1 - 3 of 3 Posts

mastichas09

Active member
I’m planning a trip this year that might include both Thessaloniki and Rhodes, and I’m wondering how easy it is to travel between the two. I’m based in Greece and need to attend a family event in Thessaloniki, but then I’d love to head south for some sunshine on Rhodes afterward.

Has anyone done this route recently? What’s the best way—fly, ferry, or a combination of flights and ferry? How long do transfers typically take, and is it easy to book everything in summer (prices, availability)? I’m especially curious about travel time, costs, and any tips to make it smooth—like where to fly into, which airlines or ferry companies are reliable, and whether it’s worth combining both in one trip.

I’m just exploring options at this point, so any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.
 
That sounds like an amazing trip—Thessaloniki + Rhodes is a perfect mix of family time and island sunshine! I flew SKG → RHO recently and found it super easy: daily direct flights (Aegean, Sky Express, Ryanair) take about 1h 15 min and cost roughly €55–160 if booked in advance; expect summer fares toward the higher end but manageable with early booking.

Ferry is technically possible, but it’s far less convenient—no direct ones, and routing via Piraeus or Samos adds 25–40 hours total . Ferries are fun island‑hopping but much slower and riskier for timing.

My advice: secure a morning or early‑afternoon flight right after your Thessaloniki event. Airport transfers are easy (KTEL bus or taxi to SKG). On Rhodes, rental cars, taxis, or island buses work well. Overall: fly direct, book early, and you’ll have a smooth and efficient trip.
 
I flew from Thessaloniki to Rhodes last summer and it was smooth—much quicker than the ferry and not too pricey if you book ahead. I like having music for downtime at airports, and I usually stream from https://buzzclick-music.com/ to keep things chill. If you're bringing luggage, just double-check the airline's baggage rules because they can vary even on short routes.
 

New park in Thessaloniki?

I recently heard about a new park being developed in Thessaloniki, possibly called the Pavlos Melas Metropolitan Park.I'm curious if anyone has more information about it.

Is the park open to the public yet, or is it still under construction? If it's open, what are the main features or attractions?I'm particularly interested in any cultural or historical aspects, as well as recreational facilities.

If it's not open yet, does anyone know the expected completion date? Any insights into the project's progress or what to expect would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to your responses!

First impressions of Thessaloniki compared to Athens?

I’ve been to both Thessaloniki and Athens, but it’s been a while, so I’m trying to refresh my memory a bit.

Someone I might be traveling with this summer asked me how the two cities compare, and I realized I wasn’t sure how I’d describe it now. I remember Athens feeling bigger, more intense, and obviously packed with history at every turn.

Thessaloniki, on the other hand, felt a bit more relaxed and maybe more focused on food and day-to-day life, but that’s just how it stuck with me.

I’m curious how others see it, especially if you’ve been more recently. Do they still feel that different from each other? If you had to explain the vibe of each city to someone going for the first time, what would you say?

5 Days in Thessaloniki Enough or Too Much?

I’m starting to plan a possible trip to Greece with my family, and Thessaloniki is high on my list. I’ve always been interested in the history there — Byzantine sites, Roman ruins, Ottoman influences — plus the food scene seems incredible. It feels like a city with a lot of character compared to some more tourist-heavy destinations.

What I’m trying to figure out is timing. Would about five days in Thessaloniki be a good amount, or is that more than the city really needs? We tend to travel at a relaxed pace, not rushing from place to place, but I also don’t want to run out of things to do.

For those who’ve visited, how long did you stay? Did you wish you had more time, or less? Would you combine it with nearby day trips?

Story of the Rotunda?

I’ve visited Thessaloniki a couple of times, and every time I walk past the Rotunda, I’m struck by how massive and mysterious it feels. It looks ancient, but I realized I actually don’t know much about it beyond the basics. Was it originally built as a temple, or was it always meant to be a church?

I’ve heard conflicting stories, such as that it was a Roman monument, then a church, then a mosque, and now it’s a museum? That’s quite the journey. I’m curious if anyone knows the full history, or any interesting facts or legends tied to it. Thanks in advance! My family is thinking of visiting Thessaloniki again this year.

Best way to explore the White Tower?

I might be spending some time in Thessaloniki soon and one of the landmarks I’m most excited to see is the White Tower. I know it’s one of the city’s most iconic spots, both for its history and the views from the top, but I’m a little torn on the best way to experience it.

For those of you who’ve been, did you explore it on your own or go with a guided tour? I’ve read that the museum inside gives a good overview of the city’s history, but I’m wondering if a guide adds more context that you might otherwise miss. On the other hand, doing it solo might give me more freedom to wander and take in the exhibits at my own pace.

What do you recommend? Is it worth paying for a guide, or is the DIY approach just as rewarding?
Share and discuss your Thessaloniki photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top