Getting from Athens to Halkidiki

If you are heading to Halkidiki from Athens you are making your way to one of the most popular summer destinations in northern Greece, a three-pronged peninsula that juts into the northern Aegean southeast of Thessaloniki. Each peninsula has a distinct character. Kassandra in the west is the most developed, with long sandy beaches and a lively summer scene. Sithonia in the middle is greener, quieter and better for those who want clear water without the crowds. The third peninsula, Athos, is an autonomous monastic state where women are not permitted to enter and access even for men requires a special permit obtained months in advance. The beaches on Sithonia are among the finest in Greece and the whole area is largely unknown outside of Greek and Balkan tourism.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry to Halkidiki. It is a mainland peninsula with no island ferry connections.

Getting there by air

Halkidiki has no airport of its own. The gateway is Thessaloniki Airport, around 60 to 90 kilometres from the various parts of the peninsula depending on where you are heading. Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Sky Express all operate multiple daily flights from Athens to Thessaloniki taking around 55 minutes. From Thessaloniki Airport you need a rental car, taxi or bus to reach Halkidiki.

Your best option

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. Alternatively, drive from Athens via the E75 motorway, which takes around 5 to 6 hours and makes sense if you want a car throughout your trip without the airport rental.