Logistics · Destination Guide
Northern Greece for clear Aegean reefs, calm coves, wrecks, and pine-fringed beach days
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
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.
Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia
SKG • LGTS
85 km to 120 km to many Halkidiki dive hubs depending on peninsula • About 1.25 to 2.5 hours 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 minutes to Keramoti, then roughly 35 to 45 minutes 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.