Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and a cultural hub with a rich history and a vibrant nightlife. It is also a great base for exploring the nearby attractions of Macedonia, such as Mount Olympus, Vergina, Pella and Halkidiki. Whether you are looking for ancient monuments, modern art, delicious cuisine or stunning views, Thessaloniki has something for everyone. Here are some of the best ways to travel around Thessaloniki and visit different places.
By bike
One of the most enjoyable and eco-friendly ways to explore Thessaloniki is by bike. The city has a 12 km waterfront bicycle path that connects the port with the airport, passing by many landmarks such as the White Tower, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, the New Waterfront and the Archaeological Museum. You can rent a bike from one of the many stations along the route, or join a guided bike tour to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Biking is also a great way to discover some of the hidden gems of Thessaloniki, such as the Monastery of Vlatadon, the Church of Osios David and the Ano Poli (Upper Town).
By bus
If you prefer public transportation, Thessaloniki has a reliable and cheap bus network that covers most of the city and its suburbs. You can buy tickets from kiosks or vending machines at bus stops, or use a rechargeable card that you can swipe on board. The buses run from 5 am to midnight on weekdays, and until 1 am on weekends. Some of the most useful bus lines for tourists are:
- Line 01: Connects the airport with the city center and the train station.
- Line 05: Runs along the waterfront from the port to the airport.
- Line 12: Circles around the city center, passing by many attractions such as Aristotelous Square, Rotunda, Arch of Galerius and Church of Agios Dimitrios.
- Line 50: A sightseeing bus that offers audio commentary in several languages and stops at 16 points of interest.
By car
If you want more flexibility and convenience, you can also rent a car and drive around Thessaloniki. However, be aware that driving in Thessaloniki can be challenging due to traffic congestion, narrow streets, limited parking spaces and aggressive drivers. You will also need an international driving permit and a valid credit card to rent a car in Greece. Some of the advantages of having a car are:
- You can visit some of the nearby destinations that are not easily accessible by public transportation, such as Mount Athos, Meteora, Kavala and Thassos.
- You can explore some of the scenic routes around Thessaloniki, such as the Thermaic Gulf Road, the Chalkidiki Road and the Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas National Park Road.
- You can enjoy some of the best beaches around Thessaloniki, such as Agia Triada, Perea, Epanomi and Potamos.
By train
If you want to travel further away from Thessaloniki, you can also take a train to some of the other major cities in Greece or abroad. The main train station in Thessaloniki is located near the city center and offers regular services to Athens, Larissa, Volos, Katerini and Alexandroupoli. You can also take international trains to Sofia, Belgrade, Skopje and Istanbul. Some of the benefits of traveling by train are:
- You can enjoy some of the most scenic train journeys in Greece, such as the Olympus Express that passes by Mount Olympus and Tempi Valley.
- You can save money and time by taking overnight trains or high-speed trains.
- You can avoid the hassle of driving or flying.
By boat
Last but not least, you can also travel around Thessaloniki by boat. The city has a busy port that offers ferry services to some of the Greek islands, such as Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Limnos. You can also take a cruise along the Thermaic Gulf and admire the views of Thessaloniki from the sea. Some of the perks of traveling by boat are:
- You can experience the maritime heritage of Thessaloniki, which dates back to ancient times.
- You can relax and enjoy the breeze and the sun.
- You can discover some of the hidden coves and beaches along the coast.
As you can see, there are many ways to travel around Thessaloniki and visit different places. No matter what your preferences and budget are, you will find something that suits you. Thessaloniki is a city that will surprise you with its diversity and charm. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Thessaloniki today and start exploring!
