Looking for a holiday to a history-rich city this but without the crowds that descend on Athens before temperatures become unbearably hot? This stunning city ticks all the boxes, with the added bonus of being largely tourist-free, meaning you can explore its stunning landmarks in peace.

lies in Central Macedonia on the western Chalcidice peninsula at the head of a bay on the Gulf of Thermai. It is the second-largest city in Greece and is considered a cultural hotspot, renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life. It is built on the foothills and slopes of Mount Khortiátis, overlooking the delta plains of the Gallikós and Vardar rivers, and so offers some of the most spectacular views you'll find in .

Thessaloniki's metropolitan area extends around an area of 562 square miles, which includes many beachside and hilly suburbs, while its densest part, which Thessalonians usually refer to as the "City of Thessaloniki", can be divided into three parts - the north, centre and south.

It's hard to narrow down Thessaloniki's best sights, but key landmarks include the White Tower, which has become the city's symbol. Constructed in the 16th century by the Ottomans, it was used as a fortress, a prison, and a university workshop. Today, it hosts a museum.

For an even older attraction, visit the Arch of Galerius (or Kamara), which was constructed in 306 AD to celebrate and commemorate general Galerius's final victory over the Persians. The arch's carved scenes depict this victory, which was connected with the Palace of Galerius and the Rotonda - an impressive cylindrical building boasting magnificent mosaics and an impressive minaret.

It's hard to miss the impressive Church of Saint Paul the Apostle which occupies a hillside. Thessaloniki was one of the first waypoints on the way of Apostle Paul, who came to the Greek land at the call of a man named Macedon that he heard in a night vision. So, in 49 AD Thessaloniki became "the Golden Gate" into Europe for .

Events like the Thessaloniki International Fair and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival are held annually. Thessaloniki was also crowned the European Youth Capital in 2014, illustrating its widespread appeal.

In April, temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 20C during the day. Temperatures continue to creep up as the summer descends, meaning Easter time is the perfect time to enjoy the city before it gets too hot.

You'll also never bump into the huge crowds that , as while six million descended on the capital last year, only 1.5 million visited Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki is served by Macedonia International Airport (SKG) for international and domestic , meaning you can even tag the city onto a trip to other destinations in Greece, like the island of . Direct flights in April with are currently on sale for as little as £142 return, departing from Gatwick Airport.

One recent visitor to the White Tower said: "Definitely a stop worth spending time at. From the top of the tower you have amazing views of the sea and the city.

"With admission, you can follow an audio on each floor with the history and setting of the times. Highly recommend."