Major Infrastructure Projects in Greece: Thessaloniki Metro Extension and Egnatia Odos Upgrades to Boost their Connectivity, Economy and Tourism Growth

Published on February 25, 2026

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Northern Greece is also undergoing a transformation of its own, with a number of large-scale infrastructure projects lined up to change the course of development in the region. These projects, which are focused on Thessaloniki, are not only designed to enhance connectivity, competitiveness, and mobility, but are also expected to make a big difference to the travel and tourism industry in the region. Tourism is increasingly becoming the backbone of the economy in the region.

Thessaloniki Metro Expansion: Improving Accessibility for Tourists

One of the flagship projects of Northern Greece is the extension of the Thessaloniki Metro to Kalamaria, which is set to improve access to key areas of the city. This development will introduce five new stations, significantly enhancing access to tourist destinations, local attractions, and other vital urban areas. With Thessaloniki being a popular destination for both cultural and leisure tourism, the metro extension will allow visitors to explore the city with ease, enhancing the overall tourism experience.

By reducing traffic congestion and providing a reliable mode of transport, the Thessaloniki Metro extension will make the city even more appealing to international visitors, contributing to its growing popularity as a tourist destination in Greece.

Elevated Flyover Expressway: Easing Traffic for Better Travel Experiences

The elevated Flyover expressway in Thessaloniki, currently nearing 50 percent completion, is designed to address the city’s long-standing traffic congestion issues. By easing the daily traffic flow, the expressway will not only improve the daily commute for locals but will also have a direct positive impact on tourists visiting the city. Smoother traffic conditions mean less travel time for those heading to tourist sites like White Tower, Aristotelous Square, and the city’s lively port area, ensuring that visitors spend more time experiencing Thessaloniki’s attractions.

Additionally, this project will enhance the accessibility of Thessaloniki as a gateway city for travelers heading to nearby regions such as Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, boosting the regional tourism flow.

Egnatia Odos Upgrade: Strengthening Tourism Connections Across Northern Greece

Another major undertaking is the Egnatia Odos motorway upgrade, which is set to improve connectivity between major cities and key tourist hubs in Northern Greece. The completion of improvements along the motorway and its three vertical axes, including the addition of 16 service areas and 12 rest stops, will ensure that tourists traveling by road will have a more comfortable and accessible journey.

With Northern Greece known for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and cultural landmarks, these upgrades will allow for seamless travel between popular destinations like Thessaloniki, Kavala, Ioannina, and Macedonia, boosting tourism potential in lesser-known areas while making travel more convenient for tourists.

Moreover, the expansion of the E65 motorway to the north will further strengthen connections with Western Macedonia, home to destinations like Lake Prespa and Nymfaio, making the region an even more attractive option for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and spiritual travelers.

Road Safety and Accessibility: Enhancing Tourism Accessibility

As part of the ongoing road improvements in Northern Greece, the upgrade of the Thessaloniki – Edessa axis and the Drama – Amfipoli (Paleochori) vertical connection through public-private partnerships will enhance road safety and accessibility to some of the region’s most important tourism destinations. These improvements will not only create safer driving conditions but will also facilitate easier access to areas with significant cultural and natural heritage, such as the Tempi Valley, Mount Olympus, and the Meteora monasteries.

Tourists traveling to these destinations will benefit from smoother, more efficient roadways, allowing them to explore the area’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes without the inconvenience of poorly maintained roads.

Public Transport and Educational Infrastructure Enhancements

Beyond roadways, public transport in Thessaloniki is also undergoing significant improvements. The renewal of the public transport fleet, which includes the addition of new, environmentally-friendly buses and trolleys, will ensure that visitors can explore the city with ease and comfort. This renewal will not only improve the experience for local commuters but will also make it easier for tourists to navigate the city and its surrounding attractions.

Further, the development of 17 new school units in Central Macedonia will address the region’s growing population while creating an environment that supports both residents and visitors alike. As the area grows, investments in infrastructure such as these will enhance the overall tourism experience, ensuring that the region remains a top destination for family travel and cultural tourism.

The Economic and Tourism Impact of Infrastructure Projects

The infrastructure upgrades in Northern Greece are poised to have a profound impact not only on local residents but also on the tourism sector. As Thessaloniki and surrounding regions continue to attract both domestic and international visitors, the improvements in transportation and mobility will create a more efficient, accessible, and enjoyable experience for tourists.

The easier access to cultural landmarks, natural attractions, and historic sites will boost the local tourism economy, supporting businesses, hospitality services, and tourism operators. Moreover, these projects will make Northern Greece a more attractive destination for business travelers, event tourism, and destination weddings, leading to an increase in tourism-related activities and a boost to the region’s overall economic growth.

The Road Ahead: A Bright Future for Thessaloniki and Northern Greece

With such large-scale infrastructure projects underway, the future of Northern Greece looks bright, particularly in the tourism industry. By enhancing connectivity, road infrastructure, and transportation, the region is gearing up to become a major force in the tourism sector of Greece. Whether it is the bustling city life of Thessaloniki, the trekking trails of Mount Olympus, or the historic Meteora monasteries, the future of tourism in Northern Greece looks bright with such infrastructure projects underway.

As the region of Northern Greece becomes more accessible and tourist-friendly, the region will not only witness an increase in the tourism industry but will also emerge as a gateway destination for tourists and business travelers from all over Europe and other parts of the world. The current makeover of Thessaloniki and its surrounding regions will continue to propel the economic development of the region and make it a leading destination for all types of travelers.