Getting here and around

Getting here and around

Getting to Sithonia and moving around places Halkidiki

Sithonia, the middle peninsula of Halkidiki, is easier to reach than its quiet coastline might suggest — but a little planning goes a long way once you’re here.

“Magical scenery in Sithonia”

Flying in

Most visitors arrive through Thessaloniki International Airport “Makedonia” (SKG), Northern Greece’s main gateway. From the airport terminal, Sithonia is roughly 90–140 km away depending on your final destination — Nikiti, on the peninsula’s northern side, is the closest at around 90 km, while Sarti and Porto Koufo, further south, sit closer to 135–140 km away. Driving time ranges from about 80 minutes to just over 2 hours.

“SKG Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia”

DRIVING FROM THESSALONIKI

The route is straightforward and well-signposted. From the airport (or the city), you join a two-lane expressway heading toward Halkidiki. After around 60 km, you’ll reach a crossroads near Nea Moudania where the road splits: one direction leads to Kassandra (the “first leg”), the other to Sithonia (the “second leg”). Simply follow the signs for Sithonia, and you’ll pass through Metamorfosi — the peninsula’s first village — before continuing on to your final destination. The road throughout is a well-maintained two-lane expressway, with posted speed limits worth respecting, both for safety and because traffic penalties in Greece are strictly enforced.

Approximate driving times and distances from Thessaloniki Airport:

Nikiti — about 100 km, 75-80 minutes
Neos Marmaras — about 120 km, roughly 90-95 minutes
Vourvourou — about 115 km
Sarti — about 145 km, 2 hours
Toroni / Porto Koufo / Kalamitsi — the furthest points, 140–155 km, up to 2 hours or more

"Driving in Sithonia"

GETTING THERE BY BUS (KTEL)

Public buses are a budget-friendly option, run by KTEL Chalkidikis. From the airport, take the airport shuttle bus to the KTEL Halkidiki bus terminal (located about 10 km from the airport, on the 9km National Road), then transfer to a Sithonia-bound coach. Direct buses run to the peninsula’s main towns 3–4 times a day, starting around 9:30 and running until after 17:00, with total journey times of roughly 2 to 3.5 hours depending on the stop:

Tickets and schedules can be checked and booked in advance on the official KTEL Halkidiki website (www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr).

Note there’s no direct bus back from Sithonia to the airport — returning travelers go back to the KTEL Halkidiki terminal first, then connect via local city buses to reach the airport.

"KTEL Halkidiki Bus for easy transfers"

TAXIS & PRIVATE TRANSFERS

For a more direct, door-to-door option, private transfers and chauffeur services operate between the airport and Sithonia’s resorts, with prices generally depending on distance and vehicle type.

This is a popular choice for travelers who prefer not to drive or want to skip the bus transfers.

"Book a taxi and easily reach your destination in Sithonia"

RENTING A CAR

A car is the recommended way to explore Sithonia. Car rental is widely available at Thessaloniki Airport, and having your own vehicle makes it far easier to reach the peninsula’s scattered villages, secluded beaches, and hillside viewpoints — many of which sit well off the main bus routes.

Given the peninsula’s relatively compact size but spread-out coastline, a car turns a fixed itinerary into a flexible, go-at-your-own-pace holiday.

"Rent a car and plan your exploration in Sithonia"

GETTING AROUND ONCE YOU ARE HERE

Sithonia’s road network hugs the coastline on both sides of the peninsula, connecting all the main villages in a loop.

While KTEL buses do link the larger towns, schedules are limited — a handful of departures a day rather than a frequent service — so most visitors find a car essential for exploring beyond their home base, especially for reaching quieter beaches and inland villages like Parthenonas.