Thessaloniki’s port is the 2nd most significant in Greece, lagging only behind Piraeus of Athens. Located in the Thermaic gulf, it caters to both ships carrying goods and passengers.
The port’s story began at the same time as the city’s, in 315 bc when king Kassander of Macedonia established it. The demands of the macedonians for imports and exports called for a port, as commerce was the region’s main strength and the source of its wealth. Thessaloniki’s port was also a crucial naval hub during the duration of the Macedonian kingdom.
During the Roman empire, Thessaloniki’s port, located in the center of the east, became a vital maritime hub. It provided easy access to the mainland, and for so long as the Roman empire reigned, this port was the most vital port of the empire. The byzantines later improved the port by fortifying it from powerful waves. Thessaloniki was then the most populous and significant city of the Byzantium, following Konstantinopolis, and its port met the city’s needs for trade, export and contact with other regions of the Mediterranean.
At the onset of the ottoman period, Thessaloniki’s port temporarily declined. Nonetheless, it quickly became a major maritime entrance of the Ottoman empire, connecting to renowned mediterranean ports and supplying the mainland with all it needed. In the late 1800s, the pier was increased and the eastern part created. In 1904, an agreement was inked between Turkey and France concerning construction works on the port, with the latter having the right to manage it up until 1944. An embankment was raised, infrastructure was broadened, and a customs office established within a short period between the piers. On the 26th of ctober, 1912, the greek army reclaimed Thessaloniki and its port.
During WWII, the port of Thessaloniki was occupied by the germans, suffering destruction from a series of blasts and aerial assaults. After the war, the port has grown nonstop and reclaimed its status as one of the most noteworthy ports in southeastern Europe.
Advantages of the port are its advantageous geographic situation, excellent transport and rail links. It is located west of the city center and runs along 3.5 km and covers an area of over 1.5 million m2. It is connected to the national and international road network, so you can avoid the crowded center of the city. From the port to the railway station, it’s only 1 km, and to the airport — 16 km.
The port is mainly used for cargo operations, which are responsible for the processing of over 20 million tons of goods annually. Apart from the container and cargo terminals, there is a passenger terminal known as «Macedonia». It is one of the biggest in the Aegean sea, servicing up to 200,000 customers per year. Thessaloniki is increasingly becoming a popular destination for cruise liners, and its terminal is growing accordingly. It operates 24/7, offering all the necessary features for passengers, such as duty free, wi-fi and a tourist counter for information about the city.
At the port of Thessaloniki you can visit the cinema museum, the first of its kind in Greece. It is located in a former port warehouse and opened in 1997. You can explore antique cameras, film cameras, photographs, and posters. In addition, the museum houses a film archive that allows you to learn about greek films from different eras. Visiting the museum can be done either in groups or individually, and excursion programs are available.
The port is home to a museum devoted to photography. It has a compilation of over 2000 photographs by both greek and foreign photographers, which is ever-growing. It also has scarce publications and tomes from the early 20th century. The Museum of Photography frequently hosts one-off shows, presentations and workshops. It is currently the only photography museum in Greece.
Right by the Port, there is a water supply museum and the notable Ladadika district — a place of bustle and life. Bars, uzerias, taverns and olden architecture can be observed during the day and a lively atmosphere awaits at night. Ladadika was once the point of unloading for goods arriving from the port and numerous trading shops were located here, giving the air a scent of exotic spices and coffee. Subsequently, the goods were sent to Konstantinopolis and, from there, travelled to the west. This district holds a significant place in Thessaloniki’s history and culture, having survived several fires and destructions.
Situated in the heart of Thessaloniki, the port can be effortlessly accessed by foot, by taking a short stroll along the waterfront. Moreover, the bus number 01x departs from the airport, with a final stop at the Aristotle square, from which it will take another fifteen minutes to reach the Port.
The port of Thessaloniki offers an ideal location and access to all the amenities of the bustling metropolis. There are various cafes, stores, eateries, attractions, accommodations, as well as quaint and vibrant neighborhoods in the area.
