Thessaloniki Waterfront Tour (Self Guided), Thessaloniki

The Port of Thessaloniki, situated in Thessaloniki, Greece, stands as a significant maritime hub, deeply intertwined with the city's economic history and development. Renowned for being one of the largest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, it plays a crucial role in bridging southeastern Europe and the Balkans with maritime routes across the globe. This bustling port specializes in handling both shipping containers and general cargo, making it a pivotal point for trade in the region.

Strategically connected to both national and international rail networks, the Port of Thessaloniki ensures seamless distribution of goods, underscoring its importance in the global logistics chain. Its historical significance is also notable; during World War I, it served as a base of operations for the Allies. In a darker chapter of history, during World War II, the port was seized by Germany, which then used it as a departure point for the deportation of Thessaloniki's Jewish population to Poland.

The port also boasts one of the Aegean Sea's largest passenger terminals, housed in a building steeped in history. Originally constructed in 1912 as a customs house, this building now welcomes thousands of tourists, as Thessaloniki has emerged as a favored cruise destination. Its passenger terminal's proximity to the city's main attractions further enhances its appeal, offering easy access to Thessaloniki's rich cultural and historical landmarks. The Port of Thessaloniki, thus, not only serves as a vital commercial gateway but also as a point of convergence for cultural exchanges, making it a cornerstone of Thessaloniki's vibrant identity.

It was August 1917. Greece had joined the Allied side in the Great War, and Thessaloniki was crowded with British and French troops, along with refugees from the collapsing Ottoman world across the Aegean Sea. In a small refugee house at Olympiados Street, a stray ember from a kitchen fire ignited stored straw. Fanned by strong winds, the flames spread rapidly. For two days, much of the city burned.

French architect Ernest Hébrard happened to be in Thessaloniki at the time. Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos immediately banned any ad-hoc rebuilding and ordered that reconstruction proceed only under a comprehensive modern plan. Hébrard was commissioned to redesign the devastated center. He proposed a city of broad avenues, generous public squares, and monumental facades drawing inspiration from Byzantine architecture. Among these new civic spaces was Alexander the Great Square, later renamed Aristotelous Square, designed as the city’s ceremonial heart.

A monumental axis was laid out from the sea-facing Aristotelous Square inland toward Dikastirion Square and the Roman Forum. Looking uphill from the square, toward the north, the line of the Byzantine city walls remains visible in the distance. Symbolism appears within the square itself: Aristotle sits casually in chiton and sandals near the eastern side of the square. If you stand facing inland, away from the sea, the statue will be to your right. Aristotle’s statue is a favorite local ritual; students polish the big toe of his left foot in hopes that some wisdom might rub off.

Today, Aristotelous Square functions as Thessaloniki’s principal gathering space, regularly hosting rallies, demonstrations, and major public celebrations, including Christmas and carnival events. If you stand facing inland, the western side of the square is dominated by the Electra Palace Hotel. Its symmetrical facade forms part of Hébrard’s original composition, while the Orizontes Roof Garden on the upper level opens southward toward the Thermaic Gulf.

Turn right and you'll see the Olympion Theatre on the eastern side of the square. It is a neoclassical cinema and one of the square’s key cultural landmarks. The building serves as the main venue of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. During the festival, the square becomes an extension of the screenings themselves, filling with queues, conversations, and informal gatherings that spill directly into the surrounding streets.

Victory Avenue runs along the historic seafront, stretching from Eleftherias Square and the port area. Often referred to as the Old Waterfront, the avenue forms a continuous coastal axis that has long defined the city’s relationship with the sea.

Rather than a conventional shopping street, Leoforos Nikis is best known for its prestigious seafront properties, historic apartment buildings, cafes, and restaurants overlooking the Thermaic Gulf. Property values here are among the highest in the city, reflecting its central location and uninterrupted sea views. The avenue also hosts several foreign consulates and professional offices. Over time, it has been home to landmark cafes, patisseries, historic cinemas, and notable hotels that played an important role in the city’s social and cultural life.

During the Ottoman period, the street was known as Beyaz Kule Avenue, referencing the nearby White Tower. In the early 20th century, it was renamed Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, a name it retained until 1939. That year, it officially became Nikis Avenue, commemorating Greece’s victory in the Balkan Wars from 1912 to 1913. The name has remained ever since, closely tied to the avenue’s symbolic and historical significance.

As you walk along Victory Avenue, several landmarks stand out. Walking east along the waterfront promenade, you'll find the Alexander the Great Statue. Just beyond the statue, the promenade opens into the landscaped Alexander the Great Garden, part of Thessaloniki’s newer seafront parks. The bronze equestrian sculpture, set against the sea, is one of the most photographed landmarks along the avenue. If instead you turn west, near the end of the seafront, close to Eleftherias Square, visitors encounter the Holocaust Memorial, a sculptural monument shaped as a menorah formed from intertwined human figures.

Today, the wide pedestrian sidewalk along the waterfront is one of Thessaloniki’s most popular promenades. Locals and visitors alike come here to stroll, meet, and enjoy open views of the sea, especially at sunset. While the city’s main retail and nightlife districts lie slightly inland, Victory Avenue continues to function as a social showcase.

Rising to a height of approximately 112 feet, the White Tower was constructed by the Ottomans in the 15th century, shortly after their capture of the city in 1430. It formed part of the coastal fortifications and was originally integrated into a broader defensive system that included walls and artillery platforms protecting the harbor.

From the outset, the tower served a military purpose and was incorporated into the city’s defensive perimeter. Over time, it became closely associated with imprisonment and punishment. By the 17th century, it functioned as a garrison and later as a prison. During the Ottoman period, it acquired the grim name Tower of Blood or Red Tower, reflecting its role as a site of executions. In 1826, during the suppression of the Janissaries ordered by the Ottoman sultan Mahmud II, imprisoned Janissaries in Thessaloniki were executed, further cementing the tower’s fearsome reputation.

In 1890, the tower was painted white and officially renamed the White Tower. Many historians interpret this act as a symbolic attempt by the Ottoman authorities to erase—or at least soften—the memory of the tower’s violent past, though no definitive explanation survives. Regardless of intent, the new name endured and became firmly established.

The area around the tower has also witnessed pivotal moments in modern Greek history. In 1913, King George I of Greece was assassinated near the tower, marking another dramatic episode linked to the site. During World War I, the tower was used by Allied forces as a communications center, and the surrounding defensive walls were dismantled. At the same time, the tower served as a secure repository for important antiquities.

Throughout the 20th century, the White Tower continued to serve practical functions. Thessaloniki’s air defense operated from the tower between 1912 and 1983, and it also housed a meteorological laboratory. Today, the tower is home to a museum dedicated to the city’s history, presenting exhibitions that trace Thessaloniki’s development from its founding in 316 BC to the present day. Visitors who climb to the upper level are rewarded with views across the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

The statue of Alexander the Great shows Alexander the Great riding his horse Bucephalus. The monument is six meters (20 feet) tall. Its height, including the pedestal, is 11 meters (36 feet) tall. The bronze statue was crafted in 1973 by sculptor Evangelos Moustakas.

Alexander the Great was one of the world's most influential politicians and historical figures. Alexander the Great was one of Aristotle's students and became a Macedonian Emperor at 20. He conquered large swaths of land, including Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey.

Alexander the Great was undefeated in battle. But, unusually, he didn't seek to change the beliefs or customs of the territories he conquered.

The statue shows Alexander looking east while his faithful horse Bucephalus seems ready to fight. Behind the statue, a low wall depicts the Battle of Issus, which happened in 333 BC. During the battle, Alexander the Great defeated the Persian king Darius III. Other features show shields depicting Alexander's army, a snake, a lion, an ox, a falcon, and Gorgon Medusa.

Alexander the Great was incredibly influential in Macedonia and the ancient world. Thessaloniki was named after Alexander the Great's half-sister, Thessalonike.

The statue overlooks Thessaloniki's waterfront and is part of the Nea Paralia seaside park.

Nea Paralia (New Waterfront) is a seaside park in Thessaloniki, and is one of Greece’s most beautiful new public spaces. Since opening in 2013, this revitalized waterfront area has been a local landmark attracting numerous visitors and international accolades. The venue constitutes one of the biggest regeneration projects ever carried out in the city, covering 50,800 square meters with 1,100 trees, expanses of greenery and water.

This architectural feat by Prodromos Nikiforidis and Bernard Cuomo, renowned as one of the best promenades, perfectly combines natural elements and attractive design, and has taken more than a decade to complete. The three-kilometer retreat features 12 themed gardens, including those of Water, Music, Roses, Sound, Memory and others.

Punctuated by sculptures, beautiful fountains and marble benches, the boardwalk throngs with regular joggers, fishers, cyclists, and those busking or just gazing out to sea. Facilities such as cycling paths, sports grounds, children’s play areas, refreshment outlets and an amphitheater, contribute to an attractive atmosphere. Additional feature for kids is a small train. Thanks to the abundance of restaurants and bars on the site, the New Waterfront is just as attractive at night as it is during the day.

The park also regularly hosts various public events during the year, including musical concerts, art fairs, and the annual Book Festival.

On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Olympus from here. For extra fun, you may hire a ThessBike bicycle (1 euro per hour) or take a free harbor cruise on one of the floating bars moored by the White Tower.