Tips For Staying Cool This Summer In Thessaloniki

A vibrant city year-round with its cultural attractions and nightlife, Thessaloniki is also the gateway to the Halkidiki Peninsula and the northeastern islands. If you’re visiting Thessaloniki in the hot summer months, you’ll probably want to find someplace cool to hang out. Here are our suggestions for what you can do to stay cool in Thessaloniki during the summer.

Go to the beach

The best way to stay cool during summer is to take a refreshing dip in the sea. With the stunning beaches of Halkidiki less than two hours away, it would be a crime to stay in the city on a hot day. There are countless beaches nearby, so plan a day trip by renting a car or making use of the public transport.

Long stretch of sand across the shoreline near Sani Beach Resort, with Thessaloniki in the distance

Stay cool at the pool

Chill at the port

For a cool spot to hang out with friends, the port area is a great place to be, with its cafés, museums, and sea breezes. As one of the city’s hip cultural hubs, the port often plays host to events, or just take a walk on the waterfront, with its small fountains that provide a cool break from the heat.

The waterfront of Thessaloniki is a great place to relax with its collection of water jets and fountains

Sightsee the smart way

As one of the most walkable cities in Greece, Thessaloniki is a sightseeing haven. UNESCO-listed churches, Roman ruins, unique buildings reflecting the mixed heritage of the city… there are plenty of sights to keep you busy during your stay. Visit places with air conditioning during the day, have a leisurely lunch, then resume the indoor visits in the afternoon.

Watch a movie under the stars

Thessaloniki is home to a few open-air cinemas. Check out Ciné Natali in the center, or catch a film on the roof of the M2 of the Thessaloniki Concert Hall during the summer film festival “Movie with a view”.

Ciné Natali is a great centrally located summer cinema in Thessaloniki

Stay covered

Thessaloniki has a collection of covered markets, ideal for escaping the heat. Often included as a stop on food tours, these markets offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past and contemporary food scene. As you explore the city you may also stumble across commercial arcades, or stoas, where small bars, boutiques and stores are another great excuse to stay indoors.

Combine coffee and culture

Check out some of Thessaloniki’s multi-purpose venues that double as art galleries and as places to just sit and relax. For example, the Ancient Agora is home to several artsy places where locals hang out while enjoying a coffee. Also check out Container Art Café, 2 Concept Store, or Ypsilon, a recent addition housed in an eclectic building.

Ypsilon, a cool bar/café/working space/venue in Thessaloniki

Get on a floating bar

Want to see Thessaloniki from another vantage point while staying away from the heat? Get out onto the water. A unique and original way to do so is to visit the city’s pirate-themed floating bar, Arabella. The ride is technically free, but you must consume at least 3 euros’ worth of drinks per person. Grab a table, order a drink and enjoy the half-hour cruise along the Thermaic Gulf.

Have a picnic

Green areas and parks are dotted throughout the city and the waterfront. Make an afternoon of it and pack a delicious lunch to enjoy in a park. There are many places in town, but for a bit of an excursion, head to the Seih Sou Forest.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.