Halkidiki does not have an airport, it lacks a railway, and public transportation within the region is limited. Almost all organized travel is done by road, leaving you with three real options: rental car, KTEL, and taxi/transfers. Here’s what applies to each, when it fits, and what it really costs.
By Rental Car
This is by far the most practical option for 90% of visitors. Reasons:
- The beaches are not connected by public transport — the regional life of Halkidiki is "village-beach-village" and without a car, you’re stuck in one spot.
- Many of the most beautiful beaches are only accessible by vehicle (Karydi, Kavourotripes, Armenistis, Kalamitsi).
- The mountain villages (Arnaia, Parthenonas, Paleochori) do not have regular transport.
From Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): major chains (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise) have offices at the airport. Prices for compact cars (Toyota Yaris, VW Polo category) in the summer: 35-55 euros/day. For an SUV or 7-seater, double that. Cheaper rentals can be found at local offices in Thessaloniki or Nea Moudania (25-40 euros/day), but you need to get there first.
Watch out for contracts: always check if full insurance (CDW with no deductible) is included. Otherwise, there’s a franchise of 800-1500 euros charged for any damage. In practice, for Halkidiki, most damages occur in parking (scratches from other cars) and on dirt roads leading to secluded beaches.
Fuel: gasoline is around 1.90-2.05 euros/liter in the summer of 2026. Gas stations are available in all major villages, but fewer in the coastal areas of Sithonia — fill up proactively if you’re going to Kalamitsi, Sykia, Porto Koufo.
By KTEL Halkidiki
If you don’t want a car, KTEL connects Thessaloniki with the larger coastal villages. Departures from the KTEL Halkidiki station (Karamanli and Kazantzakis, near the center). Summer schedules, indicative:
- Nea Moudania: every 30 minutes, 50 minutes journey, 8 euros
- Kallithea: 6-8 departures/day, 1h 45m, 12 euros
- Chanioti, Pefkochori: 4-6 departures/day, 2 hours, 14 euros
- Nikiti: 4-5 departures/day, 1h 50m, 13 euros
- Neos Marmaras: 4-5 departures/day, 2h 30m, 16 euros
- Sarti: 2-3 departures/day, 3h 30m, 19 euros
- Ouranoupoli: 4 departures/day, 2h 40m, 14 euros
Advantage: cheap. Disadvantage: once you arrive, you’re stuck there. There’s usually no connection from one village to a neighboring one — you’ll need a taxi or will have to stay on the same beach all days.
For schedules, always check ktelchalkidikis.gr before traveling. Schedules increase in July-August and drop dramatically off-season.
By Taxi
Available in all villages, but often you need to call (not taxis waiting at stands like in cities). Indicative prices:
- Airport SKG → Kallithea: 80-100 euros
- Airport → Neos Marmaras: 130-160 euros
- Airport → Sarti: 160-190 euros
- Airport → Ouranoupoli: 130-160 euros
- Routes between neighboring villages within Halkidiki: 15-40 euros
For 3-4 people with luggage, a taxi can be more economical than renting for 1 day. For 3+ days, rental always wins.
By Transfer/Van (for groups of 4+)
Various local companies (often family-run) offer transfers with 7-9 seat vans. Advantage: fixed price regardless of luggage, a driver who knows the area, child seats available.
Indicative prices for vans:
- SKG → Kallithea: 110-140 euros
- SKG → Sarti: 200-240 euros
- SKG → Ouranoupoli: 170-200 euros
Booking is done via email or WhatsApp 1-2 weeks in advance.
By Motorcycle/Scooter
Available for rent in Kallithea, Chanioti, Neos Marmaras, Sarti, Pefkochori. Prices: 25-40 euros/day for a 125cc scooter, 40-60 for a larger bike. A good choice for 2 people without much luggage and for short distances (up to 30 km). Not ideal for combining areas (Sithonia + Kassandra on the same day) due to time and fatigue.
Important: a motorcycle license is required, police check. A helmet is mandatory and checked.
By Bicycle
Halkidiki does not have developed infrastructure for bicycles (few bike paths, narrow roads with traffic). Bicycles are good only for moving within the village or to nearby small beaches. Not recommended for connecting between villages.
Exception: Porto Carras and some resorts have their own bike paths within the complex and offer bicycles to guests.
By Car: Driving Times from Thessaloniki
- Nea Moudania: 50 minutes (70 km)
- Kallithea: 1h 15m (90 km)
- Chanioti: 1h 30m (105 km)
- Paliouri (Kassandra): 1h 50m (120 km)
- Nikiti: 1h 40m (110 km)
- Neos Marmaras: 2h (125 km)
- Sarti: 2h 15m (135 km)
- Porto Koufo: 2h 30m (150 km)
- Ouranoupoli: 2h 10m (130 km)
- Arnaia: 1h 30m (85 km)
These are times without traffic. On weekends in July-August, add 30-60 minutes because National Road 16 (Thessaloniki-Polygyros) gets crowded.
Practical Notes for Drivers
- Speed limit: 90 km/h on provincial roads, 50 in residential areas. Speed cameras are present in Polygyros, Nea Moudania, and at national road junctions. Fines start from 40 euros.
- Parking: in coastal villages in August, after 11:00 you may need to leave your car 200-500 meters from the beach. In Kallithea and Chanioti, there are organized parking areas with a charge of 3-5 euros/day.
- Dirt roads: to reach Kavourotripes, Paliouri Cape, and some secluded beaches, the last 1-3 km is dirt. A compact car can manage slowly, an SUV is more comfortable. After rain, it can be difficult.
- Fuel: in smaller coastal areas, many gas stations close at 21:00. 24-hour stations are mainly found near major junctions.
Recommendation in One Line
If you’re staying more than 3 days and want to see more than one place, rent a car. If it’s a short visit to a specific resort and you know you won’t move around, KTEL or taxi is sufficient.