Overlooking the Thermaic Gulf, Perea is a beachside suburb to the south of Thessaloniki. It was settled in 1923 following the Greco-Turkish War with the arrival of refugees from modern-day Turkey. Today, Perea is one of Thessaloniki’s most rapidly growing areas, with residents attracted by its beaches and laid-back lifestyle.
Things to do in Peraía
In the warmer months, you can relax on the sands of Perea Beach, which is dotted with rental umbrellas and sun loungers. Take a dip in the warm waters of the Thermaic Gulf before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the beachfront restaurants. On the other side of the pier is Neoi Epivates Beach, a wider stretch of sand backed by traditional tavernas.
Perea is an attractive base for discovering the sights of Thessaloniki, such as the iconic White Tower and its history museum. You can get up close to centuries-old artefacts at the Archaeological Museum and admire the mosaic panels of the Hagios Demetrios before watching the world go by in bustling Aristotelous Square. In the evening, head to the cobblestone streets of Ladadika, which is clustered with restaurants and bars.
Partway between Perea and Thessaloniki is NOESIS, an innovative science and technology centre with a digital planetarium and a motion simulator theatre. You can learn about the technologies developed by the Ancient Greeks or browse the collection of antique vehicles in the “Technology of Transportation” exhibit. In the hands-on Technopark, you’ll find exhibits dedicated to magnetism, optics and engineering.
Getting around Peraía
Perea is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Thessaloniki and 10 minutes from Thessaloniki International Airport Macedonia, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Regular buses connect to Perea and travel throughout the suburb while boat taxis are also available from Thessaloniki.