Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

The trails that define Thessaloniki, with distances, elevation, and when each is actually passable.

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The short answer: start with Ano Poli and Byzantine Walls Circuit, Nea Paralia Waterfront Promenade and Seich Sou Forest (Kedrinos Lofos) Loop. This guide profiles 8+ hiking trails in Thessaloniki, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Thessaloniki is the capital of Central Macedonia and the second-largest city in Greece, a port on the Thermaic Gulf with more than 2,300 years of history. Roman and early Christian monuments inscribed by UNESCO, a Byzantine hilltop quarter, a seafront promenade anchored by the White Tower and some of the best food markets and mezedes tavernas in the country sit within walking distance of each other.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Ano Poli and Byzantine Walls Circuit

    About 4 km loop from Ano Poli square to the Heptapyrgion and back along the walls2-2.5 hours with stopsAbout 120 m of climb on cobbled lanes and steps; the Heptapyrgion sits near the top of the Upper Town

  2. 2

    Nea Paralia Waterfront Promenade

    About 3.5 km one way from the White Tower to the Megaron Concert Hall (7 km round trip)1-1.5 hours one way at a walking paceFlat; paved promenade and cycle lane

  3. 3

    Seich Sou Forest (Kedrinos Lofos) Loop

    Marked forest roads and paths of roughly 5-8 km; loops can be shortened or lengthened2-3 hoursRolling forest tracks; about 200-300 m of total climb depending on the loop

  4. 4

    Hortiatis Ice Makers' Trail

    10 km (guided route by Trekking Hellas)4-5 hours (guided day starts 09:30 and ends about 15:30)Stone-paved path through beech forest; the Hortiatis mountain shelter lies at about 1,000 m

  5. 5

    Enipeas Gorge (Litochoro to Prionia), Mount Olympus E4

    About 11 km one way up the gorge to Prionia (E4 path)5-6 hours uphill; 3.5-4 hours downAbout 800 m of climb to Prionia at 1,100 m

  6. 6

    Prionia to Refuge A (Spilios Agapitos), Mount Olympus

    5.65 km one way (Prionia to Refuge A)2.5-3 hours uphill; about 2 hours downAbout 1,000 m of climb from 1,100 m (Prionia) to 2,060-2,100 m (Refuge A)

  7. 7

    Mytikas Summit via Skala (from Refuge A)

    About 3 km one way from Refuge A to the summit via Skala, with a grade II-III scramble on the final stretch3-4 hours up from Refuge A; 2.5-3 hours downAbout 850 m of climb from 2,060-2,100 m to 2,917 m

  8. 8

    Edessa Waterfalls Park Path

    About 2 km of paths and steps around the waterfalls and park1-1.5 hoursGentle; steps down to the base of the falls

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Thessaloniki.

Spring
April to May: wildflowers and full waterfalls; Olympus above about 1,800 m still holds snow until June
Summer
June to August: city hikes best at dawn or after 19:00; Olympus is at its most reliable but thunderstorms build in the afternoon
Autumn
September to October: best weather for the lower forests; Refuge A closes about 28 October
Winter
November to March: city and Seich Sou walks remain possible; Olympus needs winter equipment and is for experienced mountaineers only

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Heat: Thessaloniki summers regularly pass 35 C, so start walks before 09:00 and carry at least 1.5 L of water.

Medium

Hazard: Wildfire: Seich Sou and the Hortiatis forests close or are evacuated on high-risk days; check the fire-risk map at civilprotection.gov.gr and obey closures.

Medium

Hazard: Ticks are active in spring and autumn in the forests; wear long trousers and check skin afterwards.

Medium

Hazard: Olympus weather changes within minutes, with lightning, fog and hail even in July; turn back if clouds build before noon.

Medium

Hazard: Shepherd dogs guard flocks on the Hortiatis and Olympus slopes; stop, avoid eye contact and walk around the flock.

Medium

Hazard: Emergency number in Greece and the EU is 112; mobile coverage is patchy in the Enipeas gorge.

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