White Tower of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Greece
A cylindrical tower on the waterfront promenade that serves as a landmark of Thessaloniki, with a museum inside and a terrace on top. Park farther out and walk the seafront in the evening.
The White Tower is 33.9 m high, 22.7 m in diameter and has six floors. It was built by the Ottomans after Sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki in 1430; the exact date is disputed and, depending on the estimate, ranges from around 1450 to the 1530s. The tower served as a fortress, garrison and prison. Because of the executions carried out there, it was known as the "Tower of Blood".
It received its present name in 1890, when a convict whitewashed it in exchange for his freedom. After Thessaloniki became part of the Greek state in 1912, the tower became the city's landmark. Today it hosts exhibitions on the history of Thessaloniki organised by the Museum of Byzantine Culture. One to two hours is enough for a visit. Do not park right on the waterfront promenade; park further away and walk the stretch along the water.
- Nearest town
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.6264, 22.9484
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- AlexportMotorhome stopover7 km from White Tower of ThessalonikiMotorhomes
- Right carsMotorhome stopover12 km from White Tower of ThessalonikiMotorhomes
- A&A Camper Parking ThessalonikiMotorhome stopover14 km from White Tower of Thessaloniki · 35 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- A&A Camper ParkingMotorhome stopover15 km from White Tower of Thessaloniki · 20 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Motorhome stopover · ThessalonikiMotorhome stopover20 km from White Tower of ThessalonikiMotorhomes
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is White Tower of Thessaloniki?
White Tower of Thessaloniki is in Thessaloniki, Greece, at GPS 40.6264, 22.9484. It is about 69 km from Litochoro.
Can you camp near White Tower of Thessaloniki?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Alexport, about 7 km away; within 25 km there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass White Tower of Thessaloniki?
White Tower of Thessaloniki is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Thessaloniki to Thrace: Roman sites, Philippi, Kavala and Dadia.
What is there to see near White Tower of Thessaloniki?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rotunda and Arch of Galerius (1 km), Ano Poli (Upper Town) of Thessaloniki (2 km), Pella (39 km) and Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) (55 km).
When is the best time to visit White Tower of Thessaloniki?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)