Logistics · Destination Guide

Halkidiki and Thassos

Northern Greece for clear Aegean reefs, calm coves, wrecks, and pine-fringed beach days

Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 36 sources

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Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

Primary airport: Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG)
Typical transfer: About 1.25 to 2.5 hourss by car depending on resort and traffic
Entry requirement: Greece is in the Schengen Area.
Getting around: A rental car is the most practical option for dive gear, beach hopping, and combining Halkidiki with Thassos.

Getting There

Fly into Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) for Halkidiki. From there, rent a car or connect by city bus and KTEL Halkidiki coaches to Kassandra, Sithonia, Ouranoupoli, or Ammouliani ferry points. For Thassos, the easiest air gateway is Kavala International Airport (KVA), then a short transfer to Keramoti for the ferry to Limenas. The longer Kavala to Skala Prinos route is useful for west Thassos. Combining both areas usually means renting a car and using the Egnatia Odos corridor between Halkidiki, Kavala, and Keramoti.

Airports

Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia

SKG • LGTS

85 km to 120 km to many Halkidiki dive hubs depending on peninsula • About 1.25 to 2.5 hourss by car depending on resort and traffic

Primary gateway for Halkidiki and the best airport for Kassandra, Sithonia, Ouranoupoli, and Ammouliani itineraries. The official airport site lists city bus links from the arrivals area, and Visit Halkidiki explains the connection to KTEL Halkidiki coaches.

Transport: Rental car, Private transfer, Taxi, Airport bus to Thessaloniki connections, KTEL Halkidiki coach

Kavala International Airport Alexander the Great

KVA • LGKV

12 km to Keramoti ferry port • About 15 to 20 minutesutes to Keramoti, then roughly 35 to 45 minutesutes by ferry to Limenas

Nearest airport for Thassos. Transfer by taxi or rental car to Keramoti, then take the ferry to Limenas, or route via Kavala city and Skala Prinos for west Thassos.

Transport: Taxi to Keramoti, Rental car, Private transfer, KTEL connection via Chrysoupoli, Ferry to Limenas or Skala Prinos

Getting Around

A rental car is the most practical option for dive gear, beach hopping, and combining Halkidiki with Thassos. Halkidiki has KTEL coach links from Thessaloniki, but dive centers, coves, and ferry points are easier by car. Thassos has an island ring road, local buses, taxis, and rental cars, but boat trips and dive bases can start from different villages. Avoid planning tight ferry-to-flight connections in windy weather or peak August traffic.

Entry Requirements

Greece is in the Schengen Area. Many visa-exempt travelers can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but requirements vary by nationality and passport type. As of April 10, 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System records non-EU short-stay travelers digitally at Schengen external borders, with biometrics collected at the border. ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026, and the official EU site says no action is required until launch. Always check your passport validity, visa status, and airline document rules before booking.

Gear Logistics Checklist

Most dive centers provide rental gear, tanks, weights, and guided plans. Bring personal-fit items such as mask, computer, SMB, and exposure suit if you are particular. Flying into SKG then transferring by car is easier for heavy dive bags than public transport. On Thassos, keep gear organized for ferry loading and avoid leaving wet kit in closed cars under peak summer sun.

Practicalities

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Greece uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted at hotels, resorts, and many restaurants, but keep cash for small tavernas, tips, beach parking, ferry kiosks, and village stops.

ATMs are common in Thessaloniki, Halkidiki resort towns, Limenas, Limenaria, Potos, and larger Thassos villages. Withdraw before remote Sithonia coves, Ammouliani boat days, or mountain village loops.

Electricity

230V • 50Hz • C, F

Most European chargers work directly. Travelers from North America and other plug regions need a plug adapter and should confirm chargers are dual-voltage.

Communications

Greek mobile coverage is generally good in towns and resorts, with eSIM and local SIM options using major Greek networks. Expect weaker signal in coves, on Thassos mountain roads, and below cliffs. Keep operator phone numbers and ferry times downloaded.

Language

Greek is the official language. English is widely used by dive centers, resorts, ferry-facing services, and tourism businesses in Halkidiki and Thassos, but small villages appreciate basic Greek greetings.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that covers scuba diving, missed ferries, medical evacuation, and car rental issues. Divers should add DAN Europe or equivalent dive accident coverage because recompression and evacuation logistics can be expensive and time-sensitive.

Packing list

Pack a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit for summer diving, thicker exposure protection for spring or late autumn, booties, water shoes, SMB, dive computer, rashguard, hat, sunglasses, dry bag, motion-sickness tablets, and modest clothing for churches or Mount Athos cruise contexts.