Getting from Santorini to Halkidiki

Halkidiki is a three-pronged peninsula that juts into the northern Aegean southeast of Thessaloniki, and each of the three peninsulas 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, which is a significant part of its appeal.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry to Halkidiki. It is a mainland peninsula with no port connection to the islands. Getting there from Santorini requires flying.

What about flying?

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. Santorini has a direct flight to Thessaloniki operated by Aegean Airlines and Sky Express, taking around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, which makes this one of the more straightforward mainland connections from Santorini. From Thessaloniki Airport you need a rental car, taxi or bus to reach Halkidiki.

Your best option

Fly direct from Santorini to Thessaloniki and rent a car at the airport. Halkidiki is large enough 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.