Beautiful Beaches Within Easy Reach of Thessaloniki, Greece

A suburban town to the south of Greece’s second city, Peraia (or Perea) doubles as a beach resort. Connected to the city by frequent buses, its beach is quite popular and has a dynamic nightlife. As a residential hub, it features several tourist facilities, as well as a wide range of restaurants and bars. The beach is suitable for little ones.

Located on the Strymonian Gulf, 81 kilometers (50 miles) east of Thessaloniki, Nea Vrasna is a resort and town with a Blue Flag-awarded beach. The clear turquoise will make you want to dive right in. You can get there via local bus (Ktel), with several departures throughout the day, though we highly recommend renting a car, which will allow more flexibility. The beach is wide and surprisingly long, at around 10 kilometers (6 miles), and features sand and pebbles. You won’t have trouble finding sun beds and umbrellas as it is quite organized, with several restaurants and bars in the vicinity.

Stretching along the coastline 22 kilometers (13 miles) from Thessaloniki city center, Agia Triada is one of the most organized beaches in the area. Buses leave to/from Thessaloniki every 30 minutes. The area has many bars and restaurants, as well as a few nightclubs along the coast.

Another beach worth exploring near Thessaloniki is that at Stavros, a seaside village on the Strymonian Gulf. The gateway to the stunning Halkidiki area, it is about 65 kilometers from Thessaloniki. Its natural beauty, with verdant mountains and turquoise sea, is certainly one of the biggest draws of the area. You will definitely enjoy swimming in the clear waters, while scuba divers can also enjoy the underwater life. Since it is a proper residential village, Stavros has a wide choice of restaurants, bars and tavernas where you can sample local food.

A popular resort on the Strymonian Gulf east of Thessaloniki, Asprovalta is another excellent option for a day at the beach. The beach stretches along the coast, and its crystal-clear waters are seductive. It’s perfect for a family vacation, and is conveniently located near Halkidiki and Kavala.

The region of Pieria may not be the first destination that comes to mind for beaches, as the region is mostly known as the land of nine muses and the Olympian gods. But head to Methoni, one of the northern beaches of the Olympus Riviera, as the 70-kilometer-coastline (43 miles) is called. It’s located in the natural bay of Methoni, near one of the biggest wetlands of Europe, making it an enchanting place. Combine your stay with a visit to Mount Olympus.

A family-friendly beach located 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Thessaloniki, Potamos (also known as Potami) is a long sandy beach stretching along the southern coast of the city. Many Thessalonians flock here during hot, sunny days. This Blue Flag beach is next to Epanomi Beach, and offers fantastic views of Mount Olympus. There are a wide array of facilities, such as tavernas, restaurants, and bars. Should you want to combine a day at the beach with an excursion, we highly recommend visiting Petralona Cave, where the cranium of a primitive human was found in the 1960s.