Halkidiki holidays from Thessaloniki: a guide to Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos

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Halkidiki at a glance

Halkidiki is Thessaloniki’s closest seaside destination, and you drive there straight from the airport without entering the city. The biggest mistake is trying to see everything in two days. Choose one base and make short trips from there.

Distances from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)

Destination	Approx. km	Approx. time*
Nea Moudania (Kassandra–Sithonia junction)	52	45–50 min
Kallithea (Kassandra)	92–100	1 h 15 min
Chaniotis (Kassandra)	93	1 h 25 min
Pefkochori (Kassandra)	96	1 h 30 min
Nikiti (start of Sithonia)	88–102	1 h 20–25 min
Neos Marmaras (Sithonia)	108–122	1.5–2 h

*Without traffic or stops. Sources differ slightly. In July and August, especially at weekends, allow considerably more time.

Kassandra: for groups, families and easy access

Kassandra is the closest peninsula, with the most accommodation, restaurants and supermarkets. Ideal for a first visit and for families who want everything nearby.

• Base villages: Kallithea, Chaniotis, Pefkochori, Paliouri.
• Beaches worth it: Kallithea, Cape Possidi with its lighthouse, Paliouri, and Sani, one of the most organised and family-friendly.
• Tip: in summer the main road is busy. Leave early and keep water in the car.

Sithonia: the best choice if you love scenic drives

Sithonia is wilder and less touristy: pine forests down to the sea, small coves and a coastal road with views. Here a car makes the difference, because the best beaches are spread out.

• Base villages: Nikiti, Neos Marmaras, Vourvourou, Sarti.
• Beaches worth it:
  • Karydi (Vourvourou): fine sand, shallow water and pine trees, ideal for small children.
  • Kavourotrypes (Orange Beach): small rocky coves with turquoise water.
  • Kalamitsi and Armenistis, at the southern tip.
• Tip: in July and August go to the famous beaches early in the morning, as car parks fill up. Choose 2–3 spots a day, no more.
• Bonus: from Sithonia’s west coast you see Mount Athos across the water, beautiful at sunrise.

Athos and eastern Halkidiki: the other side of the region

The eastern side is slower-paced. The road passes through Ierissos and ends at Ouranoupoli, the last village before Mount Athos.

• Entering Mount Athos: allowed only for men, with a special permit (diamonitirion) arranged in advance. It cannot be issued on the same day.
• For everyone, women included: boat cruises from Ouranoupoli sail along the Athos coast, with views of the monasteries from the sea.

A stop on the way: Petralona Cave

If you are not in a hurry, Petralona Cave is a good stop on the way there or back. It adds about 20 minutes of driving.

A 3-day plan for Halkidiki

Day 1: arrival and getting settled

Pick up the car at the airport, settle in at your base and visit a nearby beach without a long drive.

Day 2: one area, not all of them

Based in Sithonia: morning at Karydi, lunch in Sarti, afternoon at Kavourotrypes. Based in Kassandra: morning at Possidi, afternoon at Paliouri. Leave gaps in the plan.

Day 3: return with a stop

Morning swim, lunch in a village on the way and perhaps a stop at Petralona. Allow extra time for return traffic, especially on Sundays and changeover days.

Which car should I rent for Halkidiki?

Who you are	What suits you
Couple	Small economy car: easy to park at the beaches
Family with children	Larger car with real luggage space
Group of 4+	SUV or van

• Child seat or booster: declare it when you book.
• Mileage: bookings of up to 4 days include 150 km per day. Over 4 days it is unlimited. Based in Sithonia with day trips, a 5-day booking means no counting.

See our fleet and the 10 best cars for rent in Thessaloniki.

Picking up at SKG and driving to Halkidiki

Pick up at Makedonia Airport, Parking P3, opposite the arrivals exit. The airport lies on the south-east side of the city, towards Halkidiki, so you go straight onto the road to Nea Moudania without passing through the centre.

• Have your accommodation address ready on your phone before you set off.
• Before you go, read Driving in Greece: the complete guide: new speed limits, fines, what to do after an accident.

FAQ: Halkidiki and car rental

How far is Halkidiki from Thessaloniki Airport?

Nea Moudania, the gateway to Halkidiki, is about 52 km (45–50 minutes). Kassandra’s villages are 1 h 15 min to 1.5 h away, and Neos Marmaras in Sithonia 1.5–2 h, without traffic.

Kassandra or Sithonia?

Kassandra for easy access, organised beaches and plenty of restaurants. Sithonia for nature, pine forests and scenic drives.

Do I need a car in Halkidiki?

It is not essential, but it is the most practical way to see many beaches and villages. In Sithonia especially, the best beaches are spread out.

Can women visit Mount Athos?

No, entry is allowed only to men with a special permit. Everyone can, however, see the monasteries from the sea on a cruise from Ouranoupoli.

Can I pay with a debit card?

Yes, with a physical debit or credit card. Digital cards on your phone are not accepted.

Can I take the car on a ferry?

Yes, to Greek islands, covered by the insurance. Leaving Greece is not allowed.

Sources: distances from visitsithonia.com, easybalkantransfers.com, domesresorts.com; beaches from discovergreece.com, nikana.gr, plumguide.com; City Car Rental rental terms.