Weekend near Thessaloniki: 7 getaways for two days

For two days out of Thessaloniki, the most rewarding destinations are those with both scenery and a town: Kastoria, Xanthi and Kavala offer walks, food, and history, while Nymfaio and Prespes provide absolute peace and quiet.

See distances, costs, and the standout accommodations in each destination.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

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

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Return cost*
Kastoria	215 km	2 hrs 30 min	5.00 €	68 €
Nymfaio	175 km	2 hrs 15 min	4.20 €	55 €
Prespes	230 km	2 hrs 50 min	5.00 €	72 €
Kavala	165 km	1 hr 50 min	5.60 €	55 €
Xanthi	215 km	2 hrs 20 min	7.20 €	72 €
Ouranoupoli	120 km	1 hr 40 min	—	32 €
Litochoro	90 km	1 hr 5 min	3.60 €	31 €

*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. Kastoria — 215 km, 2 hrs 30 min

The first destination we recommend is Kastoria. The distance from Thessaloniki is 215 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 30 min, with 5.00 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return journey (petrol and tolls) is around 68 € — an amount easily split among four people.

• Lake Orestiada with its scenic walking route
• Byzantine churches and the mansions of Doltso
• Dragon's Cave

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: lake fish, pies, and wine. Ideal for a romantic winter weekend. Tip: the lake circuit is 9 km — rent bicycles instead of driving.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Hotel Orestion - Bike and motorcycle friendly hotel, Paraliako Κaterina Lakefront - Biker Friendly Hotel, Hotel Kastoria in Kastoria City. All areas are detailed in our guide where to stay in Kastoria.

2. Nymfaio — 175 km, 2 hrs 15 min

If you're looking for something that works in every season, add Nymfaio to your list. The distance from Thessaloniki is 175 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 15 min, with 4.20 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return journey (petrol and tolls) is around 55 € — an amount easily split among four people.

• One of Greece's most beautiful stone villages
• The Arcturos bear sanctuary
• Beech trees and forests around the village

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: local cheeses, pies, and Amyntaio wine. Ideal for a winter weekend by the fireplace. Tip: the last few kilometres are uphill — be careful of ice in winter.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Guesthouse Enterne, Casa Mare, Manis Hotel. All areas are detailed in our guide where to stay in Nymfaio.

3. Prespes — 230 km, 2 hrs 50 min

One of the most reliable choices is Prespes. The distance from Thessaloniki is 230 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 50 min, with 5.00 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return journey (petrol and tolls) is around 72 € — an amount easily split among four people.

• Little and Great Prespa with their pelicans
• Agios Achilleios island with its basilica
• Pristine nature and birdwatching

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: Prespes beans and lake fish. Ideal for a quiet nature getaway. Tip: bring binoculars — birdwatching is the main reason to visit.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Archontiko, Guesthouse Ariadne, Panorama Prespes. All areas are detailed in our guide where to stay in Prespes.

4. Kavala — 165 km, 1 hr 50 min

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Kavala. The distance from Thessaloniki is 165 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 50 min, with 5.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return journey (petrol and tolls) is around 55 € — an amount easily split among four people.

• Panagia, the old town above the harbour
• The Kamares aqueduct
• Starting point for Thassos with a 40-minute ferry

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: mussels, fresh fish, and kourbanakia. Ideal for a city break by the sea. Tip: cars cross to Thassos from Keramoti, 40 minutes east of Kavala.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are UrbanBay Hotel & Spa, Myra Hotel, EPICURE SUITES. All areas are detailed in our guide where to stay in Kavala.

5. Xanthi — 215 km, 2 hrs 20 min

For something different, try Xanthi. The distance from Thessaloniki is 215 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 20 min, with 7.20 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total cost for a return journey (petrol and tolls) is around 72 € — an amount easily split among four people.

• The old town with its tobacco warehouses and mansions
• The market and multicultural coffee houses
• Nestos Gorge and cycling routes

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: salep, sweets, and meze with ouzo. Ideal for a weekend of history and gastronomy. Tip: for the Xanthi Carnival in February, you need to book months in advance.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Paris Hotel, Xanthia Suites, Xanthippion Hotel. All areas are detailed in our guide where to stay in Xanthi.

6. Ouranoupoli — 120 km, 1 hr 40 min

Among our favourite destinations is 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 cost for a return journey (petrol and tolls) is around 32 € — an amount easily split 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've checked are Pyrgos Hotel, Hotel Akti Ouranoupoli Beach Resort, Avaton Luxury Beach Resort - Relais & Chateaux. All areas are detailed in our guide where to stay in Ouranoupoli.

7. Litochoro — 90 km, 1 hr 5 min

It's also worth considering 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 cost for a return journey (petrol and tolls) is around 31 € — an amount easily split among four people.

• Starting point for the Mount Olympus trails
• The Enipeas Gorge and the Baths
• 10 minutes from Plaka Litochorou beach

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

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Robolo Boutique Hotel by H&T, Hotel Mirto, Palio Litochoro The Countryside Lodge. All areas are detailed in our guide where to stay in Litochoro.

Practicalities for car travel

Car travel 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 also 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 return trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, a medium car spends about 13-14 € every 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and petrol, and more on holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and long weekends, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — good options in popular destinations go first.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination completely changes its character 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 coolness, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, the high-level lakes, and the empty roads make every route more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer to leave early in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that tires them out. For couples, mountain weekend getaways outside of public holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

Five mistakes most people make

The first mistake is having an overly ambitious itinerary. Three destinations in two days means you'll mostly be seeing the road. Choose one base and make excursions up to forty minutes around it. The second is booking accommodation with price as the sole criterion: a 15 € difference per night for a better location saves time and fuel every day.

The third mistake is arriving late in the evening in small settlements, where kitchens close at 22:30 and the reception isn't open 24/7. The fourth is ignoring local weather: in mountainous and island destinations, conditions change within hours, and meltemi winds can cancel itineraries.

The fifth and most common: not asking the locals. The best taverna, the uncrowded beach, and the time when a sight is empty are pieces of information not found on lists, but freely given during a chat at reception or in the local café.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Thessaloniki on this list?

It's Litochoro, at 90 km and approximately a 1 hr 5 min drive.

How much does the cheapest route cost?

The cheapest option is Litochoro: about 31 € for a return journey in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be split among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Prespes, with approximately 2 hrs 50 min driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much in total will I pay for tolls?

It depends on the destination: in our list, tolls range from zero to 7.20 € per direction. Always calculate double that for the return journey.

Which weekend getaway from Thessaloniki is the most romantic?

Nymfaio. A stone village with fireplaces, beech forests, and very few people midweek.

How much does a two-day trip for two cost?

With accommodation at 80-120 € per night, petrol and tolls around 50 €, and food at 60-80 €, a comfortable two-day trip comes to about 250-300 €.