All major beaches are located outside the city center; nearest is ~15 km south.
Good to know
Good to Know
- No bathing beaches exist in Thessaloniki city center; all beaches require travel of 15+ km south.
- Peak season crowds (especially August weekends) mean arrive early for prime spots, particularly at Peraia and Agia Triada.
- Multiple Blue Flag beaches (Agia Triada, Neoi Epivates, Nea Kallikratia) guarantee excellent water quality.
- Ferry option from city center to Peraia offers scenic views of Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus; doubles as mini-cruise.
- Mosquitoes can be significant at quieter, less-maintained beaches after dark—bring repellent if visiting evening hours.
- For organized, full-service beach days with restaurants and bars, Peraia and Agia Triada are nearest options.
- For quieter, more natural settings with fewer facilities, Potamos and Epanomi offer better atmosphere.
- Halkidiki beaches (Sani, Possidi Cape, and Kavourotrypes) are 1+ hour drive but offer premium scenery if doing day trip.
Beaches
Peraia (Perea)
- Type
- family
- Distance Km
- 17
- Note
- Can get crowded on weekends in peak season.
- Description
- Long, narrow sandy beach closest to airport. Calm, shallow waters ideal for families with small children.
Access
- bus (routes 2K/3K to IKEA hub, then 72/72A)
- ferry from city center (White Tower or Aristotelous Square)
- car
Amenities
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- cafes
- bars
- restaurants
- showers
Agia Triada
- Type
- family
- Distance Km
- 20
- Water Quality
- Blue Flag
- Note
- Can get crowded on weekends; best infrastructure of nearby beaches.
- Description
- Long, well-organized beach with shallow waters and golden sand. One of the most famous and well-maintained beaches in the region.
Access
- bus (multiple lines from IKEA hub: 71, 72, 76S)
- car
Amenities
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- cafes
- bars
- tavernas
- restaurants
- showers
- changing cabins
- water sports
Neoi Epivates
- Type
- quiet
- Distance Km
- 25
- Water Quality
- Blue Flag
- Description
- Quieter residential beach with sandy shore and calm, shallow waters. Fewer crowds than Peraia.
Access
- bus
- car
Amenities
- bars
- cafes
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
Potamos (Epanomi)
- Type
- quiet
- Distance Km
- 25
- Note
- Unorganized beach; bring your own supplies. Part of Epanomi wetlands area.
- Description
- Striking, less-organized beach with dunes, reeds, and dramatic natural landscape. Less amenities but more natural atmosphere.
Access
- car
Amenities
- minimal services
Epanomi Beach
- Type
- family
- Distance Km
- 25
- Note
- Popular among locals and tourists seeking tranquility.
- Description
- Well-organized family-friendly beach with golden sand. Notable for shipwreck of Epanomi visible offshore.
Access
- bus
- car
Amenities
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- tavernas
- restaurants
- accommodations
Nea Kallikratia
- Type
- family
- Distance Km
- 40
- Water Quality
- Blue Flag
- Note
- Popular with local families; many have summer homes here.
- Description
- Low-key family beach with shallow, calm waters. Does not cater to party crowd.
Access
- bus
- taxi
- car
Amenities
- services
- accommodations
Katerini
- Type
- party
- Distance Km
- 60
- Note
- Nightlife-oriented; also suitable for day visits. Accessible by public transport.
- Description
- Most popular beach near Thessaloniki for nightlife. Beach extends 30 km with changing character along shore.
Access
- bus
- car
Amenities
- bars
- water sports
- facilities
Ferry Access
- Fare Oneway
- €10
- Fare Roundtrip
- €17
- Travel Time Minutes
- 50
- Description
- Ferry service operates from city center to Peraia
Departure Points
- Aristotelous Square
- White Tower area
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Thessaloniki
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.