Port information & tips for Salonika
Thessaloniki is the cultural heart of Northern Greece and delights cruise guests as a vibrant metropolis on the Thermaic Gulf. The city impresses with its millennia-old history as well as its lively, Mediterranean flair right by the sea. Highlights like the iconic White Tower, the magnificent Aristotelous Square, and the historic Ladadika district with its cozy tavernas are easily accessible from the port. Cruise ships dock at the central passenger terminal “Makedonia” at Pier 1, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the city center. Thanks to this prime location, visitors can reach the waterfront promenade in just a few minutes’ walk and can relax while exploring the architectural treasures and the famous gastronomy of Greece's second-largest city.
The port of Thessaloniki is located in the heart of the city and is excellently accessible for travelers from the DACH region thanks to its central location and the modern Makedonia passenger terminal. The immediate proximity to the city center and the short distances between the terminal and infrastructure allow for a relaxed start to your cruise through the Aegean.
Airplane
Thessaloniki Makedonia International Airport (SKG) is served directly by numerous cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich and is located only about 15 kilometers from the port. Thanks to a taxi ride of about 25 to 30 minutes or by using the X1 express bus line, you can reach the cruise terminal in the city center quickly and directly.
Car
The port is optimally connected to the Greek motorway network via the important A1 trunk road from the north and the A2 Egnatia Odos from the east and west. Secure parking areas such as P1 and P2 are available directly on the port premises for short and long-term parkers, and private parking garages in the immediate vicinity also offer convenient parking options near the terminal.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the cultural diversity of Thessaloniki and the terminal's location right next to the historic Ladadika district, arriving the day before is highly recommended. Numerous hotels in the city center are within walking distance of the port, allowing you to explore the city's sights at your leisure and reach embarkation the next morning without any time pressure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Thessaloniki is located in the heart of the city and is excellently accessible for travelers from the DACH region thanks to its central location and the modern Makedonia passenger terminal. The immediate proximity to the city center and the short distances between the terminal and infrastructure allow for a relaxed start to your cruise through the Aegean.
Airplane
Thessaloniki Makedonia International Airport (SKG) is served directly by numerous cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich and is located only about 15 kilometers from the port. Thanks to a taxi ride of about 25 to 30 minutes or by using the X1 express bus line, you can reach the cruise terminal in the city center quickly and directly.
Car
The port is optimally connected to the Greek motorway network via the important A1 trunk road from the north and the A2 Egnatia Odos from the east and west. Secure parking areas such as P1 and P2 are available directly on the port premises for short and long-term parkers, and private parking garages in the immediate vicinity also offer convenient parking options near the terminal.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the cultural diversity of Thessaloniki and the terminal's location right next to the historic Ladadika district, arriving the day before is highly recommended. Numerous hotels in the city center are within walking distance of the port, allowing you to explore the city's sights at your leisure and reach embarkation the next morning without any time pressure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Thessaloniki is located right on the edge of the vibrant city center and offers travelers an ideal starting point for exploration. Thanks to its central location, many sights and shopping opportunities are within quick and easy reach.
On Foot
Aristotelous Square and the lively waterfront promenade can be comfortably reached in about 10 minutes. The terminal's central location allows travelers to explore the charming alleys of the Old Town and local markets directly during a relaxed stroll.
Taxi
Numerous taxis wait for arriving guests directly in front of the terminal building. They provide a comfortable ride to the Byzantine city walls in the Upper Town or to more distant museums and are a reliable choice thanks to their high availability.
Water Taxis & Culture Bus
Seasonal water taxis called Karavakia depart near the port and head for the surrounding coastal towns. At the same time, the special bus line 50 of the OASTH transport company offers a convenient round trip to the city's most significant cultural sites and historic monuments.
To make the most of your time in Thessaloniki, we recommend focusing on the vibrant city center around the harbor as well as the striking cultural sights along the wide waterfront promenade.
Ladadika & Aristotelous Square
The historic Ladadika district, located directly opposite the cruise terminal, delights with its colorful buildings and excellent cuisine, and flows seamlessly into the magnificent Aristotelous Square, which is perfect for extensive sightseeing and shopping.
The White Tower
This striking landmark on the city's waterfront tells fascinating stories from past eras and offers an incomparable panoramic view over the Thermaic Gulf thanks to its observation deck; furthermore, the adjacent promenade is ideal for relaxed moments by the water.
Peraia Beach
This popular stretch of coast is easily reached directly from the harbor thanks to the regularly operating water taxis and offers fine sand as well as traditional taverns, making it the ideal destination for a relaxing break by the Aegean Sea.
The historic Upper Town (Ano Poli)
The picturesque Upper Town, Ano Poli, is easily accessible from the port by taxi in about fifteen minutes and, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city and the Thermaic Gulf. Thanks to the well-preserved Byzantine city walls and traditional architecture, you will experience a fascinating journey through time and also find numerous charming cafés for an authentic break in the winding alleys. Ideally, start your excursion in the morning at Trigoniou Tower and stroll leisurely downhill from there through the district back towards the port to enjoy the atmosphere in peace and be back at the ship in good time before departure.
Returning to the Thessaloniki cruise port is particularly relaxed and safe thanks to the terminal's excellent location directly at the city center. Since the ships dock at the modern Alexander the Great Terminal or at Pier 1, you can reach your berth comfortably in a very short time.
On Foot
A walk along the busy waterfront promenade Leoforos Nikis leads you directly back to the port entrance, which is only about 15 minutes away from the central Aristoteles Square. The path is flat and clearly laid out, and you will pass through the charming Ladadika district, which borders directly on the port grounds.
Taxi
The blue and white taxis are present throughout the city area and are available at central taxi ranks such as at the White Tower or Aristoteles Square. A ride to the port is also inexpensive and, thanks to the short distances, will bring you safely to the guarded terminal gate at Pier 2 within a few minutes.
Public Bus and Culture Line
The special bus line 50 connects the city's most important historical sites and has a stop in the immediate vicinity of the port. Additionally, you can simply use the regular OASTH buses, which regularly head for the center and enable you to return to the ship on time thanks to the high frequency of service.
