Winter trips from Thessaloniki: 7 destinations for cold days

Winter is the best season for Northern Greece: the thermal baths become meaningful, the stone-built villages fill with smoke from fireplaces, and the lakes acquire a unique beauty with the mist.

Seven winter suggestions near Thessaloniki, with everything you need to organise them.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

Before we go into details, here’s a summary of what each destination means in terms of 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*
Loutra Pozar	110 km	1 hr 35 min	2.40 €	35 €
Nymfaio	175 km	2 hrs 15 min	4.20 €	55 €
Kastoria	215 km	2 hrs 30 min	5.00 €	68 €
Prespes	230 km	2 hrs 50 min	5.00 €	72 €
Edessa	90 km	1 hr 10 min	2.40 €	29 €
Xanthi	215 km	2 hrs 20 min	7.20 €	72 €
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 tolls in both directions. Toll and fuel prices change — use these figures as an order of magnitude.

The destinations one by one

1. Loutra Pozar — 110 km, 1 hr 35 min

The first destination we recommend 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 cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 35 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Natural thermal pools inside the gorge
• Waterfalls and hiking trails
• Near Edessa and Kaimaktsalan

For food, the local “rule” is simple: grilled meats and local Goumenissa wines. Ideal for a winter weekend with thermal baths. Tip: go early in the morning or late at night — weekend lunchtimes can have queues.

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

2. Nymfaio — 175 km, 2 hrs 15 min

If you want 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 round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 55 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

For 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 — in winter, be careful of ice.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Guesthouse Enterne, Casa Mare, Manis Hotel. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Nymfaio.

3. Kastoria — 215 km, 2 hrs 30 min

One of the most reliable choices 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 round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 68 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Lake Orestiada with its walking circuit
• Byzantine churches and Doltso mansions
• Dragon's Cave

For food, the local “rule” is simple: lake fish, pies and wine. Ideal for a romantic winter weekend. Tip: the lake circuit is 9 km — hire bikes instead of using a car.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Hotel Orestion - Bike and motorcycle friendly hotel, Paraliako Κaterina Lakefront - Biker Friendly Hotel, Hotel Kastoria in Kastoria City. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Kastoria.

4. Prespes — 230 km, 2 hrs 50 min

A little further, but perfectly feasible, 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 round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 72 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Mikri and Megali Prespa with their pelicans
• Agios Achilleios island with its basilica
• Untouched nature and birdwatching

For food, the local “rule” is simple: Prespes beans and lake fish. Ideal for a quiet escape into nature. Tip: bring binoculars — birdwatching is the main reason to visit.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Archontiko, Xenonas Ariadni, Panorama Prespes. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Prespes.

5. Edessa — 90 km, 1 hr 10 min

For something different, try 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 cost for a round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 29 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

For 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, Hotel Elena. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Edessa.

6. Xanthi — 215 km, 2 hrs 20 min

Among our favourite destinations is also 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 round trip (petrol and tolls) is around 72 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

For food, the local “rule” is simple: salep, patisseries and meze with ouzo. Ideal for a weekend of history and gastronomy. Tip: Xanthi carnival in February requires booking months in advance.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Paris Hotel, Xanthia Suites, Hotel Xanthippion. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Xanthi.

7. Litochoro — 90 km, 1 hr 5 min

It is 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 round trip (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

For food, the local “rule” is simple: meats and cooked dishes with a view of Olympus. Ideal for mountains and sea in one weekend. Tip: refuges require booking, 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 full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Litochoro.

Practical tips for travelling by car

Travelling by car from Thessaloniki has a major advantage: freedom. You are not dependent on timetables, you can stop wherever you want, and the cost can be shared. However, there are also some points worth considering in advance.

• 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 mid-sized car spends about 13-14 € per 100 km.
• Times: the times we give 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 are booked first.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination changes 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 coolness, hiking and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, high lake levels and empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer to set off in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations up to two hours away: time in the car is the first thing that gets tiring. For couples, mountain weekends 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 not to regret it halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before worrying about food and activities: in popular destinations, good accommodation sells 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 types of getaways come from random stops in villages and views you hadn't anticipated. Finally, always check tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

What to bring with you

For short getaways, one small bag per person is usually enough, but there are things that make a difference. Comfortable walking shoes are first: even in a city, walking on cobbled streets and uphill is tiring with the wrong footwear. A light windbreaker is useful almost all year round, especially in mountainous and coastal destinations where the temperature drops significantly at night.

Practical items: power bank, car charger, reusable water bottle, a small first aid kit with painkillers and plasters, and sunscreen regardless of the season. If travelling with children, add snacks, wet wipes, and a toy or tablet for the journey.

In winter, for mountain routes, keep snow chains or snow socks, an ice scraper, and a blanket in the boot. You won't need them most of the time, but the one time you do, they will save the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Thessaloniki on this list?

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

How much does the cheapest route cost?

The cheapest option is Edessa: approximately 29 € for a round trip in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared 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 will I pay in total for tolls?

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

Do I need snow chains?

For Nymfaio, Kaimaktsalan and the mountainous areas of Kastoria, yes — from December to March they are mandatory in case of snowfall.

Which destination almost certainly has snow?

Kaimaktsalan above Loutra Pozar, with an altitude of over 2,000 metres on its slopes.