08 Thessaloniki

Welcome to Thessaloniki
"Sweet Indulgences and glorious History"

Welcome to Thessaloniki, Greece's radiant jewel on the Aegean coast, where ancient history, vibrant culture, and Mediterranean charm converge to create an unforgettable travel experience. Nestled along the cerulean waters of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is a city with an illustrious past and a thriving present. Explore the White Tower, an iconic symbol of the city, and let its history wash over you. Wander through the streets of the Old Town, where Byzantine churches and Ottoman architecture tell tales of centuries gone by. Thessaloniki is a treasure trove of museums and archaeological sites. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Macedonia at the Archaeological Museum, home to Alexander the Great's artifacts, or explore the Rotunda, a Roman monument turned into a Byzantine church. The city's vibrant arts scene is celebrated at the State Museum of Contemporary Art and the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. Food lovers, rejoice! Thessaloniki is a gastronomic paradise. Savor Greek cuisine at traditional tavernas, indulge in mouthwatering street food like souvlaki and bougatsa, or sip on Greek coffee at a cozy kafenio. The city's lively markets, like Modiano and Kapani, offer a feast for the senses. Thessaloniki's lively waterfront promenade, Nikis Avenue, offers stunning sea views and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. For a taste of local life, visit Aristotelous Square, where cafes and boutiques line the boulevard. Nature enthusiasts, escape to the nearby beaches of Perea and Nea Paralia, where sun-drenched sands meet crystal-clear waters. The nearby Mount Olympus, the mythical abode of the gods, beckons hikers and nature lovers to explore its breathtaking trails. Thessaloniki's vibrant cultural scene shines through its festivals and events. Join the celebration during the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, or immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Dimitria Arts Festival. Thessaloniki welcomes you with open arms, ready to share its history, culture, and warm Greek hospitality. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking Mediterranean delights, Thessaloniki promises an enriching experience. Come and be captivated by the charm and allure of this captivating Greek city; your journey begins here.

Host City / Thessaloniki, Greece
Venue / Thessaloniki Concert Hall
Hosts / Evelina Papoulia and Michalis Hatzigiannis

Participating countries / 27
Debuting countries / Croatia and Italy
Returning countries / Norway
Withdrawing countries / Australia, Slovenia and United States

Debuting players / Andrej for Croatia, Per for Norway and Rikard for Italy

Returning Artists

Esma Redzepova / for Macedonia / placing 23rd
Espen Lind / for Norway / placing 11th
Ivana Banfic / for Bosnia-Herzegovina / placing 5th
Linda Bengtzing / for Sweden / Silver Medallist
Sugababes / for United Kingdom / Bronze Medallist

The Result

Countries receiving most 12 points / Sweden, 4
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina
Countries receiving points from most juries / Denmark, 16
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Greece in 3rd place with 10 points from Macedonia, France, Uzbekistan and Turkey as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Morocco in 21st place getting 12 points from Sweden

This was a battle between Norway and Israel with United Kingdom hanging in there for the first part of the voting. When all points had been counted, Israel had climbed ahead and reached the finish line ahead of Norway and host country Greece. United Kingdom and Denmark rounded out the top 5.

Israel has taken part in all 8 editions so far. The first time they finished just outside the top 10, but that was followed up by a silver medal and then a gold medal for Miri Mesika. On home soil, Israel managed to reach the top 5, but has since struggled, finishing outside the top 10 in every edition since. But now they bounce back stronger than ever with their second gold medal. Well done Israel, Diamondz and Daniel H!