Halkidiki or Thessaloniki for Your Holiday? Where to Stay and Why
It's the question we get most before a booking: “Should we stay in Halkidiki or near Thessaloniki?” We love both, so we'll give you an honest answer, even where it doesn't work in our favour.
What you gain in Halkidiki
- The bluest water. We won't lie. Halkidiki, and Sithonia in particular, has sea that's hard to beat.
- Pine trees down to the water. Many beaches have natural shade.
- A resort feel. If you never want to leave “holiday mode”, it's ideal.
What you give up
- Time on the road. From the airport to central Kassandra is about an hour, to Sithonia two or more. Summer weekend traffic is heavy.
- The city. Thessaloniki, with its food, museums and nightlife, becomes a long day trip.
- Prices. In July and August, places to stay in Halkidiki's popular spots get very expensive.
What you gain near Thessaloniki
- The city 30 minutes away. Dinner in Ladadika, breakfast at Modiano market, museums in the hottest hours.
- The airport 15 minutes away. Your first and last days aren't wasted.
- Day trips in every direction. Vergina, Olympus, Edessa, and Halkidiki for a day.
- Real food at local prices. In Michaniona you eat where the locals eat.
Stay at Theodoras House
A 91 m² home with a garden and barbecue in Nea Michaniona, for up to 7 guests, with free parking. Everything in this guide is a short drive away.
The best of both: the Thermaic coast
Look at the map and Nea Michaniona sits right in the middle: 15 minutes from the airport, 30 from the city, about an hour from the start of Kassandra. It has its own good beaches with Blue Flags, Angelochori and the shipwreck. And when you want that Halkidiki blue, you make it a day trip.
The week we suggest to friends: five days on the local beaches, one in Thessaloniki, one in Halkidiki. Details in Things to do in Nea Michaniona.
Our honest verdict
Choose Halkidiki if you only want the sea, don't care about the city and don't mind the drive from the airport. Choose the Thermaic coast if you want sea and city, an easy airport run, day trips, and a house with a garden at a price that doesn't hurt.
FAQ
How far is Halkidiki from Nea Michaniona?
The start of Kassandra is about an hour by car. The furthest beaches of Sithonia take two hours or more.
Can I do Halkidiki as a day trip?
Yes, especially Kassandra. Leave early, choose one or two beaches and head back in the afternoon to avoid the return traffic.
Sources: Family Traveller, Thessaloniki and Halkidiki · Greeka, Thessaloniki beaches
