Thessaloniki Riviera Cruises

Imagine cruising along the coast of Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, with the warm Aegean breeze in your hair and the skyline unfolding before you. For just $122 per person, this 4-hour private cruise gives you an intimate view of the city from Marina Aretsou in Kalamaria. The tour runs daily from April to June and September to October, making it a flexible option for travelers seeking a taste of Greece’s vibrant coast without the hassle of large crowds or complicated schedules.

What we love about this experience is its personalized nature — limited to just 8 guests, it’s a rare chance to enjoy a peaceful sail, take photos of the White Tower and the city harbor, and relax with good company and seasonal fruits. Plus, the excellent views of Thessaloniki’s skyline from the water add a whole new dimension to your understanding of the city’s layout and beauty.

One potential consideration is the limited duration — at just four hours, it’s perfect for those short on time but might leave visitors craving more time to explore. Also, note the tour’s restrictions on footwear, pets, and large luggage, which are common for boat excursions but worth planning for.

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a calm, scenic experience and are open to sharing a small group setting with like-minded visitors. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or solo travelers looking for a smooth, authentic way to see Thessaloniki from a different perspective.

Key Points

• Private and intimate: Limited to 8 guests for a personalized experience.
• City views: Stunning perspectives of Thessaloniki’s skyline, White Tower, and harbor.
• Included amenities: Fresh seasonal fruit salad, water, and fuel are covered.
• Flexible for short stays: A perfect addition for travelers with limited time.
• Seasonal operation: Available from April to June and September to October.
• Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 10, mobility-impaired, or those prone to seasickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at Thessaloniki Riviera Cruises

What the Tour Offers

This daily private cruise promises a blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and light indulgence. From the moment you meet your skipper at Marina Aretsou, you’ll be greeted by a friendly captain who will helm your small vessel along Thessaloniki’s coast. The price of $122 includes fuel, taxes, water, and fruit salad, ensuring no hidden costs, making the experience straightforward and transparent.

The duration of four hours is well-paced for a leisurely morning or early afternoon. The group is capped at 8 people, which tends to create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for conversation and enjoying the scenic views without feeling crowded.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start point: You’ll begin your journey at HWFW+7P Kalamaria Municipality. From here, your skipper will take you out into the water, giving you a chance to acclimate and soak in the scenery.

First stop: The cruise heads toward the center of Thessaloniki, sailing past the harbor, with views of the famous White Tower—the city’s most recognizable landmark. We loved the way the water reflected the city’s silhouette, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.

Second stop: A two-hour sail along the coast offers plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the skyline, the marina, and the coastlines stretching eastward. The experience is relaxing, and the captain often provides insights into the city’s history and landmarks from the sea—an angle many visitors miss when exploring on foot.

Third stop: A designated photo stop at Peraia—a picturesque spot with a chance for a brunch, wine tasting, sightseeing, and enjoying the sunset. The hour-long stay is designed for soaking in views, sampling local wines, and capturing memorable images. Some reviews mention how the wine selection was particularly good, adding a delightful touch to the voyage.

Return: The cruise winds back to Kalamaria at the same starting point, concluding around 1 or 2 pm, leaving you plenty of time to explore the city further or relax afterwards.

What Travelers Can Expect Onboard

While on the boat, you can expect a cool fruit salad with seasonal fruits—a refreshing treat after a couple of hours in the sun. The small group size fosters an intimate atmosphere, and the crew’s friendly approach makes it easy to ask questions or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

The highlight for many is the excellent city view from the water—seeing Thessaloniki’s skyline framed by the sea is a different experience from walking around it. Travelers have also appreciated the calm, unrushed pace of the cruise, which allows for both sightseeing and lounging.

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Practical Details and Considerations

• Price and Value: At $122 per person, this cruise offers a reasonable price for a personalized, scenic experience. With most costs covered (fuel, taxes, water, fruit), what you see is what you get.
• Timing: Departure at 10:00 am (check availability for exact times) makes it a great morning activity, especially in spring or fall when the weather is pleasant.
• Additional costs: Transfers to and from the marina are not included, so plan accordingly.
• Restrictions: Shoes, pets, large luggage, and smoking are prohibited onboard, which keeps the boat clean and safe but requires some planning, especially if you’re traveling light.

Authenticity and Quality

Feedback from travelers emphasizes the authenticity of the experience—this isn’t a large, commercial tour but a personalized outing with an emphasis on relaxing scenery and local flavor. The small group makes conversations natural, and the knowledgeable skipper enhances the experience with local insights.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re short on time but want to see Thessaloniki’s coast from a different perspective, this cruise delivers a beautiful, unhurried glimpse of the city. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate good company, scenic views, and a touch of leisure—an alternative to city walking tours or crowded boat trips.

Final Thoughts

This Thessaloniki Riviera Cruise is an excellent way to add a relaxing, scenic dimension to your visit. Its combination of personalized service, stunning views, and light local indulgences makes it suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who enjoy a gentle boat ride with authentic local touches.

While it’s not the longest or most elaborate excursion, it offers genuine value through its intimacy and focus on scenic beauty. If your goal is to experience the city from a peaceful vantage point and enjoy some local flavors, this cruise hits the sweet spot.

Who Would Love This Experience?

Travelers seeking a calm, scenic escape will find this cruise a perfect fit. It’s especially good if you want to see Thessaloniki from the water without the hassle of large tour groups or extensive planning. It’s well-suited for couples celebrating a special moment, small groups of friends, or solo adventurers who enjoy a quiet, intimate experience.

It’s also a good choice for those with a limited schedule but who still want to savor the city’s beauty from a different angle. Keep in mind the seasonal operation—it’s best in spring and fall—and if you’re sensitive to seasickness or mobility issues, plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 years, mainly because of safety and comfort considerations onboard.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?
No, the tour includes fruit salad and water. However, alcohol and extra snacks are not included, so you might want to bring your own if you wish.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather; bring sun protection if sunny. Shoes are not allowed onboard, so plan to remove your footwear before boarding.

Is it accessible for people with mobility impairments?
No, this experience is not suitable for mobility-impaired travelers or those using non-folding wheelchairs.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum is 8 participants, which means you’ll enjoy an intimate and personalized experience.

Are pets allowed on the cruise?
No, pets are not permitted onboard.

Does the tour include wine tasting?
Yes, during the stop at Peraia, there is wine tasting included as part of the sightseeing and relaxation experience.

Are transfers to the marina included?
No, transportation to and from Marina Aretsou must be arranged separately.

This Thessaloniki Riviera Cruise offers a charming, relaxed way to appreciate this vibrant city from the water, blending scenic views, light indulgence, and a small-group atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful morning or an authentic taste of local life, you’ll find it hard to go wrong with this thoughtfully curated experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: