car hire thessaloniki
Pick up your hire car at Thessaloniki and you're ready to explore the vibrant and bustling capital of Macedonia. Book car hire thessaloniki airport now
the 60-second guide to thessaoloniki
in its own head
"Forget Athens - we're the greatest intellectual and cultural centre of the eastern Mediterranean!"
but more realistically
Yes, the capital of Macedonia really does pack some history, bequeathing to Greece some of its most famous artists, musicians, poets and thinkers. But it's also home to beautiful beaches and fine restaurants.
the vibe
While the pace by day is distinctly chilled and laid back, the student spirit kicks in after dark for some lively Greek action.
the natives
There is a decidedly youthful feel to Thessaloniki, thanks to its larger-than-average university population who always give a warm, Greek welcome.
the weather
With a Mediterranean climate, this little gem offers decent holiday weather nearly all year round. During the hottest months, those in the know head to the cooler mountainous area.
the local speciality
Being a port, there is plentiful fresh fish and seafood to sample. But, if you're feeding a hangover, try a big souvlaki - Thessaloniki's answer to the doner kebab.
the celebrity
There must be something in the water, as several of the biggest celebs to hail from here, notably Peja Stojakovic of NBA fame, are basketball players.
did you know?
The Second World War brought total destruction to Thessaloniki - there were more than 1,500 executions in the city and 40,000 Jews were deported to concentration camps.
they say
"Everything begins in Thessaloniki, everything wants to be, to become something, and nothing continues the way it started." - Poet and painter Nikos Gavriil Pentzikis.
5 to see in town...
- 1. White Tower
- 2. Museum of Byzantine Culture
- 3. Archaeological Museum
- 4. Yeni Hamam
- 5. Palace of Galerius
The striking White Tower, set on the waterfront, is a must-see with a rather murky past. Back in the 19th century, following mass executions within its walls, it went by the far more sombre title 'Tower of Blood'.
where to park?
You can park at either Symis or Doiranis.
5 to see in town...
- 1. White Tower
- 2. Museum of Byzantine Culture
- 3. Archaeological Museum
- 4. Yeni Hamam
- 5. Palace of Galerius
Immerse yourself in everything Thessaloniki with this museum, dedicated to the art and ideologies of the Byzantine era and beyond. Featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions, you'll leave knowing more than the locals.
where to park?
A car park is provided for visitors.
5 to see in town...
- 1. White Tower
- 2. Museum of Byzantine Culture
- 3. Archaeological Museum
- 4. Yeni Hamam
- 5. Palace of Galerius
Satisfy your thirst for culture with a trip to this little beauty, built in 1962 and designed by the architect Patroklos Karantinos. Make sure you check out excavated treasures in the awe-inspiring 'The Gold of Macedon' exhibit.
where to park?
Street parking is available on Andronikou Street. Alternatively you can park at the Classical Makedonia Palace car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. White Tower
- 2. Museum of Byzantine Culture
- 3. Archaeological Museum
- 4. Yeni Hamam
- 5. Palace of Galerius
This magical 17th-century bath house, built on Roman ruins, now occasionally doubles as a concert hall thanks to some truly mind blowing acoustics.
where to park?
You can park at Odos Kassandrou.
5 to see in town...
- 1. White Tower
- 2. Museum of Byzantine Culture
- 3. Archaeological Museum
- 4. Yeni Hamam
- 5. Palace of Galerius
While there isn't a great deal left of the Emperor Galerius's palace, the low ruins are still impressive to say the least, thanks to a massive central courtyard and beautiful floor mosaics that have stood the test of time.
where to park?
There is no car access to the site. Park in surrounding areas and then use the designated paths to explore.
and 4 to drive to...
If the trusty wide-brimmed sunhat just isn't cutting the mustard, try cooling down with a trip inside this mesmerising limestone cave instead.
how to get there?
Head southeast on Odos Agiou Dimitriou towards Filimona Dragoumi. Continue on Odos Agiou Dimitriou, following signs for Salonika. The journey should take around ten minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
Located 12 miles west of Thessaloniki, this cemetery is well worth the drive. The site of countless, priceless excavations it will send you soaring back in time - in fact the site is believed to date from the 5th century BC.
how to get there?
Head west on the E75/E90 and come off at the exit for Sindos village - it'll only take you about half an hour to get there.
and 4 to drive to...
If you want to escape from it all, head to the beautiful Lake Kerkini which lies north between two separate mountain ranges. With plenty of wildlife and breathtaking scenery, it is the perfect chill-out choice.
how to get there?
Take the route 12/E79/Thessalonikis-Serron for around 30 miles, following signs for Kerkini, and turn left toward Irakleias-Strymonikou. The journey should take no more than two hours.
and 4 to drive to...
Of course, no holiday would be complete without a beach to laze on and Aretsou beach, east of Thessaloniki, has it all. Plus, if you've any energy left, there's plenty of water sports to try.
how to get there?
Follow the Leoforos Konstantinou road a mile and a half, and Turn right at Voulgari. Follow signs for Kalamaria. The drive should only take 20 minutes.
ask a thessaloniki cabbie!
Local taxi driver Aleksander Pappas on car hire in Thessaloniki "Be careful where you park in Thessaloniki. You always have to park on the right hand side of the road, and can't park on red or yellow lines. But it's definitely worth having a car for excursions from here into northern Greece, as it allows you to see and enjoy a lot more than you would from a guided tour. Driving out to attractions like Lake Kerkini, which takes around two hours, is a lot less stressful by car than it is by bus!"