Why I Loved Staying at Beyond the Castle in Thessaloniki [Apartment Review]

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If you’re looking for a home base in Thessaloniki, you might have just found the perfect spot.

This newly refurbished property belongs to extended family, and I got to see it go from construction site to picture-perfect ready. I even had a small hand in putting together the website and making sure everything felt right from a guest’s point of view.

As a little perk, I got to stay there during a few of my visits to Thessaloniki — so I’m happy to report back on the experience and help you make the decision easier.

Table of Contents

The location

Kastra is one of those areas that gets missed by most visitors, but it’s one of my favorite parts of the city especially if you’re into food, history, or want to experience a more local neighborhood.

Some of the best restaurants in Thessaloniki are within walking distance, and the area feels worlds away from the tourist-heavy waterfront, while still being totally accessible.

The property sits right across from the Trigoniou Tower, which is not only historically significant, but just a beautiful spot to be nestled up next to.

The building itself is compact, with two floors and two apartments per floor. Parking can be tricky (like most of the old town), but if you’re coming by car, the couple who manage the property take care of all that for guests — so you’re covered.

The Apartment

The interiors are super modern and clean, with all the equipment you’d need to stay for a night, a week, or a month. As a digital nomad, I definitely viewed the space with that in mind — and I was happy to find plenty of plug sockets, proper tables, and fast Wi-Fi that made working smooth and stress-free.

There are multiple apartments, each a little bit different than the other one.

My favorite one? Without a doubt, Thea. It’s on the top floor and has a direct view of the sea and castle, plus a balcony that opens up to a magical little corner of the city.

One of the days I stayed, it poured with rain — and honestly? It made the whole experience even better. I sat inside with a cup of tea, laptop open, listening to the storm roll through and watching the moody clouds drift over the rooftops. Not bad for a workday.

Another area that matters a lot to me – the bathroom. So many places get a nice renovation but forget the bathroom. Here, it’s done right. The shower was modern and high-pressure (a luxury in some older buildings), and it honestly felt like a mini treat after a long day.

Overall Experience

It’s the little things that make the difference, so after I asked to be treated like any other guests, I found a few treats in the fridge for breakfast including sweet and savory stuff – which was much appreciated as I had no intention of leaving the flat to go out in the rain.

Okay, I might be biased — but don’t just take it from me. The reviews from other guests over the past year all mention the same things: the warmth of the hosts, the thoughtful recommendations, and the impeccable cleanliness. I’m not surprised at all, but it’s definitely worth highlighting.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Thessaloniki as a digital nomad or a family that needs a full kitchen, then definitely have a look here first as it might be just what you need.

Check out dates for: Beyond The Castle

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Must Know When Visiting Greece

Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.

Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).

Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.

Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.

Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.

Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.

Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.

Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.

Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.

Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).

Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.