Aristotelous Square is the most impressive square in Thessaloniki. It features buildings with monumental architecture inspired by European and colonial models, cafes, shops and restaurants. It is the focal point in big celebrations, such as the coming of the New Year, and is the de facto meeting place during the day. The history of Aristotelous Square began with the Great Fire of 1917 that destroyed two thirds of the city. The French architect Ernest Hébrard designed Aristotelous Square to serve as an end of a monumental axis for Thessaloniki that would stretch from the seafront to Dikastirion Square and the Roman Forum. The final design, built in the 1950s, is a lot more stripped down than Hébrard's original proposal, but still has significant architectural value.

It was above all Archduke Ferdinand II (1529–1595) who proved to be a significant patron of the arts by converting Ambras Castle into a splendid Renaissance residence for his wife Philippine Welser. Located on a hill to the south of Innsbruck, Schloss Ambras is still home to extensive collections of art and curiosities which rank until today among Europe’s most beautiful ‘curiosity chambers’.

If time allows, do make the trip to Punta Brava across Mar Menor from La Manga. Some of the best views over the Strip (and Sierra Mineras on the other side) unfold from here, and hiking along the coast rewards with ever more landscape vistas. Trains to Cartagena depart from the nearby Los Nietos.