Do You Need a Car?
Absolutely yes. Halkidiki has limited public transport. A car gives you the freedom to explore beaches, villages, and hidden gems.
Renting from SKG Airport
Thessaloniki's "Macedonia" Airport (SKG) is the gateway. Companies at the airport: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and local firms (often cheaper).
- Summer price: ~€30-60/day for a small car
- Book online at least 2 weeks ahead
- Full insurance (CDW + theft) — always worth it
Distances & Drive Times
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|
| SKG → Kassandra (Pefkochori) | ~120 km | ~1:30 |
| SKG → Sithonia (Nikiti) | ~110 km | ~1:20 |
| SKG → Ouranoupoli | ~130 km | ~1:40 |
| Kassandra → Sithonia | ~60-80 km | ~1:00 |
Driving in Halkidiki
- Roads: Main roads are good; secondary roads (to beaches) can be unpaved
- Parking: Free at most beaches, paid at popular ones (€3-5/day)
- Fuel stations: Plenty on main roads, fewer in southern Sithonia
- Traffic: July-August weekends can have congestion at Kassandra's entrance
Greek Driving Rules to Know
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside, 130 km/h on motorways
- Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
- Mobile phones: PROHIBITED without hands-free
- Alcohol limit: 0.5‰ (0.2‰ for new drivers)
- Headlights: Mandatory day and night on motorways