Thessaloniki’s waterfront has once again transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, welcoming book lovers to the 45th Panhellenic Thessaloniki Book Festival. Running from June 19 until July 5, 2026, the city’s most beloved summer cultural institution is set up along the New Waterfront (Nea Paralia), stretching from the White Tower to the Statue of Alexander the Great.
Organized by the Association of Book Publishers of Northern Greece, the festival hosts dozens of stalls featuring hundreds of publishing houses from across the country. It offers visitors the unique experience of browsing new releases and classic literature with the Thermaikos Gulf as a backdrop. Operating daily from 19:00 to 23:00, it is the perfect evening stroll for families, locals, and tourists alike.
Beyond the book stalls, the festival is a lively cultural celebration, featuring book signings, meet-and-greets with renowned Greek authors, musical events, and activities dedicated to young readers. For over four decades, this open-air festival has remained a staple of Thessaloniki’s summer, proving that even in the digital age, the magic of turning a page remains unmatched.