Getting from Santorini to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece's second city and one of the most underrated urban destinations in the Mediterranean. It sits at the head of the Thermaic Gulf in northern Greece, a city of Byzantine churches, Ottoman markets, Roman ruins and a waterfront that stretches for kilometres past the White Tower. The food scene is exceptional, the nightlife is genuine rather than tourist-facing and the city has an energy that comes from having a large university population and a long tradition of cultural life. The Archaeological Museum holds some of the finest Macedonian gold work ever found, and the covered market at Modiano is one of the best places to eat in Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no practical ferry from Santorini to Thessaloniki. A highly indirect connection exists via Syros but the total journey takes around 30 hours and involves multiple changes. It is not a route anyone should attempt when flying is this straightforward.

What about flying?

Santorini has a direct flight to Thessaloniki operated by Aegean Airlines and Sky Express, making this one of the few domestic routes in Greece that does not require a connection through Athens. The flight takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. This is the obvious and only sensible way to make this journey.

Your best option

Fly direct. Book ahead as this route fills up in summer, particularly on weekends when Athenians and Thessalonians are travelling between the two cities.