-site museum.
Mt Olympus
The legendary mountain of the ancient gods and the tallest point of Greece needs no introducing. What you might be surprised to discover, however, are the many ways there are to explore it. Using the town of Litochoro as your base (1hr10min from Thessaloniki), you can easily hike up the beautiful Enipeas Gorge to Prionia.
The Axios River Delta
One of Greece’s richest wildlife reserves and, despite being just 50mins west of Thessaloniki, a hidden gem known only to the lucky few. The delta is the product of numerous lagoons, estuaries and rivers (including the Axios, Aliakmonas, Loudias and Gallikos) and home to around 300 bird species and dozens of species of mammals, amphibians and other animals. Aside from the many footpaths to explore, there is an observation tower in Nea Agathoupoli perfect for birdwatching and an information centre in Halastra. During winter months, you can see flamingos in the Kitros lagoon.
The Axios River Delta
One of Greece’s richest wildlife reserves and, despite being just 50mins west of Thessaloniki, a hidden gem known only to the lucky few. The delta is the product of numerous lagoons, estuaries and rivers (including the Axios, Aliakmonas, Loudias and Gallikos) and home to around 300 bird species and dozens of species of mammals, amphibians and other animals. Aside from the many footpaths to explore, there is an observation tower in Nea Agathoupoli perfect for birdwatching and an information centre in Halastra. During winter months, you can see flamingos in the Kitros lagoon.
Lake Kerkini
A little further away than the other experiences, but the scenery alone makes the journey worthwhile. Lake Kerkini is another of Europe’s most important ecosystems (like the Axios Delta, part of the Ramsar convention of protected wetlands). It hosts an astonishing number of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, 4x4ing, cycling, canoeing, boating and more. As well, of course, as a wealth of wildlife, including 320 species of birdlife, water buffalo roaming freely and (at the right time of year) flamingos and pelicans strutting their stuff. Don’t leave without visiting a store in the village of Porοia to buy some local products, like homemade pasta made with buffalo milk.
Lake Kerkini
A little further away than the other experiences, but the scenery alone makes the journey worthwhile. Lake Kerkini is another of Europe’s most important ecosystems (like the Axios Delta, part of the Ramsar convention of protected wetlands). It hosts an astonishing number of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, 4x4ing, cycling, canoeing, boating and more. As well, of course, as a wealth of wildlife, including 320 species of birdlife, water buffalo roaming freely and (at the right time of year) flamingos and pelicans strutting their stuff. Don’t leave without visiting a store in the village of Porοia to buy some local products, like homemade pasta made with buffalo milk.
Goumenissa
Finally, around an hour’s drive northwest of Thessaloniki, is the small town of Goumenissa. Dating to Hellenistic and Roman times, it developed during the Byzantine Empire into a religious centre (as testified by the Monastery of the Virgin Mary) and by the 19th century was an economic and cultural hub too, with the Church of St George (today the Metropolitan Church of Goumenissa) and the town’s school serving as a centre for Hellenism during the Turkish occupation.
You will find both the church and the old schoolhouse in the town centre. Look out for the Macedonian architecture, as well as the French Fountain (built by departing World War 1 soldiers) and the Chrysalis Silk Factory (from the dominant industry in the first half of the 20th century). There are also a handful of wineries in the area that can be visited, producing the fruity reds for which the region is known. Built on the foothills of the Natura 2000-protected Mt Paiko, Goumenissa is surrounded by the largest chestnut tree forest in Greece, with plenty of paths to explore on foot or bike.
Goumenissa
Finally, around an hour’s drive northwest of Thessaloniki, is the small town of Goumenissa. Dating to Hellenistic and Roman times, it developed during the Byzantine Empire into a religious centre (as testified by the Monastery of the Virgin Mary) and by the 19th century was an economic and cultural hub too, with the Church of St George (today the Metropolitan Church of Goumenissa) and the town’s school serving as a centre for Hellenism during the Turkish occupation.
You will find both the church and the old schoolhouse in the town centre. Look out for the Macedonian architecture, as well as the French Fountain (built by departing World War 1 soldiers) and the Chrysalis Silk Factory
(from the dominant industry in the first half of the 20th century). There are also a handful of wineries in the area that can be visited, producing the fruity reds for which the region is known. Built on the foothills of the Natura 2000-protected Mt Paiko, Goumenissa is surrounded by the largest chestnut tree forest in Greece, with plenty of paths to explore on foot or bike.
