Sight guide · Thessaloniki · Greece
Visiting Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas
The redesigned promenade east of the White Tower runs for several kilometres past 13 themed gardens, playgrounds and cycle lanes to the Concert Hall.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas is a waterfront in White Tower and the eastern seafront, Thessaloniki. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Waterfront
- Area
- White Tower and the eastern seafront
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, outdoors, kids and couples
- Best months
- August–October
About Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas
The redesigned promenade east of the White Tower runs for several kilometres past 13 themed gardens, playgrounds and cycle lanes to the Concert Hall. Giorgos Zongolopoulos's Umbrellas sculpture, a cluster of steel umbrellas rising from the waterline, is the favourite sunset photo spot.
Tip: Rent a bike and ride the full length in the early evening, when locals come out for their walk.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: White Tower and the eastern seafront, promenade gardens, museums and sea-view apartments east of the White Tower.
Best time to visit Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas
Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- September: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, busy crowds.
- August: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Thessaloniki has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen White Tower and Rotunda of Galerius.
- No. 14 of the 17 sights in our Thessaloniki things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Thessaloniki.
- A family favourite in Thessaloniki with kids.
Near Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas
Also in White Tower and the eastern seafront, so you can walk between them:
- Museum of Byzantine Culture — 1.5–2 hours, low cost
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki — 2 hours, low cost
- White Tower — 1 hour, low cost
If you like Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas
- Ano Poli, Heptapyrgion and the city walls — Ano Poli, Half a day
- Kapani and Modiano markets — City Centre (Aristotelous Square), 1 hour
- Ladadika quarter — Ladadika, 2–3 hours
Staying near Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas
Stay in White Tower and the eastern seafront ($$$) to walk here: promenade gardens, museums and sea-view apartments east of the White Tower. All areas to stay in Thessaloniki.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas?
Plan 1–2 hours. With Museum of Byzantine Culture nearby, it fits a half-day in White Tower and the eastern seafront.
+Is Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas?
August–October for the most comfortable weather. Rent a bike and ride the full length in the early evening, when locals come out for their walk.
+Do I need to book Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Nea Paralia seafront and the Umbrellas good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki works well with children thanks to the flat, car-free seafront with playgrounds and bike lanes, the White Tower's rooftop, and day trips to Mount Olympus and Chalkidiki beaches.