Pylaia

Pylaia spreads across the eastern side of the city, where Thessaloniki meets the ring road and the routes toward Halkidiki and the airport. It is the city's most practical district.

Character

It mixes older hillside settlements with modern apartment blocks, offices and large shopping centres. It isn't a tourist destination, but it is an extremely convenient base.

What's here

• Large shopping centres, the best known being Mediterranean Cosmos, with shops, restaurants and a cinema.
• Business hotels and conference space.
• Views over the city from the higher points of the slope.

Why stay here

If you're travelling by car, have business in the city, or are heading on to Halkidiki, Pylaia saves you the traffic and the parking problem of the centre.

Getting around

Best by car; buses also serve the centre, roughly 15–20 minutes outside rush hour.

Best for: shopping, business trips, drivers, and a launchpad for Halkidiki.