5 Day Trips from Thessaloniki: Easy Escapes to Get Out of the City

Thessaloniki has amazing street food, waterside bars, Ottoman history, Byzantine churches, bustling markets and plenty of great playgrounds – it’s also surrounded by some great day trips to explore.

Thessaloniki is the perfect launch pad to see a totally different side of northern Greece – from hidden waterfalls to ancient tombs and sandy beach days.

If you’re planning a Thessaloniki city break, save at least a day (or three) for these easy trips – all doable in a day, and all worth setting your alarm for. Experience the charm of the surrounding region with these unforgettable day trips from Thessaloniki.

1. Mount Olympus: hike the throne of Zeus

Distance: 100km | Drive time: 1.5 hours

How could you resist ticking off Greece’s legendary Mount Olympus? This iconic peak was the mythical home of the gods (did you watch Kaos on Netflix?) – and today it’s a national park packed with hiking trails, epic gorges and lush forests.

Most visitors base themselves in Litochoro, a cute stone village at the foot of the mountain where you can fuel up with a coffee and local pastries before setting off.

What to do:

• Hike the Enipeas Gorge (easy-to-moderate trail, about 2-3 hours round trip).
• Visit the Holy Monastery of St. Dionysios, nestled among pines.
• Picnic by waterfalls and natural pools along the trail.

Top tip: Wear decent walking shoes and pack a change of clothes – you’ll probably want to paddle!

2. Vergina: step into ancient Macedon

Distance: 70km | Drive time: 1 hour

If you’re a history lover (or just curious about Alexander the Great), Vergina should be top of your Thessaloniki day trips list. This tiny village hides one of Greece’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Royal Tombs of Aigai, believed to include the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander himself.

What to do:

• Explore the Royal Tombs Museum, built inside the ancient burial mound.
• Wander the archaeological park with its palace ruins. Stop off at Veria, a riverside town with an old Jewish quarter, cute cafes and a chilled vibe.

Top tip: The tomb museum is stunning but dark and cool – handy for escaping the heat!

3. Halkidiki: sun, sea and beach bars

Distance: 70–120km | Drive time: 1–2 hours (depending on the beach)

When locals fancy a beach day, they pack up and head to Halkidiki – that iconic three-pronged peninsula that dips into the Aegean just south of Thessaloniki.

The first ‘leg’ (Kassandra) is famous for its party beaches and big resorts.

The second (Sithonia) is wilder, greener and quieter – think hidden coves, pine forests and chilled tavernas. We stayed there at the Lagomandra Beach Hotel.

The third (Mount Athos) is off-limits to most (it’s home to monastic communities) but you can do boat tours to see the monasteries from the sea.

Best beaches for a quick day trip:

• Nea Potidea (gateway to Kassandra, easy for a quick swim)
• Kalogria Beach (Sithonia, turquoise shallows, beach bars)
• Possidi Beach (Kassandra, great for sunset cocktails)

Top tip: Go midweek if you can – weekends can be busy with locals escaping the city heat. There are some great restaurants in Halkidiki so make sure to check out my post.

4. Edessa: chase waterfalls

Distance: 90km | Drive time: 1–1.5 hours

Fancy a change from the sea? Head inland to Edessa, a small town famous for its waterfalls – the biggest in Greece. The town sits on a plateau, with water pouring dramatically over the cliffs into lush parkland below. You can get right behind some of the falls, so pack a light rain jacket (or embrace getting a bit damp!).

What to do:

• Stroll the Waterfall Park – don’t miss the double waterfalls and hidden caves.
• Grab lunch at one of the tavernas with waterfall views.
• Wander the old Varosi district for Ottoman-era houses and cobbled lanes.

Top tip: Combine Edessa with nearby Pozar Thermal Baths for a proper spa day – soak in natural hot springs surrounded by forest.

5. Meteora: monasteries in the sky

Distance: 230km | Drive time: 2.5–3 hours (each way)

Okay, this one is a big day out – but it’s so worth it. The rock pillars of Meteora topped with gravity-defying monasteries are one of Greece’s true bucket-list sights. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s still home to active monks and nuns. You can visit several monasteries (just remember shoulders and knees must be covered – scarves and wraps are often provided).

What to do:

• Visit a few monasteries – the Great Meteoron is the largest.
• Drive the loop road for epic views.
• Do a short hike between rock formations.

Top tip: Consider an overnight stay in Kalambaka or Kastraki village if you can spare the time – sunrise or sunset over Meteora is unforgettable.

Practical tips for Thessaloniki day trips

• Hire a car: It’s the easiest way to hop between sites and beaches at your own pace.
• Leave early: Greek roads can be quiet but plan extra time for scenic detours and coffee stops.
• Pack snacks & water: Some remote spots have few shops.
• Respect local dress codes: Especially for monasteries and ancient sites.

Northern Greece is full of day trips that make Thessaloniki feel like the gateway to a whole new adventure. So hire that little rental car, hit the road, and let the hidden beaches, ancient kings and mountain trails show you why the locals love this corner of Greece so much.

Gatwick airport parking and hotel

We flew to Thessaloniki from Gatwick – staying at the Bloc Hotel the night before. Have you seen my Reel about Bloc Hotel on Instagram? I actually think the Premier Inn is better if you’re staying with family, but Bloc is great if you’re solo.

We used ilovemeetandgreet.co.uk for our Gatwick parking. I’ve had some bad experiences in the past with other companies and valet parking, so I’m always a bit nervous but the ease of communication made I Love Meet and Greet stand out.

Booking was easy and then I phoned ten minutes before arrival to warn them we were coming. We were told to park just outside Premier Inn at the North Terminal and they were there waiting and ready to take the car. When we returned we phoned when we picked up our bags, and they were there about 15 minutes later. Smooth and easy – I’d definitely recommend them.

I Love Meet and Greet serve Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester.