Day trips from Thessaloniki: 7 destinations in one day

From Thessaloniki, day trips are an easy affair: most worthwhile destinations are within 100 km, with minimal tolls and comfortable roads. You can leave at 9 AM and be back for dinner.

Seven suggestions with exact kilometres, time, cost, and what to make sure to do at each location.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

Before diving into the details, see a summary of what each destination means in kilometres, hours, and euros. The table helps you choose quickly based on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Round trip cost*
Edessa	90 km	1 hr 10 min	2.40 €	29 €
Lake Kerkini	100 km	1 hr 20 min	1.60 €	30 €
Loutra Pozar	110 km	1 hr 35 min	2.40 €	35 €
Litochoro	90 km	1 hr 5 min	3.60 €	31 €
Ouranoupoli	120 km	1 hr 40 min	—	32 €
Paralia Katerinis	80 km	1 hr	2.40 €	27 €
Platamonas	105 km	1 hr 15 min	3.60 €	35 €

*Estimate based on petrol at 1.92 €/litre, consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, and two-way tolls. Toll and fuel prices change — use these figures as an order of magnitude.

The destinations one by one

1. Edessa — 90 km, 1 hr 10 min

The first destination we recommend is Edessa. The distance from Thessaloniki is 90 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 10 min, with 2.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 29 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The waterfalls within the city
• Varosi, the old district with stone houses
• The aquarium and the cave behind the waterfall

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: local wines and Florina peppers. Ideal for a family day trip. Tip: combine with Loutra Pozar, which is 40 minutes away

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Hagiati Guesthouse - Edessa Cozy Mountain Retreat, Varosi 4 Seasons, Xenodocheio Elena. For all areas, see our guide where to stay in Edessa.

2. Lake Kerkini — 100 km, 1 hr 20 min

If you want something that works in every season, add Lake Kerkini to your list. The distance from Thessaloniki is 100 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 20 min, with 1.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 30 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Boat trip among water lilies and pelicans
• Buffaloes on the banks
• Mount Belles for hiking

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: buffalo meat and local dairy products. Ideal for a day trip in nature with children. Tip: book your boat trip in advance, especially in spring when migratory birds arrive

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Xenonas Kerkinits, Mansion of Kerkini powered by hotel Oikoperiigitis, Siris Hotel. For all areas, see our guide where to stay in Lake Kerkini.

3. Loutra Pozar — 110 km, 1 hr 35 min

One of the most reliable choices is Loutra Pozar. The distance from Thessaloniki is 110 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 35 min, with 2.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 35 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Natural hot pools inside the gorge
• Waterfalls and trails
• Close to Edessa and Kaimaktsalan

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: grilled meats and local Goumenissa wines. Ideal for a winter weekend with hot baths. Tip: go in the morning or late at night — Saturday and Sunday afternoons often have queues

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Pozar Salt Cave Hotel Spa, Thermes Pozar Resort, 4 Epoxes Hotel Spa. For all areas, see our guide where to stay in Loutra Pozar.

4. Litochoro — 90 km, 1 hr 5 min

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Litochoro. The distance from Thessaloniki is 90 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 5 min, with 3.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 31 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Starting point for Mount Olympus trails
• Enipeas gorge and the baths
• 10 minutes from Plaka Litochorou beach

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: meats and cooked dishes with a view of Mount Olympus. Ideal for mountain and sea in one weekend. Tip: reservations are needed for the refuges, especially in July and August

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Robolo Boutique Hotel by H&T, Hotel Mirto, Palio Litochoro The Countryside Lodge. For all areas, see our guide where to stay in Litochoro.

5. Ouranoupoli — 120 km, 1 hr 40 min

For something different, try Ouranoupoli. The distance from Thessaloniki is 120 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 40 min, with no tolls. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 32 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Tower of Prosforio and the beach
• Starting point for a cruise to Mount Athos
• Nearby islands of Ammouliani and Drenia

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish on the waterfront. Ideal for quiet family holidays. Tip: a cruise around Mount Athos is the only way for women visitors to see it

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Pyrgos Hotel, Hotel Akti Ouranoupoli Beach Resort, Avaton Luxury Beach Resort - Relais & Chateaux. For all areas, see our guide where to stay in Ouranoupoli.

6. Paralia Katerinis — 80 km, 1 hr

Among our favourite destinations is also Paralia Katerinis. The distance from Thessaloniki is 80 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr, with 2.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 27 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Large organised beach with Blue Flag status
• Pedestrian street with cafes and restaurants
• 30 minutes from Mount Olympus and Dion

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: souvlaki, ice cream and fish tavernas. Ideal for a family weekend with children. Tip: Dion with its archaeological site is an ideal combination for a morning excursion

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Panorama Inn Hotel, Mediterranean Village Hotel & Spa, Lucia Hotel Paralia. For all areas, see our guide where to stay in Paralia Katerinis.

7. Platamonas — 105 km, 1 hr 15 min

It's also worth considering Platamonas. The distance from Thessaloniki is 105 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 15 min, with 3.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 35 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Byzantine castle above the sea
• Long organised beach
• Base for Mount Olympus and Thessaloniki

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fish tavernas on the beachfront. Ideal for family holidays with easy access. Tip: the castle is illuminated at night, and the view from above is worth a stop

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Cronwell Platamon Resort All-Inclusive, Olympus Thea Boutique Hotel, Hotel Morfeas. For all areas, see our guide where to stay in Platamonas.

Practicalities for a road trip

A road trip from Thessaloniki has a big advantage: freedom. You're not dependent on schedules, you can stop wherever you want, and the cost is shared. However, there are some points worth considering beforehand.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For long journeys, we're talking about 10-22 € each way, so double that for a round trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, a medium-sized car spends about 13-14 € per 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide do not include stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and petrol, and more on holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep anti-skid chains in the boot and check road conditions before setting off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and long weekends, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — for popular destinations, good options are snapped up first.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination changes its character completely depending on the month. Coastal options are at their best from mid-June to mid-September, when the sea is warm and beach bars are open. In spring, the same areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and dining without waiting.

Mountain villages work in reverse: from November to March they have fireplaces, snow, and the highest demand, while in summer they offer cool temperatures, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underestimated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, high water levels in the lakes, and empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer to set off early in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that gets tiring. For couples, mountain weekend breaks outside of holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to organise your trip

Start backwards: first decide how many hours you can tolerate in the car, then choose a destination from the table. This is the surest way to avoid regretting it halfway. Second step, book accommodation before food and activities: in popular destinations, good lodgings sell out first and prices rise closer to the date.

Third, create a relaxed schedule with two fixed points a day — one attraction and one meal — and leave the rest open. The best moments on these kinds of getaways often come from spontaneous stops in villages and views you hadn't planned for. Finally, always check tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

When is the best time to go

Spring, from mid-April to mid-June, is the ideal period for almost every Greek destination: temperatures of 20-27 degrees, lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and prices noticeably lower than in August. Autumn, especially September and the first fortnight of October, offers the same balance with warm seas.

July and August have the most vibrant life but also the highest demand: bookings months in advance, prices at their highest, and crowded roads on long weekends. If you go then, plan your travel for early morning or late afternoon and avoid the August 15th long weekend.

Winter has its own charm, with warm tavernas, fireplaces, heated pools, and destinations almost empty of tourists. Prices are the lowest of the year outside of holidays, while Christmas, New Year's, and Carnival are exceptions with premium pricing and mandatory multi-night bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Thessaloniki on this list?

It is Paralia Katerinis, with 80 km and approximately 1 hr journey.

How much does the cheapest route cost?

The cheapest option is Paralia Katerinis: approximately 27 € for a round trip in petrol and tolls, an amount shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Ouranoupoli, with approximately 1 hr 40 min driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in tolls in total?

It depends on the destination: in our list, tolls range from zero to 3.60 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

Which day trip is good in winter?

Loutra Pozar. The hot pools at 37 degrees inside the gorge offer the best winter experience in Northern Greece.

Which day trip has the best for children?

Edessa, with its waterfalls, aquarium, and open-air water museum within the city.