What to see, do, and visit in Thessaloniki and its environs with your rental car.
Thessaloniki-Macedonia Airport
South of the city of Thessaloniki is the Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), also known as the International Airport of Macedonia. It was opened in 1930 and today is one of the most important airports in Greece, since it has connections with cities such as Athens, Rhodes, Corfu, Samos or Lemnos, among others. In addition, from this airport there are also flights to different cities in Italy and Spain such as Milan, Girona, Rome, Naples. To get from the airport to the city of Thessaloniki you can use public transport or rent a car at the Thessaloniki-Macedonia airport and get a vehicle that allows you to reach the city in approximately 25 minutes.
Car hire in Thessaloniki
Car hire in Thessaloniki is the most recommended option to tour the capital of the Macedonia region with total autonomy and freedom, without depending on bus schedules and routes. Plan a personalized route to explore the city at your leisure and visit some of the most representative places in the city, such as the Aristotle Square, the Nikis promenade, the Kapani market, the Arch of Galerius, the White Tower or the Church of Saint Sophia, among others.
Thessaloniki information
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, is full of culture, history and art, where you can enjoy beautiful views and monuments that will leave you speechless.
What to see in Thessaloniki
- Church of Saint Sophia: Built in the 8th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the city and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the thirteenth century it became a cathedral, later it was a mosque for five centuries and is now a Greek Orthodox church. The entrance to the church is free of charge and the building is a model example of Byzantine architecture.
- Rotonda of Galerius: Also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , this Byzantine church is believed to have been originally a temple dedicated to the god Zeus or a funerary site for Emperor Galerius. Its interior is very beautiful, full of mosaics and decorated with marble. Nearby, we find the Arch of Galerius, known as Kamara.
- Waterfront (Nikis): Nikis Avenue is a seaport that is worth strolling and relaxing, the views are wonderful. In addition, the promenade is decorated with many sculptures and monuments that do not go unnoticed. It is a part of the city full of life and very active, especially at sunset, which is also when you can admire the best views.
- White Tower: It is a defensive tower facing the sea, it is also known as Lefkos Pyrgos. It is one of the main monuments of the city and many see it as the symbol of Thessaloniki.
- Panaghia Chalkeon: Like the two churches mentioned above, it was declared a World Heritage Site and was converted into a mosque, although later it became an Orthodox church.
Driving route through Thessaloniki
We propose you to enjoy a driving route through the most cultural Thessaloniki, a tour where you can see the most representative monuments, churches and museums of the city.
We recommend you to visit the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Cinema, the Museum of Photography and the Museum of Byzantine Culture, the White Tower and the Turkish baths, known as Bey Hamam.
We could not leave aside a route through the churches, from the Church of Saint Sophia, the Rotonda, the Panaghia Chalkeon, the Church of Saint Pantaleimon to the Panagia Acheiropoietos.
Gastronomy of Thessaloniki
If you are on vacation in Thessaloniki you cannot miss the Greek salad, you can accompany it with a delicious moussaka, a variety of eggplant lasagna. The souvlaki is similar to the Moruno skewer and ntolmadakia, which are grape vine leaves that are filled with rice. The papoutsaki, on the other hand, is similar to what we know as stuffed eggplant and the saganaki batzos is fried Batzos cheese with Tsipouro and lemon.
Weather in Thessaloniki
The climate in Thessaloniki is Mediterranean, this is why summers are hot and winters moderate. This privileged place enjoys many sunny days a year, especially during summer. The coldest months are December, January and February, and if you go on your trip during these months you must keep yourself warm. The hottest months are July and August.
The months with more rainfall are February and November, so if you go on your trip to Thessaloniki during these months, we recommend you to stuff your suitcase with rainwear, raincoat, umbrella and waterproof boots. The best months to visit Thessaloniki are the months of March to June and September to November.
