The park was designed as part of the wider Nea Paralia landscape architecture project led by Prodromos Nikiforidis and Bernard Cuomo.
The project received the first prize in the Panhellenic Architectural Competition for the redesign of the New Waterfront.
The water features are engineered to create a recirculating system that incorporates specific aquatic plant species to aid in natural filtration.
The site was formerly part of the industrial and cargo-handling periphery before its transformation into a public green space in the 2010s.
It is one of several themed garden segments, including the Garden of Music and the Garden of Roses, that collectively form the 3.5-kilometer coastal promenade.
The Water Garden (Kipos tou Nerou) is a themed section within the larger Nea Paralia park system along the Thessaloniki waterfront. It is characterized by a series of interconnected ponds, cascading water features, and wooden walkways designed to evoke a tranquil wetland environment. The park utilizes aquatic vegetation and stone landscaping to create a microclimate distinct from the surrounding urban environment. It serves as a focal point for the modern redevelopment of the city's coastline. The design emphasizes natural aesthetic elements and wooden decking structures. It is integrated directly into the linear pedestrian promenade that stretches along the Thermaic Gulf.
The central wooden bridge spanning the largest pond, which frames the water features against the backdrop of the sea.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the intense midday summer heat reflected off the water.
Stay on the designated wooden boardwalks to avoid slipping on damp stonework near the pond edges.
Bring mosquito repellent if visiting during the evening in warm months.
Attempting to feed the koi or water wildlife, which disrupts the park's fragile ecosystem balance.
No swimming or wading in the ponds; keep pets on a leash.
