Always bestprice Travel · Travel itinerary
1 day / 0 nights · Science, shopping, mountains, remembrance
Pylea - Chortiatis, Greece
Always bestprice Travel · Contents
1 day / 0 nights · Science, shopping, mountains, remembrance
The day begins in Pylea with a visit to NOESIS, a science center that's also great for travelers with children, and continues with a lunch break at the nearby Mediterranean Cosmos. In the afternoon, the scenery changes as you head up toward Chortiatis, where a walk through the village lets you visit the memorial and the Church of Saint George. The day ends with sweeping views and the fresh mountain air: the itinerary alternates between indoor spaces and outdoor stops, limiting travel to the eastern area of Thessaloniki.
Walking · 18.9 km · 252 min · Source: Mapbox · walking
Discover Pylaia’s scientific and commercial hub and end the day among the historical traces and landscapes of Chortiatis.
10:00
NOESIS - Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum
Spend about two hours exploring the interactive science and technology exhibits, the planetarium or the screening room, checking in advance which activities are available that day. From central Thessaloniki, the trip usually takes 20–30 minutes by car; by taxi, the ride can cost around 15–25 €. Admission and special activities may vary, roughly 5–15 € per person.
Opening hours and access to individual rooms change depending on the day: check the schedule before you go.
12:15
Mediterranean Cosmos
Reach the shopping center in about 10 minutes by car and take a short walk among shops, common areas and dining spaces. It’s a practical stop to rest and find restrooms before heading to the village. Access is free; purchases depend on personal preferences.
Parking is generally easy, but it can get crowded on weekends.
13:00
Lunch and break at Mediterranean Cosmos
Choose a taverna or one of the mall’s venues for lunch without straying from the route: Greek cuisine, quick bites and international options are available. Allow about 45–60 minutes; a simple meal costs around 10–18 € per person, while a served lunch can cost more.
Stock up on water: higher up along the route, places to buy it may be less frequent.
14:15
Transfer to the village of Chortiatis
Head northeast and climb up to Chortiatis: in normal conditions the drive takes about 30–40 minutes, but it can take longer with traffic or bad weather. Public transportation is less flexible for reaching the viewpoints, so check the latest schedules if you do not have a car. Allow for an approximate cost of 10–20 € for a taxi from the commercial center, to be confirmed on site.
The road becomes more winding as you go uphill; drive carefully and check the weather conditions.
15:00
Chortiatis Holocaust Memorial
Stop at the memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1944 Chortiatis massacre, a quiet place that helps you understand the village’s history during the occupation. Observe the monument respectfully and take a few minutes to read any commemorative inscriptions. Visiting the outdoor area is free.
This is a memorial site: keep your voice down and do not interfere with local ceremonies.
15:40
Church of Saint George, Chortiatis
Continue on foot into the village center to the Church of Saint George, focusing your visit on the architecture and the atmosphere of the surrounding square. The interior may only be accessible during services or at specific times; if the church is closed, the stop is still pleasant for seeing the historic core. Entry, when permitted, is usually free.
To enter, wear respectful clothing and make sure a service is not in progress.
16:30
Scenic walk on Mount Chortiatis
Drive to a safe spot along the mountain road and spend about 60–90 minutes on a short walk, choosing a stretch suited to the day’s conditions. With woodland, cooler air, and views over the Thessaloniki plain, the area offers a sharp contrast to the urban outskirts. Access to the natural area is free; do not take unmarked or demanding trails without proper equipment.
Bring shoes with suitable soles, a light jacket, and water; visibility drops quickly at sunset.
19:00
Dinner in Chortiatis and return
End with dinner at a local tavern, choosing Greek dishes and grilled specialties; expect roughly 15–25 € per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the place. After dinner, head back toward Pylea or Thessaloniki, allowing about 30–45 minutes by car. If you have been drinking alcohol, arrange your return in advance with a designated driver or a taxi.
Booking ahead is wise on weekends and during busy periods.
| Admission to NOESIS and selected activities | 5–15 € per person |
| Lunch at Mediterranean Cosmos | 10–22 € per person |
| Dinner at a taverna in Chortiatis | 15–25 € per person |
| Fuel and parking for the itinerary | 15–30 € per car |
| Taxi for the main transfers, if needed | 30–55 € total, approximate |
Greece uses the euro (€), so no exchange is needed for those departing from Italy. All figures are rough estimates and may vary depending on season, opening hours, rates, and personal choices; check local prices for museums, transport, and restaurants.

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