Car Rental Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in the country and the leading seaport in the Thermaic Gulf. Otherwise known as Thessalonica or Saloniki, the city is the capital of Central Macedonia and is known for its multitude of events, cultural life, historical attractions, and vibrant city center. In addition to being the country's second-largest commercial, political, industrial, and economic center, it serves as a key transportation hub for Greece and southeast Europe, mainly because of the Port of Thessaloniki. The city's mark of different civilizations and central location in the epicenter of all Balkan historical development impacted the city's architecture. Neo-baroque, Art Nouveau, and Eclecticism are the primary architectural styles seen in the majority of buildings and structures in Thessaloniki. The best way to move around and make the most out of your visit to Thessaloniki is with a reliable car rental. We offer a large fleet of well-maintained cars and multiple pick-up and drop-off points in Thessaloniki City Center, Aristotelous Square, or Toumba. Check out our Thessaloniki car rental offers today!
The bustling city of Thessaloniki is a vital student metropolis in Southeast Europe. The city receives many students from all around the world, and its youthful and upbeat vibe keeps the town alive day and night. Thessaloniki has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is characterized by its multiculturalism and an interesting mixture of different civilizations. The present-day modernized city features important archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, Jewish mansions and synagogues, neoclassical buildings, and a plethora of museums and art galleries. One of Thessaloniki’s highlights is the White Tower, which is also the city's symbol. The White Tower of Thessaloniki replaced a 12th-century Ottoman fortification and is a significant remnant of the past of the former seaside fortifications. It was also used as a prison to punish those who rebel against the Ottoman rule. Getting atop the White Tower and marveling at the fantastic views of the cityscape is a must. It is the ideal place to stroll along the waterfront, known as Nea Paralia. Walking along the seafront, one will notice the steel structure of the Umbrellas of Zongolopoulos, the Alexander the Great statue, and the National Resistance monument.
Car Hire Thessaloniki
The Axios Delta National Park borders Thessaloniki to the west and Mount Chortiatis to the southeast. Thessaloniki is situated at the foothills of Mount Chortiatis and overlooks the plains of Gallikos, Loudias, and Axios rivers. Located on the west coast of the Thermaic Gulf, the Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas Delta has a total area of 33,800 hectares and is included in the Natura 2000 network. It is also an Important Bird Area and a Ramsar site. With more than 250 bird species reported in the Axios Delta National Park, the park is of global ornithological significance. The city of Thessaloniki has always been vulnerable to geological changes due to its close vicinity to mountain ranges, hills, and fault lines, particularly to the southeast. Powerful earthquakes have struck Thessaloniki since the Middle Ages, most notably in 1759, 1902, 1978, and 1995.
The current cityscape of Thessaloniki consists of the busy city center, the picturesque Ano Poli, the lively Aristotelous Square and Ladadika, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments. Gastronomy lovers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in sightseeing and religious tourism activities will fall in love with Thessaloniki. Go shopping and dining in Modiano and Kapani markets, roam around Ano Poli, and visit the city’s remaining fort and Byzantine walls, known as Heptapyrgion or Yedi Kule. In 2021, UNESCO designated Thessaloniki a distinguished City of Gastronomy, acknowledging the diverse ethnicities that have shaped the region's cuisine throughout the years. Walking around Thessaloniki to visit its main landmarks can be challenging due to the large distances; this is why a car hire in Thessaloniki is highly recommended. Parking in Thessaloniki city center is difficult, but there are a lot of private and public parking areas. Imperial Car Rental offers the most affordable car rental prices for daily or weekly car rental in Thessaloniki as well as luxury or budget car hire without credit card.
Rental Car Thessaloniki
Named for a sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloníki was established in 316 BCE by King Cassander of Macedon and became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia from 148 BC. It developed into a significant trading hub because of its strategic position on the Via Egnatia, which allowed trade between Thessaloniki and major commercial hubs like Rome and Byzantium. Paul the Apostle planted the seeds for the city's first Christian church in Thessaloniki, which was also one of the early Christian centers throughout the Roman Empire. Thessaloniki was regarded as the second-richest and largest city in the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople from its inception. The city was invaded by Arabs, Balkans, Normans, and others in the decades that followed, and its citizens suffered several atrocities.
Constantly attacked by the Ottoman Turks, Thessaloniki ceded itself up to Venice in 1423, but in 1430, it was captured by the Ottoman sultan Murad II. In 1492, 20,000 Jews who had been expelled from Spain settled in Thessaloniki and joined the drastically diminished population. Thessaloniki was a part of the Ottoman Empire for nearly the next five centuries. Learn more about the city’s history and turbulent past in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, and the MOMus. Thessaloniki is now a modern metropolis attracting students, workers, and travelers from all around the world. Delve deeper into its past and visit remarkable monuments such as the Ancient Agora of Thessaloniki, the Arch of Galerius and Rotunda, the Byzantine Baths, and the Walls of Thessaloniki. Rent a car in Saloniki to move around at your own pace at any time of the day and without relying on public transport. We offer comprehensive car insurance without excess for your Thessaloniki car hire and all-inclusive coverage options for most of our car rental deals.