Where to Park in Thessaloniki

The short answer: do not bring a car into the centre. The long answer explains why, and what to do if you must.

Why it is hard

Central Thessaloniki was laid out after the 1917 fire for a far smaller city. The axes are wide but few, and the wider urban area is home to more than a million people. Double parking is an everyday sight.

Since the metro opened, the problem has changed character: there is now a real alternative.

What actually works

Leave the car at an outlying metro station and take the metro in.

The stations to the east and south-east — toward Nea Elvetia and along the Kalamaria branch — serve anyone arriving from the ring road or from Chalkidiki. From there the centre is minutes away, with no hunt for a space.

See the station guides for what sits around each one.

If you must park in the centre

• Private car parks exist across the centre, most densely around Tsimiski, Valaoritou and the port. This is the safe option for a few hours.
• Controlled on-street parking operates in zones of the centre. Prices and hours change, so check the municipality's official information before relying on it.
• Hotels: ask before you book. Several central hotels have no car park of their own and use a neighbourhood one, often for a fee.

Where not to try

In Ano Poli the streets are narrow, steep and often one-way. It is possible, but if you do not know the area you will lose more time than you save. Go up by bus or taxi.

In Ladadika and around the markets in the evening, do not attempt it.

If you are here for day trips

For Chalkidiki, Mount Olympus or Vergina, a car is the sensible choice. For the city, it is not. If you want both, keep the car for the day-trip days and leave it parked for the rest.