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🚗 Day Trips from Thessaloniki: 5 Amazing Destinations Within Driving Distance

Sometimes, all it takes is an hour on the road to discover a whole new side of Greece

Thessaloniki is full of culture, food, and charm – but sometimes, all you need is a little escape from the city to remember why you fell in love with Greece in the first place.
Whether you’re staying for a few days or already feel at home in one of our apartments, a day trip is a perfect way to add depth, nature, and surprise to your vacation.

So, where should you go when you have a free day, a car, and a curious spirit?
Here are 5 stunning, easy-to-reach destinations that are absolutely worth your time:


1. 🍃 Lake Volvi – Calm waters and peaceful views

⏱ Distance: About 1 hour east of Thessaloniki
🎯 Why go: Relaxing nature, quiet scenery, and a taste of rural Greece

Lake Volvi is the perfect choice for a peaceful getaway not too far from the city.
Surrounded by traditional villages, fields, and small family-run tavernas, the lake is calm and soothing – a perfect setting to pause and breathe.

What to do there:

  • Have a lakeside picnic
  • Sip coffee at a local café while birdwatching
  • Enjoy a fresh fish lunch right by the water
  • Take stunning sunset photos

Local tip: On weekends, stop at the village of Stavros for an excellent lunch by the sea.


2. 🏖 Halkidiki – The First Finger: Kassandra

⏱ Distance: About 1–1.5 hours south of the city
🎯 Why go: Incredible beaches, turquoise water, great food, and real holiday vibes

The “first finger” of the Halkidiki peninsula, Kassandra, is a top choice for a sunny escape from the city.
Here you’ll find beautifully organized beaches, charming seaside towns, and that clear, clear water you’ve seen in every travel brochure.

Best beaches for a day trip:

  • Nea Fokea – Family-friendly with shallow water
  • Possidi Beach – Long, white-sand beach with wide open space
  • Afytos – A stone village on a cliff with breathtaking views and beach access

What to do:

  • Relax in the sun
  • Swim or rent a small boat
  • Eat calamari and tzatziki with a squeeze of lemon
  • Wander the cobbled streets of Afytos with a pistachio gelato in hand

Local tip: Get there early and leave time for an afternoon coffee by the sea.


3. 🏛️ Veria – A small town with a big heart

⏱ Distance: About 1 hour west of Thessaloniki
🎯 Why go: History, character, and a river running through town

Veria is not just another Greek town – it’s a charming blend of rich history, old neighborhoods, friendly locals, and surprisingly good food.
Stroll through the old Jewish quarter, visit the ancient synagogue, or stop by a traditional bakery.

Don’t miss:

  • A piece of Revani cake – the city’s signature dessert, best at Chrysochoidis
  • A panoramic view of the mountains from the city’s upper churches
  • Lunch at a taverna with grilled kebabs and smoked eggplant salad

4. 🌿 Loutra Pozar – Natural hot springs in the mountains

⏱ Distance: About 1 hour 40 minutes north of Thessaloniki
🎯 Why go: Spa vibes, mountain air, and total relaxation

Loutra Pozar is one of northern Greece’s most unique spots – natural hot springs at a perfect 38°C that flow into a cool mountain stream.
Soak in an open-air pool surrounded by greenery, or book a private room with a natural jacuzzi.

Best part:

  • Go from hot springs to cold stream – and feel alive
  • Listen to the sound of the forest while you soak
  • Take a short hike on the well-marked mountain trails nearby

Local tip: Bring a towel, swimsuit, and water shoes – the rocks can be slippery.


5. 🌊 Edessa – Waterfalls, bridges, and postcard-perfect views

⏱ Distance: About 90 minutes north
🎯 Why go: Spectacular waterfalls in a charming urban setting

If you’re looking for something photogenic and refreshing – Edessa is for you.
The city is famous for its powerful waterfalls that tumble from the cliffs right into a lush green valley.
Walk the well-maintained path, cross small bridges, and enjoy a coffee with a view of the falls.

Also worth visiting:

  • A charming pedestrian promenade with cafés and shops
  • A family-friendly park
  • A small water museum inside an old flour mill

🧭 In summary: A city break with a refreshing twist

No matter what kind of traveler you are – nature lover, romantic couple, history buff, or family with curious kids – a day trip from Thessaloniki can add something special to your stay.
Sometimes all it takes is a little gas and an open mind – and the entire day transforms.


🚙 Need help planning the perfect day?

We know these places well, and we’d be happy to help you plan the best route, timing, and experience – based on your preferences, the weather, and who you’re traveling with.
Want to step out of the city for a day and return to your cozy apartment at night? Message us – we’ve got ideas for you.


🌄 And what’s next?

If you’re ready to go even deeper – beyond the “day trip” range – northern Greece is full of once-in-a-lifetime landscapes, traditional villages, and legendary adventures:

  • 🏔 Mount Olympus – The mythical home of the gods, with hiking trails and views you’ll never forget
  • 🏞 Meteora – Monasteries built atop towering cliffs, like something out of a dream
  • 🌲 Zagori & Tzoumerka – Breathtaking mountain regions with stone bridges, wild rivers, hidden villages, and pure magic

We’ll be writing more about these soon – so stay tuned to the blog 😊


🚗 Need a car for your day trip?

We’ve got you covered!

As a guest of ProLiving Hospitality, you get access to exclusive car rental deals through our trusted partner – with unbeatable conditions made just for you:

✅ What’s included:

  • Full insurance with zero excess – no out-of-pocket surprises
  • Unlimited mileage – go anywhere, as far as you like
  • Free child seat – upon request
  • No hidden fees – everything is clear and upfront
  • Flexible pickup and return – at the airport or right at your apartment
  • Friendly local support in English or Greek

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or one of the hidden gems around Thessaloniki – we’ll help you get there safely, comfortably, and worry-free.

👉 Book now and enjoy all the benefits here: Click on the link below.

💬 Need help choosing the right car for your trip?
Just message us – we’re happy to assist.

🏠 Why Choose a Vacation Apartment Over a Hotel?

Everything You Need to Know Before Booking Your Stay in Thessaloniki

If you’ve started searching for a place to stay in Thessaloniki, you’ve probably come across countless options – hotels, boutique suites, vacation rentals, Airbnbs…
So which one is actually the best fit for you?

We’re not here to convince you – just to share the reasons why more and more travelers are skipping the hotel and choosing to stay in one of our vacation apartments instead.


☕ 1. Start the day at your own pace

Nobody likes setting an alarm just to make it to breakfast before it ends.
In a vacation apartment, you decide when the day begins. Brew your coffee the way you like it, take your time, and enjoy a slow morning with a view of Thessaloniki or some sunshine on the balcony.

Feeling adventurous? Take a quick walk to the corner bakery and grab a warm Bougatsa or a fresh Kourou. If not – stay in your pajamas as long as you like. That’s what a real vacation feels like.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 2. True comfort for families

When you’re traveling with little ones (or teens!), a vacation apartment just makes life easier:
a separate bedroom for the parents, a living room, a kitchenette, space for a stroller, toys, a microwave, a high chair – and in some of our apartments, even a washing machine.
More space = more relaxed kids = more relaxed parents. Everyone wins.


💰 3. More value, less spending

In most cases, a vacation apartment will cost you less than a hotel of similar quality.
And not only that – you can cook, shop at the local market, and feel at home without spending on every single meal or service.

If you’re staying more than a few nights, the savings can really add up.


😌 4. Privacy, peace, and a personal vibe

No noisy lobbies, no crowded hallways, no early morning knocks from housekeeping.
Just quiet, comfort, and space to be yourself.
Order in, host a friend, work in peace, or just unwind in your own bubble. When you stay in an apartment – you’re in control.


💻 5. A perfect fit for business travelers

Coming to Thessaloniki for a meeting, conference, or a short work trip?
A vacation apartment gives you everything you need:
a desk, fast Wi-Fi, strong coffee, peace and quiet.
There’s no need to go through a long check-in, no fixed breakfast hours, and no “hotel rules.”


🌆 6. Feel like a local, not a tourist

There’s something special about stepping out of a building in the morning, saying “Kalimera” to a neighbor, and actually living the city – not just passing through.
Our apartments are located in the most charming and walkable neighborhoods in Thessaloniki – near bakeries, tavernas, shops, and that authentic Greek vibe you can’t get at a chain hotel.


✨ Bottom line: A vacation apartment gives you the freedom to enjoy your trip your way

Flexible, relaxed, comfortable, and personal.
If you’re looking to experience Thessaloniki fully – with all the convenience and privacy you want – a vacation apartment might just be your best decision.


💬 Let us help you find the perfect match

At ProLiving Hospitality, we offer a range of thoughtfully designed apartments across the city – each one offering a warm, welcoming, and fully equipped experience that feels like home.

👀 Explore our apartments >>
📩 Or send us a message – we’ll help you find the perfect place for your next trip.

What Is Philotimo (Φιλότιμο) – And Why It’s Greece’s Most Beautiful Secret

There’s something about Greece that you can’t quite explain in words – you can only feel it.
It’s a sense of warmth, of honesty, of quiet generosity.
You’ll find it in people, in the streets, in a tiny taverna or a chance encounter.
It’s not about rules or politeness – it comes straight from the heart.

That “something” has a name: Philotimo (φιλότιμο) – and it might just be Greece’s most beautiful secret.


🧿 Philotimo – A Word with No Translation, Only Meaning

The word philotimo comes from:

  • philos – meaning love or friendship
  • timi – meaning honor

But its true meaning goes far beyond “love of honor.”
Philotimo is one of the deepest cultural values in Greek life. It represents integrity, empathy, kindness, respect, responsibility, and doing the right thing – simply because it’s the right thing.

It’s acting from the heart.
Helping without expecting anything in return.
Caring for others, just because you can.


💙 How Do You Recognize Philotimo?

  • When someone helps you with your suitcase without being asked – that’s philotimo.
  • When the restaurant owner surprises you with dessert “on the house” and a genuine smile – that’s philotimo.
  • When a stranger walks you to your destination instead of just pointing – that’s philotimo.
  • And when a Greek grandmother, who doesn’t know your name, sits you down and fills your plate like you’re family – that’s philotimo at its purest.

Philotimo is why Greeks will go out of their way to help you.
It’s not taught in school – it’s passed down through generations, from heart to heart.


🌿 Why Does It Matter to Travelers?

Greece is not just stunning views, ancient history, or incredible food.
What makes a trip to Greece unforgettable is the feeling that you’re not just a tourist – you’re a true guest.

That feeling is born from philotimo –
from people who welcome you sincerely, help without hesitation, and treat you like a friend the moment you meet.

It’s in the unplanned moments, the small gestures, the honest smiles –
and when your heart suddenly feels full, you’ll understand:
This is the real Greece. Not just the one in guidebooks – but the one that lives in its people.


🏠 And with Us – It’s Part of the Experience

Here at ProLiving Hospitality, philotimo isn’t just a word – it’s how we choose to host.

It’s in the apartment that’s ready and welcoming when you arrive,
in the local tips we send with love,
in every thoughtful detail we’ve prepared for you –
because we believe that a vacation should feel like being at home, even when you’re far from home.


So when someone in Greece surprises you with a small act of kindness – know this:
it’s not luck. It’s not business.
It’s something far more meaningful.
It’s philotimo.

✈️ Getting from Thessaloniki Airport to Your Apartment – The Easiest & Most Comfortable Ways

Just landed in Thessaloniki? Welcome!
Now let’s get you to the apartment quickly and easily.
Here are all the best options – with tips for every type of traveler:

🚗 Private Transfer – Start Your Trip in Style

You can pre-book a private transfer with a driver waiting for you at the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name.
The driver will take you directly to the apartment – no stress, no hassle.

Price: €25 during the day time / €35 at night time
(for a standard sedan, suitable for up to 3 guests with luggage)

Traveling as a family or group?
We also offer minivans for larger groups and families – comfortable and spacious.
A baby seat is available free of charge – just let us know in advance.

Want us to arrange a ride for you?
We’ll be happy to take care of it – just send us your arrival details!

🚖 Taxi – Fast and Easy

Taxis are available 24/7 right outside the terminal.
The ride to the city center takes about 25 minutes and costs around €25–€35 (depending on time and traffic).

🚌 Bus X1 / X2 – Simple and Budget-Friendly

Bus X1 (daytime) and X2 (nighttime) go from the airport to the city center.
Tickets cost just €2.
The ride takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Heads up: It’s not ideal with big luggage or after a long flight.

🚘 Rental Car – Great If You Plan to Explore

Renting a car at the airport is a smart choice if you’re planning trips to Halkidiki or northern Greece.
It gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches, mountain villages, and charming towns at your own pace.

Tip: Book in advance to get the best deals. Just note that parking in the city can be tricky (ask us for tips on where to park near the apartment).

👉 Click here to book your rental car with great benefits:
✓ Full insurance with zero excess
Unlimited kilometers
✓ Easy pickup at Thessaloniki airport
✓ Reliable local company we personally recommend


Not sure what’s best for you?
Message us with your landing time and group size – we’ll help you choose the best option 😎