Passengers traveling by ferry to Thessaloniki arrive in the second largest town of the Hellenic Republic and also the most vital center of the mainland!
Thessaloniki, the capital of Macedonia in northern Greece, also known as Salonika or Saloniki, is the second biggest city in Greece, after Athens. Located in the heart of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki Greece serves as a commercial, business, and transportation hub for the northern side of Greece. Thessaloniki Greece, which is located in the Macedonia region, is the second-largest city in the country. After your arrival at Thessaloniki, you’ll realize that this city has an enduring history and rich culture! Strolling around Thessaloniki town, you’ll come across many monuments mostly dating back to the Roman and Byzantine eras.
The town was founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon on the site of a former settlement named Therma. He named it after his wife Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. The name actually means "victory of the Thessalians" and it is believed that the woman was named like that because her birth coincided with a victory of the Macedonians with the help of the Thessalians. In Roman times, Thessaloniki was an important trade center to transport goods between the East and the West. Its economic expansion continued all through the Byzantine Times and it became one of the most important centers of the empire. Many public buildings and churches were built in that period all over the town. Many of these early Christian and Byzantine churches survive till today and they have been declared as World Heritage Monuments by Unesco.
A city with a long history and rich culture, Thessaloniki is a very interesting place to visit. Either as a holiday destination or as a part of a day trip between the nearby Kavala, Halkidiki, and Pieria. The location of Thessaloniki in the northern part of Greece makes it a perfect base for excursions in northern and central Greece, for example Thessaloniki to Meteora. Thessaloniki has an airport, so you can reach it either by plane, or by train, bus, and car.
Book your ferry tickets to Thessaloniki in advance and enjoy a delightful holiday in Greece's second capital!
Ferry Connections to Thessaloniki
In the past, ferries from Thessaloniki served various islands of the Aegean Sea and mainly the islands of Eastern Aegean, like Chios, Lesvos, and Lemnos. Nowadays, ferries from Thessaloniki are much fewer and in fact, during the last few summers, there are no ferry routes from Thessaloniki at any of the Aegean islands.
The closest port in Thessaloniki that operates crossings to the northern Aegean is Kavala, approx. 130 km east of Thessaloniki.
The following ferry routes have been suspended from the port of Thessaloniki and they are operated throughout the year from the port of Kavala.
- Kavala - Limnos
- Kavala - Lesvos
- Kavala - Chios
- Kavala - Samos
- Kavala - Ikaria
- Kavala - Patmos
- Kavala - Mykonos
- Kavala - Agios Efstratios
Thessaloniki ferry port
The heart of the city of Thessaloniki is its commercial port, located in the same area as the White Tower which is the symbol of the city. The port is in a strategic geographical location and is well connected by road networks. It is located within the Thermaikos Bay, to the west of the city center of Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port
Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia", former "Mikra Airport", is an international airport located in Thermi, 13 kilometers southern of the city center and the port. Below, you will be provided information on how to reach the port of Thessaloniki after landing at the airport:
Bus
Use line 78 (line 78N during night hours) from the Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki ferry port. Please, check Thessaloniki Airport Bus for more information.
Taxi
In front of the Terminal of Thessaloniki Airport is the taxi stand. Taxis are available on a 24/7 basis. The journey time to Thessaloniki port takes approx. 30 minutes and costs ca. 20,00 Euro.
Thessaloniki City Center to Thessaloniki Port
You can get very easily from Thessaloniki city center to Thessaloniki port by taking advantage of the following public transportation means:
Bus
Thessaloniki has a convenient bus system, connecting all areas to the city center, while plenty of taxis are available for those needing to get somewhere faster. For schedules, please visit Thessaloniki Buses.
Taxi
Taxis are omnipresent in the city center of Thessaloniki 24/7. Catch one on the road or call them anytime to schedule transportation. You can use the tel. numbers 18300, +30 2310 866 866, 18180, +30 2310 525 777, 18288, +30 2310 555 111, +30 697 215 4399 or check Thessaloniki Taxis to book one.
Holidays in Thessaloniki
During your holidays in Thessaloniki you will definitely be enchanted by the place’s style and background. Historic buildings in interesting architecture, paved paths and cozy café-bars are all around the main town.
Below are some of the most attractive sites:
- Thessaloniki Beach Promenade is the most famous spot in the city There, both visitors and locals enjoy long walks, marvel at the sea view, and watch the sunset. Apart from the beach promenade, Aristotle Square, which is located right in the city center, is another famous spot. Around this square is the commercial center of Thessaloniki, where you’ll find all kinds of shops, restaurants, coffee places and, of course, the renowned pastry shops of Thessaloniki. Moreover, in the city center, you'll find a great selection of hotels
- The White Tower, the most important landmark and trademark of Thessaloniki are hands down. Located at the port of Thessaloniki, the White Tower is the most photographed tourist site in the city. Another popular site is Kamara. Kamara is an arch constructed by the Roman general Galerius in the 3rd century AD. Other interesting places to visit in the city center of Thessaloniki are the Roman Agora, a beautiful ancient theater, the palace of Galerius, a vestige of the Roman era, as well as the World Heritage-listed Byzantine churches
- The Church of Agios Dimitrios is the most famous church in Thessaloniki. This is the patron saint of the town and its celebration on October 26th is a local holiday. This church dates back to the Byzantine Times and it was built on the exact location where Saint Demetrius martyred. In fact, the basement of the church is the place where the saint was tortured for his faith and died
- The Castle of Thessaloniki is also known as Yedi Kule or Heptapyrgion. This is a fortress from the Byzantine and the Ottoman era, standing just above the Old Town (Ano Poli). It has been used as the seat of the garrison commander until the late 19th century and as prison till 1989.
The Roman Market, close to the city center, was in function for 8 entire centuries, from the foundation of the town in the 5th century BC till the early Byzantine times, in the 5th century AD. Remains of a theatre, a square, an arched street, a mint, and a marketplace have been unearthed, while excavations and restoration works are being continued today
Sightseeing is not the only thing to do in Thessaloniki! This town is perfect for endless strolls and city exploration. Walk along Thessaloniki beach promenade, have a coffee at the Aristotle Square, taste the local delicacies at Ladadika, and time travel to the past at Thessaloniki Old Town.
Shopping is also a popular activity in Thessaloniki. The shopping triangle in the city center is Egnatia str, Nikis str, and Venizelou str, where there are large shopping outlets next to family shops. There are also large malls and shopping centers in Thessaloniki, such as Mediterranean Cosmos and Shopping Centre Makedonia, both in the region of the airport. Very interesting are also the traditional close markets of Thessaloniki, such as the famous Bezesteni Market.
