Getting from Astakos to Halkidiki

If you are heading to Halkidiki from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to a three-pronged peninsula southeast of Thessaloniki in northern Greece, with 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 Astakos means driving northeast via Ioannina and the Egnatia motorway to Thessaloniki, which takes around 5 to 6 hours from Astakos, and then continuing to Halkidiki from there. This avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct road connection between the two.

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. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Thessaloniki, then renting a car at the airport gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. From Thessaloniki a rental car or KTEL bus is needed to reach Halkidiki.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos northeast via Ioannina and the Egnatia motorway to Thessaloniki and continue to Halkidiki. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct road approach. Halkidiki is large and spread out enough that a car is essential for getting between beaches, villages and the different peninsulas. If you prefer to fly, drive to Athens and fly to Thessaloniki then rent a car at the airport.