Thessaloniki, a vibrant Hellenic port city located on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea in Northern Greece, a major economic, industrial and commercial centre highlighted by a rich cultural and historical heritage with evidence of several Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman history remains, especially around the upper town of Ano Poli, and a renowned destination for festivals, events and cultural proposals is experiencing a significant transformation with new transport projects to elevate the city as a modern tourism hub.
A series of large - scale transport and urban developments are reshaping mobility, public space and the city’s appeal as tourism destination of relevance. Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas recently outlined the portfolio of works now underway, signalling a new era for Northern Greece’s largest city.
A central project is the city’s metro extension toward Kalamaria, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, adding 4.6 kilometres and five stations, bringing the total to 18 stations.
The new line developed on the impact of the main metro system, has already reduced private car traffic by up to 15%. For visitors, the extension is expected to provide faster and easier connections between coastal districts, cultural sites and the city centre.
Progress is also advancing on Thessaloniki Flyover expressway, currently 36% complete and stated for delivery in 2027. The project will create an elevated corridor designed to ease congestion, improve access between the airport, the port, major hotels and key tourism areas, and reduce travel times across the metropolitan area.
A new vertical rail/road axis to Bucharest is planned, improving links with Romania, and broader railway modernizations are underway as part of the Thessaloniki 2030 strategy PRO. The metro and these new corridors will make it easier for tourists to explore the city and other regions.
At the port of Thessaloniki, upgrades including the expansion of Pier 6 and a strengthen rail connection aim to position the city as a more competitive node for cruise tourism and city break travel. These investments also support the region’s growing role within the emerging “Baltic - Black Sea – Aegean” transport corridor, which is raising the city’s profile as a strategic gateway for trade and travel in Europe.
A further project is the waterfront development with a new 1.1 wooden deck and the expansion of the seaside pedestrian zone that will redefine the seafront by 2026, creating a more appealing visitor experience.
Across the wider city landscape, complementary projects are taking shape. Green spaces and pocket parks are being added and the development of new park in Harilaou is moving forward.
Also investments in smart mobility and sustainable transport reinforce Thessaloniki’s image as a contemporary hub.
Hotel capacity in the city is also set to grow with new properties planned around the redevelopment of the historic FIX complex by DIMAND, a massive urban regeneration project transforming the abandoned FIX brewery into a vibrant, mixed - use district featuring homes, offices, cultural venues like the MOMus Museum & State Orchestra, the upcoming Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center and public green spaces.
Together, these developments signal Thessaloniki’s move toward a more functional, accessible and contemporary cityscape, one that strengthens both quality of life residents and the visitor experience.
As the projects progress over the coming years, Thessaloniki is increasingly positioned to compete among the Mediterranean’s most attractive urban destinations.
These developments undoubtedly strengthen the city’s position as a key tourism hub in southern Europe, focusing on accessibility and a modern visitor experience.
Link
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks a lot to read and note.