Bike Rental (BikeIT) / E-bike Tours

Thessaloniki is one of the more bicycle-friendly cities in Greece, and its flat centre and long waterfront make it an easy place to see by bike. Rental shops and guided tour operators, among them BikeIT, offer a way to cover more ground than on foot while staying close to the street life that gives the city its character. The long seafront promenade, with its dedicated path beside the Thermaic Gulf, is the backbone of most routes, and quiet side streets lead off into the old centre.

Guided tours are usually built around the main sights of the waterfront and the central area. A typical route leaves from near the White Tower, the city's emblem, and follows the promenade past the open-air sculptures, the sports courts and the public gardens, with a stop at the large steel umbrellas that frame photographs of the gulf. It may continue to the port area, the old warehouses and the Royal Theatre before climbing slightly to reach viewpoints over the city. These guides explain the history of the sites, from Byzantine and Ottoman layers to the fire of 1917 and the rebuilding of the centre.

A popular option is the sunset tour, which usually lasts around three hours and includes a pause for refreshments, such as local meze, a craft beer or fresh juice, while the sun goes down over the water. It is a relaxed way to see the waterfront at its best, with the light turning gold on the White Tower and the hills of the far shore. For families, many operators cater and mixed ability groups, and the pace is gentle.

Electric bikes are useful in Thessaloniki, because while the central area is flat, the city rises quickly into the hills behind, toward the old Upper Town. With pedal assistance, visitors can reach viewpoints and cover longer distances without tiring. Standard bikes work well for the promenade and the flat streets, and many shops offer helmets, locks and maps.

Visitors should be aware that bike lanes are shared with walkers on the busiest stretches, particularly on summer evenings, and that traffic in the city centre can be heavy and unpredictable. Booking tours in advance in high season is wise, and checking weather and sunset times helps. Whether choosing a guided tour or renting a bike for independent exploration, cycling gives a distinctive view of Thessaloniki’s waterfront and historic centre.