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From Thessaloniki to Sithonia Beaches and Scenic Villages Tour

  • Discover the best of Sithonia, a Greek paradise with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and captivating coastal beauty.
  • Head off for an unforgettable peninsula escape from Nikiti
  • Visit Fava Beach and Kavourotrypes Beach, as well as fishing villages and towns in Halkidiki
  • Air-conditioned vehicle, local guide
  • Duration: 9-10 hours
  • ⭐️Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (16 reviews)

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Contents of How To Get from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki

Thessaloniki is an awesome city but it isn’t a beach destination.

thessaloniki brick gate

If you read my article on beaches near Thessaloniki, you’ll see that most of them are in Halkidiki, in either Sithonia or Kassandra.

Afytos, for instance, is one of the most beautiful places in Halkidiki, perfectly accessible from Thessaloniki.

Here are all of the ways you can get from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki.

By Car

Driving to Halkidiki offers flexibility and convenience:

1. Route details

From Thessaloniki, take the Ring Road (Perifereiaki Odos) and follow signs for Halkidiki/Nea Moudania.

The A24 motorway that links Thessaloniki to Kassandra peninsula takes you near Afytos.

To go to Sithonia, take A24 to Nea Moudania, and then follow the coastal road to Nikiti.

2. Travel times

– To Kassandra: 1-1.5 hours
– To Sithonia: 1.5-2 hours
– To Mount Athos area (Ouranopoli): 2-2.5 hours

3. Rental options

Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise have offices at Thessaloniki Airport and in the city center.

I prefer to use local companies, though, because they offer competitive rates and they are more flexible when it comes to adding drivers and getting full insurance coverage.

4. Parking

Most hotels in Halkidiki provide parking.

Beach parking can be limited in peak season.

In my experience, finding parking in smaller seaside resorts and villages is easy, should you be willing to walk a few more minutes to the beach.

5. Fuel

Gas stations are plentiful on the main roads, but become sparser in more remote areas of Halkidiki.

The peninsula is small, though. Just make sure you fuel before venturing to wilder areas.

afitos ginger cat

By Bus

KTEL Halkidikis provides an economical public transport option:

1. Bus station location: The main KTEL Halkidikis Bus Station is at Georgikis Scholis 2, Thessaloniki.

2. Frequency: Buses run more frequently during summer months.

In peak season, there might be hourly services to popular destinations.

3. Popular routes and journey duration:

– Thessaloniki to Nea Moudania: 1.5 hours
– Thessaloniki to Kassandra (Kallithea): 2.5 hours
– Thessaloniki to Sithonia (Sarti): 3 hours

4. Tickets: Purchase tickets at the station or online through the KTEL Halkidikis website. Booking in advance is recommended during peak season.

I like the Chalkidiki Buses official website; it shows the departure times, the journey duration, and the number of available seats.

For instance, if I want to go from Thessaloniki to Sarti, I can easily see what to expect from my ride, here. That’s also where I can buy my bus ticket online.

Once you select your date and your desired time, you get to pick your seat. You see the bus layout, the seat numbers and whether they are available.

5. Amenities: Buses are air-conditioned and some offer Wi-Fi.

By Taxi

Taxis provide a direct, door-to-door service.

There are several advantages to using taxis to get from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki.

1. Availability: Taxis can be found at designated taxi stands, or booked through apps like TaxiBeat or RadioTaxi.

Some say that you can hail taxis on the street. In my experience, this is difficult, particularly in busy areas.

2. Cost: Expect to pay around €80-€120 for a trip to Kassandra, and more for further destinations. Always confirm the price before departing.

3. Journey time: Similar to driving yourself, but potentially faster, as local drivers know shortcuts and tips that allow them to save time.

4. Capacity: Standard taxis can carry up to 4 passengers. For larger groups, minivan taxis are available but should be booked in advance.

5. Language: Not all drivers speak English, so having your destination written in Greek can be helpful.

By Organized Tour

Tour operators offer convenient, guided experiences:

1. Types of tours: Options range from day trips to multi-day excursions covering various parts of Halkidiki.

2. Inclusions: Most tours include round-trip transportation, a guide, and sometimes meals or activities. Always check what’s included when booking.

3. Pick-up points: Many tours offer hotel pick-up in Thessaloniki, or a central meeting point.

4. Popular destinations: Tours often cover beaches in Kassandra or Sithonia, the traditional village of Afitos, or boat trips around Mount Athos.

5. Booking: Reserve through your hotel, local travel agencies, or online platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.

Click here to book a tour from Thessaloniki to Stihonia on Viator.

Click here to book a tour of Sithonia’s beaches from Thessaloniki on Get Your Guide.

Dock on Kalithea beach in Afitos

By Boat

While not a direct route from Thessaloniki, boat travel within Halkidiki is popular.

Click here to book a best of Halkidiki full-day cruise.

1. Main ports: Ormos Panagias in Sithonia and Ouranoupolis near Mount Athos are key departure points.

2. Types of trips:

– Around Mount Athos: Cruise along the coast to view the monasteries (women are not allowed to disembark).
– Island hopping: Trips to nearby islands like Ammouliani.
– Beach hopping: Access secluded beaches along the coast.

3. Duration: Trips range from a few hours to full-day excursions.

4. Booking: Tickets can be purchased at the ports or through local travel agencies. Book in advance during peak season.

5. Accessibility: To reach the ports, you’ll need to use one of the other transportation methods from Thessaloniki first.