Islands near Thessaloniki (or Easy to Reach)

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you say Greek Islands? If you’re like most people, you’d think of Santorini, Mikonos or some other islands by south of Athens. Some would think of Corfu and some others of Crete, Zante or Rhodes. How many of you would think of islands near Thessaloniki, islands that you could visit during your stay in this vibrant and welcoming city?

For now, let’s see what Greek islands you can visit from Thessaloniki.

Islands near Thessaloniki to Reach by Ferry

Located in the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and a port to the Aegean Sea.

As Thessaloniki has its own airport, it is connected to all islands that also have an airport (beware, though, you won’t be able to get a direct flight to many of these islands, so ensure you do your homework before your trip). Here’s the list of Greek islands with airports for further reference.

Thessaloniki to Ammouliani Island

Ammouliani is the only inhabited island in Halkidiki. Even though beautiful, Ammouliani is underrated, probably because of the extremely popular beach resorts in the peninsula of Halkidiki.

The easiest way to visit this island from Thessaloniki is with a private boat tour like this one, here. You’ll leave Thessaloniki early morning to get to Ormos Panagias. Then you’ll board on this journey around Mount Athos with a stop on Ammouliani island, at Banana Beach.

There’s no way to get from Thessaloniki directly to Ammouliani by public transport. Ferries to Ammouliani island depart from Tripiti, which is at two hours’ drive from Thessaloniki.

You can read my Ammouliani travel guide here.

Thessaloniki to Sporades Islands (Skiatos, Skopelos, and Alonissos) and Evia

From the port of Thessaloniki you can take a ferry to the Sporades islands: Skiatos, Skopelos, and Alonissos.This ferry line is operated by Seajets and it connects Thessaloniki with the Sporades and with the island of Evia (also known as Euboea).

The Sporades are the most logical island hopping route from Thessaloniki by ferry. They sit in the northwestern Aegean, closer to central Greece than most other island groups, which makes them easily accessible from the north.

The ferry route

Ferries on this route are operated by Seajets and depart directly from Thessaloniki’s port. The line runs three times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — and stops at each island in sequence before continuing to Evia (Euboea).
Here’s the full itinerary with approximate travel times from Thessaloniki:

Skiathos — 3 hours 15 minutes
Skopelos — 4 hours
Alonissos — 4 hours 25 minutes
Evia (Mantoudi) — 5 hours

Return ferries from Mantoudi depart on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Because the ferry calls at each island in order, this route is naturally suited to a progressive island hopping itinerary — you board in Thessaloniki and step off at whichever island you’re targeting, or ride the whole line and work your way back.

You can book and buy your Seajets ferry tickets online, on their official website, here. Book in advance during peak summer season, particularly for Skiathos, which fills up fast.

Important caveat on seasonality

This ferry line does not run year-round. It typically operates from late spring through early autumn. Outside that window, getting to the Sporades from Thessaloniki requires a different approach — either flying into Skiathos (which has its own airport) or traveling south by bus or car to Volos or Agios Konstantinos, which have more regular ferry connections to the Sporades throughout the year.

Which island should you choose?

The three Sporades islands are close together but have distinct characters.

Skiathos is the most developed and the most visited. It has the best nightlife, the most services, and some of the most photographed beaches in Greece — Koukounaries in particular. If you want a lively atmosphere and easy beach access, Skiathos is the obvious choice. It’s also the only Sporades island with its own airport, giving you more flexibility for return travel.

Read my guide to Skiathos to find out more details about the island.

Skopelos is quieter and greener, with a more traditional village atmosphere. It became widely known as a filming location for Mamma Mia, and the clifftop chapel of Agios Ioannis, where the wedding scene was shot, draws visitors on its own. If you want a slower pace without fully retreating from civilization, Skopelos is the better pick.

Check out my article about Skopelos to see if this is the island for you.

Alonissos is the least developed of the three and the most oriented toward nature. It sits at the center of the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades, the largest marine protected area in Europe. The waters around it are some of the clearest in the Aegean, and the island is known for diving, snorkeling, and boat trips to uninhabited islets nearby. If you want genuine quiet and unspoiled landscape, Alonissos is the destination.

How long do you need?

Two nights on each island is a comfortable minimum if you want to do more than just arrive and leave. If you have a week, a three-island itinerary (Skiathos for two nights, Skopelos for two, Alonissos for two, then ferry back) is very manageable on this route and gives you a genuine range of experiences.

What about Evia?

Evia (also spelled Euboea) is technically the second-largest Greek island, but it functions more like mainland Greece in terms of character and accessibility. Evia is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Continuing to Evia on this ferry line makes sense if you want to work your way south without backtracking to Thessaloniki. From Mantoudi, you can continue by road toward Athens or other parts of central Greece.

Thessaloniki to Corfu (or Other Ionian Islands)

Even though the island has an airport, there are no direct flights from Thessaloniki to Corfu. The best way to get to Corfu from Thessaloniki is by bus to Igoumenitsa and then by ferry. Here’s an article on how to get to Corfu by ferry. In that article I also explain how to get to Igoumenitsa by using Ktel buses.

The ferry ride from Igoumenitsa to Corfu takes anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours (depending on the type of boat).

Paxi is another island you can get to from Igoumenitsa. The ferry ride takes 45 minutes. From Paxi, you can take a boat to visit Antipaxi (also known as Antipaxos), the smallest of the Ionian islands.

Thessaloniki to Thassos

Thassos is one of the most accessible Greek islands from Thessaloniki, and arguably the best option if you want a proper island experience without a full day of travel.

The two departure points: Kavala vs. Keramoti

Ferries to Thassos don’t leave from Thessaloniki directly. You have two departure options, and the difference matters depending on where you want to arrive on the island.

Kavala is about 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive east of Thessaloniki. Ferries from Kavala go to Thassos town (Limenas), the island’s main port and capital. The crossing takes roughly 1.5 hours. This is the better option if you want to land in the heart of the island’s activity — tavernas, accommodation, and easy connections to other villages.

Keramoti is about 30 minutes further east from Kavala, making it roughly 2 to 2.5 hours from Thessaloniki. However, the ferry crossing from Keramoti is only about 15 to 20 minutes, arriving at Skala Prinos on the western coast. The shorter crossing frequency is higher, and the route runs year-round. If you’re renting a car and heading straight for the beaches on the western or northern coast, Keramoti makes more sense.

How often do ferries run?

Both routes operate multiple times a day, even in the shoulder season. In summer (June through August), departures become very frequent — sometimes nearly hourly from Keramoti. Outside summer, check schedules in advance as frequency drops, though the route is never fully suspended.

Is Thassos worth it from Thessaloniki?

Yes, even for a day trip, though an overnight stay is better. Thassos is unusually green for a Greek island, covered in pine forest that runs almost down to the beach. It’s also much less crowded than the Cyclades. The combination of easy access, mountain scenery, and clean beaches makes it the most underrated island reachable from Thessaloniki.
If you have two days, a loop around the island by car or scooter (the perimeter road is about 95 km) covers the main beaches and villages comfortably.

Greek Islands with Direct Flights from Thessaloniki

Flying is the fastest way to reach most Greek islands from Thessaloniki, and Makedonia Airport (SKG) has a surprisingly wide range of connections, most of them operated by Greek carriers Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express.

The key thing to understand before booking: most of the direct routes are seasonal. Direct flights to Cyclades islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, and Paros operate reliably from roughly late spring through early September. After that, frequency drops sharply and some routes suspend entirely. If you’re traveling outside summer, always check current schedules before building your itinerary around a direct flight.

The airlines operating from Thessaloniki

Three carriers handle the bulk of island connections from SKG:

Aegean Airlines: the largest Greek carrier, operates routes to the major islands year-round or with extended seasons
Olympic Air: a subsidiary of Aegean, covers many of the same routes and some smaller destinations
Sky Express: a regional Greek airline that fills gaps the larger carriers don’t serve, including several smaller islands with limited demand

For most routes, Aegean/Olympic and Sky Express don’t compete directly, but rather serve different destinations. Check both when planning.

Santorini

Flight time approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, operated by Olympic Air.

Santorini’s airport (Thira/JTR) is small and gets congested in peak season.

Direct flights run primarily in summer; outside that window, connections through Athens are usually necessary.

Mykonos

Flight time approximately 1 hour 5 minutes, operated by Aegean Air and Olympic Air.

One of the shorter and more reliable routes in terms of frequency. Mykonos airport (JMK) is close to the main town.

Rhodes

Flight time approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, operated by Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air.

Rhodes is one of the largest airports in the Greek island network (RHO) and one of the more stable year-round routes from Thessaloniki.

It’s also the most practical gateway to the southern Dodecanese if you plan to island hop onward to Kos, Symi, or Patmos.

Check out my Rodes Travel guide here.

Limnos

Operated by Olympic Air.

Limnos airport (LXS) is near the village of Varos, roughly central on the island.

Limnos is one of the most undervisited islands in the northern Aegean, raw, windswept, with excellent local food and almost no package tourism. The direct flight from Thessaloniki is one of the easiest ways to reach it.

Skyros

Flight time under 1 hour, operated by Sky Express.

Skyros is the most remote of the Sporades and the one least affected by mass tourism.

Flights are infrequent and the schedule is worth verifying carefully, as this route does not run daily. The island is known for its distinctive local crafts, a rare native horse breed, and quiet beaches.

Note: Skiathos also has an airport and can be reached from Thessaloniki, though the connection may require a stop. If you’re planning to fly into the Sporades, check both Skyros and Skiathos options against current schedules.

Chios

Flight time under 1 hour, operated by Sky Express.

Chios is one of the most distinctive islands in Greece, known for its medieval villages, the unique mastic resin that grows only here, and the dramatically patterned architecture of Pyrgi.

It’s genuinely different from the typical Greek island experience and worth considering if you’ve already done the Cyclades.

Mytilene (Lesbos / Lesvos)

Flight time approximately 1 hour, operated by Sky Express.

Lesbos is the third-largest Greek island by area, with a distinct character, strong local food culture (particularly olive oil and ouzo), significant literary history, and a landscape that feels more Anatolian than Aegean in places.

The airport serves the capital, Mytilene.

Milos

Flight time approximately 55 minutes, with two flights per day during summer (morning and afternoon).

One of the fastest connections to any Cyclades island from Thessaloniki.

Milos has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, so book early if flying in July or August.

Paros

There are two flights a day from Thessaloniki to Paros (Sky Express), at least during summer. After September, you may not be able to get to these islands so easily from Thessaloniki.

These are only a few islands you could easily travel to from Thessaloniki for your Greek island hopping vacation.

Depending on the time you have available, you may be able to add one, two or even more islands to your trip. I’d save some days for visiting Thessaloniki, though.

If you want to take a cruise from Thessaloniki and spend a lovely day on the water, check out this Blue Lagoon cruise with lunch. This is a full day activity. Depending on where your hotel in Thessaloniki is located, you may benefit from free pick-up.

Before exploring some of your best opportunities for island hopping from Thessaloniki, it’s worth knowing that mainland Greece is as beautiful as the islands.

You can find some nice beaches near Thessaloniki. You don’t need to go too far away from the city to find your ideal spot for a sun and fun Greek holiday.

Practical notes for flying from Thessaloniki

Book early for summer. Routes to popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes fill up well in advance in July and August.

Check Sky Express separately. Their website isn’t always well-integrated into aggregators like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Search directly if you’re looking at Skyros, Chios, Lesbos, Paros, or Milos.

Shoulder season (May, September, October) is often the best time to fly. Prices are lower, availability is better, and the islands are less crowded.

Return flexibility matters. Several of these routes run once or twice a day at most. If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your options are limited. Factor that in if you have a tight connection home.

Not sure which island to choose? Here’s how to match your options to your trip.

Which Island is Right for You?

The islands reachable from Thessaloniki cover an unusually wide range of experiences — from party beaches to marine parks to medieval villages. The right choice depends on two things: how much time you have, and what kind of trip you’re after.

By Trip Length

One day (day trip)

Thassos is the only realistic day trip option from Thessaloniki. The total journey — drive to Keramoti, short ferry crossing, time on the island, return — is manageable in a single day, especially if you focus on one area rather than trying to circle the whole island. Ammouliani is also doable as a day trip, though it requires joining a boat tour rather than traveling independently.

No other island on this list is practical for a day trip from Thessaloniki. The Sporades ferry alone takes over three hours one way.

Two to three days

Thassos again works well here — two nights gives you time to drive the perimeter road, visit the main beaches, and see the ancient agora in Limenas without rushing.

Skiathos is a strong option for this length: compact enough to cover in two or three days, with enough beaches, nightlife, and boat trips to fill the time. Flying in and out keeps it efficient.

For something quieter, Skopelos or Lesbos at three days gives you enough time to settle in without the pressure of a day trip pace.

Four to five days

This is the sweet spot for a two-island combination. The most natural pairings from Thessaloniki:

• Skiathos + Skopelos — fly into Skiathos, spend two nights, take the inter-island ferry to Skopelos for two more nights, return by ferry to Thessaloniki or fly home from Skiathos
• Milos + Santorini — fly into Milos (less crowded, more dramatic landscape), spend two nights, fly to Santorini for two nights, fly back
• Chios + Lesbos — two undervisited north Aegean islands with strong individual characters, both served by Sky Express from Thessaloniki

Seven days or more

A full week opens up the three-island Sporades run: Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos by ferry, two nights each, returning to Thessaloniki by ferry. This is one of the most complete island hopping itineraries available from the city without flying.

Alternatively, a week allows you to combine a northern island (Thassos or Limnos) with a Cyclades island (Santorini or Milos) — spending the first half closer to Thessaloniki and flying south for the second half before returning.

By Travel Style

If you want beaches above everything else → Skiathos or Thassos

Skiathos has some of the most celebrated beaches in Greece — Koukounaries is consistently ranked among the best in the country — with easy access by water taxi or road. Thassos offers a different version of the same thing: pine-backed beaches, clear water, and far fewer crowds. Skiathos if you want energy and company; Thassos if you want quiet.

If you want authenticity and local culture → Chios or Limnos

Both islands have resisted the homogenization that comes with heavy tourism. Chios has the medieval villages of the Mastichochoria, mastic production unique in the world, and the extraordinary geometric architecture of Pyrgi. Limnos has excellent local wine and food, volcanic landscapes, and an almost complete absence of package tourism. Neither will give you a typical Greek island holiday — which is exactly the point.

If you want nature and outdoor activities → Alonissos or Thassos

Alonissos sits within the largest marine protected area in Europe and is the best base for snorkeling, diving, and boat trips to uninhabited islands nearby. Thassos offers hiking through pine forest, waterfalls, and a perimeter road that takes you through traditional mountain villages as well as beaches. Both reward slow travel over beach-hopping.

If you want the iconic Greek islands experience → Santorini or Mykonos

Both are direct flights from Thessaloniki. Both deliver the white-washed architecture, sunsets, and Aegean blue that most people picture when they think of Greece. Santorini has more dramatic scenery and a stronger culinary scene; Mykonos has better nightlife and more consistent wind for kitesurfing. Neither is a hidden gem, but both are famous for good reason.

If you want a filming location or literary connection → Skopelos or Lesbos

Skopelos hosted the Mamma Mia filming and wears it lightly — the island’s real character (stone paths, monastery trails, local honey) is stronger than the association. Lesbos has a deeper cultural identity: it’s the birthplace of the poet Sappho, a significant center for ouzo production, and an island with a literary and artistic tradition that sets it apart from most of the Aegean.

If you want to go somewhere most tourists haven’t → Limnos, Skyros, or Alonissos

All three are reachable from Thessaloniki, all three are genuinely off the main tourist trail, and all three reward visitors who make the extra effort. Limnos for food and landscape, Skyros for crafts and isolation, Alonissos for marine wilderness.

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