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auroracoor1

Active member
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!
 
The Pavlos Melas Metropolitan Park in Thessaloniki is currently under development and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. This ambitious project aims to transform the former Pavlos Melas military camp into a vast green space of approximately 336,000 square meters, making it one of the largest urban parks in Northern Greece.

The park's design emphasizes both ecological sustainability and cultural heritage. Plans include extensive green areas, walking and cycling paths, and recreational facilities. A significant aspect of the project is the restoration of historic buildings within the former military camp. Notably, the A3 barracks building, dating back to the late 19th century, is being renovated to house a museum showcasing artifacts from the Thessaloniki Metro excavations.

The park also holds historical significance, as the site was used as a concentration camp during World War II. Efforts are being made to preserve and highlight this aspect of its history, ensuring that the park serves as a place of remembrance as well as recreation.
 

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?

How many days do you really need to see Thessaloniki well?

I’ve read so many different opinions — some say you can see the main sights in a quick weekend, while others insist you need nearly a week to really get the feel of the city. I’m leaning toward spending 3–4 days, but I don’t want to rush it if Thessaloniki deserves more time.

Between the historical sites, the food scene, the waterfront walks, and exploring places like Ano Poli and the markets, it sounds like there’s a lot to take in. I’d also love a relaxed coffee culture experience — sitting by the sea or people-watching in Aristotelous Square.

If you’ve been, how long did you stay, and did it feel like enough? Would you have added another day or two? And are there any day trips nearby that are worth factoring into the schedule?

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!

How Did Thessaloniki Feel the First Time You Visited?

The first visit to a city often leaves a very specific imprint — not just what you saw, but how your body reacted to being there. Some places feel impressive, others overwhelming, and some quietly settle into you without asking permission.

I’m curious about people’s first experiences of Thessaloniki. When you arrived for the first time, how did it feel?

Did the city come across as familiar or unexpected? Calm or charged? Did the sea change your sense of space? Was it the pace, the light, the food, the conversations drifting past cafés, or something harder to name? Sometimes it’s not a landmark that sticks, but a mood — the way time moved, or didn’t. It has been so long since I was there for the first time!

Is the Rotunda open to the public right now?

Does anyone know if the Rotunda is currently open to the public? I’ll be in Thessaloniki soon and really want to visit it. It’s one of those places that completely captures the city’s layered history. I’ve read that it’s alternated between being used as a Roman mausoleum, a Christian church, and later a mosque, which makes it one of the most fascinating monuments in Greece.

I’ve seen some recent mentions online about restoration work and limited visiting hours, but the information isn’t consistent. I’d love to go inside and see the mosaics up close if it’s possible.

If anyone’s been recently, can you share what the current schedule or entry process is like? Do tickets need to be booked in advance, or can you just show up? And is it still part of the unified archaeological ticket?
Share and discuss your Thessaloniki photos, questions and experiences!

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