The port of Thessaloniki has dynamically entered the cruise map and rightly so due to its strategic geographical position as one of the few ports in the world where the starting point of the cruise is in the heart of the city and Thessaloniki is very close to very important sights and monuments of Northern Greece (Ancient Pella, Vergina, Mount Athos, Amphipolis etc.).
Thessaloniki is a modern European and multicultural city at the center of Northern Greece and the main gateway for the Balkans and the broader Southeast, Central and Eastern European region with 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites and more than 30 museums within walking distance from the Port.
In 2022 the cruise season at the Port of Thessaloniki was completed with 61 arrivals, an increase of approximately 260% compared to 2021. The destination is experiencing spectacular growth in the Cruise sector with 2023 already having around 70 calls scheduled, more than half of them are homeporting calls, as leading companies in the cruise industry have included Thessaloniki in their itineraries. Today more than ever, Thessaloniki and the broader region offer cruise visitors unique and unforgettable cultural, historical, archeological and gastronomic experiences.
The 2023 season started on February 10 and is expected to be completed on December 17, while approximately 50% of the arrivals are homeporting arrivals. ThPA S.A. is constantly upgrading the cruise facilities, range and quality of the services at the Port of Thessaloniki, while at the same time building and maintaining relationships of mutual trust with all cruise companies and all its partners for the promotion of the tourism product and the attraction of cruise ships to the port.
In recognition of its valuable contribution to the upgrading of the Greek tourism product and the development of national tourism through the impressive development of cruise shipping in Thessaloniki, ThPA S.A. received an honorary distinction from the Ministry of Tourism during an event entitled “Destination 365 days of Greece” in January 2023.
The 1st city of Greece designated by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy
Thessaloniki is the first and only City of Greece to be a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for offering a creative gastronomy scene. There is a plethora of choices and once the visitors are introduced to the attractions of the city they want to explore more. Cruise passenger testimonials include:
✓ “The walk to the city was pleasant and quite close to the ship”
✓ “We could have spent 10 days here visiting the place. It has a lot to offer”
✓ “The guides in our tours were fantastic. Very knowledgeable and engaging”
✓ “We definitely would like to come back one day”
✓ “It was a great discovery. Glad the cruise company chose this destination”
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