Basketball in Thessaloniki
 

Hey guys,

I just arrived in Thessaloniki and I am looking for a place where I could play basketball, either pick up or full on games if I can.

I am staying here until Sunday, so that leaves me Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to play.

I went to a court on the corner of Leoforos Vasileos Georgiou and Edison. It looked like an elementary school. I walked in to take some pictures and a lady screemed at me to get out. I guess I am not aloud there.

I am staying in the Rotonto area so any court within 25-30min walking distance would be great. I don't have a basketball so it would be best if I can just show up where people often plays. Can I just do that here?

I am not against buying my own ball somewhere either. There seems to be a very popular basketball culture in Greece. I would love to play here.

Taking photographs of children or around elementary schools is a big no-no everywhere — not just in Greece. Lucky for you she didn't call the police.

Why don't you ask around in Thessaloniki where you can play basketball, maybe around the university or in cafes and tavernas. I will be surprised if anyone on Fodor's can help you.

The Alexandrion Melathron aka Palais de Sports is located in the top centre of Thessaloniki, inside the grounds of the International Fair. ( it is THE temple of basketball in Thessaloniki)

Give them a call and they should give you any info on where to play Basketball in Thessaloniki.

Grigoriou Lambraki 2
54621 Thessaloniki
Tel : 2310236951

Many schools in the city have sports facilities but as Heimdall said, you better stay away, as people are too sensitive when it comes to children.. ( especially recently after some very ugly cases that took place in Northern Greece)

To be clear, there were no children. I was taking pictures of a empty basketball court. I am taking pictures of basketball courts around the world.

That's an unusual hobby, BaoParty, bound to raise questions. Your intentions may have been perfectly innocent, but someone lurking around an elementary school with a camera would certainly arouse suspicion.

I took pictures of an empty court with my iPhone?!

Agreed on the unusual hobby. I take pictures of bball courts all over the world, over here, it seems that all the courts are in school yards though.