For a long time, Thessaloniki was only considered by tourists as an obligatory stopover, an interlude between a flight and a ferry to the islands. In more recent years, however, mainland Greece, including Thessaloniki, has started to attract the interest of tourists, especially those who don’t really like the idea of taking several hours by ferry to reach their holiday destination.
Whether you stay a few hours or a few days, there is no shortage of opportunities around Thessaloniki for a refreshing dip and lazy hours in the sun. But let’s be clear: Thessaloniki is a port city and there are no bathing beaches in the city centre.
You have to move around, but not very far, to find nice beaches near Thessaloniki, and you don’t even need a car, although clearly having a private vehicle allows you to get around faster than by public transport.
An inexpensive boat departs from the city pier and makes a circular route, stopping at all the most famous beaches in the area, and frequent buses run along the coast with stops at strategic points for tourists.
With a car and more time on your hands, you can travel as far as the beautiful Chalkidiki Peninsula, full of picturesque beaches that are no match for those of the more famous islands.
Here are the beaches not to be missed around Thessaloniki.
Fancy a dip as soon as you get off the plane? Head for Perea (or Peraia), the beach closest to Thessaloniki airport. It is a long, narrow sandy beach with all facilities, perfect both for families with small children who want calm waters and comfort and for young people looking for nightlife entertainment.
It is only 15 km from Thessaloniki and can be easily reached by bus.
Another beach that is equipped and easy to reach, but a little less fashionable than Perea is Agia Triada, one of the cleanest beaches around Thessaloniki.
Potamos (or Epanomi) is probably the most striking beach you can find around Thessaloniki (about 25 km away from the centre). It is a narrow sandy point that seems to plunge into the sea; the sand is very fine and the sea is an extraordinary blue colour, with reflections of a thousand different shades.
Potamos is also a fantastic place to admire Mount Olympus in all its sanctity or to photograph the sky at sunset.
It is a very popular beach, also suitable for families, and in the summer months it is taken by storm by Thessaloniki residents fleeing the city. Arrive early to enjoy it in peace.
Makrigialos is a small fishing town, recently converted to tourism. With simple charm, it has a sandy beach with a classic seaside promenade that becomes lively and animated in the evenings.
South of the town is a more beautiful beach, Plydia, but it is a little difficult to reach without a car.
Katerini is the most popular beach in and around Thessaloniki for nightlife, but don’t disdain it during the day. Easy to reach by bus and beautiful, it is perfect both for young people who want to snooze or play sports while waiting for a new night of fun and for families, couples and solo travellers who want comfort and amenities combined with a beautiful sea.
The beach continues for a good 30 km, changing its name several times, so that even on the busiest days you only have to walk a little further to find a quiet corner all to yourself.
Another long, sandy shoreline is that of Asprovalta, which is, however, further away from the centre of Thessaloniki. The distance is about 80 km, but it is worth coming here if you like wide beaches that allow long walks along the shoreline or if you want services and amenities.
Vrasna Beach is a mixed beach of sand and pebbles, also about 80 km from Thessaloniki, with equipped and free areas. It can be reached by bus, but it is a bit complicated.
Nea Potidea is one of the first beaches found on the Chalkidiki Peninsula coming from Thessaloniki, or the last for those leaving. It is a very picturesque beach that will make you dream of being on a remote island.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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Budget accommodations 
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