In short: Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, combines sightseeing (the White Tower, 15 UNESCO monuments) with the beaches of the Thermaic Gulf in the nearby resorts of Perea, Nea Kalikratia and Nea Moudania.
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Greek Macedonia, set on the coast of the Thermaic Gulf (Thermaikos). Unlike “pure” resorts, the Thessaloniki region combines two holidays in one: sightseeing in a great Mediterranean city with a rich history and swimming on the nearby beaches along the gulf — from Perea and Nea Kalikratia to Nea Moudania, the gateway to Halkidiki. For Thessaloniki holidays 2026 the simplest solution is the door-to-door Belgrade to Thessaloniki minibus transfer, as Thessaloniki is one of the Greek destinations closest to Belgrade.
Places in the Thessaloniki region
- Thessaloniki (Belgrade to Thessaloniki transfer) — a city for sightseeing, shopping and food, with a waterfront and UNESCO-protected sights.
- Perea (Belgrade to Perea transfer) (Peraia) — the seaside suburb of Thessaloniki on the Thermaic Gulf, with a long promenade, cafés and sandy beaches, just some fifteen kilometres from the centre.
- Nea Kalikratia (Belgrade to Nea Kalikratia transfer) — a seaside town on the gulf, with a long sandy beach, halfway between Thessaloniki and Halkidiki.
- Nea Moudania (Belgrade to Nea Moudania transfer) — the main gateway to Halkidiki, at the very start of the Kassandra peninsula, with a harbour and a lively shopping centre.
All destinations and prices are on the hub page Belgrade to the Thessaloniki region minibus transfer.
Thessaloniki — a city for sightseeing
Thessaloniki was founded back in 315 BC and is one of the oldest cities in this part of Europe. The symbol of the city is the White Tower on the very shore — a circular tower about 34 m high, today a museum — and in the heart of the city is the spacious Aristotelous Square that opens towards the sea. Above the modern city rises Ano Poli (the upper town) — the only part that survived the great fire of 1917, with Byzantine walls and a panoramic view of the gulf.
Thessaloniki is one of the most important cities for early Christian and Byzantine history: 15 Palaeochristian and Byzantine monuments are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among them is the Rotunda, a circular building from the 4th century raised in the time of Emperor Galerius, near which is also the Arch of Galerius. Along with the history, Thessaloniki is also a city of shopping and food — so it is an excellent choice even when the sea is not the only aim.
The Thermaic Gulf and the beaches
The coast around Thessaloniki stretches along the Thermaic Gulf, with a view of Mount Olympus on the other side on clear days.
Perea is best known for its sandy beach about 2 km long, awarded two Blue Flags, and a seaside promenade about 7 km long, full of cafés and taverns; it is suitable for water sports too. Because of its closeness to the city — and just about ten kilometres from the “Makedonia” airport — it is popular for shorter stays as well. Nea Kalikratia has a long sandy beach with a shallow, clear sea, which makes it suitable for families with children. Both destinations keep their closeness to Thessaloniki, so you easily combine the beach and a tour of the city.
The gateway to Halkidiki
The southern part of the region is the starting point towards Halkidiki. Nea Moudania is at the very start of the Kassandra peninsula and is one of the largest fishing harbours and shopping centres in Halkidiki, so it is a practical base for further touring. Nea Kalikratia is halfway from Thessaloniki to the peninsula. If your aim is the first finger of Halkidiki, see also the Halkidiki (Belgrade to Halkidiki transfer) and Kassandra (Belgrade to Kassandra transfer) pages.
How to get to the Thessaloniki region — minibus transfer from Belgrade
The route runs via North Macedonia and the Bogorodica – Evzoni border crossing. To Thessaloniki it is about 635 km, and the journey takes about 8–9 hours — Thessaloniki is one of the Greek destinations closest to Belgrade. Departure is at night, at 21:00h, so you sleep through most of the journey and reach your destination early in the morning.
We drive door to door — we pick you up at your address in Belgrade and drop you off in front of your accommodation, with no changeovers and no carrying cases. As Thessaloniki also has the “Makedonia” airport, we drive to/from the airport too when needed. See the prices per destination in the price list — for example, the price for Thessaloniki or the price for Perea — and everything about the route on the Belgrade to the Thessaloniki region minibus transfer page. If you are still hesitating, compare minibus or bus to the coast too.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the minibus journey from Belgrade to Thessaloniki?
About 8–9 hours (about 635 km) with a night departure at 21:00h, via the Bogorodica – Evzoni crossing. Thessaloniki is one of the Greek destinations closest to Belgrade, so you reach your destination early in the morning.
Which beaches are closest to Thessaloniki?
The closest are the beaches in Perea (some fifteen kilometres from the centre), with a sandy shore and a Blue Flag. Nea Kalikratia has a long sandy beach suitable for families, and further south is Nea Moudania at the start of Halkidiki.
Do you drive to the airport in Thessaloniki?
Yes. We drive door to door, including arrival at and departure to the “Makedonia” airport in Thessaloniki.
How far is Perea from the airport in Thessaloniki?
Perea is just about 10 km from the “Makedonia” airport, so it is a handy base for those combining a flight and a minibus transfer. The centre of Thessaloniki is also close, some fifteen kilometres away.
Is the Thessaloniki region good if I want both the city and the sea?
It is — that is its main advantage. Thessaloniki offers sightseeing, shopping and food, and the beaches of Perea and Nea Kalikratia are just some fifteen to forty kilometres away, so you easily combine the city and swimming.
