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Guide to Thermi
THERMI · ITINERARY

Thermi (Thessaloniki, Kentriki Makedonia, Greece) in 7 days – Complete itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · History, museums, sea, food

Thermi is a practical base for exploring the eastern part of the Thessaloniki metropolitan area and reaching the city center, the beaches of the Thermaic Gulf, and major cultural sites. The itinerary is organized by area: first the surroundings of Thermi, then the seafront and central monuments, and finally the historic districts and markets. The last part alternates a coastal day with a more relaxed urban return. For some trips, especially to the beaches and the Epanomi lagoon, a rental car or taxi makes the plan easier.

Stops
4 · 4 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
9.1 km · 104 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 5.9 km · 63 min
  2. 380 m · 5 min
  3. 2.8 km · 35 min

Day 1 – Thermi, science and waterside landscapes

09:30–19:00 A relaxed pace, with short transfers

Get your bearings in Thermi and visit the main attractions of the eastern suburbs.

09:30

Stroll through Thermi Municipal Park

Start with a peaceful walk in the municipal park, a good way to get familiar with the center of Thermi as well. Set aside about 45 minutes for the paths and green areas; entry is free.

Bring water, especially in the warmer months.

11:00

Thermi Dam and surroundings

Reach the dam by car or taxi, usually in 10–15 minutes from the center. The area is popular for walks and views over the reservoir; the outside visit is free and the ground can be uneven.

Do not approach restricted areas or unstable edges.

13:00

Lunch in Thermi

Head back into town for lunch in a taverna or casual eatery, with Greek dishes and seasonal produce. Budget around 12–22 € per person, drinks excluded or included depending on the place.

Tavernas can be busier on weekends.

15:00

NOESIS - Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum

Spend about two hours exploring the science and technology exhibits, with interactive sections that are also great for families. Admission and any screenings vary depending on the activities, typically 6–12 €.

Check the schedule and opening times online: some activities require a separate ticket.

17:30

Mediterranean Cosmos

The shopping center is just a short distance from NOESIS: you can walk there or make a quick drive. It’s a convenient stop for coffee, shopping, and services; free access, with coffee or a snack costing around 3–8 €.

Handy for buying water and supplies for the next few days.

Day 2 – The seafront and the city's modern landmarks

10:00–19:00 Urban walks and scenic stops

Discover Thessaloniki’s waterfront with close-together stops and a transfer heading east.

10:00

Thessaloniki Concert Hall

Start with the complex overlooking the gulf, reachable from Thermi by bus or taxi; allow around 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Admire the architecture and the relationship between the buildings and the waterfront; interior visits depend on the program, while the outdoor areas are freely accessible.

If you want to attend a performance, book in advance.

11:30

Walk to the Statue of Alexander the Great

Follow the seafront toward the center for a walk of about 20–30 minutes. The statue and nearby sculptures are free outdoor stops, with good views over Thermaic Gulf.

During the hottest hours in summer, the route offers little shade.

12:15

White Tower of Thessaloniki

Visit the tower, a symbol of the city, and head up to the upper levels to take in the port and the urban landscape. The visit takes about 60–90 minutes; the ticket is roughly in the range of 6–10 €, with possible variations.

Check for any closures and reduced rates on the official website.

14:00

Lunch on the seafront

Stop at a café or taverna between the tower and the center, choosing a light meal to keep walking afterward. Estimated budget: 12–25 € per person.

Places right on the water can be more expensive.

16:00

OTE Tower and the fairgrounds area

Walk to OTE Tower and the exhibition complex, about 15–20 minutes from the White Tower. The tower is a city landmark; access to the panoramic café, if available, depends on opening hours and requires a purchase, usually 4–10 €.

Consider this stop as an exterior viewpoint if the tower is not accessible.

Day 3 – Archaeology and the Roman city

09:30–18:00 Cultural day with indoor visits

Explore the archaeological collections and the monuments from the Roman era in the city center.

09:30

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Spend about two hours exploring the collections that tell the story of ancient Macedonia, from tombs to everyday finds and metal artifacts. Admission is roughly 6–12 €, subject to seasonal rates and discounts.

Check the weekly closing day before you go.

12:00

Museum of Byzantine Culture

The museum is close to the previous one and is worth about two hours to follow the city’s and region’s development in the Byzantine era. The galleries are organized by theme and feature mosaics, icons, and liturgical objects; approximate admission 6–12 €.

A coffee break before the visit helps keep a pleasant pace.

14:15

Lunch in the museum area

Choose a taverna or restaurant along the route toward the center. A simple meal costs around 12–22 € per person.

The area is served by buses and taxis if you prefer not to walk.

15:30

Arch of Galerius

Head to the arch, known for the reliefs celebrating Emperor Galerius’s campaigns. The exterior visit is free and takes about 20–30 minutes; view the carved panels from different angles.

It is in a busy area: cross only at the crosswalks.

16:15

Rotunda

Continue on foot for a few minutes to the Rotunda, a monumental building transformed over time into a mausoleum, church, and mosque. Allow 30–45 minutes; admission can cost roughly 3–6 €, with variations depending on opening hours.

Hours may change because of religious services or work in progress.

17:15

Palace of Galerius

Conclude in the archaeological area of the palace, reachable with a short walk toward Navarinou Square. The ruins can be visited in about 30–45 minutes; admission may be free or paid depending on opening arrangements, approximately 0–6 €.

After the visit, the square offers several options for a break.

Day 4 – Walls, monasteries, and views from Ano Poli

09:30–18:00 Uphill walk, with frequent stops

Explore the upper historic core and the fortifications, including a stop in the lower city.

09:30

Church of Saint Demetrius

Visit the large basilica dedicated to Thessaloniki’s patron saint and take in the five-aisled structure and the crypt, if accessible. The church is generally free to enter; allow 45–60 minutes and wear respectful clothing.

Sightseeing may be limited during services.

10:45

Climb to Ano Poli

Reach Ano Poli on foot with a challenging climb, or by taxi or bus, a useful option on hot days. Stroll through alleys, traditional houses, and viewpoints; for bus travel, expect an indicative city fare of 0,60–1,00 €.

Non-slip-soled shoes are recommended on the stone sections.

12:00

Vlatadon Monastery

Visit the monastery and its courtyard, appreciating its position above the city and the view over the gulf. Entry is normally free; set aside about 30–45 minutes and check on site for any restrictions.

Keep a discreet tone: the complex is still a place of worship.

13:00

Lunch in Ano Poli

Stop in a neighborhood tavern to try traditional Greek dishes. Budget around 15–28 € per person for a full lunch.

Some restaurants have reduced hours outside the busiest days.

14:30

Trigonion Tower and walls

Walk along part of the fortifications to the tower, one of the most popular spots for panoramic city views. The exterior visit is free and takes about 30 minutes; expect uphill stretches and uneven paving.

The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos.

15:30

Heptapyrgion

Continue to the fortress, also known as Yedi Kule, which overlooks the northern sector of Ano Poli. Allow 60–90 minutes; entry may be free or subject to varying rules and opening hours, so check before you go.

The walk along the walls requires comfortable shoes.

Day 5 – Markets, squares, and flavors of the center

09:00–19:00 Gastronomic and urban stroll

Experience the historic commercial center through markets, Roman ruins, and the Ladadika district.

09:00

Kapani Market

Arrive at the market in the morning, when the food stalls and small shops are at their liveliest. Walking around is free; for breakfast or a tasting, budget 4–10 €.

In crowded markets, keep valuables secure.

10:30

Modiano Market

Explore the covered market and its shops, among local produce, cafés, and snack spots. Allow 45–75 minutes and a budget of around €5–15 if you’d like to do a tasting.

The stalls’ offerings and opening hours may vary during the week.

12:00

Aristotelous Square

Head to the main square and take in the monumental layout descending toward the sea. Admission is free; a coffee stop costs approximately €3–7.

From here, the seafront is just a short walk away.

13:00

Lunch in the historic center

Choose a spot between the square and the shopping district, or sample small plates around the markets. Lunch costs an average of €12–25 per person.

Ask whether the bread and appetizers brought to the table are included in the bill.

15:00

Roman Forum of Thessaloniki

Set aside about an hour for the archaeological complex, admiring the theater, colonnades, and remains of the Roman public buildings. Admission is roughly €2–6, though fees and access may change.

Check the closing time, especially in the low season.

17:00

Ladadika

Finish with a stroll through the historic district, once tied to the olive oil trade and now full of bars and tavernas. Access is free; an aperitif costs around €5–12, while dinner can range from €18 to 35 per person.

For weekend dinners, it’s wise to book ahead.

Day 6 – The beaches of the gulf and the Epanomi lagoon

09:00–19:30 Outdoor day, preferably by car

Alternate a walk along the coast with an excursion in the protected natural area of Epanomi.

09:00

Perea Beach

Reach Perea from Thermi by car or taxi, usually in 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Stroll along the seafront and consider a swim if conditions and the season allow; beach access is free, while sunbeds and umbrellas can cost roughly 8–20 €.

During high season, check availability and sea conditions.

11:00

Neoi Epivates Beach

Head to Neoi Epivates for a quieter stretch of coastline, reachable by car or via a short local connection. Allow about an hour for a walk or a swim stop; the beach is free, with variable paid services.

Bring beach shoes if the seabed is pebbly in some spots.

12:30

Lunch by the sea

Stop at a seaside taverna for fish or meze, checking the catch and the day’s prices. Approximate budget: 18–35 € per person.

For fish sold by weight, ask the price before it is prepared.

14:30

Agia Triada Beach

Continue by car to Agia Triada for a coastal walk and a relaxed break. Access is free; sunbeds and refreshments have variable rates, roughly 8–20 € for a spot.

Do not plan the ferry transfer without first checking the season and schedules.

16:30

Epanomi Lagoon

Reach the lagoon by car: the trip from the coast can take about 30–45 minutes. It is a protected natural area, interesting for birdlife and coastal landscapes; admission is free, but access can be limited and not all roads are suitable for a regular car.

Stay on the permitted trails, bring binoculars and water, and check road conditions before setting out.

Day 7 – Churches, architecture, and the latest discoveries in the city center

10:00–18:30 Flexible day, with short visits

Take a leisurely look at the city center, visit a major Byzantine church, and set aside time for shopping and food stops.

10:00

Hagia Sophia, Thessaloniki

Visit the church, an important example of Byzantine architecture and part of the city's UNESCO heritage. Admission is usually free; allow 30–45 minutes and follow the visitor guidelines.

Check for any religious ceremonies that may restrict access.

11:15

Walk through the central streets

Continue on foot toward the commercial heart of the center, taking in the facades and the passages between the historic districts. The walk is free and can be adjusted depending on the heat or your energy level.

Plan a short coffee break, around 3–7 €.

12:30

Bezesteni

Stop at the Bezesteni, a historic covered building tied to the city's trade, and admire the structure from the outside and, if open, from the inside. Access is generally free; opening hours and the activities on site may vary.

The building does not always operate as an attraction with regular visiting hours.

13:15

Lunch and tastings in the city center

Dedicate lunch to a traditional local eatery or small bites around the markets you've already visited. Plan on €12–25 per person for a meal, or €6–12 for a lighter stop.

Buy packaged products only after checking how they can be transported and stored.

15:30

Free time between the markets and Aristotelous Square

Head back toward the markets and the main square for your final shopping, a stroll, or a coffee break. No entrance ticket is required; allow for variable spending on souvenirs and refreshments.

Leave extra time to get to Thermi, especially in the late afternoon.

17:30

Farewell to the waterfront

Wrap up with a walk along the waterfront and a stop to admire the gulf at sunset, if the timing works out. This is a free activity; a drink at a seaside spot costs roughly €4–10.

For the return to Thermi, allow 30–50 minutes, depending on the mode of transport and traffic.

Estimated budget

Accommodation in Thermi, double room€70–150 per night
Meals and drinks€30–60 per day per person
City transport and occasional taxis€8–25 per day per person
Rental car and fuel for excursions€45–100 per day per car
Admission to museums and monuments€20–50 total per person

Greece uses the euro (€); so no currency exchange is needed for those coming from Italy. The amounts are indicative estimates per person, unless otherwise stated, and vary depending on the season, availability, means of transport, and dining choices. They do not include flights or any parking fees.

Practical tips

  • Check the official opening hours of museums and archaeological sites: weekly closures, public holidays, and fees may change.
  • For central Thessaloniki, use buses or taxis and check tickets, routes, and travel times on the spot; traffic can make transfers from Thermi take longer.
  • For the Epanomi lagoon and the beaches, bring water, sunscreen, and suitable shoes; always respect protected areas and access guidelines.
  • In summer, plan walks and outdoor visits for the morning or late afternoon, leaving the hottest hours for museums and breaks.