Getting from Crete to Halkidiki

If you are heading to Halkidiki from Crete you are making your way to the three-pronged peninsula southeast of Thessaloniki, with Kassandra in the west for long sandy beaches and a lively summer scene, Sithonia in the middle for greener and quieter waters and the monastic peninsula of Athos in the east, an autonomous state where access is strictly controlled.

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. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki, around 60 to 90 kilometres from the various parts of the peninsula. Flying from Crete to Thessaloniki takes around 1 hour 10 minutes on the direct service from Heraklion, making this one of the more straightforward connections without going through Athens. From Thessaloniki Airport a rental car, taxi or bus is needed to reach Halkidiki.

Your best option

Fly direct from Heraklion 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. The drive from Thessaloniki Airport to Sithonia takes around 1.5 hours.