Greece is a small country with an estimated population of around 10.7 million people, but it has some major cities that serve as hubs of commerce and culture within the country. The three largest cities in Greece are Athens (the capital), Thessaloniki, and Patras.
Athens is the most populous city in Greece, with an estimated population of 3.75 million in the greater metropolitan area and 3.2 million in the city proper. It is a major economic hub, as well as being home to many cultural sites and landmarks such as the Acropolis and Parthenon. Athens also serves as Greece’s political center, hosting the Greek Parliament and other government offices.
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and has an estimated population of 1.1 million people. It is a major port city on the Aegean Sea, serving as an important economic hub for northern Greece and parts of southeastern Europe. Thessaloniki also has many cultural attractions, including the White Tower, a fortress built by the Ottoman Empire.
Patras is the third-largest city in Greece. It has an estimated population of around 190,000 people and is located on the western coast of mainland Greece. Patras is known for its lively nightlife and as a major student hub due to its proximity to universities and colleges. It is also home to many cultural attractions, including the archaeological museum and the Ancient Greek theatre.
Other important cities in Greece include Heraklion (the largest city on the island of Crete), Larissa, Volos, Ioannina, Chania, and Kavala. Each of these cities has its own distinct culture and attractions that make it a great destination for visitors.
Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras are the three largest cities in Greece. Athens is a city of more than 3 million people and serves as the capital of modern Greece. It’s known for its ancient sites like Acropolis or Parthenon, as well as its festivals such as Athens Festival or Marathon Run which takes place each October. Thessaloniki is another large city with over 500,000 inhabitants and serves as an important port on the Aegean Sea. Known for hosting trade fairs such as International Trade Fair (ITF) it also hosts many cultural events throughout the year. Finally, there’s Patras which has a population just shy of 200,000. It’s an important port on the Ionian Sea and is known for its big annual trade fair, Patras International Fair (PIRIN) which attracts many visitors each year.
Athens became the capital of Greece in 1833. It’s the largest economic center and serves as a transportation hub for all of Europe, thanks to its port. Thessaloniki has been the second-biggest city since 1870 when it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Greece. Patras is an industrial center that specializes in food processing, textiles, metal-working, and timber.
As of the 2011 census, Athens has a population of 3,7 million people, Thessaloniki has 1 million inhabitants, and Patras just under 200,000.
