Thessaloniki Pride 2025 parade route is a 2.8 km loop that begins and ends at the White Tower on Saturday 21 June 2025, stepping off at 18:30 and parading along Ethnikis Aminis, Tsimiski, Venizelou, Egnatia and the seafront boulevard Leoforos Nikis before returning to the tower for the after-concert at 21:00. Arrive by 17:00 to clear security and claim your spot—this is the single most-asked detail by travellers planning their rainbow weekend in Greece’s cultural capital.
Quick-glance parade facts
| Detail | 2025 info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 21 June 2025 |
| Official start time | 18:30 – speeches from 17:30 |
| Estimated duration | ~2 h 30 m (return 21:00) |
| Distance | 2.8 km loop |
| Start / finish hub | White Tower Square |
| Post-parade concert | 21:00-00:00, Main stage at White Tower Square |
Tip for travellers: Arrive no later than 17:00 if you want front-row space in the square; security gates close once capacity is reached.
The 2025 route at a glance
The march traces a photogenic, waterfront-to-city-centre loop:
-
White Tower Square (assembly)
-
Ethnikis Aminis – past the University & Archaeological Museum
-
Tsimiski Street – Thessaloniki’s main shopping artery
-
Venizelou Street – skyline of neoclassical façades
-
Leoforos Nikis – sunset views along the Thermaic Gulf
-
Return to White Tower Square for the concert
Best viewing spots on the Thessaloniki Pride 2025 Parade Route (with local insider picks)
1. White Tower Square
-
Why: You’ll witness the opening speeches, flag-raising and the emotional finale when the tower lights up in rainbow colours at dusk.
-
Lens tip: Climb the White Tower before 17:00 (last entry 16:30) to capture a bird’s-eye panorama of the entire lineup. tripadvisor.com
2. The waterfront promenade (Leoforos Nikis)
-
Why: A 1 km pedestrian zone where the parade hugs the sea – picture perfect for golden-hour shots of floats against the Aegean.
-
Comfort: Plenty of cafés for shade and washrooms; avoid the bike lane nearest the rail if you’re with small children.
3. Aristotelous Square & Tsimiski junction
-
Why: The city’s grandest plaza funnels marchers between twin colonnades – acoustics amplify chants and music.
-
For families: Broad pavements, fountains and zero traffic make it stroller-friendly.
4. Umbrellas of Zongolopoulos sculpture
-
Location: New Waterfront (between Makedonia Palace & Concert Hall).
-
Why: Iconic art installation doubles as an elevated perch; after 19:30 the sun sets directly behind the umbrellas, back-lighting the rainbow flags for dramatic silhouettes.
5. Venizelou & Egnatia intersection
-
Why: Tight cross-streets create a “sound canyon”; drummers and DJ trucks echo for great live-stream audio.
-
Accessibility: Nearest disabled-access toilets at Kapani Market (150 m north).
Accessibility & family-friendly zones for the Thessaloniki Pride 2025 Parade Route
| Need | Best area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair viewing | Leoforos Nikis (east side) | Continuous ramped pavement; low kerbs. |
| Quiet space / sensory break | Law Garden (inside University campus) | 3 min roll from Ethnikis Aminis. |
| Kids’ activities | Pride Fair stalls (White Tower, 12:00-20:00) | Face-painting, ear-defender hire. { |
Organisers provide Greek Sign-Language interpretation for opening speeches and the after-concert.
Getting in & around on parade day
| Transport | Closures & tips |
|---|---|
| Roads closed | Tsimiski, Venizelou, Ethnikis Aminis & waterfront 16:30-22:00. Plan taxi drop-off north of Egnatia. |
| Airport bus 01X/01N | Terminates earlier at Plateia Aristotelous 16:00-22:30. Walk south 600 m to parade. |
| Bike & e-scooter share | Allowed except inside marching column. Park in designated bays on Proxenou Koromila. |
After the march: concert & night-out pointers
The Pride Concert kicks off on the main stage at 21:00 and runs until midnight with headline drag acts and local pop stars.
Nearby LGBTQ+ venues for the after-party:
-
Enola Bar – rooftop views, 5 min on foot.
-
Valaoritou district – cluster of late-night clubs (check our forthcoming nightlife guide for set lists).
What to pack (and what not to)
| Pack | Skip |
|---|---|
| 1 L water flask (refill stations at tower) | Glass bottles (confiscated) |
| 30 SPF reef-safe sunscreen | Hard-shell selfie sticks after 17:00 |
| Lightweight rainbow cape (doubles as sunshade) | Plastic glitter (citywide ban) |
| Power-bank (live-stream rules!) | Large backpacks – use cross-body bag |
Next steps
• Plan every workshop, talk and party with our
Day-by-Day Schedule Guide (16 – 21 June).
• Reserve a room from our list of
LGBTQ+ friendly hotels within a 10-minute walk.
• Keep the celebration going after dark with the
Enola Club Pride-Week Events.
• Need the full overview? Visit the
Main Thessaloniki Pride 2025 Guide.
