Thessaloniki Botanical Garden

Location: Stavroupoli

With a rich collection of over 1,000 plants, the Botanical Garden of Stavroupoli —one of the 10 botanical gardens created in the entire country— is a true verdant oasis in the midst of the densely built cityscape of Thessaloniki.

The Botanical Garden covers an overall area of around 1.2 acres and has been carefully organized into different sections. The first thing that greets visitors upon entering is three lovely rockeries planted with various aromatic, medicinal and herbaceous plants, as well as coniferous trees. Yet more coniferous species, like cedars, firs, cypresses and pines, can also be found further ahead, along with a magnificent rose garden comprising around 150 types of roses! Especially if you happen to visit the garden in the spring, when the roses are in full bloom, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind sight!

At the very heart of the Botanical Garden stands an imposing greenhouse sheltering tropical, subtropical and carnivorous plants, as well as three quaint ponds with aquatic flora. What really stands out about them, though, is a rock construction that forms a small waterfall surrounded by ferns and magnificent orchids. Another not-to-be-missed addition to the garden is a romantic kiosk standing on a low hillock with amazing views. There, eight stone pillars support a domed metal construction covered with at least ten varieties of wisteria.

Other things to see comprise a section planted with palm trees, citrus orchards and other species endemic to the Mediterranean basin, as well as a series of seasonal flower beds that create a bright-colored tapestry during spring and summer.

Aiming to raise awareness of environmental issues, the Botanical Garden organizes a number of educational programs, while its facilities also include a canteen and an amphitheater. Access from the city center is very easy, as buses operate frequent routes.