Volunteering in Thessaloniki - A 15-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
    10 minutes (2.1 km) from Aristotelous Square

    The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a must-visit for any history lover. The museum features exhibits from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, showcasing a variety of ancient Greek artifacts. As a volunteer, you can help with organizing events and educational programs.

  • Day 2: Help at the Greenwave Festival
    30 minutes (10.5 km) from the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

    The Greenwave Festival is an annual event that celebrates the environment and raises awareness of ecological issues. Volunteers can assist with event setup and running, promotion, and environmental education activities. Besides contributing to a great cause, you'll have the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

  • Day 3: Volunteer at the Cerebral Palsy Greece (ELEPAP) Therapy Center
    8 minutes (2.7 km) from the Greenwave Festival

    The ELEPAP Therapy Center provides support and treatment for children with cerebral palsy and other motor disabilities. As a volunteer, you can assist with therapy sessions and engage the children in fun activities. Witnessing their progress can be a rewarding experience.

  • Day 4: Visit the White Tower of Thessaloniki
    15 minutes (4.8 km) from ELEPAP Therapy Center

    The White Tower of Thessaloniki is an iconic landmark and a symbol of the city's history. The tower has served as a fortification, a prison, and a museum. As you climb the tower, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea. Don't forget to take lots of photos!

  • Day 5: Volunteer at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from the White Tower of Thessaloniki

    The Thessaloniki International Film Festival is one of the most significant cultural events in Greece. Volunteers can assist with event setup and running, screening, promotion, and hospitality services. You might encounter famous directors and actors and get to watch exclusive films.

  • Day 6: Help at the TerraVibe Park
    1 hour 10 minutes (68 km) from the Thessaloniki International Film Festival

    TerraVibe Park is an open-air venue that hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year. Volunteers can help with setup, decoration, promotion, and hospitality services. You'll have the chance to work with famous musicians and bands and enjoy the live music.

  • Day 7: Volunteer at the SOS Children's Villages Greece
    45 minutes (35 km) from TerraVibe Park

    The SOS Children's Villages Greece provides alternative care for children who cannot live with their biological families. Volunteers can assist with childcare, educational and recreational activities, and administration tasks. You'll interact with children of different ages and backgrounds and make a difference in their lives.

  • Day 8: Visit the Agios Dimitrios Church
    15 minutes (4.1 km) from the SOS Children's Villages Greece

    Agios Dimitrios Church is a magnificent example of Byzantine art and architecture. The church has undergone several modifications over the centuries and features unique frescoes, mosaics, and icons. As you admire the religious art, you'll learn about the city's rich heritage.

  • Day 9: Volunteer at the Thessaloniki Pride
    20 minutes (6.6 km) from Agios Dimitrios Church

    The Thessaloniki Pride is an annual event that celebrates diversity and raises awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. Volunteers can assist with event setup and running, promotion, and hospitality services. You'll meet people from different backgrounds and support a cause that promotes human rights.

  • Day 10: Visit the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Botanical Garden
    30 minutes (9.2 km) from the Thessaloniki Pride

    The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. The garden features a variety of plant species from Greece and other countries, as well as ponds, streams, and waterfalls. As you explore the garden, you'll breathe fresh air and unwind.

  • Day 11: Volunteer at the Thessaloniki Book Fair
    10 minutes (2.7 km) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Botanical Garden

    The Thessaloniki Book Fair is an annual event that celebrates literature and reading culture. Volunteers can assist with event setup and running, screening, promotion, and hospitality services. You'll have access to a vast collection of books and meet famous authors and publishers.

  • Day 12: Help at the Humanitas Festival
    10 minutes (1.5 km) from the Thessaloniki Book Fair

    The Humanitas Festival is an annual event that showcases the art, culture, and traditions of different countries. Volunteers can assist with event setup and running, decoration, promotion, and hospitality services. You'll have the opportunity to experience different cultures and cuisines and make international friends.

  • Day 13: Volunteer at the Thessaloniki International Fair
    5 minutes (1.2 km) from the Humanitas Festival

    The Thessaloniki International Fair is a renowned event that showcases the economy, entrepreneurship, and innovation of Greece and other countries. Volunteers can assist with event setup and running, promotion, and hospitality services. You might encounter famous businesspeople and entrepreneurs and learn about the latest industry trends.

  • Day 14: Visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture
    15 minutes (3.9 km) from the Thessaloniki International Fair

    The Museum of Byzantine Culture is a fascinating museum that showcases the civilization of Byzantine Empire that thrived in Greece for over a thousand years. The museum features exhibits of religious, artistic and everyday life objects of the time. As you explore the museum, you'll learn about the empire's influence on modern-day Greece.

  • Day 15: Assist at the Helping Hands Greece
    25 minutes (6.7 km) from the Museum of Byzantine Culture

    Helping Hands Greece is an NGO that provides food, shelter, and support to refugees and immigrants in Greece. Volunteers can assist with food preparation, distribution, and community programs. You'll meet people who have faced hardships and challenges and help them feel welcomed and secure.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (2 hours, €8)
  • Greenwave Festival (3 hours, Free)
  • Cerebral Palsy Greece Therapy Center (4 hours, Free)
  • White Tower of Thessaloniki (2 hours, €6)
  • Thessaloniki International Film Festival (6 hours, Free)
  • TerraVibe Park (6 hours, €50)
  • SOS Children's Villages Greece (4 hours, Free)
  • Agios Dimitrios Church (1 hour, Free)
  • Thessaloniki Pride (4 hours, Free)
  • Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Botanical Garden (2 hours, Free)
  • Thessaloniki Book Fair (4 hours, Free)
  • Humanitas Festival (4 hours, Free)
  • Thessaloniki International Fair (6 hours, Free)
  • Museum of Byzantine Culture (2 hours, €8)
  • Helping Hands Greece (4 hours, Free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €76

Transportation

Thessaloniki's public transportation system comprises buses, subway, and taxis. Buses are the most economical, with tickets starting at €0.90. The subway connects the city center with the airport, and the taxi fare is approximately €1.10/km. If you plan to visit places far from the city, renting a car might be a better option.

The estimated transportation costs for this itinerary are €100.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore the region's beautiful beaches, such as Halkidiki and Mount Olympus National Park. If you have less time, you can skip some events or combine visits to nearby attractions. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring sunscreen, and respect the customs and traditions of the locals.

Airports

Thessaloniki has one airport, Thessaloniki International Airport "Macedonia" (SKG), located 14 km southeast of the city center. The airport is accessible by bus, subway, and taxi, with the fare ranging between €0.90-€40, depending on the mode of transportation. The airport code is SKG.

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