Getting from Anafi to Halkidiki

If you are heading to Halkidiki from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to a three-pronged peninsula southeast of Thessaloniki in northern Greece, on the opposite side of the country. Halkidiki has Kassandra in the west for long sandy beaches, Sithonia in the middle for quieter waters and the monastic peninsula of Athos in the east.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry to Halkidiki. It is a mainland peninsula with no island ferry connections. Getting there from Anafi means taking the ferry to Santorini, which takes around 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 30 minutes, and then flying to Thessaloniki via Athens, from where Halkidiki is accessible by bus or car.

Getting there by air

Halkidiki has no airport. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki, around 60 to 90 kilometres from the various parts of the peninsula. Anafi has no airport either. Taking the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, flying to Athens and then Athens to Thessaloniki gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. From Thessaloniki a rental car or KTEL bus is needed to reach Halkidiki.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, fly to Athens and then fly to Thessaloniki and rent a car at the airport. Halkidiki is large and spread out enough that a car is essential for getting between beaches, villages and the different peninsulas. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Anafi to Piraeus, which takes around 8 to 11 hours, and drive north via the E75 motorway to Thessaloniki and continue to Halkidiki from there.