In a nation known for its natural beauty, breathtaking architecture, and unrivaled maritime vistas, few cities can compare to Thessaloniki. Situated on the Gulf of Thermaikos on the Aegean Sea, this city of 1 million residents is also 'a major economic, industrial, commercial, and cultural urban center as well as a transportational hub for southeastern Europe...It hosts a large student population and it is widely renowned for its large number of monuments of Byzantine architecture as well as its [excellent] nightlife.'

Many students are attracted to Thessaloniki for its Mediterranean climate, which, though it can get rather chilly during the winter, is primarily-and famously-pleasant the rest of the year: The heat of the day is tempered by the sea breezes, and the abundance of outdoor activities make even the hottest days bearable. Because of this beautiful weather, Thessaloniki is home to a number of international and regional festivals, including the Thessaloniki International Fair (held for 10 days every September), the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Dimitria (a festival of theater, dance, and music that lasts for three months of every year), and, perhaps most appealing to students, the world-famous DMC DJ Championship.