Exploring Thessaloniki: Airport Layover Activities

what to do around thessaloniki airport

Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) is located just 13-17km from the bustling city centre of Thessaloniki. The airport is open 24/7 and offers short and long-term parking options. While the airport itself doesn't offer much in the way of entertainment or amenities, the nearby city of Thessaloniki has plenty to offer. The city is easily accessible by taxi, private transfer, or public bus, and offers a variety of tours and activities to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a quick overview of the city or a more in-depth exploration, there are plenty of options to choose from, including tandem bike rentals, boat rides, and hop-on-hop-off bus tours. So, whether you're passing through Thessaloniki Airport or exploring the city, there's plenty to keep you entertained.

Characteristics Values
Location 13-17 km from the city centre of Thessaloniki
Transport options Taxi, private transfer, or public bus
Taxi journey time 30 minutes
Taxi cost €24
Private transfer cost €27 for up to 3 passengers
Public bus cost €1.80 for adults, €0.90 for children, students, and senior citizens
Public bus journey time 40 minutes during the day, 50 minutes at night
Number of airlines 29
Number of destinations 153
Number of terminals 2
Parking availability Yes, short-term and long-term
Accommodation nearby Yes, including the Iris Hotel
Activities nearby Tandem bike hire, boat rides, hop-on-hop-off bus tour

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Explore the city by tandem bike or boat

The airport in Thessaloniki is conveniently located close to the city, making it possible to explore some of the sights. One option is to hire a tandem bike and explore the city's promenade. BikeIT Bicycle Rentals offers a range of bikes for individuals and groups, including a three-seat bike for couples with a baby. They also provide sturdy locks, helmets, and disposable helmet liners for hygiene. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided bike tour with companies like Meet in Thessaloniki, which offers tours in multiple languages, or Welcome, which offers tours with local insider knowledge.

If you prefer exploring by boat, there are several boat tours available from Thessaloniki. You can sail towards the wild islands of the Singitic Gulf, also known as the Chalkidiki Blue Lagoon for its blue waters, and visit the Drenia islands, Ammouliani island, and Diaporos island. Boat tours also go along the peninsula coast of Mount Athos, an important site for the Orthodox religion, with stops to admire the landscape and a visit to the city of Ouranoupoli. You can also take a sailing cruise to discover the best beaches near Thessaloniki, including Epanomi beach, where you can snorkel around a shipwreck from 1970.

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Take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get a feel for Thessaloniki while you're waiting for a departing flight, or you have a long layover, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great option. The bus tour is available throughout the tourist season, allowing you to explore the city's main sights in a short time. With eight stops to choose from, you can hop off at any point of interest and admire the city at your own pace.

The bus tour is a convenient and affordable choice, costing €16.00 for adults and €10.00 for children aged 5-15 and students. Infants can join the tour for free. Please note that the ticket price does not include entry to archaeological sites or other attractions.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some of the tours offered by Welcome:

  • Best of Thessaloniki in 2 Hours: This tour promises to show you the best of Thessaloniki in a short time, perfect for those with limited time.
  • Thessaloniki by Night Tour: Explore the city's nightlife and experience Thessaloniki from a different perspective.
  • Half-Day Highlights Tour: A longer option that allows you to delve deeper into the city's highlights and discover hidden gems.

Thessaloniki Airport is conveniently located just 17 kilometres from the city centre, so you won't have to travel far to join the bus tour. The airport itself offers some amenities, such as restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and parking options, but if you're looking for a more comfortable stay, there are also hotels located nearby.

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Visit the historic city centre

The historic city centre of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, is a great place to visit for those interested in archaeology and history. The city has a rich historical tapestry, with archaeological sites and ruins from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The city's history is also reflected in its architecture, with wider diagonal avenues and monumental squares, designed by a team of architects and urban planners, including Thomas Mawson and Ernest Hebrard, following the Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917.

The Thessaloniki History Centre, established in 1983, is a great place to start your exploration of the city's past. The centre collects, preserves and showcases material relating to the history of the city and the wider area, including books, photographs, postcards, posters, and historical maps. The centre also hosts exhibitions, conferences and lectures, providing a wealth of information for those keen to delve into the city's past.

A walk through the historic city centre will reveal a range of architectural styles, including eclectic public buildings from the Ottoman era, such as the Government House, and Byzantine-era designs that followed the Great Fire. The city's proximity to the Thermaic Gulf and the Aegean Sea also makes for some incredible panoramic views, with Mount Olympus visible in the distance.

For those interested in a more structured exploration of the city, there are free walking tours available, as well as a hop-on-hop-off bus tour that operates during the tourist season. Tandem bike rentals are also available for those who want to explore the city at their own pace while enjoying the fresh air. Thessaloniki's lively art scene and nightlife, influenced by its young population, also offer a range of experiences to enjoy after dark.

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Book a private transfer to your hotel

Thessaloniki Airport is located around 17 km from the bustling city centre of Thessaloniki. The city is known for its beautiful sights and attractions. If you are looking for a comfortable and convenient option to get to your hotel, booking a private transfer is a great choice.

Private transfers from Thessaloniki Airport are ideal if you want a hassle-free journey to your hotel. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate, ready to take you directly to your destination without any intermediate stops. This option is particularly appealing if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group, as it offers a spacious and comfortable ride.

The price for a private transfer from the airport can vary, but it is generally slightly higher than a regular taxi fare. However, with some research, you may be able to find a private transfer at a similar price to a taxi. For example, a private transfer from the airport to the city centre for up to three passengers in a modern sedan can cost around €27. If you are travelling in a larger group of up to seven people, a minivan can be arranged for €49.

Booking a private transfer is a straightforward process and can often be done online or through a mobile app. You will need to provide your personal details, flight number, and desired pickup time to receive a quote. It is important to note that the price quoted is usually fixed, so you won't have to worry about any additional charges or surprises.

Compared to other transport options, such as the public bus, a private transfer offers a quicker journey time of around 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage, especially if you are travelling on a tight schedule or are eager to start exploring the city.

Overall, booking a private transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to your hotel is a convenient and comfortable option. With a private driver waiting for you at the airport, you can avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or waiting for taxis.

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Take a taxi to the city in 30 minutes

Thessaloniki Airport is conveniently located just 13 kilometres from the city centre, so you can be in the heart of the action in 30 minutes by taking a taxi.

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building 24/7 and offer a quick, comfortable, and affordable door-to-door service. The cost of a taxi ride to the city centre is approximately €24-25 during the day and €32 at night (from midnight to 5 am). It's important to note that taxi drivers may not speak fluent English, so having your destination address written down can help avoid any miscommunication. Most drivers only accept cash payments in euros, and it's always a good idea to check if your hotel is outside the historical city centre, as some drivers use taximeters to calculate the fare based on distance and time.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, you can opt for a private transfer service. These can be booked in advance, and a driver will meet you at the arrivals hall with a sign displaying your name. A modern sedan for up to three passengers typically costs around €27, while a minivan for larger groups of up to seven people is usually €49.

While Thessaloniki Airport is a great gateway to the city, it's important to note that the airport itself doesn't offer many amenities for overnight passengers. However, there are plenty of hotels nearby where you can rest and freshen up before heading into the city.

Frequently asked questions

Thessaloniki Airport is located around 13-17 km from the city centre.

You can take a taxi, a private transfer, or the public bus. The taxi and private transfer options will get you to your destination in about 30 minutes, while the public bus will take around 40 minutes during the day and 50 minutes at night.

A taxi ride to the city centre will cost around €24.

The bus costs €1.80 for adults and €0.90 for children, students, and senior citizens. Children under 6 travel for free.

The airport is not far from the city centre, so you can head there and enjoy the sights. You can hire a tandem bike, take a boat ride on the waterfront, or take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

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